School me on running boards...

...

 

Sounds like you need sliders and mudguards.

 

I like these for door dings and getting in the truck. They are Nerf Bars 3" tube.

http://www.n-fab.com/products/sfID1/60/sfID2/106/sfID3/197/productID/1014

Gonna be hard for most vehicles to ding me even side swipe is going to be tough. I've dragged these thru some pretty solid ice this winter too and they didn't even scratch. These are the 3" tube with powder coat textured black finish.

 

if all you're going for is protection from rocks flying just find some over sized mud flaps

Sliders- bolt on / weld on to frame, made to keep your sides from getting destroyed by obstacles off road, i.e. big rocks / boulders

running boards / nerf bars - provide an extra step for getting in the truck, they're POS for protection off road compared to sliders and shouldnt be used as a substitute, its like comparing a brush guard to a plate bumper

 

I got the nfabs too... beefy and usable!

 

Nerf bars will work off road on anything but rock crawling on boulders... I.E. Mud/sand/ice/snow/gravel. I had my rear end in the air straddling an 2' ice bank truck btm'd out full weight on my nerf bars - no problem. In a boulder field probably going to get ripped on or bent/trashed.

 

If you're bottomed out your frame is most likely taking the full weight of your truck, not your nerf bars which are mounted higher than the frame..

 

You can't use a Nerf bar or running board as a jacking point like you can with sliders.

Some sliders do stick out far enough to be used as steps.

 

I went with sliders. A little more expensive, but offer more protection that I'd rather have and not need, then need and not have...that being said they will be used primarily as a step for my shorter passengers.

 

you should get sliders

 

which sliders are those. I like them, they are simple and clean. Welded or bolted?

 

I went with Mobtown:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...no-drill-rock-sliders-for-2016-tacoma.404312/

They are running a sale of free DOM ($80 value).
The thread explains what it is.

 

I went with oem running boards because they stand further out from body contour and protects from chips ,dings and door swinging grannys you can get the same from some nice nerf bars

 

@jsinnard That's a good looking '16 you have.

I'm going to be buying some N-fab nerf bars soon. Should be enough protection from door dings, they are functional, and look good too. Use jet.com and if it's your first purchase you get 15% off just FYI.

 

Post one up.

 

Powdercoated bolt on sliders from CBI Offroad, have them on both my 1st and 3rd gens. Love them.

 

I think the sliders will protect from door swinging grannys and if anything damage her door worse cause they are steel.

 

Like I said before, sliders are more versatile as they offer more protection for offroad, door dings, can be used as steps and can provide a jacking point if stuck. They also come at a pretty steep price compared to steps.

Steps and running boards offer limited protection against door dings, some flying road debris if you don't have mudgards and used as steps but are not as strong as sliders.

 

If you don't do any serious off-roading that would involve potential rubbing of objects against your truck, then sliders are really unnecessary. If all you do is ride on gravel/forest roads, then running boards (like OEM) are all you need. I run those and with Husky mud flaps (shorter than OEM), the bottom of my running boards collect mud & debris, so they are offering protection. In winter, slush & ice collect on the bottom as well...another indication of protection. All that crap would otherwise be on/under my trick. The OEM running boards sit higher than frame, so there's no issue with ground clearance....alghough it looks like it. If you're driving at a steep angle...it might affect it.

 

Oh they well. I've had mine hit a few times. Not a scratch on my sliders their car door on the other hand.....