2016 Tube Steps Q

So I'm about purchase a 2016 Sport loaded with everything, but muds and tube steps. The truck should be built shortly.

Question is- I want the tube steps. Is there any reason I should want these installed at the factory (won't be able to purchase this specific truck then) as opposed to the dealer installing them? In short, can the dealer screw these up or are they literally bolt on (no drilling).

Thank you in advance!

 

I know that Gulf States Region has a couple options they can install at the port to build various regional packages. You'll simply have to check with your dealership to see what they or your region can do.

 

None of the step bars are actually installed at the factory, they are all done post-build (either at the distributor or dealer).

The dealer can't really screw things up, there are no holes to drill, they're bolt-on. I wouldn't worry about it.

Jeff

 

...Question for guys who do more serious off-roadin.....the Predator steps look like they would easily snag on rocks or brush-n-branches on many narrow trails that run thru desert or wooded areas...

...Do many of you guys put them on....or are they mostly for looks for guys who either don't go off-road or on less gnarly trails?...

 

They are just steps. You really wouldn't want to do any serious off-road with them.
Check out some of the sliders that many vendors make. That will give you an idea of the differences.
Best of luck.

 

Reason not to have them dealer or factory installed: its going to cost you I bet twice as much than getting them yourself.

 

....Gotcha!....Thanks for the info!....

 

sliders and tube steps are like apples and oranges. you cant really compare them to each other.

real sliders technically should be able to hold the weight of the vehicle on them since they are suppose to let you slide a vehicle over/along/on a rock/etc and are usually close to the lower body/rocker panels. if they are true sliders there isn't much space to use as a foot/step to get into a vehicle.

tube steps, nfab steps (or look alikes), running boards or non heavy duty sliders are meant for ease of access to getting in/out of a truck. they are not suppose to be used for off road duty (even though some non heavy duty sliders can take a beating better than tube steps, nfabs, running boards).

edit : forgot to add, real sliders will cost as much as what the oem charges for the showy versions of tube steps, etc. but that's due to the heavy duty thickness of sliders and build quality.

just looking at shrockworks sliders, your looking at roughly $500, not including install and shipping.

 

...Lotta good info, NoDak...Thanks!.....but I am NOT going off-road into serious conditions that would require sliders....( OK...I will admit that does sound an awful lot like famous last words?! )...LOL!....I admire and respect the hard-core guys who mod the livin-Hell outta their trucks and go in search of truly Gnarly spots to get up over or thru...but I aint one of them!..

...I like watchin them...and have driven shotgun with some pals.....but my main reason/need to go off-road is to get to remote locations for Nature photography.....so really rough areas are pretty much out for me....as expensive camera-gear somehow seems not to appreciate being banged and tossed around violently?......and come to think of it...neither do I anymore....as multiple injuries and Lots of arthritis....and a ton of age on top of all that crap....tend to make me less inclined to beat myself up to the extreme?......Tho...I gotta admit...I DO love going off-roading!...

...My main purpose in asking was I intend to put some type of steps onto the truck to make it easier on me.....and was just wondering what the options were.....as like I said...the Predator-Steps just look like they would snag on most anything ya might encounter even on mild trails and fire roads?......Seems like a tube-step would just push branches-n-stuff out of the way instead of snag?....

...Here are some examples of one type of Nature videos I do out there:

https://www.youtube.com/user/MyMemoryLapse/videos?view_as=public

 

I would say if your going into deep brush, forgo the predator tube steps/nfabs. they will snag the crap out of tall grass/small trees.

go with the full length tube steps or running boards. or look into AMP research power steps.

 

Does TW have a preference over go rhino/nfab or other brands?

 

I couldn't get my truck with out tube steps and I have never liked them. I may change my mind when I get them but otherwise, I will be selling them on here. PM if you are interested and I will let you know if I do in fact sell them.

 

...AMP research power steps?!......Holy-Crap!......do I type like I'm Rich?.....LOL!.....will have to do a lot more research before I settle on one or the other.....

...But guess it is a moot point until I actually get the Tacoma!......just weeding out options and learning at this point....but again, Thanks!....Cheers!..........

 

Just thought I would comment as someone who has never owned a truck..... I've noticed that when climbing into the Tacoma, the running boards or regular tube steps don't really help and actually make it more difficult to get in and out. Given that I am 6 ft tall, but getting in and out with the tube steps just means I have to duck my head more to get in. The predator steps actually look like they would be useful as the step is much lower. I don't really see a point in getting steps if the step is almost as high as the floor of the truck is. I guess the best solution (and also the most expensive) is to get a powered running board that lowers when you open the door.

 

Toyota running boards only $469!

 

hey I was giving you different options. from cheap to top of the line. its your decision to pick what fits

its better to have multiple choices than none.

but the amp's are great if you have a big issue getting into a truck, like back surgery, arthritis, etc. since they get lower almost 1/2 between the bottom of the door and the ground and fold out of the way next to the body when not in use.

this is great if gramps or grandma have issues getting into your truck/4runner.

 

When I bought my truck it already had a pair of tube steps installed. I never really liked them so I bought the N-Fab stainless steel steps for about $400 on Amazon. They are easy to install, look great on my black truck and it's much easier now to get into the cab. I have a 3" front lift and I'm 5' 10" tall so this works for me.

 

I added those M Fabs to my Amazon wish list as a reminder that those are what I want on my truck when I get one. Thanks!

 

Anyone have a link or picture of the tube step options?

I have a dog that is getting up in age and a 2 1/2 year old. Both are limited in their jumping ability.(pansies) The steps will be needed.

 

Something else to factor in... whatever option you decide on will be the only hope in hell of you not getting door dings (or at least reducing them greatly).

I went with these -

$359 Lund 23873007 Black Steel 5" Oval Curved Nerf Bars for 2005-2018 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00COYZEEW - I don't do serious off roading and I mainly wanted protection from door dings AND an intermediate step to get into the cab... they work great as both. Note: the link above is for Access cab, they fit a 2015.