Running Boards

I just purchased a 2016 Tacoma that came with the Toyota black, cast aluminum running boards. While they look good, I am only 5'3 and the boards are so wide that I hit my calf every time that I get out of the car. They are also too tall to use comfortably as a step so are useless for that purschase. I do not think that I even need them but I like the looks of something there. Any suggestions on replacements that do not stick out quite as far?

 

Not recommended for off-roading, but I've seen these on a ton of F-150s and Silverados.
http://www.autoanything.com/nerf-bars/61A4653A0A0A3258558.aspx?kc=AFFCJ&PID=2206300&AID=10375065

 

Those are nice but quite pricey. I really like for them to show all of the time, just need something not quite as wide.

 

I have the predator steps. They are dropped enough that you can use them as intended. Depends if you like the look. If you do a lot of off roading they can get caught on rocks.

 

What about tubes steps? Do they stick out as far a the running boards?

 

They don't stick out as far but they are just as high.

 

That might work though. Believe it or not, I can get into the truck just fine with not steps. I just keep banging my calf. If I try to get in standing on the board, I have to be careful not to hit my head on the door frame. I am just going for looks.

 

im having the same issue with the stainless steel ones that came with my truck. i may take them off soon. i'm 5-10 and i swear i have to stick my leg out all the way so i dont rub the steps getting out.

 

I have the black OEM tubes. Here’s the measurement from the puckered under-sill edge (Below.) They are rounded so don’t bruise you as much as the blockier ones. I don’t find them very useful, but I’m somewhat tall and have large boots that can barely find purchase. My kids use them, and the protect from dings in parking lots. Why don’t you pull your current ones off and see if you like it?

 

another low cost option for aesthetics is to derp your pinch weld (plasti-dip the pinch weld running under the cab). it really cleans up the look and you may not feel you need a tube or step there since it's basically just a vanity panel you're looking for.

you can see in the pic that i have sliders, but looking past that it's nice and clean from covering the pinch weld.

 

take them off?

 

That looks nice. I'm actually surprised at how much of a difference it makes.

 

I think that looks really good. Is there something more durable than plasti-dip, though, like an engine enamel that will take small rock and sand and gravel hits better?

 

paint? LineX? a number of options, but FYI i derped two years back and it's still perfect. no white paint showing through anywhere.

 

Cool. Cool idea too.

 

BTW i used the paint-on Plastidip for a nice thick coat (two actually), less mess & no overspray, and a little less volatile chems flying around me. although even the paint-on is pretty nasty stuff, hold your breath.