Side Step Question from a TW Newb

Hey there. I'm new here, so apologies if this is the wrong forum (?). I just got a 22 OR DCSB and I'm now realizing the kids need a side step option that's lower than just the standard rails - and will for quite a few years (they're young). I'm mostly using this truck as a parking lot princess with "off road" being dirt trails that lead to fishing spots (i.e., clearance isn't an issue) and better traction through snowy winters. I've been looking at these options, but I'm not 100% on anything just yet. Does anyone have a "absolutely get ______ - now!" opinions? Or even just a "avoid ____" type feedback?

Square Tube Drop Style Nerf Side Step Bars; Matte Black
https://www.extremeterrain.com/tacoma-cab-length-nerf-side-step-bars-matte-black-ia20nje8b.html

HDX Drop Nerf Side Step Bars; Textured Black
https://www.extremeterrain.com/westin-hdx-drop-nerf-side-step-bars-textured-black-0519-tacoma-double-cab.html

N-Fab Cab Length Podium Nerf Side Step Bars; Textured Black
https://www.extremeterrain.com/nfab-cab-length-podium-nerf-side-step-bars-textured-black-1619-tacoma-double-cab.html

Any and all opinions are appreciated.

I'm also in the market for a hard top tonneau cover should you have opinions. That seems like a much different, more expensive can of worms, though. For now, I'm sticking to side steps and cute mods like center console & glove box organizers and new key fobs.

First day home pic for fun.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/electric-sliders.662076/

 

Those are pretty. And pretty expensive, too! lol

 

I really like them. Other steps don’t drop down very far. These are the best of both worlds. They drop low for a step and tuck high while driving. Plus I like the “finished” look.

 

Can't disagree with you there!

 

Check Craigslist and Facebook for a set of oem predator steps. Should be able to find a set of takeoffs pretty cheap

 

My old Tacoma. Looks like yours, eh? I really like the Toyota Predator steps. Had them on my 2017 Tacoma, 4Runner, and now my 2020 Tacoma. My wife and daughter are both under 5-3 and they appreciate the step. And they’re aluminum so they don’t rust. Thumbs up from me.

 

Bakflip MX4 - can't go wrong period.

As far as the steps I have something similar to the first 2 but paid about $375 and they appear to be
better quality. Easy install too. I'll look up and send you a message on the link.

I like them because your foot won't slide thru ( think ankle issues )... they are wide and deep ( think footing )..
I like the look of the predator steps but I know at my age I'm gonna go right through them and break something,
like an ankle or worse.

The console organizers I have and they are great.

 

On tonneaus, top choices tend to be: Bakflip MX4, Lomax trifold (there's a version that folds up like the MX4), and the Diamondback if you're looking for something really intense. I feel like there was another brand that was very similar to Bakflip and Lomax mentioned somewhere in this thread, but can't recall exactly. Anyway, this is also just handy research on the Lomax, plus a couple helpful vendors are pretty active there- https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/lomax-hard-tri-fold-tonneau.607175/

 

I have the LoMax. It's good, but if I could go back I'd spend the extra for retractable one. Really just depends on what you are trying to achieve and your budget. Diamondback is imo one of the best ones, but also a bit extreme for most people and it's only a double fold. But it opens both ways and is definitely worth the money.

I also have the predator steps. They suit me just fine. NFab are nice too. Again, if I could go back, I'd spend the money on the "electric sliders" lol - and I probably will in the future if the predator steps don't hold up or I damage them. Montana has a funny way of doing that to sidesteps.

 

I have the ones in your first link and have been really happy with them. We took my 87 year old mother out to dinner last night and she had no problem getting in.

 

I have the N-fab Podiums(3rd link.) I prefer the more rounded look than oem predator steps or the other two. They look good but are hard to keep clean. The drop down steps collect dirt and road salt. I have to spray them down because rain won't wash them clean. Haven't had them long enough to speak on their durability, but they are stainless so should look good for a long time. They are functional, but I find myself stepping over them more often than not.

 

I have the AMP Research Powersteps. Expensive, yes, but I do like the flexibility to have the steps available when I need them, or not when I don't. I did deviate from the standard install by running the system through a master switch so they can be turned off or on as needed. Also, I did not connect the driver side rear door trigger to them. That way when I am loading the back seat with groceries or whatever, the steps don't extend and bruise up my shins. Usually any rear seat passenger will sit on the passenger side anyway. In the rare event that someone needs the steps to assist for driver side rear, just open the front driver door and they'll extend.

An added bonus if you also install the override switch that is optional with the steps, if you drop both steps with the switch then shut your doors, the extended steps are low enough that they become a pretty significant deterrent for cat converter thieves. It'd take a damn skinny dude to squeeze under there. They won't have a quick and easy way to get to your cats.

 

@Travis_22OR - If you want to copy me, I have N-Fab Podiums and the Lomax tonneau cover.

Both have been great so far with the only complaint being the black cover gets quite hot in the summer.

 

OP, it took me two years to find the steps I wanted and I went this Tyger ones. I could not be happier with the stye and the way they look on my Tacoma. I have had them for a year and half now, and no issues so far. It’s all about preference for the most part when it comes to choose side steps, but IMHO these are the ones that look the best on a Tacoma aside from sliders which I really like that look but they weren’t for me.

 

They're not rock sliders, so just go with the one you think looks the best. Any of those options you listed will do the job.

Stick with that style, the factory type tube step is worthless. Too close to the door sill to be functional. My girls say they get in the way.

 

I have these HDX and they do the job for my wife to get in and out.

https://www.extremeterrain.com/west...e-step-bars-black-0519-tacoma-double-cab.html



And they also provide a little bit of protection from door dings.



Ed

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I swear this site is porn. Thank you all!

 

You're gonna like it here...lol

Just don't tell us too much! You'll find out why if you do.

Ed

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I was watching a youtuber who did something similar with a master switch - very smart. His had an auto "return" after 30 minutes so that they didn't stay down. I take it that you opted to have them stay down for the cat burglars (shit, that was a terrible pun). Did you put the switch in a new panel? DIY or paid install, if you don't mind me asking?