Rocker panels are pieces of strong metal that run along the side of your vehicle between the front and rear wheel wells. Along with the roof supports, they are part of your vehicle's structural body that connects the front and rear halves of the vehicle.

Rocker panels are obviously pretty important to your vehicle's structural integrity, and that's why you shouldn't forget to protect them when you take your truck, SUV, or Jeep off-road.

Explore a nice selection of rocker panel covers and guards at Action Trucks, including top brands like Bushwacker and Dee Zee. Rocker panel covers will protect your cabin at competitive prices.

What Are Rocker Panel Covers?

Rocker panel covers might also be called rocker panel guards. As mentioned above, rocker panels are a pretty important part of your vehicle and they can easily be damaged during off-road excursions. That's why you need extra protection. Thermoplastic olefin (TPO) rocker panel covers are installed over the rocker area beneath the doors.

These panel covers are usually black with a matte or gloss finish. Some rocker panel covers or moldings may also be constructed of polished stainless steel. Rocker panel covers are primarily for protecting your rocker panels from road debris and scratches, but they can also be useful for hiding rust and pinch welds.

Another type of rocker panel cover that you might see is a rocker panel molding. These truck accessories essentially do the same thing, which is to install over-the-side rocker panels on your vehicle.

Why Do You Need Rocker Panel Covers?

One of the main reasons people purchase rocker panel covers for their Jeep, truck, or SUV is to give it more protection for off-road adventures. There are quite a few ways that your rocker panels can get damaged off-road from rocks and other obstacles. If you like to go off-road, then outfitting your vehicle with rocker panel covers is almost a no-brainer.

However, rocker panel covers are still a good investment even if you rarely to never go off-road. Your rocker panels can still be damaged by debris on the road. An accumulation of scratches on your rocker panels could also lead to rust, and rocker panel covers can help prevent that. Rocker panel covers also look pretty stylish and add an extra level of attractiveness to your truck or SUV.

Rocker panel covers may have prevented this. Source: Jeep Commander Forum

 

Popular Brands of Rocker Panel Covers

Some popular brands of rocker panel covers and rocker panel moldings include Bushwacker, Dee Zee, Putco, Innovative Creations, and Road Armor. Bushwacker and Road Armor make rocker panel covers for Jeeps, while the other brands primarily make rocker panel moldings for trucks.

Bushwacker makes covers for both Jeeps and trucks. The quickest way to get to what you want is to enter your vehicle information. Look for the Professional Grade Installation icon on any product page for installation options at any Action location.

Bushwacker Rocker Covers

 

Bushwacker rocker covers are available for both trucks and newer models of the Jeep Wrangler. Bushwacker Trail Armor rocker panel covers are constructed of tough and durable TPO material and are great for protecting your truck or Jeep from off-road obstacles.

The Bushwacker products come with a limited lifetime warranty and feature no-drill installation. These are slip-on rocker panel covers that are installed with clips and 3M automotive-grade adhesive.

Dee Zee Rocker Panel Molding

 

Dee Zee makes stainless steel side moldings that protect against rock chips and debris. These mostly fit truck models, such as the 2004-2008 Canyon/Colorado. Check your vehicle's make and model to see if this product will work. The Dee Zee side moldings are customized to fit specific vehicles. Like the rocker covers, these are installed without drilling using 3M adhesive.

How To Install Rocker Panel Covers

All rocker panel cover products should come with instructions and certain hardware. Always refer to your specific product's instructions before installing. You can also get professional installation at any Action location. The following are basic steps for installing Bushwacker Jeep Trail Armor rocker panel covers.

Step 1 - Before installing the covers, you should verify the fit to your vehicle. Ensure that there is a minimum of four inches of clearance between the covers and exhaust pipes. All exposed metal should be treated with rust-resistant paint before installing rocker panel covers.

Step 2 - Gather a few tools for easy installation. These should include a #2 Phillips drive bit, a marker, and a cleaning cloth.

Step 3 - Use the marker to number the tape tabs as shown in your instructions.

Step 4 - Open the vehicle door and carefully clean all dirt and debris from the area. Used the included alcohol wipe to treat where the part will go.

Step 5 - Find the four factory holes in the rocker panel and place one of the provided clips over each hole.

Step 6 - Line up the part on the vehicle and then begin pulling the tape tabs according to your instructions.

Step 7 - Once all tape liners are peeled, press down on the entire length of the part. Apply 30 PSI of pressure to the taped areas. It takes 24 hours to reach maximum adhesive, so don't wash your vehicle for 24 hours.

Step 8 - Use a # Phillips screwdriver to start a screw through each hole and the clips. Once the screws are all started, tighten them.

 

Protect your truck or SUV with rocker panel covers and rely on Action Trucks for a wide variety of accessories for your Jeep, SUV, or truck. Whether you want to upgrade or repair your vehicle, we have the parts to do it.