Not sure why 3rd Gens don't come with standard running boards

Picked up my 3rd gen yesterday and I knew running boards were not included on the sticker but I figured I'm a 6' guy and should be able to manage. Wrong. its a bit high and my 5'-7" of a wife would definitely be struggling.

Running boards should be standard on full size trucks.

Anyways, looks like I have to buy one and I know which ones I want. I want the predator steps.

I've seen many of you sporting them already. Can you post the link from where you bought them? obviously I'm looking for best price. Thanks

 

It's definitely a bit high off the ground, but even then I do not like most running boards I have used. I'm sure the TRD ones are good, but in my experience with Jeeps and trucks, running boards are only useful for very short passengers or to cut down on the amount of mud that splashes up on the doors and side windows. I hop over mine when getting in my Jeep. They are only there to substitute mud flaps.

 

I’m sure you already checked your dealership parts department? Ask them about price matching also…some dealers do it.

My trucks are always raised so I require running boards as that extra height makes it worse for the very short passengers (kids) that I will be carting around for years.

At 6-2 I still use the running boards too…would be detrimental to do anything else (especially on my slanted driveway)

 

Those predator steps are an accident waiting to happen. Way to narrow and forget about using them in snowy conditions.

 

They have a learning curve indeed (narrow and precision needed yes) but I think once you get used to them they work pretty well in my opinion.

Someone unfamiliar to your truck and their placement may have an accident though

 

Here are the ones that came installed on my truck! Way too narrow and one came discolored! This is my 4th Tundra and these running boards are, in my opinion, subpar for toyota!

 

I live in Southern California. We’re pretty dry here for the most part. I can hop in just fine, the step is so that I don’t ruin the seat. It will be needed for passengers for sure tho.

 

I hope to come out one night and see that little elves made off with my running boards. I pulled them off but ended up bolting them back on after my wife complained. lol
Theyre honestly just sand and mud collection devices in my case and make the truck look like it sits lower.

Dear thieves: Leave my catalytic converters alone, but the running boards are fair game.

 

On the plus side, by the dealer (or port) not already adding the boards, you are free to choose amd install the ones you want - and you didn't have to pay for ones you may not have liked.

Mine's not a 3rd gen, but I got lucky and port installed some useful boards back in '20. I wasn't sure I'd like them, but they have turned out to be super useful. Unlike the ones they installed on our 4Runner - those were removed 3 days after I got it home. They were only good for getting my pant legs dirty trying to step over them.

 

Best bet is to head to parts.Toyota.com and find the part, then on the left hand side plug in your zip to find dealers near you…. Every dealer near me within 200 miles had better prices than MSRP, and the one I ended up getting them from was less than an hour drive… got them for $420ish…

 

With a 4' 10" Wife (of 49 years) running boards or nerf bars are the very first thing I buy. Never been a fan of the Cab Length models,so extra shopping was always required. I'm happy with these ICI Wheel To Wheel bars that I mounted on my 2010 when it was new.

 

I strongly disagree. I hate them with a passion and can not wait to get rid of mine.

Trucks should come with rock sliders, not running boards.

Also, I'm 6'3 and even with a 3.5in lift, I still just slide into the seat. The running boards actually get in my way.

 

I feel running boards have more use for the general user. Not everyone off-roads.

It’s only about 8 bolts and can easily be taken off. I just feel like it should have been included in a $60k+ Truck

 

You're correct. I THINK running boards or nerf bars are quite useful for some of us. I also THINK we all have different requirements.

 

I have no use for them either. They do a great job of collecting snow. My wife is 5’2” and makes good use of the grab handle!

 

I’m glad they aren’t standard. As easily as the statement “not everyone goes off road” can be used, not everyone doesn’t go off road.

Get them if you need them, but since so many people specifically do not want them, it makes efficient financial sense for Toyota to not include them. People will pay a significant amount to get them installed as PIO’s.

 

Here's what I did with my 2020 Pro after I decided I didn't like predators, and didn't like the brushed stainless look.

https://www.tundras.com/threads/blacked-out-the-stainless-steps.68097/#post-1773147

 

probably due to toyota offering 5 different types of steps/running boards as a an accessory. the 6th option is part of a factory package.

predator
black steps
silver steps
sliders
trd running boards

or the automatic running boards


not everyone likes the same item or some get aftermarket.

personally i ordered our tundra with the trd running boards as i dont care for the tube steps or the predator steps for our winters up here.

 

@SantanaRealtruck has some great deals for us here on the forum. That's my suggestion for you if you want running boards...