Integrated Steps on Rear Bumper End Caps

Why no integrated steps (like below) on the rear bumper for the 3rd Gen Tacoma?

 

Then they couldn't sell you the sweet add-on step.

 

Truck is knee high to a grasshopper anyway, unless you're a "little person" why do you need them?
Look stupid.
No lower than the center section by the plate, so what benefit do they have?

Why no step and granny handle integrated into the tailgate, got to be far more useful that foot holes in the bumper if you want that kind-a thing.

 

"Man" step

 

When we were looking at trucks for my wife's horse hauling, we looked at some of the new Chevy's with this. These things are really frickin useful getting into the bed of a 3/4 or 1 ton. Even though my Tacoma is not super tall, I'd use this feature if it were available.

This was good thinking on the part of GM - gotta give credit where credit is due and it is not as obtrusive as that ridiculous step and handle combination on the Ford.

 

The add-on step looks like crap though. haha Breaks up all the lines of the rear.
Plus don't you have to move it into position in order to use it?

All about bed accessibility (from the side). I use the middle of the bumper or tire, depending on my orientation to the truck, but in that in-between area it would be nice to have from the factory.

 

Why not??

Sit on the tailgate and swing your legs in and stand up like a bro-man!

 

My last Silverado had these and I never used them. They were at an awkward height for me and it was easier just to step on the bumper.

However, I do think these would be nice on the Tacoma. First truck I've owned where, with the tailgate down, there is no bumper area left to step on to get in.

 

The Tacoma bumper would probably cave in if you stood on it.

 

This.

They'd have to use a real bumper, and the added weight along with their lower than average fuel economy they'd shit their own bed.

 

Just put your foot on the tailgate and push yourself up

 

I just traded a Silverado for my Tacoma and I loved the steps in the bumper. I'm presuming Chevy has them patented.

 

Even if, patent protection would have expired by now. Haven't they used those for 5+ years?

 

I need these steps. Every time I step up on my bumper I risk kicking the taillight and shattering it or crushing the fragile bumper plastic with my manly Cowboy boots. I have to be careful when i put my hand up on the plastic bedliner that i dont grip too hard with my callused iron tough hands i might do some serious damage to this truck.

 

No, I believe they arrived with the 2014 model. Also I think design patents last longer than 5 years. I'm thinking more like 10+.

 

I don't think it's nearly that long but not gonna check.

 

Bro-man FTW!

 

https://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/s1505.html

 

Design patents are for 14/15 years, utility patents are for 20.

as for needing them, the truck is small enough for me to grab just about anything in the bed while standing but i'm 6'3" so i'm out an outlyer