Trying to decide on step bars for my next truck. Ford is offering 4" polished stainless steel tubular or 5" chrome tubular. Which one will last longer and hold up better against wintertime snow and salt? What's your experience with either of them? Are the chrome ones actually chrome over stainless steel?

FYI, I have the Ford black tubular bars now and after 4 years, they are starting to rust a little bit on top near the back end of them.

Thanks.

 

I have the ford chromed tubes they are 5" oval in shape and are made of aluminum and chrome plated.

And I live in the burbs' of cleveland and my tubes are 3 years old and still look new.

 

I just added the Ford 5" Chrome tube steps on my Screw! Absoulutely Love them, they are aluminum & Chrome plated! Seem very durable!.........

 

Stainless steel is going to last a lot longer than chrome, but the chrome will be easier to maintain.

 

I've had many sets of each on different trucks, and I'll say in Illinois winters with salt, the stainless will do much better than the chrome. The curve of the lower rocker in the F-150's lets water (after washing) and salt-laden water (from melting snow) drip on the front and rear top surfaces of the chrome steps. After one season of salt, I've seen three sets of mine pit enough to make an unremovable spot the size of a pencil eraser at these two locations. It turns black, and no amount of polish and elbow grease will remove them. My $0.02. That said, look whats on my truck now...