nerf bars

Tacoma extra cab long bed. I've been using the search function to help find the best bars for me. The information is overwhelming. At 240 lbs, and growing, the concern is sagging and/or creaking sounds when I step on them. I can handle the pricing on the factory bars, but don't want to unnecessarily overpay. The pics give me no idea of the bracket strength or whether not they simply bolt on, which is preferable. Ideas are welcome.

Thanks

 

It sounds like you are looking for actual steps and not rock sliders/nerf bars?
For a step I would look to OE, many of the aftermarket seems to have compromised coatings/materials that rust and rot quickly. If you look for bit, you can probably find some nearly new OE takeoffs locally for a lot less than buying new and maybe $hipping. I do not like the OE Predator steps- they seem to do nothing well. Too high and small for steps, and don't serve any offroad purposes.

The OE steps bolt on to the frame. Also keep in mind, the actual steps reduce ground clearance, but for some that's not an issue.

 

fair warning, everyone around here believes their hardcore 3rd place king of the hammer competitors that NEED rock sliders is it's what's holding them back from taking 1st place. you're going to get shunned for implying your truck is not an all-encompassing premium king of the hammer competitor, and you might only use it on public roads, or visiting walmart for a gallon of milk.

me? i use my truck on daily roads, love my running boards, and the only dirt my truck see's is when i lazily clip the corner of the driveway in the morning and run the back tire through the grass.


that said, i don't know of any running boards that are built to any different standard than any other model. the majority don't connect to the frame, they bolt to the body, near the outside edge by the doors. sliders tend to solidly mount to the frame, as they're intended to take the entire weight of the truck against an obstacle, but generally don't have steps or other divots in them to allow easier access to the cab.

 

I had some version of these on my truck for a while, a couple years back:

https://realtruck.com/p/ionic-3-black-nerf-bars/

They were great. Very, very easy bolt-on install. I’m not a big guy but they did seem sturdy.

 

OEM second generation running boards also fit third generation Tacomas. Toyota may tell you differently. They are substantially less expensive than the OEM third generation boards. Excellent fit and finish. Very strong. Bolt right up without drilling or cutting.

 

that's the model that's on my '18. but they do bolt to the body, not the frame. they feel solid enough for me.

 

Check the marketplace section,https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/dcsb-oem-tube-steps-80.815249/