Finding the right 2013 jeep wrangler side steps is usually the first thing most owners do after they realize their kids, or even they themselves, are tired of climbing into the cab like it's a jungle gym. It's one of those upgrades that seems straightforward until you start looking at the hundreds of different styles available online. Whether you're driving a two-door JK or the four-door Unlimited, that jump into the driver's seat can get old pretty fast, especially if you've added a lift kit or larger tires since you bought it.
The 2013 model year is a bit of a sweet spot for the Wrangler. It's got the 3.6L engine, a much-improved interior compared to the early JKs, and a massive aftermarket support system. Because so many of these are still on the road today, the options for side steps are almost endless. But before you just click "buy" on the cheapest pair you see, it's worth thinking about how you actually use your Jeep.
Why you probably need them more than you think
Most people get side steps for the obvious reason: to make it easier to get in and out. But a good set of 2013 jeep wrangler side steps does a lot more than just act as a ladder. If you spend any time in grocery store parking lots, you know that the doors of smaller cars are perfectly aimed to dent your Jeep's thin sheet metal. A solid set of side steps acts as a buffer, catching those swinging doors before they can leave a mark on your paint.
Then there's the mud and road debris. If you've ever driven down a rainy highway or a gravel road, you've probably noticed how much junk the front tires kick up onto the side of the body. A wider step or running board catches a lot of that spray, keeping your door handles cleaner and preventing rock chips along the lower panels. It's a small thing, but it saves you a lot of cleaning time in the long run.
Choosing between nerf bars and running boards
When you start shopping, you're going to see two main terms: nerf bars and running boards. While people use them interchangeably, they're actually pretty different in terms of how they look and function.
Nerf bars are those round or oval tubes you see on a lot of rigs. They have a more rugged, "off-road" look and usually feature a non-slip pad right where you need to step. They're great because they don't collect as much snow or mud as a flat board might. However, because they're tubular, they don't provide as much coverage for the side of the vehicle.
Running boards, on the other hand, are typically flat and wider. They offer a much larger stepping surface, which is a lifesaver if you've got kids with small feet or if you're wearing heavy work boots. Because they fit closer to the body and are usually solid, they do a better job of acting as a mudguard. The downside? They can look a bit more "suburban" and less "trail-ready" than a set of beefy tubes.
The middle ground: Drop steps
If your 2013 Wrangler is sitting high on a 3-inch lift and 35-inch tires, a standard nerf bar might still be too high to be helpful. This is where drop steps come in. These are bars that have a secondary, lower step hanging down. They look incredibly aggressive and make it much easier to climb into a lifted Jeep. Just be careful if you plan on doing any serious rock crawling—those hanging steps are the first things that will get caught on a boulder or a stump.
Rock sliders vs. side steps
This is where a lot of new owners get tripped up. You'll see some "steps" that are advertised as rock sliders. If you plan on taking your 2013 JK off-road, you need to know the difference.
A standard side step is designed to hold the weight of a person. A rock slider is designed to hold the weight of the entire Jeep. Most side steps mount to the pinch weld (that thin metal lip under the door) or the body mounts. If you land on a rock with a standard step, it'll likely fold up and crush your rocker panel.
If you want the best of both worlds, look for "slider steps." These are heavy-duty steel tubes that bolt directly to the frame but have a built-in plate or bar that acts as a step. They're more expensive and significantly heavier, but they'll protect your Jeep from more than just a stray shopping cart.
Materials and finishes that actually last
Since your 2013 jeep wrangler side steps are going to be living just inches away from road salt, water, and mud, the material matters a lot.
- Stainless Steel: If you love the chrome look, this is the way to go. They won't rust, but they can be a bit flashy for some people's taste.
- Mild Steel: Most black powder-coated steps are made of mild steel. They're affordable and strong, but if the powder coating gets chipped by a rock, they will start to rust.
- Aluminum: These are becoming more popular because they're lightweight and naturally resistant to corrosion. If you're worried about adding too much weight to your Jeep (which can affect your gas mileage and braking), aluminum is a solid choice.
When it comes to the finish, textured black powder coat is the gold standard for Jeeps. It hides scratches better than a glossy finish and provides a bit of extra grip when your boots are wet.
Doing the installation yourself
The great thing about the 2013 Wrangler is that it was designed to be messed with. Most 2013 jeep wrangler side steps are "bolt-on," meaning you don't have to drill any new holes into your frame.
Usually, you'll be using the existing holes in the pinch weld or the factory mounting points on the underside of the body. If you have a basic socket set and an hour of free time, you can probably do this in your driveway. A little tip from experience: don't tighten any of the bolts all the way until you have all of them started. This gives you some wiggle room to make sure the step is level and aligned with the body.
If you're working on an older 2013 that's seen a lot of winters, keep some penetrating oil (like WD-40 Specialist or PB Blaster) handy. The factory bolts can get pretty rusty, and the last thing you want is to snap a bolt head off while you're underneath the rig.
Keeping them looking good
Once you've got your steps installed, don't just forget about them. They take a lot of abuse. Every time you wash your Jeep, make sure you're spraying out the brackets where they meet the frame. Mud and salt love to hide in those little crevices, and that's where rust starts.
If you notice a chip in the black powder coating, hit it with some touch-up paint or even just some black permanent marker in a pinch. It keeps the moisture out and stops the rust from spreading under the coating. For those with stainless steel steps, a quick polish once or twice a year will keep them from getting that dull, "cloudy" look.
Wrapping it up
At the end of the day, picking out 2013 jeep wrangler side steps is about balancing how you want your Jeep to look with how you actually use it. If it's a daily driver that rarely sees more than a dirt driveway, a nice set of wide running boards will make your life a lot easier. If you're hitting the trails every weekend, you might want to sacrifice a bit of stepping ease for the heavy-duty protection of a rock slider.
Whatever you choose, it's one of those mods that you'll appreciate every single time you open the door. No more awkwardly hopping out or pulling yourself up by the steering wheel—just a solid, reliable place to put your foot. And let's be honest, a Jeep just looks more complete with a good set of bars along the side.