Step types, pros and cons

I want to add step to access the cab and my new roof rack. I'll plan to be on the beach quite a bit and I'm looking for the best options. Side Step, Running Boards, Nerf, OEM or aftermarket, any thoughts?

2019 Sport Crew Cab

 

if you're going to do any offroading that's more than fire roads or beach, I'd suggest sliders with a kickout or designed to stick out an extra inch or two for functional protection.


If it's just gonna be beach runs, IMO the predator steps look best. Also like the NFab RKR rails with steps

 

Agree with above. Another option if your beach runs are just that, AMP research has automatic steps. They hug the cab when not in use and extend down when a door is opened.

 

IMO sliders are the way to go, although they are not listed as a possibility on your post it is well worth the upgrade. Using them to step in and out of the vehicle may be a bit tricky depending on which brand and set up you actually buy. Out of the options you listed nerf bars appear to look the cleanest to me the obvious downside would be the clearance issue that you may experience depending on how often you off-road.

 

If you're not doing any off-roading OEM Predator. If you look at some cheaper aftermarket variations most are made from steel so will rust.

 

We saw a Tacoma with the Predator steps and they are nice and useful. My wife is short and she had an easier time with these.

 

Predator steps are light, come ready to bolt onto the truck, and received high marks from my two young boys and wife who is just over 5ft in height. Although I don’t need the step (5’10”) I’ve used them a few times and don’t mind them on my side.

 

If you don't offroad to where you need sliders I went with these and love them and they are cheap, don't care much for the look of the predator steps. These are all aluminum also so you don't have to worry about rusting.

$273 APS 304 Stainless Steel Pocket Steps Running Boards Side Bars Compatible with Toyota Tacoma 2005-2023 Extended Access Cab

https://www.amazon.com/APS-Running-Compatible-2005-2020-Extended/dp/B083ZQLXQC

 

I like my predator step bars okay,they look great, my son has the 5 inch oval bars. Both look great and functional. Go oem as they are light and won't rust.

 

I've been looking at these as well, watched numerous installation videos, and have one question: What is the ground clearance under the step bracket? Can't see from your pic but the installation videos show these brackets hanging down quite a bit. I'm torn between these and the Havoc HS2, I like the idea of aluminum not rusting (current issue on my nerf bars, actually have a large hole) but I also don't want something that bends or dents easily. What are everyone's thoughts? My kids have a hard time getting into my truck and it's not lifted, even my elderly father has an issue. I don't need rock sliders...

 

I've got the Ionic 3" nerf bars (see my profile photo). They have several options. Their cheapest option is pretty cheap for nerf bars, but they get great ratings. I think they look good and they feel sturdy enough. My only problem with them is that they don't stick out quite enough. If I'm using them to step into the truck I can't quite get all of my foot onto it.

 

https://twitter.com/Scttwd64/status/1366569655024902144?ref_src=twsrc^tfw|twcamp^tweetembed|twterm^1366569655024902144|twgr^|twcon^s1_c10&ref_url=https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/what-have-you-done-to-your-3rd-gen-today.399305/page-9692

 

I have these same steps on my Sport and really like them. But I mainly wanted a functional step and don't offroad.

 

If someone else doesn't beat me to it I will measure mine tonight and report back.

 

you can have my nfabs they will fit your truck I got sliders you just have to pick them up in Utah

 

These are the ones I currently have on my truck and have rusted through, a few years ago they started to rust at only 8 months old, tore them off stripped them down, prepped, and sprayed them with bed liner... They rusted from the inside out. In my opinion, they are just too thin of a cheap metal to hold up over time (about 4 years)

 

Wow - that's the first time I've heard that. Do you live by the ocean or somewhere they salt the roads?

 

I'm also considering these:

Tyger Auto Lander Running Board Compatible with 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma | Double Cab | TG-LD2T60048 | Drop Step Side Step Rail Nerf Bars

https://www.amazon.com/Tyger-Auto-T...23?_encoding=UTF8&refRID=H7J9ZVKFQN2RCPHCVG75

I like the idea of aluminum but I also like the strength of steel. I've got to get a new set asap and get these rusted turds off my truck.

 

Erie, PA

 

+1 for sliders. A decent set of 0 degree bolt on sliders should run $600-800, which is really not a ton when you consider their functionality and that most no name steps are ~$300 and predator steps are like $600.