Running boards, steps?

Hi All!

I'm a newbie owner, and I'm short so I need some steps or rails - something for my 5th gen TRD Off Road.

Any thoughts on these at Rough Country https://www.roughcountry.com/product/toyota-cab-length-nerf-steps-rct1360
versus N-Fab?

 

I had these full size steps on my 4runner before I got sliders. It was great as a step for my kid and also act as a cover protecting the sides from small rocks picked up by tires on gravel roads.

https://amzn.to/3B7o8fw

This is a video of my 4Runner after they were installed. BTW I got the black ones and at the time the black ones were same price but now they are $400+, not worth at 400 bucks imo.

https://youtu.be/pXGz3iWez1s?si=BCiKr97L8ZJCoVwP

 

I also like the OEM running boards- https://amzn.to/3XA75Ki

Again, I would not pay 400bucks. I would check Facebook marketplace for used ones in good condition.

Eg-
150bucks near me..

 

Those seem to be no better or worse than most of that type of step, if all you need are steps for entry/exit. Easy to install, and work ok for steps. N-Fab has a fairly good following, though. I don't hear too much about RC, but they appear to be similar.

Some think the stepping surface on this type of step can be small, or misplaced compared to the oem Toyota running boards.

 

Before I answer your question, let me ask you one. What is the main reason you want tube steps / running boards?

 

Welcome.are you wanting nerf bars or the flat running boards ? Or are you just looking for something to assist you into the truck?

I personally love it without anything on the side, but after the lift The Boss nixed that idea and the nerf bars with drop steps was the choice.

 

Because I'm short and even without a lift (yet!), it's a little awkward to get in for me.

 

Location?

 

Check Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace for takeoffs. And let us know your approximate location - someone may have a set they are willing to get rid of. I have a set I took off my 4R, replaced them with sliders, but haven't gotten around to selling them yet.

 

There's currently a set of Predator steps for sale on the 5th Gen Marketplace (San Diego). These pop up from time to time. I sold mine early on in my 4R adventure. They are aluminum, so, very light, and make good entry steps.

Once you get to 10 posts, you could always post a WTB thread for those with your location.

 

I really like my 5 degree RSI rock sliders with step plates. Best of both worlds, great price

 

I'm in the DFW area of North Texas.

 

Is RSI a collaboration between RSG and RCI?

 

That's a great reason to add something. It also opens up more possibilities. I actually added a factory set of running boards to our T4R mainly to prevent stone chips caused by stuff getting kicked up by the front tires. (And yes, they work perfectly for that task.) My wife is 5' 2" tall and she likes them to help her get up and in too.

Tube steps work pretty well for helping you get in, but the actual area you can step on is much less. And they don't work nearly as well at preventing stone chips.

One thing that you don't need to worry about since you're not in the rust belt is corrosion. Tube steps - particularly painted or powder coated steel - corrode very quickly in the rust belt. The factory running boards seem to last much longer.

As has already been said, check FB or CL for used takeoff sets of whatever you choose. They can usually be had for around $150 a set. I actually bought a perfect used set for $125 just to have a spare set in case I need them.