Looking for running board recommendations

On my 3rd Tacoma and never had running boards. But we are now 71 and wife finding it harder to get in as do I. Truck is 2018 SR5 Double Cab Sky Silver. Live in rural Pa and Westin Boards installed are $550. Read some reviews and said mounting is poor. Looking for recommendation on a board that has a sturdy mount that will make getting in easier and hopefully something I could install myself. Unsure what looks sharper with Silver paint?

 

I got these,

Tyger Auto 6.6" Blade Running Boards Compatible with 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma | Double Cab | TG-BL2T7078 | Side Step Nerf Bars

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079YKT9CX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They are not bad to install, I did it by myself, but I am 25 and still have many many years left in my joints. They feel solid, especially when I use them to stomp/scrape mud off my boots

 

I currently have Nfab predator steps I snagged on Amazon to help my kids get in and out more easily.

APS Premium 4in Running Boards Compatible with Toyota Tacoma Double Cab Crew Cab 05-23

https://smile.amazon.com/APS-Premiu...tacoma+aluminim+iboard&qid=1599237533&sr=8-43
I had these aluminum running boards on before. They are currently sitting in my garage trying to sell them on CL for $50. They look nice and are aluminum so they won't rust. I believe the brackets are powder coated steel though so they might need touched up occasionally. They were plenty sturdy. Very easy to install, there are capped holes under the rocker panels. Pull the caps off and attach the running boards with the supplied hardware. Wait to tighten everything up until you get them positioned where you want them, as there is some adjustability on most.

Keep an eye on local craigslist etc, might find some used like new for a fraction of the new cost.

 

The OEM aluminum boards are great, pricey but solid mounting with thick brackets under the cab. Most of the aftermarket ones use flimsy brackets

 

I just installed the boards on my 20. I consider them a waste of money. i"m only 5' 9" when i step on them to get in my head hits the roof and I have to duck to get in. They are not mounted low enough to be useful.

 

Yeah unless you are a munchkin, or around 5’ tall they are probably not needed. The hoop steps are a little better, but I don’t use them to get in and out. They do allow my kids to get in without crawling in.

 

I don’t like 95% of the boards out there, but I am a fan of the Toyota stealth running boards

 

Hey ...Gfritz1

Happy to commiserate with you and yours. Having the same issue with my '21 TRD Sport. Just got it today and am already looking for easier access. The standard chrome oval runners don't drop down far enough for the wife to get in -- knee surgery doesn't help either, but that's another issue.

I haven't seen any boards that offer a measurement for "drop." The power boards from AMP and Aries are great, but installation and price give me pause. Plus I'm leasing this vehicle so I have to be careful with mods.

I'll be following this string and also input anything I find that might work for both of us.
Take care.
R

 

You need something with lower access. I have Nfab epyx running boards. They are running boards with individual steps into the cab however lower than most running boards. They are clean, sleek and extremely helpful. There are many brands similar and with my bad hips, they help a ton cuz they sit lower, with easier access. Shouldn't do any serious off roading with them cuz they hang low but they help me a ton. hope this helps.

 

Though not totally applicable, a handle to grab when accessing the cab helps but it is only available on the passenger side.

 

Sorry, but finally, the price was under $400 for the Nfabs and my son and I installed them in about 20 minutes..!

 

I got some amp research power steps I may part with but they ain’t cheap.

 

These running boards are up in my attic. I modified the brackets so they would sit closer, higher, to the cab. I got them on Ebay for 140 buck. They sat about an inch lower as delivered. I will go up in the attic and see if I can find out what brand they are if you're interested they made excellent steps when they were lower.

 

Thanks jakbakcrak. Checked these out and they look promising - especially the installation.

Ronzio - Yeah I really like these, but the wife said no to the price

Hey Captain! Absolutely interested in the brand name. Especially if they offer that extra drop. I doubt we're getting any serious off-road time, so a four or five inch drop is not a problem. Be careful up in that attic -- keep your head down.

 

I bought the ones I have on eBay. It looks like they have just about, if not, the same ones for about 110 bucks now. I'll see if I can find a picture of the original install to give you an ideal of the step height.

 

Ha! I love the apple. I use a tennis ball.

Thanks for the come back!!

 

I have these on my t4r but they make the same ones for the tacoma. easy for me to get in and out if i'm wearing heels for work

 

Wife likes the look of these. Could you post a link or just tell me what brand they are?
Thanks.
R

 

I've had the WESTIN HDX steps on my truck since I purchased. Definitely the strongest and most durable steps on the market. I recently took them off to weld rock sliders to my frame. If you do any off roading, I'd recommend getting rock sliders welded on the frame. You can have them stick out and up at an angle so they can be used as steps also. I can post pics after I weld them on. Getting them welded on this weekend.

 

https://toyotaparts.bochtoyotasouth...ovghS8GyrNm_PGtMYgJhV4IM1IVlG4ooaAvIJEALw_wcB

you can get them from the dealership, i don't know if this is for 1 or both. i had to order mine individually