Running boards... worth it?

Sliders... I see a few diff kinds on the net. Can you guys tell me which ones are best, which source to buy them from?

 

thanks. it's an 05 and still going strong.

 

I have the OEM running boards. They're pretty much useless as steps to get into the truck and they do get in the way entering & exiting the truck. I didn't install them for that reason.

I have the Husky mud flaps (shorter than the OEM pieces of crap) so I installed the running boards to protect doors from gravel & rock dings. They don't effect clearance for what I do (although they may look like they do).

I spent quite a bit of time yesterday on some forest roads after a steady rain....and I had only a thin, light mist of dirt on my truck.

When I got home, I hosed off the underside of the truck and the bottom of the running boards were full of dirt & rocks, did exactly what I want....sacrificial lambs!

 

Pelfreybilt sliders.

 

If the goal is solely to prevent wear on the driver's seat I'd consider just tucking the money away for repairing/replacing the seat if/when the time comes. With that said, I think some running boards look good on these trucks and they do provide some protection so a secondary purpose for them makes it an easier purchase.

 

Op, how tall are you? Will you really step on them to get in?

I have OEM black running boards. The main reasons why I have them...is for door ding protection (they stick out farther than the door). I use them to wash the truck. I can't reach the window, roof, or back window. I step on these to reach everything. I never use them as an actual step to get in....I'm 5'6"

Have you thought about seat covers?

 

I have the OEM tube steps on my DCSB makes it easier for the wife to climb in. They also seems to help reduce door dings as they stick out just a bit farther than the door.

 

Only issues I have with running boards are

1: ugly "to me" but that is subjective

2: will serve no purpose off road

Sliders are much more useful

 

Thats is correct same here. I hardly catch myself using them

 

Pelfreybilt... Covers? Finish? I assume bolt on will be fine? Thier website doesn't explain much or show pictures of options. Pricey too, but if they're the real deal, then...

 

Worth every penny. They come bare so you'll have to paint / powder coat them.

 

I'm with you man... I don't use 'em to get in but wife does... I have bad knees and need to "skooch" over to get out...they help then... And they DO protect the truck from road crap... (+1 for Husky flaps)..!!

 

THey are also VERY handy for washing the roof by hand...polishing, etc... I'm a believer..!!

 

Take a look at the tube steps in this thread. They are relatively inexpensive, will never rust and hang lower and stick out further than OEM running boards so they can actually be used as a step. They also help prevent door dings. I have a pair and love them. I weigh about 200 lbs. and they hold up to my weight just fine.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/go-rhino-5-xtreme-oval-nerf-bars-product-review.246411/

 

Do you mind telling me about your light set up?

 

35W HID Digital Ballast headlights

LED DTRL Switchbacks in the front

LED turn signals in the back

Rigid D2 Cubes in the bumper

Rigid 20" Light Bar in the center of the bumper.

 

Thanks

 

Those look great, want them, but they don't exist for Access Cab???

 

Hmmm. I'm not sure. Seems like you could find them in different lengths.

 

http://www.autoanything.com/nerf-bars/lund-5-in-oval-nerf-bars

Those seem decent, high reviews, access cab, but the year only goes up to 2014. Sigh.

Anybody know if 2014 bars would fit 2015? Guess I could call them tomorrow.