Tube steps, toyota or aftermarket?

Hey guys-

After doing some more research on this, I think I narrowed down more fully what I want.

- Black - powder coated, not abs plastic.
- Something strong, if I can get it.

The latter part is tough - it seems that most real nerf bars/sliders dont have steps on them (that dont stick out like the rhinos) and are tucked in next to the frame to the point where you cant really use them as a step anyhow.

At the www.runningboardwarehouse.com the only ones that come close in terms of design, are the cheapos! I would prefer ovals, and they have those - but theyre plastic. And have rubber caps all over them. So I'm not sold there either. The westins are nice - aluminum, powder coated black - but almost twice the cost as everything else, and I don't see them available for a double cab.

Yes I am picky. Suggest away if there's anything left to suggest... And thanks!

 

Check out Slee Offraod. There sliders are the best of both worlds + are bolt on.

http://www.sleeoffroad.com/products/tacoma07_sliders.htm

Expensive though, I've been thinking about getting a set for a while.

Shawn

 

Hope this helps in your search...

I have the OEM tube steps on my double cab. They do not stick down very far but they do help my daughter (only 19 months old) climb in on her own. I think these look the best but are not functional off road.

They came installed on my truck so I did not pay separately for them. Through TRDParts4U, they run $330.

Actually...

Tube Steps, 2005+ Short Bed Tacoma Double Cab
(Part #00012-A0573-13)

Regular Price: $ 399.00
On Sale For: $331.73


Enhance the off-road look of your Tacoma with a set of Tube Steps. The tubes feature an oval design with powder-coated finish and large step pads for easy passenger loading and unloading.



A final thought on the tube steps...I removed my front mud flaps because they were dragging everything. I ALWAYS hear rocks and other shit bouncing off my tube steps. They help protect the side of the truck by deflecting away mud and rocks.

 

Vecc, your truck looks great there man. If I could find those in powder black, I would be happy. The slee ones look good for protection - I guess anything that sticks away from the truck is in trouble in terms of getting bent up. Those are some $$$$ too. Well, I suppose it's reasonably priced steps for now, and if I get into some offroading, get another set for that.

Vecc I just noticed the centerpiece of your grill is the same odd light gray (pyrite?) color as mine. Must be the same on a lot of trucks. I'm gonna do a satoshi but keep that color on. Another piece of the puzzle... ha! Thanks.

 

Eric- check these tube steps out from back country.

http://www.backcountryaccy.com/back_country_nerf_bars.php

I have them in the black powdercoat on my black Tacoma, they are nice. No complaints. They may be what you're looking for.

 

Looked under my truck (which has the OEM Toyota tubes) and it seems it's just 6 bolts holding those suckers on. Would be simple to drop 'em off for offroad if you needed to.

That said, serious offroading you'd want to replace them with some armor.

 

Yeah, any serious OR and I would drop any step product and slam on some real sliders.

Wahchile- those might be the ticket. Looking for those in oval, not round, but I might settle for round if I can find a good price.

Gotta have black. Just threw on my armor lid tonneau cover, and it's black. Looks nice too!

 

If it's not too late, I've got a set of the OEM Toyota, powdercoated ones for sale. They're off of my double cab short bed and they're for sale in the "for sale" seciton for 200 bones. I've sold another set of the OEM Chrome steps last year on another forum so I have a reference if you'd like one. No drilling required, and it's a super easy install... http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/buy-sell-trade/42447-fs-oem-silver-powder-coated-tube-steps.html

PM if you're interested.

 

The problem with the nerf bars are they are useless as steps and actually make it harder to get into the truck. That's why I suggest the Nfabs or the Go Rhino's mentioned above since they have a step that is actually functional.

 

I have a whitle dbl cab w/Westin's, they are chrome & bolt on. I'm pleased with them. Paid $300 installed. Chrome on white looks sharp.

 

If I didn't have what I have, I would go with these. They are definitely the most functional.

You are correct that they make it more difficult IF YOU DON'T USE THEM. It is an extra step in and out to use them but short legs have a tougher time reaching over them. If they are muddy and you try to step out over them, the bar hits the back of your pant legs and dirties them.

But I think they look the best and CAN be used by little legs needing to get in and out. Are they the MOST functional...definitely not. The Go Rhino's above are the most functional but the steps take away from the smooth lines of the truck.

 

Hi,
I ordered a set of black Westin Platinum oval step bars for $242. from Runningboard Warehouse last night and they called me this morning to tell me that they are back ordered for 3 months from Westin so they offered me the Ionic Railway running boards as a replacement for the same price, they usually go for $329. I thought it was a great gesture for them to offer this deal!
I haven't seen them on a tacoma yet so I'll post a few pictures when they come next week.

Denis

 

Holy shit. I ended up ordering the ionics... for 329. Should be here friday. Too bad I didnt get the 242 discount action, sweet deal! IMO they look better than the westins anyhow.

 

PLEASE Post up some pics when you get them ON the truck this weekend! I am looking for the same thing.

 

Just put em on tonight. Install was a bit interesting, I think they need some adjusting. My kids love em - I dont. Trippin all over the things.

 

Would love to see pics... what do you mean Trippin on them?
Do they stick out too far?

 

I installed them pretty wide out, as I didnt want the brackets showing. I need to move them in, find the sweet spot, then cut the tip off the brackets so those dont show.

I should say though that they do look like what I was imagining when I started this whole thing. Basically very similar to the Toyota steps, but in black. Looks good on the mag grey.

 

Another request for pictures...

 

I love my black n fabs, get alot of compliments on how it makes the truck look, I had this debate myself , and I really am glad I did NFAB.

 

The Slee Offroad look more sturdy than any others...BUt the price is high.
Look like teh best though!