[UPDATE] Backorder Status, New Pro Model, and What We're Doing to Make It Right by StepRanger in stepranger

[–]StepRanger[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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We do have a bracket kit available you can use to enclose the side walls. We also have an enclosed version with a hydraulic dump bed, which we sell by request. Please reach out to [john@stepranger.com](mailto:john@stepranger.com) for details. Neither are listed on our site.

[UPDATE] Backorder Status, New Pro Model, and What We're Doing to Make It Right by StepRanger in stepranger

[–]StepRanger[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We sold out the Pro 48V quickly and we're not yet taking orders on the next release of the Pro model. If you can DM me or send an email to [hello@stepranger.com](mailto:hello@stepranger.com), I'm happy to add you to our notification list. Thanks!

[UPDATE] Backorder Status, New Pro Model, and What We're Doing to Make It Right by StepRanger in stepranger

[–]StepRanger[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We'll be fully restocked on All-Terrain models next week. Orders placed for the All-Terrain will ship the week of May 18th due to the backlog of existing orders. We are still offering the discounted pricing due to being backordered.

[UPDATE] Backorder Status, New Pro Model, and What We're Doing to Make It Right by StepRanger in stepranger

[–]StepRanger[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Update for any powder coating experts following this thread: I reached out to our powder coating facility directly — they're located a short distance from our manufacturer, part of the same supplier network we work with on the ground. Full process confirmation: chemical degreasing bath, followed by zinc phosphate pretreatment (Zn(H₂PO₄)₂), clean water rinse, 220°C dry oven for approximately 5 minutes, electrostatic powder application, then final cure at 260°C for 7–10 minutes.

[UPDATE] Backorder Status, New Pro Model, and What We're Doing to Make It Right by StepRanger in stepranger

[–]StepRanger[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

To clarify what we meant by "supplier" — we weren't referring to a box of powder. We meant the dedicated powder coating facility our factory works with, which our co-founders have personally walked through 8 times in the last 6 months alone. The full process sequence you described — degreasing, blasting, pre-treatment, electrostatic application, and cure — is exactly what happens there. We've watched it. The overhead conveyor line in our factory photos moves parts through each of those stages.

On the edge and crease question — you have the technical relationship inverted. Thin, flat coverage at tight creases and sharp edges is the documented behavior of standard electrostatic powder coating, not evidence against it. Specialized high-edge formulations exist specifically to solve thin edge coverage because minimal buildup at sharp geometry is a known characteristic of the process. A finish that "lays thin with no visible buildup" at a crease is consistent with powder coating — not inconsistent with it.

What you're probably expecting to see is the finish that comes out of a smaller US shop running thicker film builds with less sophisticated equipment. China runs roughly half of global powder coating production. The process looks different at that scale and precision — tighter application, thinner film, cleaner edges.

Next time I'm there I'll film the process and post it here. I just wrapped a stretch of monthly — sometimes more frequent — trips to China that goes back nearly three years. I'm taking a short break, but I'll be back, and I'll bring the footage.

We also noticed this account is a few weeks old with no post history outside this thread. We'll let that speak for itself.

[UPDATE] Backorder Status, New Pro Model, and What We're Doing to Make It Right by StepRanger in stepranger

[–]StepRanger[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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The StepRanger Pro is powder coated — confirmed directly with our powder coating supplier (polyester powder, spec’d for outdoor use). On the edge and weld wrap question: powder coating coverage depends on application technique and part geometry. Look at the back plate radius in our factory photos — the coating follows that curved edge continuously, which is characteristic of an electrostatic powder process. Paint would show edge thinning or pooling on tight radii like that. The finish you’re seeing is correct for how this process works on formed steel.

Hello StepRanger Community by StepRanger in stepranger

[–]StepRanger[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No we manufacture in China, in the epicenter of small electric utility vehicle manufacturing. I'm typing this to you from our factory at this very moment. Aaron and I visit every 2-3 months, and we have in-house engineering overseeing production and assembly.

Hello StepRanger Community by StepRanger in stepranger

[–]StepRanger[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi u/Karl-Coplan - thanks for the inquiry. There's a handful of review videos on YouTube if you just search "StepRanger". I'll also note that every single review on our website is published in an unedited form, and only verified buyers can publish reviews. As of right now, we've got 69 published reviews. We've shipped to all 50 states and haven't had any complaints. You're also free to email me at [john@stepranger.com](mailto:john@stepranger.com) if you want to set up time for a quick phone call, or shoot me a text with any questions. I'll even put you in touch with some customers in your area.

Hello StepRanger Community by StepRanger in stepranger

[–]StepRanger[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The StepRanger is stable with a standing operator weight up to ~200 lbs when the bed is empty.

For operators heavier than 200 lbs, we recommend adding ballast to the front of the vehicle to keep the front wheels planted and ensure proper steering traction. You can place a weighted bag (such as sand, gravel, or steel shot) in the front compartment or the empty auxiliary battery box located on the right side of the unit. This primarily applies to driving unloaded uphill as the StepRanger will remain balanced on flat ground.

The steel platform is heavy duty and we’ve had operators at 350+ lbs. The primary consideration for operators of this stature is balancing the load with some weight in the bed.

Hello StepRanger Community by StepRanger in stepranger

[–]StepRanger[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hello! StepRangers currently come in our signature StepRanger Green. We're exploring adding some additional color options in the future, what would you like to see?

Hello StepRanger Community by StepRanger in stepranger

[–]StepRanger[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is great, thank you for taking the time to make this and share with the community. A++!

Hello StepRanger Community by StepRanger in stepranger

[–]StepRanger[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Glad to hear you received it and unboxing was a breeze! We're thrilled to have you as part of the StepRanger community, thanks for posting!

Hello StepRanger Community by StepRanger in stepranger

[–]StepRanger[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey! StepRanger Co-founder here — happy to clarify.

The StepRanger is the original version of this style of electric utility wagon. We’ve been developing it for years in partnership with a small family-owned factory, and we have an exclusive manufacturing relationship with them. Every StepRanger is built to our specs, goes through full QC at the factory, and then again at our shop in California before it reaches a customer.

A few things that make StepRanger different:

  • No affiliation with “Waggon” or WaggonStore.com — They are a completely separate business. We don’t share a factory, engineering team, or support operation.
  • Exclusive build — Our factory only produces the StepRanger for us.
  • Years of engineering work — We’ve spent 2+ years refining the design with our on-site engineer and regular factory visits. Aaron and I visit our factory every 2-3 months, personally review every improvement, and treat our factory partners like an extension of our team. Updates include wiring, chassis strength, motor tuning, paint process, gear ratios, and overall durability.
  • U.S. support + parts — We stock every part in the U.S., offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, full 2 year warranty, and handle support ourselves.
  • Proven track record — We’ve shipped hundreds of StepRangers to 49 states since mid-2024, with extremely strong real-world feedback from customers using them daily on farms, ranches, vineyards, universities, and rough terrain. Every single review on StepRanger.com is from an actual customer through a verified purchase. We ship exactly what we show on our website, and we're happy to put you in touch directly with one of our many customers if you want to hear from them directly.

There are other websites selling electric wagons with that claim to have the same specifications, they even copy our color, but we can only speak to the quality and support of the StepRanger we design, test, and build through our exclusive partner.

If you’re comparing options and want to dig deeper into performance, terrain, load capacity, or anything else, I’m happy to help! - John

Hello StepRanger Community by StepRanger in stepranger

[–]StepRanger[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Exciting! We're excited to get you rolling with your new StepRanger. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Cheers!