Bed Step, pros and cons please

2022 SR5 4 dr V6, not lifted but not a young man anymore and getting into the bed is not like it used to be.

I see bed steps are available but curious in real world light duty use what are the pros and cons of such an add-on? Specific recommendations welcomed.

This is but one example from Amazon

 

Provided that the truck isn't doing the type of offroading where it's going to get damaged/ripped off due to it hanging below the rear bumper, I wouldn't think that there are many cons.

 

I have the one made by Toyota and use it all the time. Works well as my knees don't allow me to crawl into the bed any more. Not recommended if you go offroad.

 

I have one but hardly use it as I don't need to get in the bed often. When I do use it is quite appreciated. I can see there might be a problem if off roading is a common thing. The only other con so far is that it is somewhat noticeable so not perfect from an appearance or visual sense.

 

I second or third recommendations above. My knees are not what they used to be, so step helps when I load bags of mulch and soil into the truck. I have a Toyota OEM step.

I do not off-road, but use my truck as a farm truck every week-end (taking care of 200 trees and berry bushes). Step has not been an issue.
Just remember to kick it up, after you are done. I've developed a habit of glancing at the back of the truck every time I get into the cab to make sure that step is up.

 

Just installed the Amazon step. Very handy for getting out as much as in. Departure angle is greatly reduced. I will probably add the tools for removal just in case I get into a situation off road. Gonna buy my mother one for her dually.

 

There's a knock off version that's WAY cheaper than the Toyota version.

No cons besides it costs money. at $300 I never bought it. I got the knock off at $80.

 

Any reason besides cost you went with an AMZ one? When I started this thread I don't know Toyota had one. It's somewhere around 3x the cost of the ones on AMZ

 

It was cheap. I figured it wasn’t much of a loss if I didn’t like it. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and it feels stout.

 

Once you hit 65+ years of age you'll only see the Pro side of things....

 

$80 Bed Step Compatible with Tacoma 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Folding Truck Step Bumper Tailgate Step # PT392-35100

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B4VW889J

Link for the one I bought. No ragerts!

 

I got my OEM for $75-100-ish, IIRC. I was lucky. Another TW member took it off his Trail edition. Local trade. It was stupid not to get an OEM at that price.

Edited: Toyota step is made by AMP Research.

 

No cons and all pros says my 63 year knees and back! I use it all the time.

 

Thanks youngin'... lol

 

I like it, one of the more useable mods, makes getting back down easier as well.

 

It came on my '17 when I bought it. No Cons. I 'wheel often. I have not hit it I believe ever. I use it 1-2 times a week and like I kick it down, climb up, climb down, kick it up. That's it.

 

Thanks all for your information and experiences. Just rolling around in my empty mind an AMZ Chinese knockoff or the Toyota branded Chinese part.

 

I have the Chinesium one on my truck. I paid $57 for it during one of the Prime Day deals. It was an impulse purchase after having knee surgery.

It’s been on my truck for a year with no issues. I don’t use it often, but I appreciate having the step when I want to get into the bed.

I live in northern New England, so lots of salted roads. I liberally coated the step components with Cosmoline when I installed it. I’d recommend doing this no matter which brand you buy.

 

I got the OEM bed step from the dealer parts counter. A little pricy but bolts right up using the same holes and bolts. Best thing since sliced bread for me. I ain’t 20 anymore and makes it so much easier to get in the bed. I don’t have any cons. But I will say that you need to remember to raise it back up when through using it. It does hand down some and I can see leaving it down and backing into something or hitting an object might tear it up.

 

My soon to be 68 year old knees thank me for mine (OEM) every time I need to get in or out of my bed!!! Even bought an AMP Research one that fits my 26 yr. old son's '20 Ford Ranger. He just had knee surgery in August and appreciates its usefulness.

Not a single 'con' from either of us.