Running boards

Hey,

What are the pros and cons of the predator tube steps? are they worth $800? Should I look for aftermarket running boards or other oem toyota boards?

Thanks!

 

I don't know about predator tube steps.
Running board was much safer step for my kiddo and now having a dog I don't see how a dog would get in if I had predator tube steps. I like running boards over predator tube steps as they add little bit of protection to the side of the vehicle driving in gravel roads or even on pavement in rain / snow. Running boards also gave my 4R a nice clean look than things hanging low.
Here's how they looked on mine -
https://youtu.be/pXGz3iWez1s

 

As a former predator step owner (came new on the 4R), these are my observations:

Pros:
- Aluminum, light weight
- Easy to install
- Look ok

Cons:
- Won't help at all if you offroad, may even be a damage multiplier if enough force is applied
- $800. There are aftermarket options that look much better for lower cost. You can find a set of takeoff predator steps on this forum for way less than $800
- Hang a bit too low for my taste

 

MSRP for the predator steps is only $635. https://parts.toyota.com/p/toyota__4Runner/Predator-Tube-Steps/70042455/PT92589180.html

Had some on my ex-wife's Tacoma, was not a huge fan of them.

I asked my dealer about the steps that come on the trail and was told about "lots of complaints about them icing up" in the winter up here. platform type seem more functional but predator style make the truck look like it sits higher than running boards.

 

When I test drove a Runner with the Predator steps I found that they weren't in the right place for my foot to find them when in the REAR seats - I had to look for them and reach slightly. That makes them a no-go for me in consideration for any rear seat pax I might have.

 

So I've always thought the stock plastic running boards are beyond ugly. And the TRD predator steps drop down too low with too sharp of angles for my taste.
After 3" lift I didn't want to spend yet on rock sliders.
Been very happy with Smittybuilt 2" nerf steps (you can get 3" too). Sleeker, rounded, and less drop imo. Haven't frozen up on me in Canada. (of course anything that isn't rock sliders on frame can be accident multipliers, but the price diff is apples and oranges)

$299.99 4wheelparts
https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/smitt...th-cleated-steps-black-t1464r/_/R-DSBP-T1464R

 

Never had tube steps on any of my vehicles...but I do have running boards. Main reason for running boards (for me) is to protect the rocker panels from gravel coming off the front tires. Had a rig some years ago that had the paint completely worn off the rocker panels by gravel and rusting badly so since then all my rigs wear running boards because I drive mainly dirt roads. Don't see how tube steps would protect the rocker panels nearly as well from gravel.

 

I agree that the predator step does not appear to be in the correct position for everyday use, Seems to far foward. Had them on my 2021 and opted for none on my 2022.

If possible try to find a 4runner you could check them out on before committing as each person has different tastes/requirements.

 

These are the OEM Trail Running Boards I installed on my 4Runner. The hard plastic won't rust. They provide great coverage for protecting the body from snow/salt/road debris. Nice location for stepping in and out of the truck. And they blend right in with the appearance of the truck.

 

I had the Predator steps on when the rig was stock...



On the trail, they caught on obstacles. On the road in winter, they collected ice chunks.

But, for my 5'3" girlfriend at the time, they worked well for her to get in and out. I'm 6'2", so didn't need them, but they were OK for using to get to the roof rack.

I took them off and sold them for $100 to a short lesbian with a TRD model.

I replaced them with the Tyger model that has more clearance for obstacles, but still a good platform for accessing the roof rack. They are not great for getting in and out of the rig, though. Now that I have lift and 33" tires, my new 5'4" girlfriend struggles to get in.



If I was going to get more serious about off-roading, then I would buy some rock sliders with enough area to use for getting into the roof rack, and then make my own cable steps like we had on our HEMTT military trucks in the Army.

The cables are stiff enough to offer support for climbing up, but then they flex when hitting obstacles.

 

I was thinking of these as well. Does anyone use blue Loctite on the bolts when installing?…or just torque down?

 

Mine came with these OEM. Assuming port-installed. I like them since they do provide a bit extra protection but are not intrusive.

 

I have a 2020 Off Road that I added the PRO wheels and rims along with the predator tube steps. I regret getting rid of the rims that came with it and the predator tube steps seem have become tired.

 

I’ve heard the predator steps could be ankle breakers and are harder for kids (and wife). I just took of my OEM automatic steps (also not preferable for me) and plan to replace with the trail running boards for all the pros mentioned above - particularly a cleaner car in the rain and snow and ease of access for wife and kid.

 

I put them on because I liked how they looked on the Pro (I also did the tires and rims). But, I've grown tired of the look now. I regret selling my OEM rims.