SUVdoorstep

Ser_Egg

Forum Member
Joined
Dec 20, 2019
Messages
286
Location
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Car Year
2005
Car Model
Subaru Forester SG series 1
Transmission
5Spd Manual
Thought i'd add my 2 cents worth to this part of the forum as well.

The SUVdoorstep is a nifty little tool, giving you a platform to stand yourself on whilst managing roof space. I have yet to use mine but ive tested it out a few times. Seems pretty sturdy but i get paranoid about the bolts tearing out from the body even those those door hooks are supposed to be a rated point apparently . I can see this tool being used alot in my future

Here is the link if you want one

14_600x600.jpg08_e8d6c628-6dd6-402e-83fa-eae8f5521d56_2000x.jpg
 
Thanks, that's a clever idea
 
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Seems pretty sturdy but i get paranoid about the bolts tearing out from the body even those those door hooks are supposed to be a rated point apparently
They're solid. Ever seen the jaws of life in action? One of the things they are fighting against is that exact bit of the car.
If that bit wasn't strong enough the doors would be much more likely to open upon impact and you wouldn't need the jaws of life so often. Or as many ambulances. More hearses though.
 
They're solid. Ever seen the jaws of life in action?

I recall reading years ago that there was a special alert sent to emergency services about Subies B pillar as it is 7 layers thick.
 
Ring frame and B pillar article from 2005:

Subaru ring frame and B Pillar article from 2005

Modern B pillar cutaway:

88c4386a0a0d028a00adc44698f8cbc8.jpg


http://pictures.dealer.com/p/planetsubarusne/0446/88c4386a0a0d028a00adc44698f8cbc8.jpg
 
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is some serious stuff. Guess alot of engineering goes into vehicles these days regarding safety. I knew it was alot but not to this extent
 
An excerpt from the link quoted above:

"Many of our current hydraulic cutting/shearing tools have problems coping with these pillars. Our hacksaws, reciprocating saws and air chisels are useless against these exotic metals. Rotary saws with abrasive blades will overpower this metal and cut the pillar but their use isn't practical at extrication scenes.
During roof removal evolutions, the B-pillar must typically be cut through. As an alternative to cutting a Subaru B-pillar, rescuers will be able to make two cuts into the roof rail at the top of the B-pillar forming an inverted "V" cut. This will separate the roof from the top of the pillar allowing the roof to be removed. Another option will be to "flip," "flap" or "flop" the front portion of the roof, making a hinge cut in the roof rail in front of the B-pillar. Remember, the A-pillars and roof rail are of a conventional design and will not offer the resistance that the Subaru B-pillars will."
 
Remember, the A-pillars and roof rail are of a conventional design and will not offer the resistance that the Subaru B-pillars will."

That only applies to the earlier subarus of the time of the article too, I'm pretty sure off memory that later subarus have the same multilayered pillar for the A Pillar as well these days
 
That only applies to the earlier subarus of the time of the article too, I'm pretty sure off memory that later subarus have the same multilayered pillar for the A Pillar as well these days
I believe that you are right. From the series II SG in the case of the Forester.

However, one must read the quote in its context. It's not that the A pillar is weak, it's that the B pillar is far too tough to cut through with recovery cutters. The only way to get the B pillar out is to make a bird's mouth cut through the roof cross member.
 
@Ratbag that's correct. My old man has worked for Fire + Rescue for over 30 years, and I remember him telling me that they were having issues with when subaru first brought out these pillars because they simply couldnt cut through them like every other vehicle, and had to retrain the approach to rescues.
 
I've looked at those door latch steps and have been thinking on getting a set ... but then again, I usually just climb up on the rear tire and can access the basket from there mostly...
 
My roof setup is placed around the middle to the rear and use the rear tyres for access, as well. This doorstep may be useful for me to access the front part.

I am seeing different variants of the product, though. There are those that are made in the US and OZ and there are those coming from the east. I am worried about the cheap ones failing.
 
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