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profdant139's avatar
profdant139
Explorer II
Apr 11, 2015

Astroturf on step bar: keeps the truck a little cleaner

I'm sort of embarrassed to post this -- it is so simple -- just a strip of astroturf and some heavy duty cable ties:



The idea is pretty obvious -- we often travel in muddy/sandy/snowy terrain, and there is no pavement to wipe your feet on, before hopping into the truck. So first I clean one boot, then hop in and clean the other one. The dirt that I have wiped onto the astroturf usually comes off when we are driving. It is not a perfect solution, but the truck gets less dirty than it would without the astroturf.

We have been using this for almost ten years -- when we had an SUV, I used sheet metal screws to fasten the rug to the running board. When we got the truck, I just strapped them onto the step bars (which some folks call nerf bars, I am told).

By the way, as far as I can tell, no one else has ever posted this idea, anywhere on the Web. I am surprised -- this is not complicated. (Maybe I am searching under the wrong terms -- if anyone else can find an earlier posting of this, I would be interested to know how you found it. It is never too late to learn new Web tricks.)
  • profdant139 wrote:
    cb, how would I attach that to the step bar? Maybe with gorilla glue . . . .


    I guess you could use glue...or just follow the mounting instructions.

    "Unscrew end cap and remove brush Choose suitable mounting location on vehicle step or other location Drill mounting holes and select proper mounting hardware (screws (not included)). Drill one extra hole for drainage. Peel and stick rubber cushion pads to the bottom of the boot brush in the desired location. Secure boot brush to vehicle or other location using proper mounting hardware. Replace brush and install end cap"
  • old guy, you are right -- but all I had was the thick heavy duty white straps -- too cheap to go out and find and buy color coordinated straps! These are aircraft industry cable ties, able to withstand abuse.
  • I think the idea is sane but I also think I would have used color coordinated tie straps.
  • cb, how would I attach that to the step bar? Maybe with gorilla glue . . . .

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