Looking for high mounted running boards or sliders (mainly for protection)

Hey all. Seeking advice and recommendations for some running boards. I mainly want something for door ding protection. I don't care how they are in terms of step comfort as I really don't need a step to get in and out. A lot of running boards I see around online seem to be mounted pretty far down. I don't like those at all. I want something that doesn't interfere much if at all with the ground clearance. This is the only one I've seen on Amazon that seems to be mounted higher up. Was thinking about getting it.

$209 APS Black Running Boards Style Compatible with Toyota Tacoma 2005-2023 Double Crew Cab (Nerf Bars Side Steps Side Bars)

https://www.amazon.com/APS-iBoard-Running-Boards-2005-2018/dp/B01MRVAEK4/

I am new Taco owner as of last month, so I am new to the world of aftermarket parts and brands. Any particular brands I should steer clear from? What about the ones that are particularly well liked around here?

Thanks!

 

Running boards attach to the body and offer no protection from trails but do protect you from door dings. Sliders attach to the frame, either bolted or welded, and are what you want for trail protection. Door ding protection depends on which slider you get. Most of them are going to be around 20 degrees for low profile which won't offer a lot of door ding protection, but you can find 0 degree ones that are more of step but with slider level trail protection and ultimate door ding protection. Sliders will run you $500 minimum and upwards of $1,000 depending on options. Many vendors for them. Check out the vendor section or armor forum for more.

 

I've got the OEM boards... I think there a couple of versions of this..... I love them for door dings and road slop/gravel not hitting the paint.

Too high to be good/comfortable step.....

They mess your pants on the back of yer leg if you don't "scooch" outward a little before stepping down...

I love these....

 

I'm in the same boat as you, these are the ones I'm looking at

$219 APS Off-Road 6.5in Side Armor Stainless Steel Running Boards Compatible with Toyota Tacoma 2005-2023 Double Crew Cab (Nerf Bars Side Steps Side Bars)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B079P99HDR/ref=ox_sc_act_image_3?smid=A3CQ5833KTZ4RX&psc=1

 

Sliders for offroad since side steps will tear apart. If it's just dirt roads where you know you wont land the truck on a rock then steps are more than enough for you

 

Buy the sliders, better in the long run.

 

Check out avid offroad. They have slider look a likes that use the factory running board mounting holes. As previously stated anything that bolts to the factory step bar location is not protection from sliding the truck over obstacles

https://avidoffroad.com/cart/index.php/avid-products/avid-products/sliders.html

 

I’ve got the oem cast aluminum running boards ... great for avoiding door dings!

 

I have these came on the truck. Paired with mud flaps it keeps the sides of my truck protected and clean. I drive down my gravel alley daily, and throw gravel daily.. I hear the "ding" against these steps almost daily! A Passenger car door would definitely hit these boards before your door.

Also to mention they have a nice grip. Makes washing windows and roof a simple job. They are high mounted, and not much of an aid as a step. my kid uses them, sometimes. But they do look great

 

If your going to get a nice running board, go ahead and invest a little more for a set of sliders, I ended up with a 0 degree angle on my sliders so that its a flat step for my wife and kids. It's good whether your off the paved surface or at the store.

 

I've got these as well. Never had a door ding and they do a great job of catching everything that kicks up off the road

 

I have "Rock Steps" by Body Armor. They're nice and high. And tight to the body.

 

What are some good suggestions for sliders?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-slider-cost-comparison.568072/

 

if I had the money and wheeled like I use to U would go with @mobtown, I really would like to find something between cheap running boards and serious off-road sliders, IMHO 4 connecting points to the frame and a full frame plate is overkill for 90% of of the people that put on sliders, here in NH I had an XJ I ran 1.75" HREW with 2 connections to the frame and a pinch weld mount and it did everything I needed, I had a Suzuki back in the day with 1/4" plate mounted via rivnuts and it did fine. if I was running rocks and ledges I could see the need for these over built units that add 150lbs to the truck but for heavily wooded trails they are just too much

 

Hey Taco Crew,
This is an awesome set of running boards from Tyger. They are durable and tight to the cab; but are far enough to prevent dings and strong enough to support 300 lbs. Easy install .. by self! BEST OF ALL , they can be purchased from either Walmart $268 or Amazon $289 ..no tax and shipped to home. There are better prices found during special times $50;off. I didn't want to wait. Good luck with the search! MSGtacoMedic

 

Do you know the part number for this (OEM cast aluminum running board)? Also, would this fit my 2019 tacoma sr5 double cab long bed?

 

PT76735160

 

Have a search, it can be found easy.
I'm sure if fits any double cab 3rd gen.
Play around toyotas website. Build your truck, check out the options.

 

There are several good slider being made out there and some of the Vendors are also TW members. I can't speak for all of em However I have seen Mobtown's on another truck and they look good and sturdy, I went with RCI because my Rear Roof Top Tent Rack is made by them and the Quality is exceptional.

Best thing to do (My Opinion)<----- Here is where the beating starts for me..... is to think about what you are really going to do with your truck like going off road on well traveled and maintained dirt roads? not going over serious ruts and rocks? OK you could get away with Light duty sliders without that darn step on it.

Going down that trial where there is "that guy" being a spotter telling you which way to turn your wheels? better get a set of Real Sliders like the custom Fab shops make such as MobTown, BAMF, Caliraised, Brute Force, RCI, C-4, Relentless Fab and several others here do make great Real off Road Sliders that you can get in different angles to fit what you want. Sorry guys if I miss one of ya I bloody can't remember all of em.

Just a Mall Crawler that wants to look real good? only going down well cared for Dirt roads? then the Cast Aluminum things will work and certainly look good but keep in mind the First Real Rock you hit with em it could be the last for those and your Rocker Panels because they are only Nerf bars that are 85% Looks and 15% usable for like a step and anti door ding along with flinging pebble protection. and oh... Sorry if My Grammar sucks so I been told before.....