Running boards/Side Steps/Sliders... isn't there a set I like?

I just bought a new truck and it came without factory boards. I'm glad, because I'm sure I would be taking them off. The OEM offerings from Toyota just don't work for me. Take no offense as YMMV.

With that said, I love the function of running boards and side steps. Trucks are tall and I am not. 5'9" and 32" inseam. I hate sliding across the edge of the seat to get into my truck, because I suspect that years of that will tear up the seat.

I just got a new to me, 2020 TRD Pro. It has a mild lift at ~2" in the front over the other models, and I need to hoist myself up into the truck. First step first... I ordered the driver's side grab handle, and a set of the sill protectors... IMHO a cheap out by Toyota that those are not offered. So, I am looking for a set of side steps, running boards, sliders... whatever you want to call them. I think the tubular style work better for me. Not interested in busting my shins and I don't do rock crawling. Driving should not be a painful experience. My truck is a daily driver, with frequent journeys to trail heads, car camping, dirt, gravel and fire roads. Aesthetics and function are both important to me. I plan to leave suspension stock and only height increase will be with a larger diameter tire.

I had a set of the Iron Cross Patriots on my previous SR5 and they worked great functionally. Perfect underfoot traction and broad platform. Two things I didn't like about them: 1. I didn't care for the flat board look. 2. They were difficult to get any brush or cloth between the board and the underside of the doors for cleaning. In my mind, anything that makes maintenance more difficult is a no go.

So, help me out here. I realize I am asking for nirvana. But, why not?

 

What’s your budget?

 

I hadn't considered that honestly. Suppose I should. Are you thinking about the Amp's?

 

Exactly.

The AMPs are awesome funtion wise because you get a wide flat board but then they tuck away and are mostly hidden.

IMO the truck needs steps to hide the frame work under the door, but I didn’t want to drop that kind of money on steps.

I like the look of sliders as well but don’t do anything that would require their function/protection.

I was conflicted on what direction to go but found an open box set of Rough Country steps that look good and are functional. Steps are dimpled for slip protection and they work great for my little ones getting in and out.

 

I have N-Fab Podiums on mine. I had them Line-X'ed recently.

 

These? https://www.roughcountry.com/rc-toyota-cab-length-nerf-steps-rct0777qc.html

 

Those look nice! 3 pt or 4 pt mounting? Can you clean between the tube and the body?

 

They are 4 point. I don't have and issues cleaning.

 

These: https://www.roughcountry.com/toyota-cab-length-ds2-steps-sds071791.html

 

I’m in the same boat. I am going to need some steps as soon am my daughter gets a little older and I hate most options. I have been considering sliders since I got my truck but haven’t been able to justify the cost. I think right now my favorite steps are the Go Rhino RB20s

Stole this pic from another member

 

I found this set of steps from Addictive Designs. But, seem to only be offered for CM. I've reached out to the company to see if they have an offering for the DC. I like that they are tucked up under the truck except for right at the step. Spendy though. https://www.addictivedesertdesigns.com/toyota-tundra-side-steps-S75179NA01NA/

 

Those look pretty good. I like the slots.

 

I would like some also for my DC. So my wife can get in. Thinking AMP

 

I have these N-Fabs.
Did a little cutting and grinding on them so they would sit a little higher and farther in.

 

Was the same until I built these sliders. Tucked up nicely to the body.

 

Nice job and they look good. Can you give an idea of what mods you did to them? They look less conspicuous than other offerings? Did it affect the function?

 

Tyger Auto TG-BL2T7088 Blade Running Boards Fit 2007-2020 Toyota Tundra Double Cab (78" Long & 6.6" Wide) | Textured Black | Side Step | Nerf Bars

Tyger Auto 6.6" Blade Running Boards Compatible with 2007-2021 Toyota Tundra | Double Cab | TG-BL2T7088 | Side Step Nerf Bars

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079YLRGXP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fab_vZfGFbJK7APF3

I got these for my Tacoma and love them. Not to low to keep ground clearance and priced right

 

While looking at the N-Fab web site, I also saw these. https://n-fab.com/rkr-step-system

Looks to be a modular system that allows removal of the steps. That platform is small. Anybody had a chance to try these?

 

I hated my old N-fabs the coating was trash

 

I cut the metal between the two mounting holes on the two rear mounting tabs to create a single slotted hole. On the two front mounting tabs I cut the bottom of each tab under the mounting holes.
This allowed me to be able to push the steps up and in. I then took a grinder to the tops of the brackets to trim them where they where hitting the body. I used grade 8 hardware and thick fender washers to bolt the steps back up. Doesn’t affect the function.

 

Those look awesome. I love how tight up they look. I need to get something, but really want to keep from sticking out much. Good job!

 

Any chance you could take a closer photo. Those look great!

 

I like the n-fab podium on our tundra. Looks good and very functional

 

I have the W Drop step and love them

https://www.sparksparts.com/p-w-drop-step-running-boards-0001634787

 

If you get snow and they salt the roads, don’t bother with anything other than stainless steel. Anything else will rust out no matter what “coating” are on them.

 

Thank you.
Here are a couple of photos.

 

I can imagine. But, I live in a dry climate in Bend, OR. We don't get much rain and the humidity is low here. A good bit of snow in winter, but no chemical action on the roads. Imagine a high altitude desert. It is a traction part of the state, and they grind lava rock into pebbles and sand, then sprinkle the roads with that. So, no rust here. Cracked windshields and sandblasted grills?... sure, we get lots of that. I guess nobody gets to ride for free.

 

You have to teach me how to do that. Perfect!

 

N-Fab Predator Nerf Steps Aluminum just put on tonight with son 20 minutes to install! my kids all chipped in turning 60 has it’s perks!

 

More pics 1400 miles to Florida trip! Do a great job! COVID not flying to see Mom! Sold home in one day! Now some projects rat poop in attic lives on golf course seed = Rats should be a fun week! If stops raining back home 43 degrees here 80’s pool ‍♀️ here I come! She did great 16.4 miles a gallon but I expected that! Loving my new baby! Cruse control works great in traffic slows down did mostly 80 if I could stop n go is a normal trip!