2017 Tacoma TRD Off Road Running boards/Bed Cover quest

I'm a new owner of a 2017 Off road Access Cab. I've had it for a little over a week now and really love it. I'd have to say it's the best vehicle I've ever owned. Came with about 7,000 miles on it and is basically new. The fact that it doesn't have running boards didn't bother me until tonight when I had to take my 81 year old father-in-law back to my brother-in-law's house. He had a really hard time climbing into the cab. So, now I'm in the market for running boards.

When I look online, the choices seem endless. Are there any that should be avoided?

Any feedback on the TAC series models? ​

The prices range from about $120 from Amazon to $1000+ from other vendors. Is there a happy medium? I don't want to spend a bunch of money on these right now but I don't want it to look like a piece of crap either. If I can get by spending $125, great, but I don't want to regret getting something that'll rust out in a couple of years. I did like the Westin 5" R5 Series Nerf Step Bars, the Tyger 4" Riser Cab Length Black Triangular Step Bars, Promaxx 4".

Any suggestions? Are they a one size fits all or do they make different sizes for each cab size?

One last question, I'm also thinking about a bed cover? I'd like to keep it in the $200-$300 range...I've read really good things about the Gator Tri-Fold Pro Tonneau Cover...does anyone have experience with this one or can you make a suggestion?

Thanks for all the help!

Dave

 

I have had a Gator and a backflip, both owned by same company. just purchased a 2017 access cab, I am looking for one also if you find a few

KK

 

Gator and Bakflip are incredible, not a fan of soft tonneau though worth the extra for aluminum/ hard cover. they stand up to a bit of use and are very functional

 

I purchased the Gator soft Tonneau -

https://www.realtruck.com/gator-sfx-tri-fold-tonneau-cover/

The cover is great and east to install. My Taco is a daily driver not used for work so the tonneau is more for keeping stuff dry and protected on the way home from a store or the beach; i.e. very light use.

 

I'm pretty happy with my Steelcraft Blackouts, 4" oval. Make sure you get something that will bolt right on without drilling, and there will differences depending on the cab.

 

I'm thinking about running boards this year, what are the ones from Toyota like? they owe me a favour after denting my truck... I have a 2017 access cab TRD off road. Do they help with rocks and mud flying up? or do they just collect stuff

 

My Tacoma came with the Toyota 3" steps. They actually sit up too high and close to the body of the truck to be much help in stepping up and in. The Steelcraft I got are lower and a bit further out and are much more functional. Steps or running boards and mud flaps for pretty good protection along the lower side. The bottom photo is my 1998 T100 that I sold several weeks ago, the lower body was in great shape.

 

I was looking at the Toyota 5" oval ones, they come all black or with some chrome. My truck has enough chrome... but they look a lot wider than those 3" ones. As for the height, not sure how they sit. I think I might go to the dealership and see if there is a truck in stock with them. With winter driving right around the corner, it might be smart to protect my truck for driving up the ski hill this year. Thanks for the reply.

 

at Toyota.ca it seems there are only 3 choices... thoughts?

 

Unless you're set on Toyota, check out something like CARiD.com, there are many nice but cheaper aftermarket options. My Steelcrafts are 4" oval, I thought 5" would look too big.