Hello folks. I'm going to be fitting side steps to my 4.4 TDV8 but can't decide between the lower cost fixed variety or the fancy but expensive deployable ones. So if you'd indulge me I'd like to hear how any of you get on with either type,
e.g. usability,
wear and tear,
access for cleaning the car or using the car jack,
ease/difficulty of installation.
Anything really, apart from the cost cos I know there is a big difference but having just got mine I'm still in spend mode to get it how I want it.

I've had a search of the forum and can see there would be little to be gained by going for non-LR parts as most seem to be of very poor quality. Seems to be a case of you get what you pay for.

Also, suppliers of said steps? Duckworth seem to be well regarded and I guess my local franchise dealer would also be a consideration, Britparts.....Allmakes...?

Anyway, thanks for reading and all input gratefully received.

Baron 4.4 TDV8 Vogue Baltic Blue MY11

Genuine LR steps are very well built but can be expensive new, although bargains are to be had for good secondhand ones. Installation is relatively easy, although you will need the accompanying front mudflaps which require drilled holes in the front side panel to fit.

If you were considering the retractable ones, then definitely Genuine. More discreet, too.

(The above was written under great self control. While the above is true, the real truth is that side steps look bally awful, weigh a ton, and look absolutely bally terrible. They also ruin the lines and look ghastly. This is my opinion and other opinions are available. But if they differ from my own then they're wrong. ) Si. <This is my name.

I eat rat poison.

A man ain't truly been insulted until he stands buck naked in front of a woman and she didn't even notice. Or care.

I love my deployable steps.
Functional and a great 'show'
Always a talking point when someone gets in car for the first time.

PS: I don't travel around picking up strangers just to demo the steps...  
Had it, loved it!
2007 Vogue SE TDV8
Stornoway Grey / Ivory
Climatic Seats, RSE, AFS, Deployable steps, iPod kit.

I agree generally that sidesteps don't add to the looks of the RR. From a practical point of view however they were essential for me or I'd have to carry a step around to allow my aged mum to get in the vehicle.

I've got the deployable and am very happy. No trouble at all so far (touch wood!). They are more discrete and it's pretty cool in a car park when you open up the doors and they deploy to the amazement of all around. I've been off roading (mild) with no problem. They are extremely well made and solid. There is an overhead switch next to map lights so you can lock the steps down to get access for cleaning or jacking points etc.. 2012 5.0L S/C
Previous:
3.6 TDV8
4.4 HSE
P38 4.6 HSE
Classic 3.9
90 County
Series3 Lightweight

What Bellini said, + 1  l=Oo\________/oO=l l:OolΞΞΞΞΞΞΞloO:l

Current
RANGE ROVER Vogue 4.4L SDV8 - 2013 - Indus Silver, on Almond.
RANGE ROVER Vogue 4.4L V8 - 2002 - ex-2003 G4 Challenge Event Vehicle, Stage 3: Australia
RANGE ROVER HSE 4.4L V8 - 2004 - one-of-one Overfinch
RANGE ROVER P38a 4.0L V8 - 1999 - ex-2000 TReK Event Vehicle: South Africa

Previous:
RANGE ROVER Vogue 4.4L TDV8 - 2012 - RANGE ROVER 3.6L TDV8 x3 - RANGE ROVER Td6 x1 - RANGE ROVER Classic 3.5L V8 x1

I've had both and while the fixed steps obviously do the job they do detract from the overall look of the FF. the deployable ones on the other hand ,which I have now, are slimmer and whilst down look better while still doing the job and when stowed give quite a pleasant line below the sills. When being deployed they definatly give a sense of drama and attract comments from all who see them. Agueroooooooooo. 93-20
I swear you will never see anything like this ever again....watch it..drink it in.

What sort of cost are the deployable ones?

I don't like them but my family do - Ease of access!

They can get damaged off road - not much of an issue for
Most but it is for me.

The deployable ones are a liability! If you get a puncture you are totally stuffed with the std jack. Necessitates a call out from LR Assist or the AA as no access to the jacking points. Or carry a massive trolly nack in the boot-
not very practical. they are Notmuch of a problem in a city but out in the sticks it is. If you use your RR off road avoid the deployable ones - The AA Doesn't do off road call outs! 2021 L405 Vogue SE 4.4 V8 DIESEL ~ #17

With the deployable steps is an Allen key supplied to quickly remove the side step on the side where you have a puncture. If you are going to change a wheel yourself then removing the side step is a small task in addition. Agueroooooooooo. 93-20
I swear you will never see anything like this ever again....watch it..drink it in.

Great feedback chaps, thanks. I'm deffinately leaning towards the deployable ones as like some I'm not keen on the look of the fixed steps but need to provide a step up for my passengers. At 6'4" I don't need them myself but my wife does and I like gadgets so it's looking like it'll be the £2k deployables.

Has anyone fitted them as opposed to having a garage do it? I'm considering this as I like to tinker with my toys but only up to a point. It sounds like there may be significant trim removal for installation of the control wiring which sounds like a step (sorry) too far for me. 4.4 TDV8 Vogue Baltic Blue MY11

Check the fitting instructions in TOPix for the deployable ones to get an idea of what is involved.

Probably a newby question but where do I find TOPix? I've had a look around but obviously not in the right places so far. 4.4 TDV8 Vogue Baltic Blue MY11

http://topix.landrover.jlrext.com/topix/vehicle/lookupForm

You should get a page with Vehicle Selection

Enter Model
Year
Then click "Find" (ignore everything else on the page).

On new page showing picture of model click "Owner" in top right and there you are.

Question about deployable side steps.

Do they work as a pair or independently?

I mean if one door is opened does that sides step deploy or both sides deploy.

Both steps come down together when the vehicle is unlocked but after that they work independently depending on which side a door is opened on. The overhead switch will also bring both steps down together and lock them there regardless of door positon for access to jack the vehicle up or as a step to clean the roof from until you either drive off or lock the vehicle at which point they will retract and return to normal operation. The overhead switch also can turn the system off completely if you want to do without them for some reason. The door lock button on the centre console will also extend or retract both steps together depending on if you are locking or unlocking the doors. I never received any operation instructions with mine when I got my RR but is as much as I have worked out so far in two years. MY2007 S/C - Stornoway / Jet