What practical considerations should I take into account when buying new nerf boards

Just got news from my dealer they were able to make a swap with another dealer won't have to order a 2017 and wait for ever for delivery.

My Tacoma DCSB TRD Sport arrives from Texas on and around May 20th as this is my first pick-up truck I am just not sure what practical considerations I should be looking at when purchasing nerf boards? If anyone has any input and suggestions it would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance.

I have been looking at the 5" black Lund oval curved steel nerf bars on Amazon see link below and the toyota OEM running boards that is a straighter design

RealTruck Lund 23884295 Oval Curved Steel Nerf Bar 5", Black, Large

http://www.amazon.com/Lund-23884295...-1-5291-392-1-0&sr=1-2&ymm=2016:toyota:tacoma

http://toyota-accessories.toyota.ca...&color=04X0&package=B&interiorColor=1&version

 

have you considered a good set of bolt on sliders? nerf boards and step bars may get tore off if you ever plan to offroad at all. sliders with fill plates are usefull as steps too. nerfs and steps attach to body, sliders to frame

credit to @scottalot and @EddyRRT @ SOS

 

I will look into the sliders, where did you get yours?

 

Initially I won't be off roading.

 

Mobtown Offroad

http://mobtownoffroad.com/product/no-drill-bolt-on-rock-sliders-2/

http://mobtownoffroad.com/2015/11/18/what-makes-moboff-bolt-on-sliders-the-best/

 

SOS Concepts in Charleston, link in Sig.

 

that was my plan too, and quickly changed LOL

Enjoy your new rig,

 

I looked for quite a bit. I really liked the oval tube steps that come with the wheels/tires of the TSS package, but the ruggedness of sliders really appealed to me. You should be able to use the sliders as a lift point for a jack once properly installed. I understand they sit a little higher than steps, but that makes reaching things on the roof rack or camper shell rack easier. Sliders are a bit more expensive once you add filler plates and shipping to the price. They are heavy too, but they are heavy duty.

I ordered a set of the Mobtown bolt on sliders, with filler plates and the kickouts.... unfinished. Now, I'm just waiting for them to show up, so I can paint them and install.

 

If you don't want or need rugged sliders, I'd look for a gently-used takeoff set of Toyota OEM steps. There are three variations offered I believe (at least in the US). Many dealer units have these pre-installed, and off road-oriented buyers (like me) will sell them as soon as we take delivery. I sold mine in like-new condition for 1/2 price, and helped the buyer install them in my driveway. Check the TW classifieds. I had the straight black aluminum steps which looked pretty nice, actually, and while not very rugged and attached to the body, at least didn't stick down like the Predator steps.

 

I really like my nFabs... not sliders but I wouldn't go anywhere in a $35K truck that needed sliders, but that's just me.

 

Great suggestions and advice, I will look into all the above options and decide shortly. Thanks will post pics once the truck arrives and with my eventual mods.

 

Best of luck... first part of decision should be based on how you intend to use the truck. Don't buy nerf bars/running boards if you will be doing serious offroad. Dirt road fun? then go for what looks and works best for you.

 

I just ordered these from auto anything. They were originally 600 for that set up (its modular so it you can have a long step or two shorter steps per side) I got them for like 340 after some haggling and price matching. Got the steps today, waiting on the runners that they attach to.

 

Practical depends upon your individual plans for use and application.

 

They look very sweet!

 

If you just need something to help step into the truck, I suggest the N-fabs. The step drops down more than most, so if you are short (or, such as my case, your wife is), it makes it much easier for entry. As for me, it is placed well so I just step into the truck and don't even notice it.

 

I don't need sliders because I don't plan to go sliding across rocks. However when you're out hunting at O'DarkThirty in the AM on unmaintained forest roads and you turn over that Stump or rock you didnt see, it's better you hit the underside of a slider, nerf bar, etc rather than slamming into your rocker panel. Being prepared is mitigating the risk of damage to the body of the truck... so I have the nerf bars that came on my truck (black ovals) they serve the purpose and don't look halfbad IMO. they will stay on.

 

Which style & size nFabs are those? I'm in the market.

 

I've never owned nerfs/steps (sliders only) but I have been told that accidentally hitting that stump or rock with nerfs/steps can cause more damage than if they weren't there. That is due to how they are mounted and transmit point loads to the body. Plus they are lower than the body and therefore more likely to take a hit in the first place. You might taje a look at yours and see if that makes sense. Just a suggestion.

 

Could be true, depends where they're mounted I suspect. I don't do any crawling and I drive slowly over things that look like they could make contact....a slow brush with a rock or stump shouldn't be a problem for Nerfs but if contact directly with your rocker panels it will definitely leave a gouge.