Havoc HS2 Steps

Darmichar · March 4, 2019

Has anyone else here installed the Havoc HS2 steps? I'm curious about the durability others are seeing with them. I want to know if I got a one off bad set or if this is just how they are.

Darmichar · March 6, 2019

To anyone thinking of buying these, my recommendation is don't. I took the following pictures last night to start the return/replacement process on mine. These were purchased and installed late September / early October. Looks like I'm going back to N-Fab for hoops.

Donstar · March 6, 2019

I can understand why you are disappointed. You probably use these like step bars are intended and not decoration. They are a good looking side step and if you can't get a refund, try for a partial credit. I would think you'll have no problem with a return but if it doesn't work out, take them to your local line-x dealer. Those bars with a line-x coat would be nice.

mcdavis · March 6, 2019

Just FYI, Havoc and Nfab are owned by the same people. I called Havoc a few months ago when the HS2's were out of stock. The guy I talked to literally told me (in a nice way) that if I didn't want to wait, I should look at the Nfab Podiums as they are the same product.

Makes me wonder if they're made at the same place, and could the same issues be had with both.

Darmichar · March 6, 2019

1 hour ago, Donstar said:

I can understand why you are disappointed. You probably use these like step bars are intended and not decoration. They are a good looking side step and if you can't get a refund, try for a partial credit. I would think you'll have no problem with a return but if it doesn't work out, take them to your local line-x dealer. Those bars with a line-x coat would be nice.

I use them getting in and out 70% of the time. My wife and 4 year old daughter use them all the time. It's just aggravating to purchase a product that clearly wasn't tested in real world conditions. Even on a 'trailer queen' these steps likely wouldn't have held up long.

44 minutes ago, mcdavis said:

Just FYI, Havoc and Nfab are owned by the same people. I called Havoc a few months ago when the HS2's were out of stock. The guy I talked to literally told me (in a nice way) that if I didn't want to wait, I should look at the Nfab Podiums as they are the same product.

Makes me wonder if they're made at the same place, and could the same issues be had with both.

I had a set of the N-Fab hoops on my 2014 and liked them. They weren't the platform step like these, just the hoop with the welded perforated tread on top. That was a little harder target to hit getting out of the truck but I got used to it. I got these because of the platform. I've learned that the platform underside takes a beating in normal driving conditions and probably won't hold up well.

I'm working now to see if they'll replace these with the N-Fab hoops I had before. The finish on them was much more durable and the material they were made of seemed thicker and more sturdy than the HS2's.

I believe the Havoc line is a budget line to N-Fab. The N-Fab steps weren't available when I ordered the Havocs.

Edited March 6, 2019 by Darmichar

wforrest08 · March 6, 2019

My Nfabs are chipped to hell on my 015 been on since 015 and 33k miles but I live on gravel and the factory front flaps ain’t long enuff. I don’t drive mine in the winter but if I did I bet mine would look the same. The place I bought them from is a LineX dealer so I hit them up when I bought them about coating them. They said they would only warranty them for a year as they only warranty beds for life anything eles they spray is a year.

I have a EMP bumper on my side x side that has a almost the exact same finish on it. They sell a aerosol can of touch up paint. I might try a can of this and hit it on the back of the board to see if it matches when it dries. If it does might just touch them up a couple times a year instead of having them Linexd.

https://extrememetalproducts.com/i-22100510-emp-texture-black-touch-up-paint.html

to bad Nfab doesn’t do this I’d buy it from them.

Darmichar · March 6, 2019

10 minutes ago, wforrest08 said:

My Nfabs are chipped to hell on my 015 been on since 015 and 33k miles but I live on gravel and the factory front flaps ain’t long enuff. I don’t drive mine in the winter but if I did I bet mine would look the same. The place I bought them from is a LineX dealer so I hit them up when I bought them about coating them. They said they would only warranty them for a year as they only warranty beds for life anything eles they spray is a year.

I have a EMP bumper on my side x side that has a almost the exact same finish on it. They sell a aerosol can of touch up paint. I might try a can of this and hit it on the back of the board to see if it matches when it dries. If it does might just touch them up a couple times a year instead of having them Linexd.

https://extrememetalproducts.com/i-22100510-emp-texture-black-touch-up-paint.html

to bad Nfab doesn’t do this I’d buy it from them.

The finish on my N-Fab's on the 2014 was actually holding up quite well. It seemed more like a powdercoat finish, the finish on the Havoc steps was clearly textured paint.

Smitty · March 6, 2019

Are any of these steps going to provide any type of protection vs just being a step? The brackets these things hang on are pretty light weight i've been told and most are thin. I was looking at some Westec ones and I was advised that they are no good also? The AMP ones are pretty but what do they do besides look cool? No protection at all...

I would be mad about the ones the OP posted, that's horrible. If they won't warranty or give you money back, maybe have them sprayed with that ruck bed liner material to protect them better or powder coat them? It might be cheaper than buying a new set?

Darmichar · March 6, 2019

13 minutes ago, Smitty said:

Are any of these steps going to provide any type of protection vs just being a step? The brackets these things hang on are pretty light weight i've been told and most are thin. I was looking at some Westec ones and I was advised that they are no good also? The AMP ones are pretty but what do they do besides look cool? No protection at all...

I would be mad about the ones the OP posted, that's horrible. If they won't warranty or give you money back, maybe have them sprayed with that ruck bed liner material to protect them better or powder coat them? It might be cheaper than buying a new set?

No, these steps really don't provide any protection. Maybe shielding the body surface directly above them. As far as the mounts go, these steps were a little chincy at first, but seemed to settle in and hold up well. The N-Fab's on my 2014 used the same style mount and were just as solid.

If I recall, these are only rated to support ~350 lbs. and that's plenty sufficient for me, so I don't expect a truly solid 'to the frame' mount on them.

While I can see the benefits for some people, AMP steps, as far as I'm concerned, are just WAY too pricey for what I use them for.