OEM Tube Steps

My kids(3 and 5 yo) have some trouble getting in my TRD OR, so I am considering getting tube steps. I wanted to get opinions on the OEM Tube steps, and any pics preferably on TRD OR model. I saw them on toyota's site and I think they look ok and it looks like they done have as much of an impact on ground clearance compared to the Predator steps.
So, for anyone that has them:
1. How do you like them?
2. Is there much of an impact on ground clearance?
3. Pics? especially on a TRD OR

Also, I know most will say that I should get rock sliders instead. However, I do not rock crawl, I do some basic offroading - sand, dirt, etc... Also, they end up being around $800-1000 when factoring in powder coating, etc...

 

My sr came with them, they lasted 2 weeks(first good rain) and I pulled them off. Truck didn't sit high enough to use them and when I got out I had to step over them, and when it rained it got my pants leg wet. As for kids. Mine are 2 and 13 so neither used them, when I had my tundra and my 13yo was like 6-7 I put a set of nfab dominator 2 steps on it that had drop hoops like the predator steps. I don't Offroad really so I didn't experience any issues with ground clearance.

Before removal. Hope it helps

 

If it helps, I bought my nerf bars from AutoAnything for less than half of what the dealership wanted for an identical pair. I’m betting tube steps fall into the same category.

If you’re worried about clearance, a lot of folks have sliders and put a plate on top. Shorter folks can get in, and you’re protected. Win/win.

 

Thanks for the info, hearing about having to step over them and getting your pants wet/dirty makes me think I should just leave it without a step. Saves me some money and the kids will eventually get big enough to climb in easily without it.

 

One reason I got it was to protect the side bolsters of my seat; instead of sliding and rubbing against the seat I use the tube step to enter and exit the truck (I'm 5'10). I believe this technique will help slow down the wear and tear on the seats

Please note the tube step is obtrusive so I suggest going to your local dealer to try and feel if it will work for you. Also, I often see used oem tube steps for sale in this forum and you can save almost at least 40% off

 

I like mine, they really help my shorter family members (all of them) help with loading up our rack with gear and kayaks and do the tie downs and such, but we also have been going off road on more technical trails than usual, and do worry about denting them up, so have been looking at getting sliders instead.

If you decide to try them out, why not get new condition used ones? Like the Goodyear AT Wranglers that came stock with our trucks, I bet there’s a good buyer’s market out there for almost new used OEM tube steps!

Want to buy my almost new Wranglers at MSRP? I’ll throw in a free set of almost new OEM tube steps!

 

Yes definitely look on Craigslist, I sold mine I took off for 150, way less than factory price but didn't want them hanging out in my garage forever either.

 

Found an OEM set on somewhat local Craigslist for $200.....didn't want to fight the city traffic to get them, though. Not long after found a set on eBay and won them for 1 PENNY, that is right, 1 cent!!!!!! I did have to pay $50 to get them shipped from Massachusetts to NE Ohio, but still way ahead. Wish they mounted a bit lower from the body, though. All in all, for $50.01 I am very happy!

 

It’s because of people like you that I hate starting a sale on eBay at auction only with no reserve or opening price!

 

Yeah, but I bid $25 to start and no one else bid!!! I could have bid $1000 and still got them for a penny if no one else bid. Sorry.

 

So are Predator steps out of the question? Magnum has some cool ones too.

 

Nice score though- I wish it were me!!

 

Nice truck, I like how the TRD sport looks in white. The steps look good

 

Thanks i love it have 0 regrets going back to the tacoma from tundra

 

nice truck!!!! congrats on the white sport I like the same.

 

Here’s mine with some go rhino steps. Probably going to swap them out to something different

 

A decent set of sliders will do what you want, and be cheaper.

 

On my previous Tacoma (2nd Gen), I had the oval step tubes and I did not like them for basically the same reasons that FalconsFan stated in post #2. Now I have the Predator style steps from Toyota and they have been perfect for me and my family! My younger kids (7 and 10) use them all the time, but my wife and I do not...instead she and I are able to put our foot down just behind the front step without any issue (like we used to with the oval step tubes). No dirt and no reaching our legs to step in or out of the truck. Plus, sometimes it helps to scrap off excess mud before we get in the Taco!

I'd say the only downside to these Predatory steps is that they are not strong enough to take a rock (if you are into serious off-roading...which is not an issue for me).

 

First off LOL. Second, the Predator steps are designed to break off to prevent them from tearing off your rocker panels.