Best bolt-on "sliders" (steps) for under $500?

Hello,

Been looking around for some nice bolt on steps for under $500. I really like the tube style of the below from Tyger, but i do not want the steps to go past the tire at all (width wise). I also do not like the stars design. Wondering if you guys know of any bolt-on options for a DC/SB in 4x4? (2021) besides the below?

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

https://www.amazon.com/Tyger-Auto-T...keywords=tacoma+sliders&qid=1613801031&sr=8-5

Don't see myself needing sliders just yet. I won't really be offroading my truck too hard for atleast 3 years or so.

For now I just want some parking lot door ding protection.

 

Those from Tyger are steps, they bolt to the cab not the frame. They are pretty solid for steps and yes they do add door ding protection from cars, not other trucks though.

 

Go oem predator steps . Stay away from those tiger auto ones . Unless u enjoy jumping over them getting out . ducking getting in .they sit way to high and stick out to much .

 

Yeah, they look like offroad sliders, but they are not. I covered the stars with textured rubber mats from Harbor Freight.

 

Find some used predator steps on Craigslist/facebook market place. They are aluminum so you don't have to worry about rust.

 

Be careful with those, if you ever did go off-roading you could really damage your body if you used them as sliders. I think it's misleading that they are advertising them as armor. They are nothing more than side steps. The major difference is that they bolt onto the factory side step mounts on the body of your truck. Real sliders made to are either bolted or welded to the actual frame of the truck.

 

Do the predator steps bolt onto the frame?

 

They bolt to the factory holes in the body of the truck. They are more of a cosmetic/ functional step to get in and out of the truck. They are not sliders meant for offroading or to protect the truck from trail carnage.

 

Had OEM predators, came with truck, sold them and got the tyger ones and had extra cash from the deal.
Tyger sticks out further and sits higher along the whole cab.
Had to do some creative parking in the Great Smokey Mountains and the tyger rail took a nice grind on a boulder, protected my truck. No dents, sanded down and repainted that one spot.

Yes you do have to hop over them and they may get your pants/legs dirty because they sit high.

Use a couple boxes/totes to hold it up for you so you can single person install.
I used some loctite blue for fun.

I don't do any serious off roading, just minor stuff. Mainly bought for door protection.
Serious off-road advice should be taken from others
Best of luck!

 

Ohhh ok, do predators stick out past the width of the tire? Is that what you mean by them sticking out less than the Tyger ones?

 

If you are in the Gulf States distro region, there are port installed "rock rails" for around $550. They look good, but would provide minimal protection on tough trails. Look up a few new tacoma pics at any dealership in TX or LA and you should see some.

 

I am looking into this

 

I have Go Rhino Dominator extreme running boards. $500 ish

 

For a little bit more you can get full sliders
On sale now plus an additional$100 off!

https://explore-overland.com/shop/o...-tyt-tnd/v/XPL-VRL-TYT-TND-NO-PLT-CCS-CAB-HRW
https://explore-overland.com/shop/o...-tyt-tnd/v/XPL-VRL-TYT-TND-NO-PLT-CCS-CAB-HRW

 

Looks cool but I don’t wanna drill into my frame

 

You don't have to! The frames have pre existing points to bolt on.

 

Oh very interesting. I’ll consider it! I wonder if there’s an option with just the tubes and no board for stepping

nvm looks like these options are available. I’ll try to find a pic of what they look like without the board and the kick out

 

Yes! Those start at $599.

 

Darn. Would totally do it if for $599 I got it powder coated too.

 

We can powder them for $180. But if you want to save $$ just rattle can them.