Opinions Wanted - Side Step Bars or Running Boards

Hello,

Wanted to get your opinion and logic behind a choice I am in the process of making.

Forget price because there is no considerable difference between the 2 options, based purely on look and functionality would you get Side Step Bars or Running Boards for my 2012 4X4 V6 DCSB Nautical Blue. Below are pics of both. Let me know what you think, not putting any on is also option.

 

Of those 2 , running boards , they won't rot off as fast and look better

There are other non-Toyota options too in case you weren't aware

 

dude you cant go wrong with either of the OEM tube steps toyota offers, they look and function wonderfully, u can get them in either black (same metal and paint as the black base model tacoma rear bumper) or silver. they are tough as nails, wont dent or rust and install in literally 15 min. into the pre installed threads in the underneath of your cab. the NFAB predator step bars are also a good look as well, and install the same way. and both are cheaper than hat you're looking at, the OEM steps for ur truck are $440.00 at the dealer, and the NFAB's are $340.00 hope this helps!

 

I vote sliders to be used as a step.

 

I'd look at n Fab or Avid side steps.

 

I had option 1 oem nerf bars on my tacoma for 4 yrs in VT.
They held up surprising very well for harsh conditions & I sold them outright after trading in the truck.

For my tundra, I decided on a black bar & used rustoleum bed coating for more grippy.
I prepped the surface, sprayed two light coats, & had a nice non slip surface. These bars were Raptor Series for around $180 shipped.

NASTA a great stainless steel bar including mounting hardware.
I think NFABS do too.

 

i voted side steps

 

Out of those two, go with the running boards. But I don't really like either one. I would get a black powder coated step bar.

 

N-fab 2" black step bars - $300 shipped from Streetside Auto
Linex coating - $200 ($100 per side)
Longer stainless steel hardware for extra thickness of coating - $20
IMO, turned out great. Hoping they will last for years with the Linex coating.

 

Side steps!

 

X2

 

side steps!

 

I'm sure you made a decision already but having just got a new Tacoma with the oem steps thrown in for free I thought I should tell you the oem steps are useless there to close to the truck, no separation. They are good for washing the roof though.

 

I got step bars. It makes washing the roof easier,not limited to the step.

 

Stainless nerf bars is what I put on and I love the way they look

 

Get the nfab/avid style side steps. Neither of the ones you posted pics of are appealing to me.

 

For me, I wanted a step to help older friends get into the truck (2012 DCSB SR5 V6), to help protect against parking lot dings from thoughtless door openings into sides of the truck, and to help keep mud & snow & salt thrown up by the front tires off the side of the truck. None of the alternatives help much with the step, all of the alternatives protected the sides from dings to varying degrees, but only the running boards showed any real promise to keep the winter crap off the sides of the truck.

I bought the OEM running boards on-line and installed them myself (easy) in about an hour, So far, so good. They look great, too.


N. Fowler

 

Any drilling required for the OEM Running boards?

 

No, the body of the truck is all pre-drilled for the bolts that came with the running boards.

It's just a bolt on process, 6 per side, that I did by lying on my back in the garage following the included instructions. You need 7/16 and 13 mm (I think) sockets, and a screwdriver to remove the plastic inserts in the body's threaded holes. The bolts are galvanized and have a blue coating on the threads that I assume is like Locktite.

N. Fowler

 

I vote for neither. I sold those exact oem step bars for $150 a few weeks ago.

If you really need them I too would rather look into nfabs, avids or smittybuilt steps as mentioned in this thread earlier.