maybe I am too tall for oem steps?

I am 6' 00" with an inseam of about 32". My 2013 PreRunner Limited 4dr came with the OEM chrome tube steps (nerf bars?) and I have decided they are just in my way! If I was shorter, or if the truck was another 2 inches taller, I might use them as steps to get in, but as it is I have to stretch OVER them to get in and out of the truck. Maybe I am missing something here. I have tried several mount and dismount methods and I keep reverting back to stretching over them when getting in or out. If I have nice pants on, I also usually get dirt on my left inner calf from the tube as well.

Any advice? i thought I would get used to it, but it has been 3 weeks now. If I pull them off, I suppose I lose some door ding protection.

 

Besides that lol, I'm 6' as well, and have no steps, getting in and out at stock height was a breeze. I would take them off.

 

Also if you want to stop door dings, might as well invest in some tucked sliders, I've seen some that sit close to the body, provide the protection you want, but won't get in your way.

 

I'm 5'11" and never used mines except for when I wanted to clean off my feet before getting in. Definitely the best use I found for them is stopping door dings.

 

i just might take them off and install some door moulding to help with the door ding issue.
http://www.zetaproducts.net/Body-Side-Molding-Fits-2005---2017-Toyota-Tacoma-Double-Cab.aspx

 

Lift it

 

6'3", don't need them to get in, they don't stop door dings, but, they are very convenient to stand on when washing the top the truck.
I have aftermarket steps

 

I'm only 5'8", but if find mine awkward to use as well. I have short legs, so stepping over them is a stretch, but if i use them to step on I'm so high I have to dunk or I will hit my head getting in.

 

I'm height challenged, 5'7", and I have nfab type steps. I put my right heel on the step and climb into the seat butt first. Any other way and I'm ducking my head to get through the door opening.

 

Yep! I have tried several entry methods and always seem to have to duck to get my head in.
Now I have another problem... I mentioned to my wife I have decided to take them off and she threw a fit as she is only 5'2" and needs them on the rare occasion she rides shotgun with me. So maybe I only remove the drivers side... Ha!

 

I'm 6'3 and my taco doesn't have steps and I'm glad . I just kinda slide onto the seat

 

I'm 5'9 and have to jump up, drop the tubes and lift it and slide right in

 

Remove and install sliders

 

Maybe you could try some aftermarket steps?

I don't go off road often so I have tube steps that sit lower and further away from the cab so they can actually be used as "steps". Even when I do go off road they only sit as low as the axles.

 

Your right rear leafs are sagging....

 

Well damn, and I just replaced the front ones.

 

I removed mine for the same reasons - I like the way it looks without them and dumping the weight was a plus.

 

I found the OEM bars to be too high to be used as a step. I bought some aftermarket bars that sit lower and farther out. These are more like an actual step.

 

I didn't do an exhaustive search when looking for steps, but i ended up choosing the OEM for a few reasons. Also, it sounds like i am the same height as you. With a stock height Tacoma, steps arent doing you much good as far as entering and leaving a truck, but i bought them for other purposes.

1. I shortened my front flaps and found more sand hitting my rockers. OEM are aluminum and wont rust out and they protect well
2. they are tucked in more (and wider) than many aftermarket which gives better rocker coverage. They dont stick out so far as to look odd. they also keep your clearance up.
3. Door ding protection
4. washing/waxing roof without a ladder
5. Knocking sand snow

I am used to having them now. At first i was like you and found they hindered getting in/out of truck, but its no bother now. I feel any lower would be a bother for me. Tubes arent for everyone, many will say sliders, but i went oem black tubes and would do it again. Maybe give them a little more time.