OEM tube step or rocker protector or nothing

Talk me off the step ledge. I've gone down the rabbit hole.

I'm tall enough to get in/out of a stock Sport. This weekend tried many steps and running boards at local dealer. Confirmed that most were unnecessary other than hitting my leg.

On Tundras the steps are useful, on Tacoma, not so much. So why am I ruminating? It's mainly vanity - my eyes are drawn toward the frame/rivets which I find "unfinished".

Tried a neighbor's Go Rhino on 3rd gen with 6" platform, and those were actually useful, no big gap, but his was modified OR so the width/look was good. Unfortunately they're steel which is why I'm drawn toward OEM aluminum for my non-offroading needs driving months in the snow and slush.

With current Toyota holiday sale expiring tomorrow, it's $370 for my vanity to get the OEM rocker protector (https://autoparts.larryhmillertoyota.com/products/product/rocker-protector-pt92535242#popup-1), and it's $395 to get the OEM tube steps which have a bit of a gap and don't look nice like the Go Rhino. But at least the practical side of me can use the steps (maybe door ding protection in exchange for my leg always being hit?) whereas the rocker "protector" is useless.

Nothing in Classifieds or Marketplace takeoff for 4th gen.

Any opinions on what to do or not do?

 

I went with the Go Rhino RB20 Slims. I really like the fit and actually use them to get into my truck. Unsure if they cover everything, like you want, but I like them. The dealer had added the rocker protectors, so I purchased with them added.

 

I've thought of spraying the pinch weld area with a spray in bed liner type of stuff or the asphalt undercoating material.

 

These look really good.

I like the TRD cast aluminum running boards too, might want to wait a little to see if one of those pops up.

 

If they're of no use then you should skip it, looks better without.

 

Thanks. I wanted a functional board that didn’t stand out. I had Predators on my 3rd gen and got tired of the steps hanging down. I think (could be wrong) the OEM boards sit a bit lower than mine.

 

Are those rocker or frame mounted? I like how snug they look.

 

Rocker mounted using factory bolts and brackets that are vehicle specific (ship separately from boards). I actually wish they were a tick more snug. Here are a few more pics:

 

Thanks for the pics, man. I think I'm going to go with them.

 

By "more snug" you wish they were higher/closer to the door? Is this because of a visual preference (because the white kind of stands out between the Go Rhino and door) or a step-in-vehicle preference based on your leg length?

 

Purely visual. Realistically, the distance is likely needed so that larger shoes don’t hit/rub when using. The step is perfect for me and something I need/use. I was hitting the seat bolster getting in due to my shorter legs (5’8” and less leg than upper).

After having them on for a few weeks, they are perfect for what I wanted (more subtle and don’t stick out too far).

 

Any more updates with this topic?

I'm about to buy some running boards or steps for my TRD Off Road, I've thought about the OEM Predator or the RB20 Slims, I still haven't decided which ones, honestly I need them at the request of my little ones of 5, and 6 years old…

 

oem predator steps are the gayest thing toyota has out there....
nnnnnnnnoooooooooooooo!!!!!!

 

I find running boards on an un-lifted Tacoma more trouble than help. They actually make it more difficult to get in and out for adults and can get ripped off the truck with hard core crawling. A slider can work as both as they typically don't stick out so far as to impede ingress/egress.

 

I really liked the tube board that came with my sr5 upgrade,
Im 5'8", helped tremendously getting in / out, not tearing up the seats, sliding your ass over them day in & day out...
I got a set of sliders coming to me, as my truck was scanned by a local operation to make sliders & skidplates....