Rock Sliders Meet Edible Sliders: Install Overview, Review & A Recipe!
Yes, those are some slider sandwiches sitting on a set of rock sliders! You aren’t just seeing things, lol. I’m a professional chef, so we included a recipe at the end of the post.
Installing rock sliders on your Tundra is a must for those with a taste for adventure. These aren’t your typical side steps – they’re the beefy ribeye of off-road accessories, providing a juicy mix of protection, function, and style.
Unlike those flimsy side steps that buckle at the sight of a rock, Cali Raised rock sliders are like an heirloom cast iron skillet – built tough and designed to withstand anything you can throw at them. They protect your truck’s rocker panels, sides, and undersides from off-road hazards like rocks and tree stumps by absorbing and distributing the force of an impact and minimizing the risk of damage. As a bonus, they double as steps that help with ingress and access to your roof rack.
This setup fits the 2nd Gen Tundra, ranging from 2007-2021.
Find It Online
- Step Edition Rock Sliders: Check Price
Cali Raised Vs. Competition
Availability
Unlike other manufacturers, Cali Raised often has these IN STOCK. That means you don’t have to wait for extensive lead times (usually several weeks) for a pair. In my case, I had trips planned before I even purchased my Tundra, and I wanted to make sure my investment in a new truck was protected from harm. These guys came in clutch by having several models available to choose from. It’s like having your food ready the second you order it. Satisfying.
Name Recognition
Cali Raised is a very well respected brand with tons of satisfied customers all over the country.
Premium Materials
Cali Raised sliders come standard with American-made 2-inch DOM tubing, which is often a more expensive upgrade for other sliders on the market. Because these are 100% bolt-on, they include all the necessary Grade 8 hardware.
Options
Kickouts are a no-charge upgrade, like upgrading your basic french fries to loaded fries for free. They also offer the option of powder coating or bed liner and the option of top plates. Have it your way! I customized mine with both the kickouts, top plates, and bed liner finish.
Cali has two options for rock sliders. One is the Step Edition (seen here), it is more flat and protrude more, and the Trail Edition, more focused on clearance and hugs the body lines more closely.
Pre-Install Notes
Delivery
This isn’t Uber Eats – delivery is coming to you via freight on a big ole pallet. Be aware of this, as you’ll need to have ample space for it to be unloaded.
Make Sure You Have All Components
Open your hardware boxes, lay everything out, and organize all your hardware by type and size. This will save time and frustration down the road. Gather all required tools for the job and have them easy to access.
Installation Overview
Tools Required
- Flathead screwdriver
- 12mm, 13mm, and 14mm sockets or wrenches
- 9/16′ & 3/4″ socket and wrench
- Jack stands
- Another human
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Installing rock sliders is pretty straightforward and can be done yourself if you have jack stands to lift the hefty slider (each side weighs 60-70 lbs.) off the ground. However, I would suggest doing it with two people, and jack stands to simplify things.
Cali Raised has a great installation video that shows you how to install these step by step. You can find that video here.
Installation is super straightforward and should only take an hour or two if you follow the video and have the tools I’ve listed above ready. It’s a breeze with a wrench and a helper.
If you opt for step plates, you’ll have another lengthy step in the process—installing a ton of little black bolts that secure them.
Pro Tip: Having a couple of saw horses or work stands will help immensely so that you can access both sides of the bolt. You’ll definitely want to do this BEFORE installing the sliders on your Tundra.
Review
The Cali Raised rock sliders are pure beef, like A5 wagyu beef. They are incredibly sturdy and don’t move around on you as you abuse them on the trail. They’re perfect for helping me get into the cab or reach gear on my roof rack.
The bedliner finish is super easy to spray off if it gets covered in mud and has a bit of a gloss finish, so it looks super clean with little effort. Initially, I was worried about the bed liner coating when I began installing it. It looked as though the finish had little “air bubbles” in certain spots. However, the finish has held up perfectly on the trail and with repeated use. I love the kickout and use it when grabbing gear or opening and closing my rooftop tent.
In terms of protection, rock sliders should be your first piece of armor, in my opinion, as they can save you from having terrible and expensive damage down the road. My first off-road trip in my Tundra was bone stock with the factory steps installed. I came down hard on some rocks and bent my steps within half an inch of my rocker panel. Never again. Shortly after the trip, I ordered these beefy ones from Cali Raised. Don’t wait like I did.
Hot Ham & Pimento Cheese Slider Recipe
This is a classic ham and cheese sandwich, but tiny and with a festive twist. Share it with friends and family, or eat it by the fistful.
Pimento Cheese
- 1 pound extra sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 1/4 cup Duke’s mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Tabasco hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4-ounce jar of diced pimentos
Shred the extra sharp cheddar cheese and set aside. Whisk the remaining ingredients in a mixing bowl and then fold in the shredded cheese. Transfer to an airtight container and allow to rest 30 minutes before eating.
Calabrian Chili Marmalade
- 18-ounce jar of orange marmalade
- 2 tablespoons crushed Calabrian chilis
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- pinch of salt
- freshly ground black pepper
Add all the ingredients to a small sauce pot and set over medium heat. Stir as the marmalade melts and then simmer gently for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
Garlic Butter
- 1 stick of butter
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
Melt the butter in a small pan and whisk in the remaining ingredients. Cook over medium-low heat for 3 minutes, then set aside.
Sliders
- 1 pack of slider buns (12 each)
- 1 pound thinly sliced ham
- Duke’s Mayo
- Potato chips
- Pimento Cheese
- Calabrian Chili Marmalade
- Garlic Butter
- Minced Parsley
I made this recipe using a pellet smoker set at 350 degrees, but you can also use your oven or gas grill.
Use a knife to split your slider buns into top and bottom halves. Toast both sides in your smoker or oven.
Next, apply a generous amount of mayo to the bottom buns. Layer sliced ham on top of the mayo. Drizzle the Calabrian chili marmalade over the ham.
Crush some potato chips and sprinkle over the marmalade. Then, slather your pimento cheese over the toasted side of the top buns, and then place it over everything else.
Place your sliders in a baking dish or foil pan and brush melted garlic butter over the top buns. Bake or smoke at 350 degrees for 20 minutes covered with foil, then remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes until the top buns are crisp. Remove from your smoker or oven and sprinkle minced parsley over the top.
The sliders are now ready to serve, and I recommend slathering on more marmalade just for fun. Now, shove them in your mouth and ENJOY!
Editor’s Note: We do not endorse the use of Cali Raised Rock Sliders as plates, nor is their food safety approved by any Health Department, but we like to live on the edge.
