Step Rail Lights

[Dustoff262]

Yes, drilled holes in them. Then repainted so no future rusting.

Any time you drill holes into support structures or frames, you weaken its engineered integrity. Just keep an eye on it for rust and bending. It looks great though.

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[Deleted member 1634]

Yes, drilled holes in them. Then repainted so no future rusting.

Any time you drill holes into support structures or frames, you weaken its engineered integrity. Just keep an eye on it for rust and bending. It looks great though.

Yeah, I had the same concern. I'm not sure how wide those arms are, but once you drill a hole through them, especially one that large, you substantially reduce the strength and stiffness. I'm sure you won't have problems with regular stepping use. But the max load they can take has certainly been reduced. Just something to keep in mind.

 

[P. A. Schilke]

Yeah, I had the same concern. I'm not sure how wide those arms are, but once you drill a hole through them, especially one that large, you substantially reduce the strength and stiffness. I'm sure you won't have problems with regular stepping use. But the max load they can take has certainly been reduced. Just something to keep in mind.

Hi Matt,

I thought the same thing and do not plan to drill a large hole like that ¾" in the support brackets, so even though I have them ordered...until I figure out another way to mount the lights they will sit and collect dust in the shop.

Best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired

 

[BHunted]

Yes, drilled holes in them. Then repainted so no future rusting.

Not weakening the structure?

 

[Jeffjloven]

Obviously it’s up to your discretion but I felt a hole that size, based on the width of each mount wouldn't make much of a difference. After all was said and done, I see no difference. I can stand on the rail and bounce up and down without any issues. At the end of the day, I see the step rails as cosmetic anyways, I'm 6 feet tall and don't ever need them to get in and out of the truck. Occasionally my wife and kids will step on them but their weight surely won't be a factor.

 

[Dustoff262]

Hi Matt,

I thought the same thing and do not plan to drill a large hole like that ¾" in the support brackets, so even though I have them ordered...until I figure out another way to mount the lights they will sit and collect dust in the shop.

Best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired

What if you mount the lights to a painted strip of 1/4 inch aluminum bar, then mount it to the step or just above?

 

[Dustoff262]

Obviously its up your discretion but I felt a hole that size, based on the width of each mount wouldn't make much of a difference. After all was said and done, I see no difference. I can stand on the rail and bounce up and down without any issues. At the end of the day, I see the step rails as cosmetic anyways, I'm 6 feet tall and don't ever need them to get in and out of the truck. Occasionally my wife and kids will step on them but their weight surely won't be a factor.

Not necessarily the initial weight you should be concerned about, but the eventual wear and tear, weathering and expansion vs contraction that occurs with metal in different temperatures. You may never see the hairline cracks but usually its sudden when it finally gives way.

 

[Jeffjloven]

Not necessarily the initial weight you should be concerned about, but the eventual wear and tear, weathering and expansion vs contraction that occurs with metal in different temperatures. You may never see the hairline cracks but usually its sudden when it finally gives way.

Well if and when that day ever comes... I’ll just have to buy another set of step rails or just remove them and go for a whole new look!

 

[Snorebaby]

Not necessarily the initial weight you should be concerned about, but the eventual wear and tear, weathering and expansion vs contraction that occurs with metal in different temperatures. You may never see the hairline cracks but usually its sudden when it finally gives way.

I believe you are over thinking it a little. The "ribs" are taking the brunt of the applied weight as it is shaped like a C channel and even bent to add more rigidity. The bracket has not been weakened unless it was not corrosion protected. I am not an engineer, but I did sleep at a Holiday Inn one time!

 

[P. A. Schilke]

I believe you are over thinking it a little. The "ribs" are taking the brunt of the applied weight as it is shaped like a C channel and even bent to add more rigidity. The bracket has not been weakened unless it was not corrosion protected. I am not an engineer, but I did sleep at a Holiday Inn one time!

Hi Doug,

After looking at my brackets, I am in agreement that Jeff did not weaken the brackets at all..they are very robust and a ¾" hole will have minimal effect on the load carrying of these brackets. When I receive mine I will have no worry on drilling these holes in the brackets.

Best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired.

 

[Deleted member 1634]

I believe you are over thinking it a little. The "ribs" are taking the brunt of the applied weight as it is shaped like a C channel and even bent to add more rigidity. The bracket has not been weakened unless it was not corrosion protected. I am not an engineer, but I did sleep at a Holiday Inn one time!

Hi Doug,

After looking at my brackets, I am in agreement that Jeff did not weaken the brackets at all..they are very robust and a ¾" hole will have minimal effect on the load carrying of these brackets. When I receive mine I will have no worry on drilling these holes in the brackets.

Best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired.

Well, as an engineer who basically does this kind of analysis for a living, I can tell you that there will definitely be a reduction in strength. But as @P. A. Schilke noted, the arm is much wider than I thought. So it will reduce the strength, just not be as much as I had originally thought. OP should be fine for normal and even slight abusive loads for the duration of the trucks life.

 

[Byngsboys]

That is a very nice set up. My step are not Ford but Westin Traxx 5. They come with a plastic over over the bracket, so that is where I'd drill a whole. My question is what power did you tap?
Kris

 

[WilliamP]

I did the same thing but ran wires up to parking light wires so they are on whenever my parking lights are on

May I ask which wire was the parking lights? I bought step lights that have turn signal, courtesy, and parking lights but I can't for the life of me figure out which wire are the parking lights and the turn signal lights.

 

[Msfitoy]

Nice job...here's mine on sliders...adds that extra margin of safety at intersections...

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