REAR TUG STEP - SPRINTER (2019+) by VAN COMPASS
REAR TUG STEP - SPRINTER (2019+) by VAN COMPASS
SKU:4057
Couldn't load pickup availability
The rear entry height on the new Mercedes Sprinter VS30 allows for easy loading of cargo, however stepping in or out of the van through the rear doors is quite the leap. That's where the Van Compass Tug Step for the 2019+ VS30 Sprinter comes in. This step is a full width step that bolts onto the vehicle using the factory rear hitch as an attachment point without impeding the functionality of the receiver hitch. The step is high clearance and features no loss of ground clearance or departure angle all while providing an extra level of protection from inconsiderate drivers who like to get too close to our vans when parking in tight spots. The main chassis tie in plates of the rear step are constructed from 3/8" thick high strength steel and feature anchor points for 3/4" D-ring shackles which can be used for recovery pull points.
- Compatible with rear parking sensors.
- Gasoline engine models may require some trimming on the tail pipe for clearance.
The step is 8 5/8" from the back of factory hitch cross tube and 67" wide.
This step protrudes approximately 5" from the face of the plastic bumper cover.
Instructions
Sprinter tug step installation instructions:
Recommended Shop Labor Time: 0.5 Hours
Solid step. Easy to install. Price is reasonable relative to the competition.
It's a fine product except: within 1-2 years it was chipping and rusting, and by 3.5 years it's in bad shape. The sharp under edges catch rocks if you're driving on a lot of gravel roads (like most VC customers) and the powder coating is no match for that and chips off. It may not be possible to make it of alloy, but it's quite an eyesore already. I'm contemplating taking it off and having it sprayed with LineX truck bed liner, or just periodically spraying it with Krylon just so it doesn't look bad. Perhaps it should come with a more durable coating?
Edited to add that my solution was to just cut the ends off. You are better off getting the short one that doesn’t extend out behind the rear wheels. That’s pretty much what I turned mine into.
This step provides several key benefits - a step to improve accessibilility of higher up storage, rollup screens, etc in the back of the sprinter; Recovery points; and simple installation.
The entire installation took under 15 minutes, and the fit to the factory tow hitch assembly was perfect
Important, this does not interfere with rear backup sensors.
Important note for those of you with swing away hitches. From what I can tell, this WILL work with the Kuat Pivot 2.0, the Thule, and the Rackattach swing away hitches. it does NOT appear to be compatible with the Wilco HitchSwing. the hitch swing has a shorter piece that inserts into the receiver, and the overhang from the Tugstep prevents the Wilco from being inserted correctly, even in the "second" hitch pin position. I contacted Wilco, and they are not willing to make a hitch swing with a longer insertion piece. As a result, I bought the Kuat Pivot2
Installed the rear step in 20 minutes and it's awesome. Clean lines, superb welding and it does not hinder the hitch or the rear sensors. It allows us (and our young kids) to climb into the van easily from the rear.
The rear step arrived quickly and well packaged. There was no damage and everything needed for the installation was there.
The installation was easy and quick, except that I needed to bend the very end of the tailpipe down a bit with a pair of pliers or it would have been in contact with the step. I am sure that would have generated a lot of noise. I only needed to bend down the final 3/8 inch of the tailpipe to avoid contact. I have a 2019 Sprinter with a gasoline engine. This may not be a problem with diesel versions.
The black coating is non-slip, which is very important for me as I use the step to load/unload my boat and the step can be wet.
All-in-all, I am very satisfied.