Custom Rock Sliders for My BT-50 | Built Tough by JRC Offroad

After tackling some of the gnarliest tracks across Australia, it became pretty clear that side protection was the next must-have for my BT-50. I didn’t want a mass-produced set—I wanted something custom-built, made tough, and designed to fit the rig perfectly. That’s where JRC Offroad came in.

Why Rock Sliders Matter:

If you're planning to take your 4WD off the beaten track, rock sliders are one of those upgrades that quickly go from “nice-to-have” to absolute essential.

Unlike factory side steps—which are mostly cosmetic—rock sliders are designed to protect the most vulnerable part of your vehicle’s body: the sills and lower panels. These areas are easily damaged by rocks, tree stumps, and uneven terrain when you're tackling technical tracks, steep ruts, or washouts.

Not only do they provide heavy-duty protection from impact, but a well-designed set of sliders can also double as a strong side step for getting in and out of the vehicle, especially if you’ve added a lift. Even more importantly, they give you a solid recovery or jacking point when you need it most.

For me, after taking on tracks like Ngkala Rocks, the Victorian High Country, and the Gibb, adding sliders was a no-brainer. I needed something strong, reliable, and custom-built for my BT-50—and I knew the standard side steps just weren’t going to cut it.

Why I Chose JRC Offroad:

When it came to choosing rock sliders for my BT-50, I didn’t want something mass-produced off a shelf. I wanted a solid, custom-built solution that would not only protect my rig but also complement the rest of my build. That’s when I came across JRC Offroad, a small Aussie fabrication business run by Josh.

Josh specialises in high-quality custom 4x4 fabrication, and from the first conversation, I knew I was in good hands. He took the time to understand exactly what I needed, explained the options clearly, and built a set of sliders specifically to suit my touring setup and style of travel.

What stood out most was the attention to detail—from the clean welds to the way the sliders hug the body of the BT-50. You can tell Josh takes real pride in his work, and it shows in the final product.

It’s always a good feeling supporting a small local business, but even better when the quality surpasses expectations. If you're after something that's custom, tough, and built by someone who genuinely cares about the end result, I can't recommend JRC Offroad highly enough.

The Install & First Impressions:

The install process with Josh was super smooth. I dropped the BT-50 off to him, and within a few hours, the sliders were on and looking tough. They fit seamlessly against the body and sit at just the right height to double as a practical step—which has been a massive help getting in and out of the rig or reaching to the roof platform, especially with the lift & Tyres.

Best part? If you’re a little handier than I am, you can actually order these and install them yourself!

Josh was great to deal with from start to finish—clear communication, quick turnaround, and you can tell he genuinely enjoys what he does.

What stood out straight away was how solid they felt. There’s no flex, no rattling, and the mounting is super sturdy. These are built to take a hit, and you can feel that confidence the moment you step on them or check the clearance underneath.

Overall, I was seriously impressed with the quality and finish—these sliders look purpose-built because they are.

If you’re chasing a set of custom rock sliders—or any other quality fabrication work—Josh at JRC Offroad is your guy.

He’s based in southeast Queensland and builds everything to order, so you’re getting a setup that’s made specifically for your rig and your needs.

You can reach out to him directly via Instagram @jrcoffroad or shoot him a message to discuss your build. Whether you want something built and fitted, or you're confident to tackle the install yourself, he’s more than happy to help.

Support local, support custom, and get something built properly the first time.

Sarah Rose Foster