Side steps, keep or remove?

[Audible]

For me the factory steps stick out 6 inches, I’m short at 5ft 9inch, which if my left foot is on the ground I really have to stretch to get in. If I step on the step I’m too high. Steps are good on my father’s Ram 1500, but on the Tacoma they are just jewelry.

What’s you experience?

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[Sagebrush]

I installed the Rough Country electric steps. I can't say toooo much about 'em. They're great.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DH6SM9TJ?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1

 

[TX-BluStreak]

Wait, your truck came with "side steps"?!?! How LUCKY! My Pro didn't come with any kind of steps, (I wish it did)...all it had was rocker protector which doesn't do me any good. I'm 5'11" and I have to jungle jim my way into the truck b/c it's so damn TALL. Luckily, I switched those out for actual running boards.

I say if your truck is TALL (like the Pro)...it's best to have steps.
But if your truck isn't that tall and you're only adding the steps for "decoration"...REMOVE it.
Perhaps I might interest you in a set of rocker protectors? It protects against rocks and adds a dash of "je ne sais quoi" to your truck.

 

[oldschool_94]

I installed the Rough Country electric steps. I can't say toooo much about 'em. They're great.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DH6SM9TJ?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1

Hey Sage. Did you have them installed by a shop? How hard was it cleaning up all the wiring? I’m thinking of getting them. I’m tall but my better half has to hop into the truck haha. Thanks!

 

[Dirt]

I use Westin drop step running boards. After my wife had a stroke we looked for a running board that would ensure she didn't slip as well as one that helped her get in the rig. I didn't want one that was in the way and caught my pants leg every time I got out. With our winter snow, slush, and ice it needed to be open in the back and perforated bottom so it didn't hold moisture and could be cleaned out easily. These do not stick out very far (about an inch less than the dealer style), and with only half a step length are perfect for us.

 

[someguyonaforum]

I have Amazon side steps that stick out 6 inches, but they are mainly to protect the paint from rock chips. Without them the front of the bed was taking a beating.

 

[Knute]

I agree with Audible. They were useful, especially when I had a knee replacement, with my previous Ram. The Taco door opening is too short to make the steps useful for anyone of normal (5'9") or taller height. Unfortunately, my $750 steps were part of just under $2000 worth of options distributer Gulf States Toyota added to the vehicle I ordered (in order to get the 6MT).

They may have one use - helping stop stones that get past the mud flaps I installed. If you think steps would be of use to you or those who ride with you, save $500 and go aftermarket

 

[Knute]

I agree with Audible. They were useful, especially when I had a knee replacement, with my previous Ram. The Taco door opening is too short to make the steps useful for anyone of normal (5'9") or taller height. Unfortunately, my $750 steps were part of just under $2000 worth of unwanted options distributer Gulf States Toyota added to the vehicle I ordered (in order to get the 6MT).

The steps may have one use - helping stop stones that get past the mud flaps I installed. If you think steps would be of use to you or those who ride with you, save $500 and go aftermarket.

 

[bsquaredMTB]

Wait, your truck came with "side steps"?!?! How LUCKY! My Pro didn't come with any kind of steps, (I wish it did)...all it had was rocker protector which doesn't do me any good. I'm 5'11" and I have to jungle jim my way into the truck b/c it's so damn TALL. Luckily, I switched those out for actual running boards.

I say if your truck is TALL (like the Pro)...it's best to have steps.
But if your truck isn't that tall and you're only adding the steps for "decoration"...REMOVE it.
Perhaps I might interest you in a set of rocker protectors? It protects against rocks and adds a dash of "je ne sais quoi" to your truck.

I can't tell if this is sarcasm or not but just in case, I figured I'd chime in. The TRD Pro and Trailhunter trims are spec'd out to be offroad so that's why they have those rock sliders instead of steps. Normally, it's a feature that people look for in off-road capable versions of trucks.

All this being said, if this was sarcasm or joking around, forgive me for sounding like a know-it-all

 

[Audible]

My wife wants me to keep them of course, but she only rides in truck maybe once a week. I may take off and store in garage. If I catch to much flak from my beautiful wife, I can easily reinstall.

 

[john877]

I installed 4in nerf bars on my 24 Sport, I really don't use them to step into the cab, however my wife needs them. One advantage is they help prevent door dings from other vehicles.

 

[907Yota]

Generally speaking I’m not a fan of side steps. With a 5’2” wife they were a necessity. I even considered mounting one on the pax side only but it looked goofy so I put on both sides. I’ve learned to use it getting in and out. Trying to step over just caused a dirty pant leg.

I found a benefit to them. Cars parking next to me can’t hit me with their doors without running into the step first. A tall truck could still get me, but I just try not to bark next to them.

 

[Audible]

Truck looks good.

As a funny, my dry humored, my father-in-law would call those type..""Shin-buster 6000's".

 

[Sagebrush]

Hey Sage. Did you have them installed by a shop? How hard was it cleaning up all the wiring?

I installed them. The wiring harness is top quality, but it still took five hours for the install.

 

[trailhunger]

I went TRD PRO Rocker Protectors on my Trailhunter ~80% of the year. I don’t rock crawl in the winter, run splash guards vs skid plates, on a long bed it can be either a bloated pig or a lean fast escape machine

Side steps help stylize your rig. There’s a lot that look great. It’s like having knobby treads for 98% city driving. Yea, cool truck. Shit MPG.

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