Circling back here after install this weekend. A few important things to note for others considering this option in the future:

1. Most importantly, one of the two step rails was completely missing a mounting hole on the front side. I've emailed Lucky8 to see if they can ship me a replacement as this is a straightforward defect. Will update on their response.
2. I would almost consider it mandatory to purchase a trim tool set before starting, it came in extremely handy. Found a workable set on Amazon for < 10$
3. As some others have mentioned before, I don't think the horizontal screws used to mount the step anchor/bracket are really necessary... In addition to that I had multiple spots where the holes didn't really line up once the bottom was flush so not possible to install anyway without drilling/correction. Theoretically if you have a good Dremel or cutting tool you could skip all of the trim removal and measure according to some guides I've seen online to the specific spots of the plastic trim to cut away to expose the vertical mount screws. Would recommend based on points below (4 & 5)
4. Not sure if this is related to defects in product or my install but I was unable to match up all 3 mounting holes on step rail with the bracket no matter how I tried. This was on the defective rail so hoping that is the issue. On the first side of the car I had used the horizontal screws on the mounting bracket to the frame and put everything back together so no way to really adjust the brackets at all to try and improve the situation which led to only 3 mounting screws aligning (2 in front 1 in rear). On second side I was able to at least get 4 screws in (1 vertical & 1 horizontal on each side) which mostly should be fine as its very secure.
5. Re-installing some of the trim was highly challenging, primarily the rear fender part that overlaps with the lower trim (and has to be removed in order to remove the lower trim). I had to order some additional trim clips from Amazon as the kit didn't come with any. As well it was just very hard to get the main connector to "pop" back in and hold it snug. After a lot of attempts and pushing/pulling I think I have it now but its something that may still nag me

Overall... assuming the defective rail is replaced I'd consider this decent value still. Is it on par quality wise with OEM steps? Maybe not but at 1/5 to 1/6 the price it's not a bad solution. Once my kids get bigger I'm throwing sliders on anyway

 

Lucky 8 is a great vendor and I have purchased several items from them, so not throwing any shade, but this is why I hesitated and ultimately passed on buying the cheap steps. The fact that the Urban steps (or similar ones from Rovers North) mount so quickly and easily is just icing on the cake.

 

Yes I'm hopeful they'll help resolve the defective rail at least, which is all I would expect. Again given the price point, these get the job done and aesthetically nothing wrong with them so far. The Urban kit does look good and I would strongly suggest to anyone else doing an install in the future to follow their instructions. It has the correct dimensions to measure to the right spot under the car and then cut away the trim hiding the mounting holes/bolts. It would save a ton of time from removing all of the trim which ultimately is probably not necessary.

 

Just an update on the defective rail, Lucky8 was very responsive and sending a replacement kit. Fingers crossed this one is good

 

l installed my side steps without the horizontal bolts, they are very secure and only took an hour to fit because you don't have to take off all the trim.

Also it's much easier to replace the brackets and steps if necessary.
ln my experience side steps last around two years here in the U.K. before they get rusty/corroded.

 

Wow. I think that's the first Sedona I've seen. Looks sharp! And well done on the install.

 

This is absolutely the way to go, I ended up abandoning the horizontal bolts on my second install as they are overkill and greatly increase the install labor/trim removal.

To fully close the loop my replacement set from Lucky8 fit perfectly, great customer service

 

Sorry for the old thread resurrection.

I'm considering these but want to know what parts are aluminum and what parts are ABS. Primarily, are the steps aluminum with and ABS top plate or are they all ABS?

thanks.

 

From my experience with non-OEM steps, I did have issue lining up all bolt holes correctly so I'm missing 1 or 2. My biggest problem is that powder coated bar is getting faded parking outside 100% of time in SoCal so driver side bar is noticeably faded. So I ended up ordering OEM ones (1460+ tax/shipping) from Landleaping and hoping it does not fade as much as non-OEM ones.

 

Understood but mine will always be parked in a garage and will see limited off road use so I need them as steps for my wife vs. something that can take on the outback and come out unscathed . Hell, even the finance manager at my dealer recommended aftermarket, which is what he has on his Defender, over the OEM due to the substantial difference in price. I just want to know if these are at least mostly aluminum on the part that will get used the most, the step pad.

On the bolt hole alignment considering the brackets are cast and machined identically and many have no issues we might want to consider the variances are on the vehicles themselves. You’ll know for sure when you get the factory part.