Ford F-150 Side Steps: Desert Series vs Rock Steps for Crew Cab
By Body Armor 4x4 | Published: 2026-10-28
Category: Comparisons
Compare Body Armor 4x4 Desert Series side steps and rock steps for your 2015-2023 Ford F-150 Crew Cab. Learn the key tradeoffs in protection, clearance, and price.
Quick answer
For daily access and a clean look, the Body Armor 4x4 Desert Series side steps are a budget-friendly choice. If you need maximum protection for off-road trails, rock steps are the better option.
Protection vs. convenience
Desert Series side steps are designed primarily as a step aid, offering a wide platform for easy entry and exit. They provide moderate protection against parking lot dings and light debris. Rock steps, by contrast, are built to absorb heavy impacts from rocks and ledges, often featuring a round or angled tube design that slides over obstacles rather than catching on them.
The tradeoff is that rock steps typically sit higher and closer to the body, which can make them less convenient as a daily step. Desert Series steps hang lower, making them easier to use but more vulnerable to damage on serious trails.
Clearance and fit
The Desert Series side steps for the 2015-2023 Ford F-150 Crew Cab mount to the factory rocker panel locations. They provide a step height that works well for stock-height trucks. Rock steps often require cutting or removing the factory rocker panel and may reduce ground clearance slightly depending on the design.
If you have a lifted F-150, rock steps with a higher mounting point can maintain better clearance. For a daily driver that stays on pavement, the Desert Series steps are simpler to install and don't alter the truck's underside profile.
Desert Series vs Rock steps: tradeoffs at a glance
- Protection level: Desert Series steps protect against light impacts; rock steps are designed for heavy trail abuse.
- Step ease: Desert Series steps provide a wide, low step for easy entry. Rock steps sit higher and are less convenient for daily use.
- Installation: Desert Series steps bolt to factory mounts. Rock steps may require cutting the rocker panel or additional bracketry. Check your truck's current setup before choosing.
- Price and availability: Desert Series steps are offered as clearance items at a reduced price. Rock steps are typically sold at full retail with standard warranty. The Desert Series clearance price is a good value if you accept the as-is condition.
Product facts
- 2015-2023 FORD F-150 CREW CAB DESERT SERIES SIDE STEPS: Body Armor 4x4 Desert Series side steps for 2015-2023 Ford F-150 Crew Cab are sold as a clearance item with no returns or warranty. This is a final-sale deal, so confirm fitment and condition before ordering.
2015-2023 FORD F-150 CREW CAB DESERT SERIES SIDE STEPS
Which should you choose?
Best for
- Daily drivers who want an affordable step for easier access and light protection
- Owners of stock-height or mildly lifted F-150s who prefer bolt-on simplicity
Not for
- Serious off-roaders who need maximum rocker panel protection
- Anyone who cannot accept a final-sale, no-warranty purchase
