Check out this spy shot of a 2018 GMC Sierra with a stepside bed.
The photo, taken by a GM Authority reader at a port in the northeast United States, shows a red 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab truck configured with a Regular Cab wearing a stepside bed – an option the K2 Sierra never offered (the same is true for the K2 Silverado).
To note, a stepside bed – otherwise known as a flareside or sportside – has the fender wells outside the truck’s bed. The design results in visible bulging fenders along with a “step” on the side of the bed, near the cab, for bed access. By comparison, a standard side bed – otherwise known as a fleetside or styleside – puts the fender wells inside the bed and provides a smooth bedside.
Fleetside bed (aka styleside or standard) vs. Stepside bed (flareside or sportside)
The sighting makes us ponder the following scenarios:
- GM is planning on re-introducing a stepside/flareside/sportside bed option on its pickup trucks, a highly unlikely circumstance given that its K2 platform trucks will be phased out in favor of all-new T1 platform models in the near future.
- An up fitter has equipped this vehicle with a new stepside/flareside bed on the K2 platform trucks.
What do you think about this Sierra Stepside? Talk to us in the comments.
Hat tip to reader Adrian.
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Comments
Don’t know if a stepside should be available for a Sierra; it would seem to conflict with their upmarket push.
Top rail looks to retro to be factory. Gotta be an aftermarket kit.
Definatly an 80s step-side bed, probably someone trying to capitalize on the popularity of the Big 10 retro Chevrolet trucks.
also looks too small, could be from an older truck
How about a ’19 crew cab Silverado or Sierra 4X4 with a stepside box? I’ll be one of the first in line for one.
I am so hoping that Chevy comes out with that option.
You would be behind me Davis…Cuz I’d be first.
Oh darn.
It looks aftermarket, but why is it in a field with what looks like fresh off the line trucks waiting for shipment?
The photo is at a port? Could this be some strange export only deal?
Never understood why people were interested in step sides? They don’t haul as much, fleetside have a much smoother and cleaner design.
They haul exactly the same if you’re hauling lumber, plywood or drywall that fit between the wheel wells. If you’re hauling dirt or rock it would still be the same. Cuz you can’t fill it up anyway. About the only thing I can think of where a fleet side would haul more would be mulch. In this case, you might get another 1/2 a yard more in a fleet side.
If you were hauling boxes then yes you could haul alot more!
Styling strongly suggests aftermarket – very consistent with the late 70’s/early 80’s stepside box, and the “lines” don’t completely agree with those of the cab. With that said, I love the concept and would absolutely strongly consider one from the factory with the right styling – i.e. pre-99.
looks great, nostalgia is nice, only problem is todays loaded up pickups are out of reach financially for many, myself included i gotta buy preowned + the lack of a manual transmission means i will not buy one!!!
I will buy one……………If they are produced ! Awesome looking truck !
I first saw this a few weeks ago. I thought maybe it was a one off concept for the NY auto show but I guess not. Hmm.
Also if it was a concept (which now I am doubting) I think GM would’ve painted the black trim on the front. It just doesn’t match. So I bet it is aftermarket.
April Fools Day early? Bed is a different color and is crooked so not OEM…Nothing more than someone at that dealership having some retro fun putting an old bed on a brand new bedless Sierra or the pic is photoshopped…
If it’s not a photoshopped pic, then the bed is not aftermarket.
Looks to be the factory GM stepside bed off of a ’73-’87 C/K series pick-up.
It’s for Paramont Pictures they are producing a remake of “Hooper” with Ryan Gosling portraying the greatest stuntman whoever lived. Same producer as the General Lee movie
That truck looks like it’s parents are brother and sister…or at the very least first cousins. ??
HEY! Don’t forget the 8 foot stepside for the regular cab. A coworker has a ’65 GMC with the 9 foot stepside.
It looks STUPID like everything toyota makes step side trucks look so dumb
Me and this guy see eye to eye! They look ridiculous
I would buy one tomorrow. Let the production begin ! I can sell them as well !
Will sale my 2017 ZL1 Camaro 2000 miles/ Perfect
GM should offer it as an option, after they admit to and fix the four year old 8=speed shutter problem.
Just because the transmission doesn’t shift the way you want it to doesn’t mean it’s broken! I deal with people like you everyday!
Stepside makes it much easier to wash cab roof. Just kidding. Does make bed access behind cab easier, however. Could see contractors liking this option. W/T might be a place for this?
People like me!!! I am just relaying what dozens have posted on this web site over the last four years, with no results, probably because they had to deal with people like YOU!
I have own three 1 and half ton trucks so far starting with an early 70’s International. All stepsides. I will be in the market for a new truck in a couple of years and this would be my first choice if it were available.
i would be interested too, once it becomes older and preowned as todays new trucks are overpriced and outta my league!!! i prefer a standard cab and NEVER would buy a house,aka 4 door!!!
I always loved stepside chevys. But this box doesn’t look right for the cab. If the cab matched the box better I would be interested in buying one for sure!
ideal for me would be stepside, short bed, 6cyl, stick. anyone agree?
ideal for me ,stepside 6cyl stick anyone agree?
So you want a slow truck that cant haul or tow much of anything. Na I’ll pass!!!
I have been hoping that Ford and Chev. would go a little retro by offering an additional model with a stepside bed with a wooden floor. And by adding it to a modern cab, chassis and running gear you get the best of both worlds. It would be kind of a sport cruiser that could do a little hauling if need be.
Ford’s Boss 302 F150 from around 2000 was an awesome cruiser. Very beautiful.
Ought to use a 2005 stepside bed. It wouls look OK then. Not a 90’s stepside bed.
If only!!!!!! I’ve owned nothing but Chevy 4×4 pickups, since 1970. All stepsides!!!! Until my 2005 Silverado 3500 4×4. I love my 1 ton, but, oh how I wish they would come out with short boxes again. AND a new “Retro look” stepside box. Believe me, they would sell. Just sayin’ Oh yeh, GM stepsides are just that. Stepsides!, not flaresides, not fendersides…. STEPSIDES!!!!!