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Does anyone have experience installing the RealTruck VoltStep Powered Running Boards on a 2026 Tacoma Trail Hunter w/5' Bed? Any specific watchouts or concerns?
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Installing RealTruck VoltStep
- Thread starter rdwhite629
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The RealTruck VoltStep Powered Running Boards feature a plug-and-play wiring kit and magnetic door sensors that won't plug into the OBD-II port. However, removing the factory rock rails on your 2026 Tacoma Trailhunter can be time-consuming
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Thanks. The first one was a bit time consuming but with a power drill the second one was pretty quick with a univeral joint.
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I completed the install and would give it a mixed review:
Shipping - The running board arrived in a well packaged box that was designed to arrive in great condition.
Install Instructions - this is where things got a bit more difficult.
- The install instructions were a mismatch to the parts that were provided. The instructions were for an earlier generation with more parts. Customer service was able to hook me up with the install instructions for the parts I received.
- A quick check of the parts delivered versus what was supposed to come with the kit revealed missing nuts, washers and bolts. This is always unfortunate as you either must wait on replacement parts to arrive or you need to purchase them locally. Customer service placed a replacement order right away but I wanted to get the install done so I did purchase these missing fasteners locally.
- The motor hardware was labeled left and right. It would have been much better to label them as drivers side or passenger side.
- The instructions said to mount the control box close to the rear passenger side motor. However, the control box was mounted to the mounting bracket in a way that would not allow this without removing the control box and turning it to give the proper clearance.
- The wiring harness was also not labeled properly. The instructions indicated that Front Left and Rear Left referred to the driver's side. It would have been impossible to install the harness using this convention. I had to connect the "left" to the passenger side and the "right" to the driver's side.
- In addition, I also had to reverse the "Front" and "Rear" on the passenger side. The shorter cable was labeled "Front" however, the cable was much too short so I had to hook up to the front motor. Reversing these on the same side didn't compromise the operation of the motors.
- The other issue with the cabling was the directions for routing the power cable. The motor cables had heat shielding where the cables ran under the exhaust. However, the power cable instructions were difficult to understand and if I was reading the instructions correctly, I would have had to pass under the exhaust system. There was no heat shielding on the power cable. I decided to pass all cables that went into the cab through a rubber cover just behind the front passenger seat. I then routed all wiring going through the cab under the rear seat where the battery is located. This made the install much easier. I did have to splice extra wire to the power and to the switch to make things reach.
- A couple minor things regarding installing the running board panels. If you place them too far forward, they will hit the frame and not close completely. This was an easy fix.
- One last thing... I did use anti-seize on the bolts to mount the motors and control plate. I also added lock washers and washers to these mounts. The directions call for it only on the control plate. I thought it was a good call for the motors as well.
Build Quality - Aside from the quality of the installation instructions, the overall build quality was very good. Everything operated as expected and all the components appear to be made durable.
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