Running boards suggestions?

I am going to remove these running boards because they serve no purpose other than to get in the way.

Any suggestions that will protect from Stone chips and serve the purpose?

 

You could have some protective film applied. Or plasti-dip it. Or vinyl wrap. Or roll desnudo. I’m on the last one.

 

with mud flaps and the 2nd gen run boards (looks like what you got) is the best protection

 

Sorry ............. I guess I wasn't very clear. I am removing these because they serve no purpose other than chip protection. They are 2" below the floor so they don't provide a step, they are too small to provide a step, they are in the way when you get in the truck.

I would like suggestions on either leaving them off and putting some rocker panel vinyl on, or a running board that actually works as a running board and protects from chips.

 

I like these, Makes it easy for the Grand-Kiddies to get in and out on their own.
$250.00 or so on Amazon.

 

These actually look good closed up.
https://www.roughcountry.com/product/electric-running-boards-psr652110

 

They do look good!

But I need to see if I can get the money flood gate closed for a while!

 

> Serve no purpose

> protect from stone chips

edit - get mudflaps lol this is definitely big friday post energy

 

I like those running boards because mine (same ones) keep me from dragging a muddy shoe on the side of the truck.

 

I agree the OEM steps are too close to the body for any good, but they do offer some rock protection. You could try lowering your current side steps. There's a couple of treads about it. This is one of the projects on my to do list, but it'll probably wait until spring since I've got other truck project that I want to accomplish first.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/side-step-drop-kit.654855/#post-22830551
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/aluminum-running-boards-too-high.460188/#post-14322422
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-lower-running-boards.404404/#post-28225447

I'm going to do some bastardize version of the above. It will probably be a trial and error when I get into it, but fortunately the materials are cheap.
I have a bar of 1.5"x1"x3' UHMWPE to cut for spacers. Antistatic Slippery UHMW Polyethylene Bar, 1-1/2" Wide, 1" Thick | McMaster-Carr
I've been debating on trying to cut the correct bevel for the front support or if I can cheat and use leveling washers. leveling washers | McMaster-Carr

 

I took them off and it is so much easier to get in and out! If I decide to put boards on, it will be the type with a step at each door.