Real-world feedback needed: Finalizing Running Board designs with our new Patented Auxchemic® finish.

[TRUMGETA]

We’ve spent the last few months obsessed with a single problem: Why do most aftermarket running boards look like an afterthought and rust after just one season?

We want to change that with our upcoming 4th Gen Tacoma series. These aren't just steps; they are built with a heavy-duty rock slider structure to actually take a hit. More importantly, we’re debuting our Auxchemic® Armor on this line. It’s a high-strength Polyurea finish we’ve been working on to solve the chipping and slipping issues common with standard powder coating.

We have three potential surface designs ready, but we don’t want to guess what you want. We’d rather ask.

What we’re aiming for:

• OEM-Plus Look: It should look like it belongs on the Tacoma from the factory—low-profile and clean.
• True Protection: A solid frame-mounted structure that protects your bodywork from rocks, not just mud.
• The Auxchemic® Finish: We’re using this specific armor because it’s permanent, non-slip, and handles impacts without cracking. We’re putting our reputation on this coating.

We’d love to know: Which of these would you actually bolt onto your own rig?

Style A:

Style B:

Style C:

Let’s talk. Whether you like the designs or think we missed something, please let us know in the comments. To show our appreciation for your time, we’ll pick one member from the comments to receive a special "Early Adopter" gift or an exclusive discount when we launch.

We’re here to listen and build something the Tacoma community actually finds useful.

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[VBFD Taco]

Really like the idea of not rusting after a year.
Will they be strong enough to actually jack from like some aftermarket rock sliders?

 

[ScottyMcfly]

Style B looks not bad. I would honestly like another more stock type option compared to the OEM Trailhunter Sliders. Something along the lines of the DV8 ones

 

[lauren01]

I have cast my vote, but would not install these in place of my TrailHunter rock sliders because I actually use the rock sliders.

 

[FossilHunter]

A or C
I want a place I can use to step up to reach the top of the vehicle/cap so having a full plate on the top makes that nicer.
A nice bonus feature for a future version would be something like the FX board that Armordillo makes what has the sequential turn amber lights on it. I know not everyone likes the extra lights but I think they look nice and improve visibility for all the other people on the road not paying attention to what other vehicles are doing.

Any chance of extended versions for those of us with the long bed?

 

[395North]

Be a sport make something for the extra cab peasants will ya? lol

 

[TRUMGETA]

Really like the idea of not rusting after a year.
Will they be strong enough to actually jack from like some aftermarket rock sliders?

The rust resistance is a huge plus! We haven’t verified them as jacking points yet, as final strength testing is planned for the late development stage. We'll share the official ratings as soon as the data is finalized!

 

[TRUMGETA]

A or C
I want a place I can use to step up to reach the top of the vehicle/cap so having a full plate on the top makes that nicer.
A nice bonus feature for a future version would be something like the FX board that Armordillo makes what has the sequential turn amber lights on it. I know not everyone likes the extra lights but I think they look nice and improve visibility for all the other people on the road not paying attention to what other vehicles are doing.

Any chance of extended versions for those of us with the long bed?

Right now, our primary focus is on the Double Cab models, but we are definitely keeping an eye on the demand for Long Bed versions. I'll make sure to pass your interest along to our product team for future roadmap consideration!

 

[TRUMGETA]

Be a sport make something for the extra cab peasants will ya? lol

Haha, we can’t have the Extra Cab 'royalty' feeling left out! While we focus on the Double Cab for now, our Auxchemic Side Steps (2pcs set) are actually live in pre-order status and perfectly compatible with your XtraCab!

 

[lauren01]

Th

Right now, our primary focus is on the Double Cab models, but we are definitely keeping an eye on the demand for Long Bed versions. I'll make sure to pass your interest along to our product team for future roadmap consideration!

There are also Double Cab Long Bed trucks, such as the Trailhunter.

 

[Ironhide]

I start to lean towards A, but they all still look a bit too much like an afterthought. I understand the mirrored/simple designs will keep costs down, but I feel the shape is too generic and does not complement the truck. They could use more character, differentiating the front and rear shape of the steps. Maybe even an inside upswept lip. Also, for me, they sit out too far and too high. How about including/offering a second set of brackets that would allow the steps to be installed in a lower position. I’m excited to learn more about the Auxchemic Finish.

 

[395North]

Haha, we can’t have the Extra Cab 'royalty' feeling left out! While we focus on the Double Cab for now, our Auxchemic Side Steps (2pcs set) are actually live in pre-order status and perfectly compatible with your XtraCab!

Looks horrid. Looking for running boards. I may just buy the Al OEM TRD boards from Toyota and cut off the last attachment bracket and hope for the best. I belive the first 3 attachment points are the same as the double cab.

 

[FossilHunter]

Right now, our primary focus is on the Double Cab models, but we are definitely keeping an eye on the demand for Long Bed versions. I'll make sure to pass your interest along to our product team for future roadmap consideration!

I have a double cab, but I have the double cab with the long bed. Very hard to find nice steps that go the whole length.

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