Nerf Bar side Steps, or Full on Rock Sliders?

I know there all already some threads, but not exactly specific to my question. At least I could not find it. My 2022 came with nothing so I had the deal put on Predictor steps. I almost immediately found them to be useless as a step on a non-lifted Taco. But found out they are a hindrance as well for where I take this truck. First, I have a double cab and long bed. Not your ideal off-road setup. But the extent of my "off-roading" is for the most part. just off pavement. Pretty much extensively going to logging/forest roads. No true rock climbing for me. But these roads have there obstacles, mainly being, wash bars. I have already found, on deep ones, my wheel base length along with predictor steps, doesn't work on deep wash bars. The step, just digs in coming out. Most of these are just dirt or gravel. Sure there could be a decent sized rock or 2 but nothing major I've seen so far. My first thought was just to cut the steps off. Problem solved. But I can probably sell these for what I'm seeing on Amazon for steps with nerf bars. Which is still going take some of my clearance away, but won't get hung up with my forward momentum. And, probably strong enough to take that kind of hit.

Bottom line is I'm looking at the steps with nerf bars for under $400. Or, actual rock sliders in the $1000 range. So, thoughts? Has anyone gone for the cheaper for the application I'm talking about and found it to be a good solution?

Sorry, for the long winded question.

 

I went with the AVID OffRoad "slider/steps" for my truck. They bolt on where the OEM steps bolt to the cap. So they don't work as sliders, but make a great step, for my 5'2" wife and 10 yr old daughter to get into the truck. I've had them for 6 yrs now, and love them. Look good and do the function I need them to do. Plus it makes washing the roof easy.

https://avidoffroad.com/cart/index....6-tacoma/2012-2014-toyota-tacoma-sliders.html

 

The best benefit of the predator steps IMO is they are aluminum. (Light weight and won't rust)

Most of the cheaper running boards/steps you will find are made of powder coated steel, chrome plated steel, plastic covered steel,etc. And will eventually rust.

Sliders are heavy, and will also eventually rust. They are also expensive and require a slightly more complicated install depending on which ones you buy.

Do you actually needs steps for truck access? Or just looking for something that makes the underside of the truck finished, while taking an occasional bump off-road?

I think sliders are overkill for dirt/gravel roads. Only you know what kind off offroading is in your future.

 

If you aren't going to do any hard wheelin' or rock climbing, do not get full sliders. You will not get the return on investment, and sliders are very costly. Most average $1200 - 1800.

 

It just depends if you going to do any offroading. I wouldn't say im a hard off-roader but my sliders have already saved the side of my truck from large boulder that I couldn't see on passenger side

 

Sounds to me like you don't need steps or sliders. I'd take off what you've got and just run it stock.

 

The hit my step took that brought this up, probably would have gotten to the door if they weren't there. So yah, I do need something there.

 

OP, you look at that AVID off road link? Looks like it may be the way to go for ya....

 

Better than the 'Predictor' steps anyway.

haha.

 

You are better off without the steps than with them.

 

Steps bolt to the cab, sliders to the frame. Bending your cab, where the steps mount, could be bad and was my biggest worry. I don't wheel in extreme terrains but once in a while, there is that one rock that will hit. Peace of mind...

 

I had this same dilemma and went with RCI sliders on a group buy and glad I did. I also have the dclb they have saved me quite a few dings including in parking lots.