Running board suggestions

I'm in the market for running boards. Any suggestions for what kind?

 

Depends on the functionality you primarily intend them for and the style you are most happy with. You looking for rock sliders type? Steps perhaps? Or something straight forward that is just primarily used as a step?

 

id like to just use them as primarily used as a step, but I want it to look nice and not have something that looks cheap

 

Black or Chrome?

 

black for sure

 

Cool! Lastly, how deep is your pocket?

 

I'm thinking around $200 or less. Not looking to spend too much

 

Many people find running boards too high for use as steps, but a lot like them for protecting the body from stones etc. Check the height out first. I found the Toyota Predator steps great for use as steps. Also aluminum, so no rust issues.

 

Hard to find anything that's not plastic for under $200. But I found these for a little more if you think its work the extra $$$.

$364 Tyger Auto Star Armor Compatible with 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma | Double Cab | TG-AM2T20048 | Side Step Rails Nerf Bars Running Boards

https://www.amazon.com/Tyger-Auto-T...68&sr=8-9&keywords=2016+tacoma+running+boards

 

Won't find predators for anywhere near $200 unless someone basically gives them to you.

 

Look for a used set off a 2nd Gen Tacoma. They will fit.

 

I have these. Look good, very sturdy, but they stick out a tad far, you'll get shin checked a lot if you're standing outside the truck and reaching for something inside. I can see myself upgrading to something else eventually, maybe a low profile slider to act as a step but I'm not sure yet.

 

Perfect for protection for when kids or careless people sway open their doors too far

 

Indeed. This is one of the main reasons I got them! Eventually I'll look around for something that is a little more compact but still provides that protection.

 

I second the "find a 2nd gen OEM board", if you under a budget constraint......!! Here are mine... had them for 10 yrs on my 2006 and was gonna remove but buyer wanted them and I got new ones... they are aluminum covered in matching bed rail plastic.... They are a little high for steps, especially for little people....
They do give maximum body and paint protection along with flaps...!!

 

Up to this point I was going to suggest the Toyota Cast Aluminum Running Boards. They're great, solid metal, love 'em, but $200 won't even get you one side.

@over60's suggestion of the previous generation plastic-on-metal-frame would be the closer bet for your budget.

Also look for folks in SouthEast Toyota territory getting rid of the Shark boards from their trucks.

 

I would recommend these as well. I picked up a brand new "take-off" pair on craigslist for not much more than what you want to pay. You can get some westin oval bars on Amazon prime for $200 ish and they look pretty good.

 

I have to ask you who seem to like the running boards , do you use them to enter truck or mostly for looks ? I have them on my 17 DCSB and think I'm gonna take em off as all I seem to get out of them is the back of my pants leg dirty from them .
I'm 6'1" and there is no way I can stand on them to enter truck . I think it will be easier to enter with them out of the way honestly .

I don't 4 wheel to speak , gravel roads to deer lease . I don't see how they could stop a car door from hitting the truck at factory height . Am I missing something about them that is a good thing besides they look nice and all but basically just there to get your pants dirty .

MM

 

I agree with you...I do not need them for entry and they do hit the back of my pants if I don't "scooch" outward, while getting out...However, they fair extremely well in paint protection and to some extent, door dings (smaller cars)... Driving on the HWY here we get sand/salt, etc off the tires and it will "sandblast" the paint... they stop that.(with the flaps)... My "ole lady uses her side and the grab handle to get in.
Not for looks, for functionality..!! But they DO look good

 

Why do I have mine?

They do work for door protection from many cars. Trucks and SUVs maybe not so much, but some protection is better than none.

At 5'9" I step up and sit down into the truck. I step on and out when exiting and don't soil my pants. Just as I did with my Jeep Wrangler.

Even with mud flaps (installed after this photo), I hear plenty of pings against the running boards when on gravel/FS roads, so I'm getting some degree of paint protection.

They also look good.