Running Boards, what to do

I just bought my new 2017 Tacoma two days ago. No running boards but I want them. Trying to decide between the black Factory Style Running Boards or the oval chrome tube type. My bumper is black and so are the insides of my wheels. Any pros or cons for functionality?

 

Chrome is hedious. Running boards get destroyed if you do moderate off roading. Most people in here will recommend weld or bolt on rock sliders. They're much stronger and can be used as steps if you buy them with filler plates.

 

Welcome to TW and congrats on the truck! Do you know the difference between running boards and sliders? Do you see yourself off roading it in the future? (Spending time on this site might lead you down that path). If you do, sliders might be a better bet. Running boards are only designed as a step, light but not strong. Sliders are designed to protect your trucks body from impact and are immensely strong, but heavier.

3rd gen blot on sliders. Note they are available with or without the fill plates, so they can still look like a step. I have fill plates.
http://mobtownoffroad.com/product/no-drill-bolt-on-rock-sliders-2/

 

Thanks for your post. I always had a 4x4 ever since I left Lake Tahoe. No I don't see myself doing a lot of off roading but I can never give up my truck, From snow to camping, to fishing and beach running a 4x4 is my vehicle of choice. That being said my wife has a hard time climbing in so since I never got running boards for the Tundra I want to get them for my Tacoma. Just on the fence. The Chrome ovals look good then they don't look good on other vehicles. The black factory type fit close to the body. Just hoping to hear from real owners and their satisfaction.

 

Just thought I would upload a pic to go along.
So don't think I need rockers just boards to get in and out. Black or Chrome?

 

Definitely go black.

 

Black for sure

 

Welcome! Go black. There's no need for sliders. If you want some "cooler" (that's subjective) steps, look into these.

http://www.n-fab.com/products/sfID1/60/sfID2/106/sfID3/197/productID/1014

 

Go Black!

 

But then he'll never go back!!

 

You never know though!There'd been a few times in my life as an example where i went black,then came back!Wasn't necessarily easy though!

 

I went with black nerf bars on my 17. They do fit close to the body, tough to step on. Inexpensive but good look to the truck.

 

I've been researching nerf bars for my 2016 and am inclining more to the black ones. On the plus side, they're cheaper; on the downside, black finishes seem to have more rust problems - not a huge number, but seemingly more than chrome.

Best website I've seen so far is realtruck.com for the bars. They carry 4 or 5 brands, prices are as good as anywhere else I've seen if not better, and there are multiple customer reviews for each produce - in some cases over 500. Website is easy to navigate, too.

 

Well if you were local I'd sell you new black oval ones off my 2017

 

We got the black running boards on our 2017. They are strictly cosmetic. We needed utilitarian for stepping up so I would not strain my back. The standard black they installed are no help.

 

How about Predator Steps?

 

I run these and really like the the looks. They also help protect your doors from fat old ladies at the grocery store who slam their doors open into your nice truck.

https://www.carid.com/2016-toyota-tacoma-running-boards/rbp-side-steps-194983393.html

 

Not the best pic, sorry.

 

We have the black running boards. They look okay but functionality for a short person like me is not very good. I needed something to step up on to get in truck. Running flairs out and not really down.

 

If you like the predator, N-Fab makes them for Toyota, so that's good to know as sometimes N-Fabs are cheaper (not always)...

Of course, we're partial to this webpage full - http://puretacoma.com/sliders-nerf-bars-2016-c-648_811/

At least 10 brands, 20+ choices, some with steps, some with step pads, ... decisions, decisions.... Good luck!