How to install the Owl Trail Side Steps for a Sprinter Van
How to install the Owl Trail side steps for Sprinter and Revel vans.
Step 1: Gather Tools and Materials
- Rivnut Tool with 1/4" bit
- 23/64" drill bit
- 1/4" drill bit
- 7/16" wrench
- 9/16" wrench
- 7/32" allen key
- 3/16" allen key
- 5/32" allen key
Step 2: Position the Double Bracket
- On the driver’s side of your Sprinter Van, locate the pinch seam beneath the van.
- Measure 16 inches back from the seam. This is where you will center the large double bracket.
- Ensure the bracket is centered at the 16-inch mark to align properly with the side step.
Step 3: Install the Double Bracket
- Once positioned, install the double bracket by bolting it through the pinch rail of your Sprinter Van.
- The mounting method is similar to that of regular Owl Vans side steps:
- Attach the bracket to the pinch rail using the provided bolts and washers.
- Ensure the bracket is securely fastened.
Step 4: Attach the Extension Arm
- The extension arm adds stability and strength to the step assembly.
- Attach the extension arm to the inner unibody of your Sprinter Van:
- Align the extension arm slots with the unibody.
- Drill a hole in the unibody where indicated, and insert a Riv nut.
- Bolt the extension arm to the unibody and connect it to the double bracket.
Step 5: Heater Exhaust Mount (Optional)
- If your Sprinter Van has a Storyteller heater exhaust, use the provided heater exhaust mount.
- Attach the mount to the appropriate location on the Trail Side Steps bracket.
- If your van does not have this specific exhaust, skip this step.
Step 6: Secure the Trail Side Steps
- With the double bracket and extension arm installed, align the Trail Side Steps with the brackets on your Sprinter Van.
- Use the mounting hardware provided in the kit to securely attach the steps to the brackets.
Step 7: Install the Rear Bracket (Driver’s Side)
- The rear bracket is a smaller support piece designed to stabilize the back section of the side steps.
- Drill through the pinch weld at the rear of the Sprinter Van, and attach the rear bracket using the provided bolts.
- This rear bracket is primarily for support and will not bear significant weight, as the front double bracket is overbuilt to handle most of the load.
Step 8: Passenger Side Installation
- The passenger side installation for the Trail Side Steps is the same as the Explorer Side Steps.
- Follow the same process you would for installing the Explorer steps, with a single front bracket and no double bracket required on this side.
- Secure the step and brackets to the Sprinter Van’s pinch rail and unibody.
Step 9: Final Adjustments
- Ensure all bolts and brackets are securely fastened to your Sprinter Van.
- Double-check the alignment of the steps on both sides of the van.
- Make any final adjustments necessary to ensure the steps are stable and aligned correctly.