OEM Cast Aluminum Running Boards vs. OEM Predator Tube Steps

I got a TRD Sport DCLB with the aluminum running boards installed because I have a 4 and a 6 year old. I wanted them to be able to climb in and out of the truck by themselves. My wife also has some back issues and needs that extra step at times. I've had my truck for over a week now. Been in and out of it dozens of times. Loaded the kids in/out. Watched them climb in/out. My wife has climbed in/out. etc. etc.

Pros: It's solid. Looks great. It sticks out away from the body and is a good step and also protects a majority of the cab from door dings from other cars.

Cons: While it sticks out away from the body and provides protection for the truck, it also will jab you in the calf when you are stepping out of the truck and directly on the ground. (Happens when not using the running board to step down... I'm 5'8. Probably not an issue if you are over 6'0.)
2. When stepping up, it is at an uncomfortable height to use! It's too high to use as a step up.

I'm seriously considering changing to the predators because they look like the steps are a bit lower. Is this true? Any objections from any predator owners? I'm trying to think through my options.

 

Predator Steps for reference.

 

Predators make for a better STEP for sure IMO. Problem there comes up when one of the kiddos misses the footing area off to the side or puts their foot through it. Comes down to aesthetic preference aside from that if you're not looking for off-road protection.

 

This was what my wife didn't like about the predator step for my 5 year old (putting his foot through the step and then falling). There are steps out there with solid backs that clumsy little ones couldn't have their little feet or ankles go through, but I opted for a regular nerf bar instead. The one I ordered I think will sit off the body, so in reality it probably still has the same potential issue.

 

another expensive option is the amp power steps, but from what I have heard, if you have issues getting into the truck or elderly, its a life saver compared to regular running boards or the predator/nfab steps.


videos : http://www.amp-research.com/media/video-center/

 

I like the amp because they tuck away nice and keep your ground clearance.

Issue are how will they handle the weather? How good are the electronics?
Oh and they are 1200$

 

that's why I posted the video link. it even has a video on a winter test rig.

they also added a new v2, that extends 3ini more than the original

 

Excellent review very informative thanks

 

Your OEM boards and mine look quite different...maybe Canadian/US are different..?? I like these boards better than tubes, as I'm looking for paint protection from the tires and do not off road.....

 

Yeah, your OEM boards are definitely a slightly different design than mine. Not sure why that's the case. US/Canada is a good guess!

 

Any other opinions on these two running boards? Trying to decide if I want to add them to my '17 Pro. I'm leaning towards the cast aluminum ones cuz they're cleaner and look similar to what the Raptors have.

 

http://www.oempartworld.com/506_PT212-35055
I have these on my 3rd gen. Took them off my 2007 before I sold it. They are still in perfect shape. Very similar to the cast aluminum versions. They bolted up perfectly on my 3rd gen. The only con I'd give them is you can rub the back of your calf on them as you step out of the truck. I got used to stepping out so as not to rub my leg on them. They are great at preventing cars parked next to you from hitting their doors on your truck doors! Also keep rocks from dinging the lower doors. Mine are 9 years old now and have held up great!

 

You bring up some good points. I love the door ding protection!

 

Mine came with the predators and they are good for my girlfriend and my boy. I'm 5'7 and I don't use them. The are at an awkward height for me. I'm sure once I lift it I will use them more. I will eventually replace them with sliders. Just my 2 cents.

 

Seen a few pics of people accidentally ripping off the predator steps due to the lower ground clearance. Not as many have ripped off running boards or tubes.

Running boards will also act as better mud guards.

 

I've seen that too that's why eventually I will get sliders and waiting to rip one of mine off. HAHAHA! When I get sliders they will have to act as steps too so they can get in easier.

 

These are the ones that came out in 2005 in the USA

 

My 3rd gen (bought used) came with the cast aluminum steps. They just seemed to get in the way and I didn't want to rip them off on a rock so sold them right away. I know some folks like them, or think they need them. I'll just say that I used to have an 80 series Cruiser with 2" lift, and I pulled off the OEM running boards for several years, when my kids were 2 years old through about 10, and they had no problems getting in. My wife is about 5'5" and ditto. In snowy or muddy conditions we always found the steps just got you dirtier.

 

Yep, do it once, do it right.

Plenty of sliders can act as steps or running boards but tube steps or running boards will never be strong enough to act as a slider.



But of the two choices mentioned by the OP, the running board would be a better choice.

 

I saw these and will be ordering soon for my OR. N Fab 3 inch textured. They sit up fairly tight and match the black on the fenders.