Predator vs. OEM 5”Oval Sidestep

I bought and installed the oval sidestep a few weeks ago, but have been disappointed in how useful they have been. For me, they seem too high and close to the body to function as a step. I have a chance to trade them for the Predator step, but hope I can get some advice here first. Based on photos, the Predators seem to extend out from the body and look lower than the tube. Is this actually the case? If so, does the difference make a difference? I know this is subjective, but any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

I'm listening in too, still debating whether to get side steps or running boards, or not... I was looking at the Toyota oval side steps too

 

Hoop steps like the predators are a little more functional, but you probably won't be overly impressed by them either. Most people including myself still step over them. Good for kids and wife that would otherwise struggle to get in.

 

I took off my chrome OEM steps and sold them, they were too high and close to the truck to be effective as a step. I replaced them with Steelcraft 4" ovals, which were a big improvement. They are much more functional as a step.

 

These are N-fab podium steps. They're stainless instead of aluminum. I was going to get predators, but read about kids sometimes slipping through the open step and getting legs caught... food for thought.

 

Here's a post on Lund 5" ovals. There is a video link that shows the clearances etc. I have a set and I am happy with them.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/step-bar-choices.475380/#post-14403874

 

I use the Predator steps getting in and out. I found them so useful on my Tacoma that I got a set for my 4Runner when they came available. From your explanation, the Predators sound like a good option. I obviously recommend them as I bought a second set for my 4Runner.

 

I've had both. I agree with your thoughts on the ovals being positioned poorly. The predators that I no ow have are functionally superior for use as steps. The oval's did keep more road debris off the truck better though.

I traded with my neighbor since we liked each other's steps better.

 

If you go off-roading and depending on how hard you wheel, predators would hold up.

 

I have a 6 year old and can't see how that is even possible. The opening is only like 3".

Kids do do amazing things though, so anything is possible.

 

I like the OEM oval step tubes because of the protection from road debris. I have had this style step tube on five Tacomas and three Dodge Rams. I have to travel on eight miles of gravel roads daily and I have had almost no rock ships on any of the trucks' lower body panels. My trucks have also always had factory mud guards installed.

 

Mine care with the Predators, being 6ft tall I just step in and never use them but like the looks. If mine hadn’t had them I’d bought N-Fabs but that’s only because I had them on a Chevy and they done great.

 

I bought a new set of take off predators from a friend. He took them off with less than 30 miles, wrapped them up. He didn't like them, and I wanted something under a $175 budget. I was offered them, but not my first choice so I got them. I have found them very useful as to dry off the top of the truck after washing it and the steps make reaching the windshield to clean even easier. They do look tuff looking, they are aluminum power coated and keep the sides pretty clean. I'm growing to like the predators more and more each day, since I don't see a lot of the predators around here. I like the larger oval ones better than some I have see with the smaller steel tubes. I think they are pretty functional, look great, durable and I like the looks on my truck. Works better with a lifted truck versus a non lifted truck. It looks great with or without them I'm.

 

It appears the functional result of my 5” oval sidestep is to get my pants leg dirty... I never use it for the intended purpose, and is rarely use by other family members (little kids excepted). That said, IMO it looks good, however also add unnecessary weight... thinking about pulling it off and going bare.

 

My truck is lifted 2.5" and I still step over the predator steps. I'm 6'1

 

The predators are super light, I'm guessing 20 lbs maybe.

 

Me too. But they do look great, helps my kids get in and that's a help.

 

Yeah, my wife is short and she would have to hop in without them.

 

I have the same ones, hit them with a few coats of plastidip, they are great.

 

Or less.