Factory Tubes/Extender

Hi everybody,

I'll be finally joining the Taco world sometime this week with a new 2015 TRD Sport Double Cab. I was basically wondering if you guys thought it was worth it to get the tubes and/or bed extender straight from the dealership or if I should look at aftermarket for those? Installing either of those doesn't seem to difficult from what I've read. Basically, what's peoples opinions on this? Are the factory ones worth the price or can I find better for cheaper? Thanks for the help.

 

By tubes do you mean the nerf bars? If you are doing any off-roading then rock sliders are better IMO.

I got an aftermarket bed extender because I wanted it in black to match my truck, but the toyota one looks fine if you don't mind the color.

 

I'm pretty sure he means the bed extender for the short bed. (sorry I can't help with this one, got a 6 ft bed so I didn't have to deal with those things)

 

Yeah the nerf bars, my bad. I like the looks of the nerf bars but from what I've seen from the rock sliders they stick out some and don't look to bad. For the bed extender I was looking more at the price really. From the dealer is about 350 I think and I found some on Amazon for like 200, was just wondering if the factory one was really worth it. Also, yes, the short bed.

 

You can usually find a factory bed extender on CL or here for 75-100...most people realize that they take up too much room when in the 'closed' position and don't use them enough to justify always lugging it around. That's just my opinion, but you can usually find a used one.

 

this is the bed extender ive used since i got the truck. if you're hauling something like ATVs or motorcycles it may not be for you, but for my mostly light duty stuff it is perfect. removes with just two pins and i hang it on the wall in the garage, or it stows flat against the tailgate in a second, leaving the entire bed open. plus it can be used independently of a tonneau / bed cover. mine is around saltwater all the time and it has held up great.

http://www.toplinemfg.com/html/tsv-truckbedexpander.html

 

I got this one, $219 shipped: http://www.realtruck.com/amp-resear...m_medium=cpc&gclid=CP7Pmqbf88ECFYhzMgodthYAbw

 

Right, because the 6ft bed lets you carry soooo much more. I'll stick with the short bed and better turning radius.

 

The previous-generation AMP and OEM bed extenders are identical. Plenty of them available on the secondary market if you keep your eyes open. I picked up an OEM extender, new in box, from the owner of a 2012 who never used it, for $120. Picked up new AMP brackets for $24 Amazon. Everything fits perfectly together, no hassles, and half the price of the stealership.

 

Highly recommend sliders. Got steps up front, but sold them for sliders with kick out. Bolt-on won't effect warranty.

 

I think I actually use mine more in the closed position to keep stuff from sliding around than in the open position.

 

For those who have sliders, are there any that offer simple rocker protection and don't stick out very far? Maybe just me being taller, but most steps I have seen are too high to use at steps (or the roof of the cab is too low...just very awkward to use as a step unless they are the ones built like rock draggers that hang way low. Also most stick out so far that if you are not using them you are constantly banging you legs on them if you don't stop and think to miss the slider on the way out. Does anyone know of a tight tucked slider that is more for "bottom protection" than it is to keep you off of rocks from the side?

 

Don't know of anyone that hasn't wanted them after seeing them in person. Even the wife sees the good. They also provide additional protection in parking lots. Here are some options. Look through the vendors.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/armor/199562-sliders-2nd-gens.html

 

So essentially I'm gonna want sliders over tubes due to better functionality? The bolt on is also what I should look for to stay inside the warranty then. I'm learning. Slowly but surely lol. Would you guys know of any sliders that are comparable in price to the tubes? I'd like to get the shortly after getting the truck since the wife is a little shorter so she might like having the steps to get up.

 

I use these and love them because they offer great protection without sticking out too far AND you can get detachable steps that are easy to remove when wheelin: http://www.n-fab.com/products/searchType/vehicleSearch/year/2014/make/Toyota/model/Tacoma/sfID1/114

 

is there an alternative for "sliders" like, a lite version? for those of us who dont off road, would like the convenience of a step with the look of a slider?

legit sliders are around $500 and weigh nearly 150 pounds. those of us using our trucks mostly on the road and beaches dont need that sort of armor, but they look sharp and not obtrusive...

 

Hey B737! It's nice to see another ALPA member/airline pilot here on TW! Fly safe brother!!!

 

lol where you at man?
ewr 737 fo

 

BOS 190 Captain