Advice needed on step rails for 2005 Tacoma ...

Folks,

I am new to this whole Tacoma thing so it should be immediately clear I have no idea what I am doing ... but I could sure use some advice!

I recently purchased a 2005 Toyota Tacoma. The background is here:https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/guidance-needed-for-recently-purchased-2005-tacoma.444821/

I would like some advice on what kind of step rails to put on the truck (I've seen them referred to as step rails, nerf bars and rock sliders and I kind of get the difference between all of those).

I don't need these "steps" to do serious off-roading or protect the truck doors in the parking lot of the grocery store (the truck has plenty of dings already given its age). What I really need is the step to climb in and out of the truck because the dealer I bought it from lifted it a bit too high for me. Hey, don't laugh, you will all get old sooner or later !

What I need is steps. I prefer to spend as little as possible (I would rather allocate my money for a truck bed rack and roof top tent) and I would like to avoid drilling to install them (so, ideally, I am looking for bolt on). My goal is to spend about $100 to $200 and used is just fine with me. Scratched up is okay too.

One helpful poster here suggested that I look into Toyota OEM step rails and I am doing that but they are a little pricey. Can I get a little help please?

Also if someone has good recommendations for a place to buy this kind of stuff, please let me know -- looking for a good, reliable place to buy these and other accessories as I move forward in outfitting the truck for car camping trips with the family.

Thank you ... !

 

I think your price range is unrealistic - what every you decide go for SS as powder coated is cheaper 4 a reason - rust ! Aluminum would B another option.

 

Thanks for the advice. Even used? What do you think I am looking at in terms of cost? By the way, I see you are in NJ. Do you know if there are any local tristate area shops / mechanics that are good with used Toyota's and installing aftermarket parts. It is not like we are in California ... sigh ...

 

I DIY 99.9% of my work - but tires. I'm in North Jersey - where R U or PM me if U don't want it on the open forum. Just thought - Craigslist for your area.

 

OEM running boards would be perfect for what you describe.

 

George3 ... I am in New York (Westchester County). Not far from you.

Sig45, thank you. I think that is probably what I should do. Normally, I would rather buy from smaller shops that need the business but in this case it might be best to just get the OEM running boards. Question for you if you don't mind -- any place on the Web that you like to order OEM parts from? The dealers in my area are not that great.

 

I went with Westin tube steps for my 2010 single cab, think they were about $175 or so. I think rockauto is where I got em..

 

The Westin bars bolt to the frame instead of the rocker panels - so while they won't offer as much protection as sliders, they at least won't act as damage multipliers in case of a hit.

 

Yup, one of the reasons I went that route. That and I have a 2 wheel drive so since it isn't going offroad sliders are way too much.

I installed them in about 30 minutes or so in the driveway with my brother in law, simple.

 

https://trdparts4u.toyotaofdallas.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=31713

 

MaxMate Compatible with 2005-2020 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab Stainless Steel 4" Straight Side Step Rails Nerf Bars Running Boards (2pcs with Mounting Bracket Kit)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009FNX3IE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I got these a year ago from Amazon, they bolt right up to the truck. I'm 57 and use these as steps and I have no complaints.

 

Guys,

Thank you. This is really helpful! I will look at the Westin ones and see how much the OEM boards are from the folks at trdparts4U.

Any comments on these? They look similar to the Westins:
http://www.runningboardwarehouse.com/ionic-black-3-nerf-bars-toyota-tacoma-access-cab-2005-2014.aspx

I need to think through whether or not I go all black on the steps (I have a black truck) or go with the chrome to break it up a bit.

This really helps ... so I can lock down the steps and get on to the bed rack which from what I can tell is a much more complex decision to sort through ...

 

I went black on my silver truck, looks killer.

 

Appreciate that ABA ... I have an all black truck but I am leaning toward the OEM rails so I may go black with those as well. I really only bought the truck for road trips and camping so while I am trying not to create a faux overlander I may be doing that ...

There is a pic here: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/guidance-needed-for-recently-purchased-2005-tacoma.444821/

I welcome any and all aesthetic advice as there are some very good looking trucks here ...

 

By the way, I am also very open to suggestions on what I need to do for the truck to prepare it for light offroad use and camping. I already have my eye on a Tepui tent ... but welcome any advice on must have additions to the truck.

 

Sucks you're ext cab. I took off my OEM chrome bars and they are in the shed. Mine are for double cab long bed

 

MSU Taco ... totally sucks ... ! Just my luck.

 

Got my steps from CARR. They were $60 free shipping ebay. Didn't want to drill any holes so I made brackets from C channel and bolted to frame. Plenty strong too.

 

Sawed off ... you have more skills than I do ... those steps would be perfect but you have to drill holes or make your own brackets -- and I don't think I am capable of either.

 

The Westin tubes are no-drill