Side Steps Reviews??? (Practicality over looks)

I'm in the market for some side steps, not sliders, because I surf and loading and unloading boards from my roof rack is much easier with steps. I don't need steps to get in and out of the truck (I'm 6 foot, so its perfect getting in and out without them) so I'd like them to be low profile for the most part.
What I want to know is not so much what the best deal is, money wise, but more how everyone likes their particular step. I've seen tons of different types and some look like they would be more irritating/dangerous than actually useful/practical. So any advice would be appreciated.
Mahalo

 

I like the OEM running boards. You should be able to find them cheap on craigslist.

 

Or the

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

Tyger ones for less than $300 new.

 

After looking at tons of options, I put the factory Gen 2 running boards on mine. I like their profile, the way they mold into and hide the pinch weld, and the fact that they're pretty nondescript. They're also made of ABS like the rest of the plastic on the vehicle, which provides a perfect match. They won't chip or rust either. They extend just enough to stop door dings. I'm 6'2", so don't use them to enter/exit, and they don't get in the way like many other options, yet they're very useful for reaching the top of the truck.

 

This is EXACTLY what i've been wanting to do, but I can only find them on ebay and they are going for $500+ after shipping costs to Hawaii.

 

I paid well under $300 for mine at the dealer.

 

When did you buy it and dealerships still stock previous model accessories?!

 

I went through this recently. Don't need sliders, but wanted a step for my lady (especially with lift and tires coming) and also wanted some protection in parking lots from door dings. I didn't want plastic, round low-hanging steps. I found these on ebay and rolled the dice. Instructions are worthless, but they are super easy to install and fairly straight forward. Had them on solo in about 45 mins as I was drinking beer and had the dog outside with me. Overall, great for just $175!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/391958802166

 

Very nice! Pics of it on your truck? And how's the quality/how did the bolts line up when installing?

 

On each side of the truck there are 3 brackets going from truck frame (factory mounting holes) that line up perfect. You set the step on top and then put a bracket into the underside of the step and tighten everything down after positioning it to your liking (forward, back and side to side).

 

My bad, not sure why I couldn't see the pictures you originally posted with your previous reply. Looks good, however, shipping to hawaii is $180, naturally. Probably will call my local dealership and ask about the gen 2 oem ones. Thanks for the info though!

 

About 4 months ago. They had it in stock.

 

Local Dealership had them in stock for $345 after taxes! (good price because hawaii shipping is ridiculous) Ordered them and will be installing today! Thanks for the help

 

Good to hear! They bolt up easily. Just leave all the bolts slightly lose until you align everything.

 

I'll throw another vote in for these - practicality over looks is the deal w/ these! The star cutouts on the steps turn a lot of folks off and almost kept me from buying them but I must say it looks awesome on the truck and you can't tell they are stars until you're basically getting in the truck anyway.

I like these because:

• The step is wide enough that I can comfortably stand on them for long periods while loading/unloading gear to my roof rack
• Also wider than the widest part of your doors so as long as you park to vehicles lower than your truck, they will not be dinging your doors
• My wife loves them as she hated getting into my truck before and now uses them to easily get in every time.
• Designed in a way that does a great job deflecting road debris / rocks away from your paint
• Heavy - 45lbs a piece so they feel very solid
• Powdercoating has held up pristinely through 4 full seasons of (ab)use.
• Easy installation - bolts to your rocker panel, so not meant for jacking your truck up or sliding over rocks.
• No really loss of overall clearance as the steps hang about the same as the lowest part of the truck's frame.
• Having a black powder-coated Prinsu up top + these steps on the bottom really frames up and makes the silver color POP imo. My truck would look naked to me without these steps and the Prinsu on top!

I'd also add...the stars do actually serve a purpose as well. If it's raining, the star cutouts create just enough bite in your shoe sole to keep you from slipping which is a plus...

 

Whole thing went on in about 10 minutes, however, I stripped one of the bolt threads while rushing so i'll have to replace that one, otherwise, even without it, that side still feels just as strong as the other. I think the thread was M8x25, does that sound right?

 

thanks for the response and info, but I actually decided to go with the oem 2nd gen ones. I really wanted running boards and not nerf bar type. I also liked the fact that the oem ones really don't stick out from the truck very much because of what my intended use it.

 

Not sure on the bolt size. I'm OCD and used a torque wrench on mine.

 

I have a set of n-fab's and they are perfect. I am also like you, 6'4" surfer and find that these steps are just where I need them to strap down my board to the roof.