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ARIES
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Select your vehicle to confirm this part fits.
2011 - 2019 Ford Explorer
Confirmed to Fit








Always the correct part
We know our products
Quality Products
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Always the correct part
We know our products
Quality Products
Free Shipping!
Includes one pair of side bars and mounting hardware
Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty (Three-Year Finish, One-Year Parts)
Finish: SEMI-GLOSS BLACK POWDER COAT
Material: Blank
Color: Black
Side Component Type: Board and Bracket
ARIES 3" side bars are more than a fancy decal for your truck, Jeep or SUV. They are a confident first step on each new adventure. These 3" nerf bars are constructed from strong carbon steel for superior rigidity, and they feature a sleek semi-gloss black powder coat finish. For an added edge, each nerf bar also goes through an E-coat process, before receiving its black powder coat, to strengthen and protect the final finish against peeling, chipping and scratching. ARIES 3" round side bars are also available in polished stainless steel or semi-gloss black powder-coated steel. All ARIES 3" nerf bars come with heavy-duty steel brackets and non-skid step pads. The mounting brackets are strong and custom-designed for specific makes and models to allow the side bars to contour to the lines of your vehicle. They offer easy installation and the strength necessary to provide sound footing. These particular custom nerf bars fit specific years of the Ford Explorer (see application info to verify fitment). ARIES 3" round side bars also come with non-skid step pads made of tough polypropylene. These step pads feature a textured pattern for enhanced safety, and they cover a wide portion of the tubes for a more comfortable step.

Explore ARIES products at TowUniverse for top-tier grille guards, side bars, nerf bars, headache racks, and more. Upgrade your vehicle with ARIES today!
ARIES is a fast-paced marketer and innovator of truck, Jeep, SUV and CUV accessories. From automotive enthusiasts to professional builders, our products are built for the champions of individualism, innovation and attitude.
We offer the perfect combination of unique style and durable construction, specializing in custom-fit grille guards, bull bars, side bars and running boards, as well as Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator accessories.
ARIES products are made vehicle-specific for a custom fit, and they are available for a wide variety of makes and models sold in North America.
Experts available to answer your questions
Call 888-634-9494Limited Lifetime Warranty (Three-Year Finish, One-Year Parts)
1 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 - 2019 | Ford Explorer | — |
Yes, the ARIES 3" Round Black Steel Side Bars, Select Ford Explorer Step Nerf Bar Kit (Part #BBDR203041) is designed to fit the 2011-2019 Ford Explorer.
The ARIES 3" Round Black Steel Side Bars, Select Ford Explorer Step Nerf Bar Kit (Part #BBDR203041) fits 2011-2019 Ford Explorer models. The 2019 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
The ARIES 3" Round Black Steel Side Bars, Select Ford Explorer Step Nerf Bar Kit (Part #BBDR203041) fits the following vehicles: 2011-2019 Ford Explorer. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The ARIES 3" Round Black Steel Side Bars, Select Ford Explorer Step Nerf Bar Kit (Part #BBDR203041) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
The kit includes 1 driver-side bar, 1 passenger-side bar, 2 front mounting brackets, 2 front brace brackets, 2 rear mounting brackets, 6 × 10mm bolt plates, 10 × 10mm hex bolts, 18 × 10mm flat washers, 16 × 10mm lock washers, 8 × 10mm hex nuts, 2 × 12mm bolt plates, 2 × 12mm flat washers, 2 × 12mm lock washers, 2 × 12mm hex nuts, 6 × 9mm plastic bolt retainers, and 2 × 12mm plastic bolt retainers.
You will need a torque wrench, extension, level, 16mm socket, 16mm wrench, and 18mm socket. A torque wrench is essential for proper fastener tightening.
The installation is rated as Easy.
Yes. The manual states: "Before you begin installation, read all instructions thoroughly." This ensures you understand the complete process and have all required tools ready.
Start on the driver side. Steps 1–7 cover the driver-side installation. After completing the driver side, repeat the same steps on the passenger side (Step 8).
First, snug all hardware during installation but do not fully tighten. Once the side bar is adjusted and leveled (Step 7), tighten all brackets to the vehicle first, followed by the side bar connections. This ensures proper alignment before final tightening.
Locate the driver-side front mounting tab and insert a 10mm bolt plate into the round slot. Slide a 9mm plastic bolt retainer over the thread to hold it in place. Place the front mounting bracket onto the vehicle and secure with a 10mm flat washer, 10mm lock washer, and 10mm hex nut. Snug but do not fully tighten at this stage.
Insert a 12mm bolt plate into the frame of the vehicle. Slide a 12mm plastic bolt retainer over the thread to hold it in place. Place the front brace bracket onto the vehicle and secure with a 12mm flat washer, 12mm lock washer, and 12mm hex nut. Snug the hardware but do not fully tighten.
Insert a 10mm hex bolt and 10mm flat washer through the inside of the brackets. Secure with a 10mm flat washer, 10mm lock washer, and 10mm hex nut on the outside. Snug the hardware but do not fully tighten.
Locate the driver-side rear mounting tab. Insert a 10mm bolt plate into each of the two openings. Slide two 9mm plastic bolt retainers over the threads to hold them in place. Place the rear mounting bracket onto the vehicle and secure with two 10mm flat washers, two 10mm lock washers, and two 10mm hex nuts. Snug the hardware but do not fully tighten.
Place the side bar onto the mounting brackets and align the mounting points. Secure the side bar to the brackets using a 10mm hex bolt, lock washer, and flat washer at each mounting location. Snug the hardware but do not fully tighten until all brackets are adjusted and leveled.
Adjust and level the side bar. Once positioned correctly, tighten all brackets to the vehicle first, followed by the side bar connections. This ensures proper alignment and secure fastening.
Wax the product after installing. Regular waxing is recommended to add a protective layer over the finish. Do not use any type of polish or wax that may contain abrasives, as these could damage the finish. For gloss black finishes, mild soap may be used to clean the product.
Periodic inspections should be performed to ensure all mounting hardware remains tight. Check the fasteners regularly to maintain secure installation.
No. Do not use any type of polish or wax that may contain abrasives, as these could damage the finish. Use only non-abrasive wax. For gloss black finishes, mild soap may be used to clean the product.
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