The factory step rails are not designed to support the weight of the truck, and are not strong enough to withstand lateral forces. On a trip to Pardoes several years ago, one member took a bad line and accidentally dragged a slider over a rock, pushing it rearward into the back tire. Although it didn't bend upward into the rocker panel, he could not progress forward because the tire was rubbing the step rail. Had the step rail not been there, his truck would never have hit the rock in the first place. Removal of the step rail on the trail was required, which was a lot messier than doing it in the parking lot.

BTW, If anyone else needs radios, I also have 3 FRS radios that can be loaned out during the run (if KJ ends up not coming).