[clear4dep]

I'm considering purchasing Toyota running boards to add on. I prefer the look of running boards as compared to nerf bars/tube steps.

I believe that the oem running boards come only in black, am I correct? I've also found these: ebay link, which the guy says he will paint to color match.

So my question to this all-knowledgeable group here at TN is: is there any good reason to NOT get running boards (either oem or the ones on the ebay link), other than the fact that it may reduce ground clearance a smidgen? (which i'm not too worried about because I don't do a ton of off-roading )

 

[toku58]

The ones on Ebay are NOT the factory boards.

These are. They only come in Balck:

I like mine because it makes it easy to wash my roof and the top of my windshield. :thumbup::naughty::naughty:

 

[6shooter]

if you don't off road, and just want a step their's really no reason to not buy them.

 

[clear4dep]

toku, i realize the ebay one's aren't the OEM. Sorry if i didn't make that clear.
Thanks for the photos too! I haven't actually seen the OEM's in person but they look very good from your pics.
I have the silver streak. Whats the consensus on what would look better: oem in black, or some aftermarket (such as those in the ebay link) that are color matched?

 

[6shooter]

black on silver looks really nice in my opinion

 

[toku58]

black on silver looks really nice in my opinion

Black is always cool!:thumbup::clap::Bruce:

 

[Jaime]

IMO the toyota running boards are the best looking no matter what color truck you have

 

[westpoint]

I've got the factory boards and I wish I didn't have them.

I find them to be a hindrance instead of helpful:

-too high up
-too narrow (tucked in too close to the body)

I strongly recommend trying them out on a truck at a dealer or maybe a friends before getting them for yourself. Compare them to other factory boards.

If I was single, I would have pulled them off already to sell to you. However, my daughter (4) actually does find them helpful so they stay for now.

Let us know what you decide!

 

[Jaime]

I find them to be a hindrance instead of helpful:

-too high up
-too narrow (tucked in too close to the body)

Haha and I like them for those same reasons, especially compared to all the other tube steps, etc.

To each his own?

 

[viet2100]

They also help you avoid rock chips :thumbup:

 

[clear4dep]

westpoint - great suggestion - I'll go down to the dealer this weekend and check them out in person. Too bad you still need yours, but if your daughter has a sudden 14" growth spurt (read toytec lift?) maybe you won't need yours anymore

I'm mainly wanting to put them on for 2 reasons: #1 - I plan on owning this truck until it explodes or I die, whichever comes first. Therefore, I need them now (for my 5' tall mother to get in the cab) and in the future (for the children I'll have in a few years, see pic below of my current "child"). #2 - I just bought my truck and want to add the boards soon. If I don't, I'll never get around to it.

 

[toku58]

I've got the factory boards and I wish I didn't have them.

I find them to be a hindrance instead of helpful:

-too high up
-too narrow (tucked in too close to the body)

I strongly recommend trying them out on a truck at a dealer or maybe a friends before getting them for yourself. Compare them to other factory boards.

If I was single, I would have pulled them off already to sell to you. However, my daughter (4) actually does find them helpful so they stay for now.

Let us know what you decide!

You know one of the main reasons I got them was because of my son. 7 now. He still uses it. Later when he's older I'm going to weld up some sliders.

It did bother me when I first got them that the boards hit you in the back of the legs when you exit the truck.
But after a while you'll figure it out.
Since my truck is lifted and I don't want to use a ladder. the boards come in very handy when washing the truck. :thumbup:

And like an earlier post stated they do protect the sides from stone chips, since I can't run front mud flaps.

 

[alohasurftoad]

well...

although the running boards enhance appearance, helps protect against rock chips and tire splash, IMO, it is not a functional for the average adult. like the other post said, it is too high up and is also too slick. i usually ingress and egress without using it. if i were to do it again i would look for a tube step a couple inches lower for functionality...

 

[45longcolt]

My wife insisted on the running boards so I got them from the factory. Those puppies came off the next day! I had hell getting in and out of the truck, like others have said, you have to drag your leg across them to get in or out. I just had a disc replaced with bone 2 years ago. I don't need to spill my butt on the ground trying to get out of my truck because my leg angle is so high when my foot hits the ground.

I sold them to a guy that has a small son, they are good for that but they were useless to me as a step. Too narrow to really use for me. He even commented when his son is old enough to get in and out of the truck he is going to remove them as well. Good luck.

 

[viper-2]

I was thinking about this 2 days ago. I have factory boards but they are the black and chrome steps. I sometimes use them and sometimes don't. Like Toku said, I do use them for washing since my truck is lifted. I think I would have a harder time without them since my wife uses them to stand on before she gets in the truck all the time. I wish they were slightly lower. I wonder if they make some type of adaptor to do that...maybe an inch or so.

 

[el_smurfo]

Pros:
1. Helps reach roof when washing
2. Protects sides from chips
3. OEM appearance (covers up exposed frame member, so doesn't really effect clearance).

Cons:
1. Plastic (does match pattern of bed rim though)
2. Rubs legs getting in and out. Can get pants dirty.
3. Mounts almost even with bottom of door so no help for short people getting in.

 

[nibbs]

My vote would go for N-Fabs- much nicer looking... IMO, and to each his/her own i guess...

pics coming soon- Billies going on tomorrow!

 

[AtomicAge]

My Taco came with them already installed. I don't need them, but they definitely help the vertically challenged.

I have no complaints.

 

[rmd0311]

I thought about getting them... But decided to go aftermarket instead and happy I did... I love the Westins I have on. Not much different, I just think they look better. They both serve the same purpose.

 

[rikdrt1]

the OEM ones are great - look fine and they help in preventing door dings - pull up against a car and you'll see they are wide enough to stop most door bang-ups when parking in tight places. i was going to do aftermarket, but i dont then the tube ones provide such protection - or not that much ... kids use them - but nobody else does i dont think.

regardless, i think they are just for looks, then they are for preventing doors hitting your door (unless its another suv/truck) -- and finally they are to help you step up and get it.

oh yea, they help when you're washing the truck too.