High Ground Clearance Electric Steps

-- Steady & Reliable Manufacturer --

Mechanism Design for Off-Road Integrity

These electric steps are specifically engineered for vehicles requiring maximum undercarriage protection and ground clearance. The retraction mechanism utilizes a vertically compact, parallel-linkage design that draws the entire assembly flush against the vehicle's rocker panel when retracted. The critical pivot points are positioned above the lowest structural point of the vehicle's frame. This engineering strategy ensures that the step does not become the lowest hanging component, providing at least 30 mm greater clearance than many standard aftermarket steps.

The motor and wiring harnesses are housed in sealed, high-density polymer conduits and routed along the chassis's top flange, minimizing exposure to trail debris, deep water crossings, and aggressive ramp angles common in off-road environments. The linkage arms feature a geometry optimized for rapid deployment and robust locking at the deployed position, ensuring stability on uneven terrain.

Engineering Under-Vehicle Protection

For vehicles transitioning between on-road utility and demanding off-road trails, preserving ground clearance is critical to prevent damage to expensive undercarriage components. These steps deliver necessary access while maintaining the vehicle's original approach and departure angles.

Established in 2014, our technology-based enterprise located in Huzhou, Zhejiang, specializes in addressing these medium to high-end SUV and truck accessory challenges. Our R&D managers utilize 3D scanning and FEA (Finite Element Analysis) to simulate extreme obstacle courses, validating the clearance and structural integrity of the retracted step system before entering production. This rigorous validation process supports the product's function in challenging terrains.

Application Areas

Lifted or Modified Trucks/SUVs: Vehicles with suspension lifts where the original step-up height is too extreme, yet maximum ground clearance must be preserved off-road.
Utility and Construction Fleets: Vehicles that frequently navigate unpaved sites, where deep ruts or debris could damage low-hanging accessories.
Mountain and Trail Enthusiasts: End-users focused on overlanding, camping, or serious off-roading where undercarriage protection is a primary purchasing factor.
Mining and Exploration Vehicles: Vehicles operating in environments where contact with abrasive terrain is highly likely.

Specification

Ground Clearance Improvement (Retracted)	Minimum 30 mm above typical step mechanisms
Linkage Configuration	High-Tuck Parallel Linkage
Component Protection Rating	IP67 (Motor and ECU)
Bracket Material	Q345 High-Yield Strength Steel
Tested Ramp Angle Tolerance	Verified clearance at 25∘ ramp over articulation

FAQ

Q: How do these steps maintain high ground clearance if my vehicle has a body-on-frame design vs. a unibody SUV?
A: Response: The clearance gain is achieved through vehicle-specific bracket design. For body-on-frame trucks, the brackets mount high on the frame rail, placing the retracted linkage above the rail's lower edge. For unibody SUVs, the mechanism mounts above the pinch weld line, ensuring the assembly does not drop below the vehicle's standard lowest point.

Q: Will heavy mud or freezing conditions impact the ability of the steps to fully retract and lock in the high-tuck position?
A: Response: The linkage arms are designed with minimal flat surface area to reduce mud retention. Furthermore, the motor system includes an over-torque stall current limit that briefly provides increased power upon retraction to break minor ice buildup or packed mud, ensuring the mechanism reaches and locks in the fully retracted position.

Q: What specific load testing is performed to ensure the steps remain stable when used on a severe side-hill incline or uneven ground?
A: Response: The steps undergo simulated static side-load testing where 150 kg is applied eccentrically to the step edge while the mechanism is articulated to a 15∘ angle. The test criteria require a maximum step platform deflection of less than 2 mm to ensure user stability under extreme angular conditions.

Features Focused on Durability and Clearance

Maximized Retracted Profile: The step tucks tightly against the body, effectively shielding the vulnerable mechanical components from impact and minimizing wind resistance.
Integrated Skid Protection: The retracted step body itself acts as a passive skid plate, protecting the rocker panel pinch welds from glancing blows.
Sealed and Protected Harnesses: All electrical connections are fully sealed and strategically routed high within the chassis, eliminating exposure to water, mud, and chemicals.
High-Efficiency Motor Gearing: Features hardened gears designed to withstand the sudden high torque demands associated with deploying in cold or slightly obstructed conditions.
Zero Interference Design: Precision-engineered brackets ensure no contact with OEM components such as exhaust systems, transfer cases, or driveline parts, even under full chassis articulation.

Production Protocols for Off-Road Durability

Manufacturing processes that ensure structural integrity for demanding use.

Robotic Welding of Brackets: Mounting brackets are welded using precision robotic systems, certified to AWS D1.1 standards, to guarantee deep, consistent weld penetration for maximum load-bearing capacity and fatigue life required by off-road use.
Vibration Testing (Sinusoidal and Random): Sample assemblies are subjected to continuous random vibration testing according to ISO 16750 standards, simulating prolonged travel on rough roads to verify the integrity of fasteners and electrical connections.
Custom Skid Plate Integration: For high-volume projects, we offer customization to integrate a small, dedicated skid plate into the retracted step mechanism to further protect the motor linkage from direct, localized rock impact.

Material Selection Focused on Off-Road Resilience

Selection criteria prioritize high yield strength and sealing capability.

Linkage Arms: Uses HSLA (High-Strength Low-Alloy) steel to resist bending and impact damage, coated with a Geomet base layer for superior corrosion protection.
Step Board Surface: Typically uses 6063−T5 extruded aluminum with deep, aggressive traction grooves to maintain grip when wet or muddy, without adding unnecessary weight below the chassis center of gravity.
Motor Casing: Sealed Die-Cast Aluminum Casing provides excellent thermal management for the motor while achieving the required IP67 ingress protection rating.
Bushings: High-performance Nylon 6/6 or Teflon-impregnated bronze bushings are utilized in pivot points to resist abrasive wear from grit and minimize friction, even when lubrication is temporarily displaced.

about Bohai

R&D and manufacturing of mid-to-high-end SUV electric pedals.

Bohai Automotive Technology (Zhejiang Huzhou) Co., Ltd. was established in 2014. It is a technology-based enterprise specializing in R&D China High Ground Clearance Electric Steps Manufacturers and Wholesale High Ground Clearance Electric Steps Suppliers The company is located on the southern bank of the beautiful Taihu Lake in the hinterland of the Yangtze River Golden Triangle-Changxing County, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province. It is about 150 kilometers away from Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Ningbo, Suzhou, Wuxi and other large and medium cities.

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