Running Board and Tonneau Recommendations?

Wanted to hear some opinions on good running boards and hard tonneau covers that aren’t super expensive but also not junk.

 

RB30 Running boards , and AV3 Tonneau

 

RB30 Slim, mounted backward. Not cheap at all, but Diamondback tonneau.

 

I was patient and watched Marketplace until I found a set of OE steps. Only paid $100 for them. But the RB30 slim would be my next choice.

 

RB20 Slims, BAK x4s

 

What type of hard tonneau cover are you looking for? There are a few to choose from: roll-up, retracting, folding, or old school hard tonneau shell. There's this one from SyneticUSA which also has integrated t-slots. As for running boards, I'm in the market for a new pair and like these from

$265 Tyger Auto Trax Side Steps Compatible with 2007-2021 Toyota Tundra | CrewMax | TG-TX7T29798 | Textured Black Drop Step Rail Running Board

Tyger Auto.

 

Installed RC hard bed cover a few years ago, it is holding up very well, and an excellent value. Able to do a few other mods with the money saved.

 

I recently installed a Westsport AL4. So far it's stayed dry. What I like is it locks in each position and I can fully raise it.

 

Another vote for the BAKmx4

https://www.tundras.com/threads/back-flip-mx4-install-and-review.131511/

 

Retrax pro and factory running boards. Best combo I’ve found yet

 

I like my Worksport AL3.

 

I have/love the factory running boards they tuck up nice and neat for better clearance on rocks,curbs ect..
As for bed cover, GatorTrax lockable composite roll type into can, holds water back from car wash and heavy rain, but when it rains and then sub freezing = no bueno.

 

I run the OEM tri-fold tonneau and GoRhino RB20 running boards. Been very happy with the form & function of both.

 

I have the OEM predator steps and they're fine for my use. For the tonneau...I would recommend the BAK Revolver X4S. I have the MX4 and the thing I don't like about it is that it blocks the bed camera when you have it fully open (up against the cab). So when I have something to haul that requires an open bed, I can't keep an eye on anymore because the tonneau blocks the camera. Upside is that the rear view camera is unobstructed, so it's nice to be able to see out the back when the rear window is completely blocked.

 

Here is my two cents on both:

Bed Covers:
I have the Bak Tri-Fold on my 2023 Limited. Came from original owner installed. Super robust fits great, but when you fold all the way to the cab it blocks the rear window.
On my 2024 Platinum I have the Retrax One MX (poly one) that also came from previous owner. The retractable is super nice, but you cannot really put anything on top of it.
If I was going from scratch I would get the Retrax Pro XR with aluminum slates and T-rail. Best of both worlds.

Side Steps:
The 2023 Limited came with these from Amazon. Iron Bison is the brand. I was going to swap them out, but they are really robust and look great.

$270 IRONBISON Running Boards Fit 2022-2025 Toyota Tundra CrewMax, Heavy Duty Tundra Side Steps Steel Nerf Bars Step Rails Rock Sliders Heavy Texture Black

https://www.amazon.com/IRONBISON-Running-2022-2023-CrewMax-Sliders/dp/B0C5N9ZY62?crid=1FPOD5X9G530&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.465o3HPCOtqPN4YrxcKuPQYW1ROW_yExszvtqN-lgFoyzdxhm8HDjBpDxjNtxKZASx8mbrIpi4tePBvSei5ucFhCFj9zLs4kI7cCkPzvUkKjJ1RoXR7SvqFoFq2BJzLcVnuBbeUtVo9apB9K-5ohzbA0Dp-yLM8Do2y05RnN8TXD9htNDZsYMDsiFZQUHRg52x_vy0dKHT0UAC9zRriqXxwIhpK8tQAq8lsOMRVR-ogAvIhJ0RwPaYmXecPZIcXqFOYabNcrETB30sDIcbBC2ccruDBiUZXvQwTrWfidteI.K_N5VgvTwpdDeVqz64a2GqK1IEATWL_NskmMTtA-7T8&dib_tag=se&keywords=iron+bison+side+steps+tundra&qid=1753718394&s=automotive&sprefix=iron+bison+side+steps+tundra%2Cautomotive%2C119&sr=1-4

The 2024 came with Toyota Predators and they were removed within the first 2 weeks. Getting in was ok but getting out required focused foot placement. I went with Go Rhino D6 and could not be happier. Very robust and tuck up nice. I was torn between the D6 and D30, but glad I went D6.

Blatant pics of the Silver Sisters.
Iron Bison Steps


Go Rhino D6 Steps


The Sisters: (Platinum before step swap)

 

I guess I will be the first to rip on my gear. I have the Bak MX4 from the dealer (Toyota branded) and it leaks bad. The cover also soaks up water and get super heavy. So I am really disappointed in the Bak product. Same for my running boards. I got the Rough Country HD2 (Steel) - They look great but rusted fast. RC sent me a warranty replacement. Then they rusted as well after 1 winter. I just resprayed them black myself. I see that they switched that model to aluminum.

 

I have Rough Country running boards, and plan to get their tri fold tonneau cover soon. I used to be a big Bakflip fan but have heard/seen their quality go downhill since they first came out so I'm trying a similar product for a fraction of the cost.

 

Calif,

How much room in your truck bed does the Retrax take? I thought I read somewhere that it is pretty bulky and takes up a good part of the bed near the cab? True?

 

The canister is about 11" x 11" so you get storage underneath but lose a bit of overall length. I have a bed extender (Toyota) for when I need something long, but have yet to need it. To be honest I don't think I will ever need the full length, and if I do I can always take the retrax off if and when.

That is the tradeoff of these retractable ones vs the tri-fold.

• Retractable lose a bit of bed
• Tri-fold lose the rear winder visibility when folded up.

Someone above had mentioned the rollup version which might be useful if you use the full length of the bed more often. It all comes down to what do you want more frequently. For me most of what I haul is food and luggage when we go to the Cabin in the mountains. Occasional Home Depot run for wood which I leave the tailgate up and hang over, etc.

For me the retractable fits my use case better than tri-fold or rollup.

This one might be the best of both worlds if you need full bed and hard cover.

https://realtruck.com/p/bak-revolve...L-F23uXoFMtWxmuucJt42rCB-QQAMa9AaAlsqEALw_wcB

 

My truck came with the Toyota power running boards and I love them.

For the tonneau cover I wanted something heavy duty so I went with the Lomax Professional Series from RealTruck. I like the diamond plate look and install was superveasy and I got to use my factory bed deck rails for the installation.

 

I think that Revolver is the move. If I'm not mistaken, the "canister" on the Retrax-style covers is there whether the cover is rolled up in it or not. The Revolver coils up on the outside of the bed and only when you have it open. Plus, you retain the use of the cargo camera, which you lose with a tri-fold.

 

Great minds... I've emailed Tyger Auto 3 times over the last year to see when they plan to release these boards for our trucks. Every time, same answer. Nothing in the pipe. I have the star armor from them, they're nice but they hang low. I had RB20 slims. Loved them, but the brackets hung REALLY low and they are so flimsy looking I was afraid the smallest contact would destroy them. As for SyneticUSA I have their bed cover and rack. Super nice setup. Almost zero water intrusion. Smaller cannister than the retrax and almost half the cost. Very pleased.

 

Installed the Toyota trifold a few weeks ago. Dry. Works well up or down. Nice quality. $1047 from the dealer. Strong recommend.
Part number PT954-34223

 

I've heard the OEM trifold is a Toyota branded MX4. Does it block the cargo camera when folded all the way up against the cab/window?

 

yes

 

Rough Country Trifold here. So far, I'm happy.

I went with an Amazon branded running board. I needed something with a step down for my wife, and I didn't want the typical "predator style" running boards. I like it a lot... looks beefy.