Toyota rock rails - are they any good?

I have a 4runner TRD Off-road Premium on order. Here in Alaska, you can choose among what's available on the lot or in the pipeline. You can't order a 4runner to order. When looking at the various rock rails and steps, I noticed that Toyota claims its rock rails ($640 on their website) weigh half that of other rock rails. That would be helpful as far as fuel economy goes. Because they would be installed by the dealership prior to delivery of the truck, they would be covered under a 3-year warranty. Finally, the parts people say the rock rails are bolted to the frame, which I would prefer.

Does anyone know how Toyota's rock rails compare to 3rd party models? Any recommendations would be appreciated. I currently have a Chevy 2500HD extended cab 4x4 diesel pickup. This will be my first Toyota and I am a newbie.

Thanks.

 

I didn't know that was an option but yeah. 74lbs "when typical [sliders] weight 120lbs"

Hard pass if you actually want them to work.

I was watching a video on the sliders you can get with the new Tacoma and the specs they mentioned were not good and I wouldn't get them. Get aftermarket ones if you want real protection.

 

They look a little wimpy to me. But, it's hard to judge from a picture.

As @Thacrow mentioned, 77# total sounds a little light. I believe my RSG's are around 65# apiece. They advertise it as an advantage, but I personally don't feel bad about adding weight down low, especially when it's for the sake of protecting the body and underbody.

 

A few weeks ago I installed the OEM rock rails on my 2018 TRD Off Road Premium. 77lbs total. I was impressed with them for an OEM product but I would say definitely for "lite use" and protection. For example when I had my 2011 FJ Cruiser and on some soft sand right on the shoulder of a road I slipped down about a foot and a piece of wood sticking up went into the lower part of the door. If I had something, anything there to protect the rocker area it wouldn't have scratched and punctured the door. After it was fixed I added Bud Built rock sliders, these were heavy and true rock sliders, tank like built.
Now for the 4runner I wanted to keep things as light as possible with some protection though, as it doesn't see the same type of off road action the FJ did.

Here's a decent review of the OEM sliders: https://youtu.be/0FfTPKjuMAw?si=sLy4mHdXPahEwxvX

 

I have them and they are reasonably beefy without being overly heavy. I've seen another YouTube video of a guy jacking his rig up with them and they didn't flex. If you want some protection they are a great option IMO. I also like the fact that they are tucked in. I don't need/want a step and I didn't want anything sticking out far enough that you had to step around when entering and exiting the vehicle. When the door is open it only sticks out about an inch.

 

Be sure to get the ones that are bolted to the frame.
There are two OE versions. One bolts to the frame and the other bolts to the body.

My 4R came with the body mounted rails and they were made from very lightweight tubing. I don't imagine they'd off much real protection.
With that said, aftermarket sliders from a reputable company will offer more protection than either OE option IMO.

 

The factory "Rock Rails" are frame mounted and done very solidly. The "Running Boards" and "Trail Running Boards" and "Predator Tube Steps" are body mounted. I don't know about the Rhino branding options.

 

I have a set of the OEM "rock rails" that I'm getting ready to put on in the Spring.

Are they as strong as some of the 3rd party sliders out there? No, but I'm also not rock crawling through hell in my 4Runner. I made the decision to go with the OEM rails because they were:
-Cheaper
-Didn't require expensive shipping since I can pick them up at a dealer
-Lighter
-Still bolt to the frame and provide plenty of protection for the type of off-roading I typically do.

 

Exactly why I went with them. And the $640 I paid included installation. Pretty good bang for the buck overall.

 

They are good for looks and offer very little protection when it comes to rocks or door dings. They maybe lighter compared to other companies but lack quality and functionality.

This one one of the first mods I did and replaced them with high quality sliders that are much more practical from Westcott Designs.

 

I opted for RSG angled and plated sliders.
They are stronger than the OEM Rock Rails, they offer more protection from rocks, door dings and road debris. They can also be used as a step for roof access.

This was the first piece of armor I upgraded.
The OE's are great and I'm glad Toyota offers them. But the aftermarket has better options for sure.

 

This an an old topic:
https://www.4runners.com/threads/oem-trail-rails.21903/

Mine were labeled "Rock Rails" and can confirm they bolted to the body in three locations. I'll attach an image of what they looked like. Maybe someone put the wrong sticker on the "trail rails?" They look very similar
Toyota does offer a similar version of these that do mount to the frame. The frame mounted ones are solid for the price.

I'm not sure which version has what name, but I'd opt for the ones that bolt to the frame if you want to stick with the OE option.

 

I agree that the Westcott's are much stronger and offer more protection, but I wouldn't say that the OEM rails "lack quality"

Practicality is going to be different from person to person

 

Thanks, everyone. I also looked at the link to the thread from a 2021 discussion. You've given me a lot to think about.

 

If real rock sliders are needed for the type of wheeling you do the OEM aren't going to cut it. If you're a casual overlander rarely coming down on a rock the OEM might suffice. There's no need to split hairs about this. The aftermarket offerings are plentiful and as pointed out, generally weigh nearly twice as much. The much lighter OEM offerings simply are not made of titanium or anything. They will not hand;e as much abuse as aftermarket dedicated sliders if that's what you need.

 

Don't be fooled into thinking a lighter rock rail is going to help much with 'fuel economy'. Fuel economy and a 4Runner shouldn't be used in the same sentence. I guess I just did, though...

Personally, I'd put that $640 toward real rock rails.