Thinking about adding step tubes or running boards...opinions?

for my new Silver truck


I'm thinking about black running boards



or step tubes


either way...I'd probaby go with the Toyota product...and probably black (although the tubes are available in SS or chrome from what I have seen on dealer parts websites) And I don't need sliders because I dont use my truck for rock crawling.

Thoughts? Opinions?

 

I like the step tubes that came on my Texas Edition. Not sure if they're the exact ones you show in that bottom picture because they're painted smooth, they're rough/textured. They look cool though and I actually use them to get in, not out though. I would get some!

 

I have the oval shaped chrome tubes on my 07, I think it makes a great difference.

 

Check out Avidoffroad.com. They have some step bars that I really like. Just click on my link under my sig.

 

Sounds like a great idea! I'll sell you a set.

 

See if this close up works.......

 

are the running boards too grandpa?

or maybe belong on an SUV?

you don't see them often on a Tacoma? (maybe because they are steel not aluminum?)

 

Ive got some for sale in the buy/sell/trade section! Check em out!

 

My opinion is tube steps over running boards. They just look more "truck-ish". But that said, you might also want to look into painting your pinch weld. There's a whole write up somewhere on the forums here.

 

I like the tubes over the running boards. If you live anywhere near the ocean, I'd go with stainless steel and paint them if you want black. The steel ones will rust and look like crap in a few years unless you coat them with something more durable than the factory powder coat.

Also, how come you're set on Toyota products? There are much better products for a lot less money.

Nice truck BTW

 

im running predator side steps, they look great and they are quite useful.

 

add predetors

 

x2

 

Personally, I like the OEM running boards. They're tucked up againest the body nicely. I wanted that 'clean' look over tube steps or ones that hang down lower.

 

thanks

thanks

don't want to buy something and have to paint them. the black tubes are aluminum. good point about the salt air.

I think the Toyota parts look factory and fit best?

not sure they look as good on a Sport as they do on an Off Road. I did test drive an OR and it had predators, seemed to work OK, but the little step pads looked like cheese graters and the exposed edges would get ya good if you slipped...I'll have to reconsider them.

 

I think they look great on your truck

have other pics from different angles?

 

I got rid of the factory step tubes. The height was just slightly lower than the sill (similar to the pic above). It made getting in and out a chore. I ended up getting a set of Rhino Dominator 2 which are like the nFabs, but with a different piece of metal where you step. With the step being lower, it makes getting in and out a lot easier.

 

good point

that's one thing I liked about the predator bars...those steps are down a bit from the door sills.

just not so sure they would look good on a Sport that has steet tires and will probably never see the "off road"??

 

It don't take rock crawling to bend step rails:

 

Love my running boards. Stick out enough to protect from door dings, hides the pinch weld, and the contrast looks good on the Indigo Ink


Sorry I haz no clean pictures of my truck