Running board advice

I have a 2016 Tacoma Limited with no modifications. While my wife has occasionally commented on her step into the truck, it finally hit home that running boards might help when I gave a ride to a friend and her relatively older mother who is also kind of short. Getting her into the cab was a challenge. This is probably a challenge for more of my passengers that I realize. I’m thinking about adding running boards but hope to get some basic advice. First, is the choice of style purely a matter of looks or is there a functional difference? Second, brand favorites? Finally, any recommendations on reputable dealers for this sort of thing? Thank you.

 

Mine came with predator style steps but my friend just bought some for a few hundred on Amazon and it took 15 minutes to bolt them on his 4Runner. Helps to have a second person when you install them. They hang a little lower and will definitely cut ground clearance but easier for kids and perhaps older people to step in.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=tacoma+predator+steps&crid=MRY6F0F48EZW&sprefix=tacoma+pre%2Caps%2C173&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_10

 

My 2018 Tacoma Limited has the factory black tube style running boards. I find that they are useless to me and actually in the way a little. When it’s raining or snowing I have to sort of hop into the trick otherwise my leg gets all wet from rubbing on the running board. I told my wife I was thinking of removing them and she tells me her and the kids rely on them to get into the truck, which surprised me a little. I’ve seen some aftermarket ones that have an actual step and they seem like they would be more useful, but might cut into ground clearance a little.

 

Amp research power steps solve the problems that fixed steps create but they ain’t cheap.

 

Running boards may have some other advantages like protecting the body finish from parking lot dings from door openings or grocery karts, flying road pebbles or debris. They also look cool and may offer some assistance for getting in & out to others.

That said, I love my OEM aluminum because of lighter weigh and less prone to rust issues. But are on the upper price range.
There are many other makes & style alternatives to the oem and TW is a great place to get guidance and assistance on what maybe best for your needs.

 

Yep! i was going to post basically the same. had them on my 2nd gen, learned from that. i put them on for the looks but found exactly what you described.

 

If you want running boards, I'd suggest the 2nd Gen OEM plastic version. They're have a hidden aluminum rail with a plastic outer surface which will not rust. They also fit 3rd Gen. Had them on my 2018.

$467 PT212-35055 Running Board

PT212-35055 for double cab. ~$300.
BUT, like mentioned, any of the tube steps and running boards are out too far and up too high for the average person.
The OEM predator steps seem to be a good mix of functionality. If you're tall enough to get in without the step, you can avoid the step with your leg.
For the shorter folks and kids, they can use the step.
My new truck has the 5" tubes and they stick out too far. My dad has the Predator steps and his are far more functional.

 

That’s an understatement on not cheap part.

 

Agree. I’ve had Predator steps on two Tacomas and a 4Runner. Easy step-in and out. I would have to duck (when climbing in) using a running board that was level with the cab and I lose more flexibility every day. I don’t spend time off road so the slightly reduced ground clearance of the drop step isn’t a problem for me. I recommend them from my experience.

 

I had the OEM running boards. Switched them out for NFab aluminum Predator steps. Helps a lot getting in, especially for my wife. Just need to sell the OEM ones now.

 

If you have a double cab and are near the Chicago land area, I have a set of the Toyota Aluminum step boards sitting in my garage.
They took a little getting used to, as I have never head step boards on any of my truck.

 

I saw somebody post these. They look pretty nice.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086KTMV6P/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_DW4PHC8PV0SVVCZZVDA5

 

I had them on my '18 F150 Platinum and like them so much I plan on getting them for my Tacoma when it gets in. Only problem is that if you dont have mud guards and drive in the snow they can fail. The snow builds up on the front and stops them from dropping and strips the drive gear. supposed to be an easy fix but I bought mud guards to be safe.

 

Maybe on the Ford...We got a foot of the white shit on the ground right now even with no mud flaps and -38 offset wheels which pick up everything from the road and toss it against the side of the truck never had any issues with the steps not working.

 

I have the OEM predator pro step bars and I'm planning on getting rid of them soon (replacing them with rock sliders). I don't use the step bars because I have some long ass legs and I have no problem getting in and out of the truck, but I do understand some people need them. If you're wondering, they are bolt on and there is no welding involved.

 

My 2018 came with the Toyota chrome tubes, they were pretty useless. They were too high and too close to the truck body to be a useful step. I sold them and got 4" oval Steelcrafts, they are perfect--lower and further away so they are good for stepping up. I also like that the ends are welded, not plastic caps.

 

OP,

I highly recommend heading over to Running Board Warehouse. I purchased a set of Ionic running boards from them and really like them.

I went with the 5 inch oval ones and they have served me well. If I find myself in more rocky terrain, I will upgrade to rock slider but no need as of yet.

https://runningboardwarehouse.com/p/ionic-5-railway-black-running-boards/v/toyota/tacoma/2020/

They have a ton of options and ton of styles. Good friend has also had success with the Lund brand as well, if that helps.

Good luck to you ... be sure to post back what you decide ...

 

I agree. Tacoma is at that awkward height where running boards are useful and useless. I find it hard to get into my truck when I step on my running boards lol

 

My Nfab Epyx are great for me. Easy in and out of truck. Similar to the Predators I believe. My hip issues make getting in and out tough but the steps are lifesavers. Step up, grab the steering wheel and in. They look great also. I had factory running boards on my Tundra but they were so tight and high to the truck, they were literally useless to me and never really used them. They looked good though, but not functional enough.

 

Second vote for 2nd gen OEM boards.