Running Boards or Tube Steps?

I'm taking a look at these accessories. I'm planning on getting a roof rack, and I figured it would make sense to have a platform to get up there and load stuff, and for cleaning snow off the roof etc.

Which one do you guys prefer? I like the look of the Tube Step more (thinner, looks more slick), but the running boards look like they will protect the car better from stones, and from dings from other car doors in parking lots etc.

Which one is best?

 

personal opinion, get the Toyota OEM black powder-coated tube steps, install is extremely simple (only 12 bolts total) and the power coat will hold up, and look better than the tacky chrome option tube steps toyota offers. The running boards generally look cheaply made and secured to me in my opinion and don't really offer anymore protection than a /good/ pair of tube steps would. BTW the Black Tube Steps are made out of the same rigid material and same matching powder-coat toyota uses on the 2wd non-prerunner tacomas Rear Bumpers and well as all other base model tacomas Rear Bumpers. just my $0.02

 

If it's a platform you're looking for, then go with running boards. Tube steps look better (IMO) but you only have 1 or 2 steps on each side to access the roof. It's doable, but not sure how easy you want it to be?

 

I just installed my tube steps and I love the look of them. Like Kyle said, the running boards just look tacky and not as sharp. I put full weight on one of my steps without and budging at all

 

Seems like everyone is voting for the tube steps, which is what I preferred aesthetically speaking (ableit the caveats of not being as good a platform at the running boards for accessing the roof rack).

I assume the OEM ones you are talking about at these (pic attached)?

Are these tubes wide enough to stop people in parking lots hitting my doors? TY guys.

 

had both, and like the running boards better.

 

Is this the case? TY.

 

I've had both as well. Running boards are good if you have young kids. I've seen some kids get their feet/legs stuck in the gap with the tube steps.

 

I don't think they would stop door dings... you'd need a higher truck or wider steps to stop them. I got a set of the black dominators for $340 (there's a sale) here http://www.autoanything.com/nerf-bars/go-rhino-dominator-ii-cab-length-nerf-bars there are pics in my album
These might stop a door ding in a perfect circumstance but I wouldn't count on it, you'd probably be looking at 4 inch tubes lol. Hope you find what you like!

 

in my opinion i would say neither get sliders. runner boards are pointless unless your truck is either really tall and you are small or you are just a midget and can't get in it. Sliders are actually functional. if hit a rock with a runner board or tube-step its just going to crush in.

 

I took my OEM tube steps off my '09 when I traded it in for a '14. Bolt right up and is easy for me to get to the top to clean. Also makes it somewhat easier to get in/out if you want to use them. Won't stop a car door but mine are also aluminum color (they don't offer them anymore) and look nice on my MG truck.

 

those are the ones, trust me you'll love them, i really like mine