New Tacoma owner needs advice

So after driving full size 1/2 tons forever I'm finally getting into something I've wanted for a while and will be picking up a DCLB 2022 TDR Sport with all the fancy packages. I'm looking forward to working on some mods and additional accessories in the future but the first order of business is whether to put runners on it or not. Every truck I've ever owned has had them and my wife is known to have a fit if they didn't. With the Tacoma now I feel it's not a necessary addition since my wife and I are both not terribly short, and I also think it might take away from the overall look. The only thing is I have 2 toddlers that love to crawl in the back of the truck by themselves whenever we go anywhere, so my thought was maybe finding some independently mounted hoop steps or predator style steps to put in just for the back doors. Would this be the dumbest thing you've ever seen or absolutely pure genius brilliancy. Appreciate ya

Also if this is in the wrong spot I will delete and repost where it should be, long time reader first time poster

 

I think if you did that, you would quickly be replacing them with full steps. The symmetry would be wrong.
And usually, there's a reason you don't see trucks with just a step for the rear...

 

Get some predator steps, that will enable all passengers to have a step up into the truck. The front passenger side will have a grab handle that the wife can use. You can put these on the head rests so the kids can grab onto them and pull themselves into the truck:

https://www.tacomalifestyle.com/products/4runner-lifestyle-headrest-grab-handles

I have the predator steps on my truck (it came with it), and I love them. I also have the paracord grab handles.

 

Welcome aboard. Mine has the predator style running boards. Even with my short legs, they seem like they're in the way to getting into the truck for me. That said, I like them a lot better than those loops some people put on their trucks. To me the loops look cheap. FWIW, a truck with an incomplete set of loops would look strange. At best, I'd think you're an off-roader who abuses his truck and tore off the missing ones. I'd go full running boards and if not at least loops for all doors whether I needed them to get into or out of the truck or not.

 

I have Cali raised rock sliders and I have gpca headrest handles. Sturdy aluminum.

 

If you don't do much serious offroading, check out AMP Research Power steps. They are retractable steps that tuck neatly up when not in use so you'll keep your factory ground clearance and keep the truck looking clean.

 

When I bought my Tacoma, I was considering Steps or Runners. After a few months without them, I felt they were not needed and I liked the look. I feel without them, it gives the illusion of being higher off the ground.

Maybe see if your Wife throws a fit without them. If a fit is thrown, expedite the installation immediately.

 

I ordered my truck with predator steps, mainly cause the wife wanted them for easier access. It was my fault arguing with the dealer about their cost. He researched nearly identical look-a-like ones, but never told me they were made from steel, nor did he claim to know, which i agreed to take....they were about 1/2 the cost. Well to make a long story short, they suck in the winter. They collect ice which makes them useless, plus the black powder coating has already chipped, and rusted in a couple spots. I've since removed them. Told the wife to get use to it, or don't drive the truck.

 

My predator steps are just like the day I bought the truck.

 

Sounds like a viable option. Is it a powered or mechanical system?

 

Another small upside to the steps is that it somewhat protects the truck against door dings. Regards and a kind welcome !!!

 

These Tacomas are rated for 1/2 ton.

I got flat sliders which my wife thinks are side steps....

 

Here's a quick demo I found on youtube.
https://youtu.be/0_FEbsFl1cg

 

I purchased these mainly because I felt the truck looked too unfinished along the bottom. Very please with the quality, the look, and the price....plus my wife uses them to get in/out of the truck. I paid around $140

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VN63M-T5BCw

 

Sliders. There are nice ones that double as nice steps.

Unless you're never going to off road. Then get whatever you think is attractive.