Side steps/running boards for 2021 TRD Sport

Looking for opinions of what would be the best bet on steps/boards for the ‘21 Sport.
Also, unrelated, what are your thoughts on the Weathertech bug deflector? It looks like a good product but I’m concerned with it messing up the paint and I’ve read you can’t take it through a car wash. What about if you hand wash the truck, does soap and water get stuck under it?

 

I love the predator steps but worried my foot would slip-through and break an ankle.
I like the basic running boards but thought they may be dicey when wet.

So I went with these - foot won't slip thru, and they have grooves... they work for me, functional and look good too.

They are 'not' sliders and would wreck havoc in any serious off-road adventure but I'm not going that deep into the off-road world.

 

I bought a set of N-Fab nerf bars for a previous Tacoma and reused them on my 2021. Looks similar to Predators but uses tubing for the step supports instead of plate.

 

I have the Predator steps and like them - my wife uses them a lot. I have the Weathertech bug deflector - have had it on my truck for over about a year and a half without issues. I take it through a high pressure car wash once a month or more and use a pressure washer on it at home. The bug deflector mounts using screws into holes that already exist in the underside of the hood and doesn't touch the paint - no paint issue with my truck. The hood protector they sell, though, mounts directly to the hood using 3m tape.

 

Grabbed these off of ebay (or maybe Amazon?) For lett than $200. Very sturdy, easy to install, love the non-slip texture where your foot goes.

Unless you really plan on abusing your truck and have a need for rock sliders, I think most of these tubular steps and "predator" steps are pretty much the same quality.

 

Unless you and your wife are short you don't need running boards. I am 5'9" and if I use them I have to duck my head to get in the cab.

 

Like Devious said, Predators. I dont do any serious rock climbing in my truck. I'm in florida so it's mostly sandy hills to be honest. However, i do have a short wife, and a 5 year old. the lower step helps both of them get into the truck, so for me, they are a necessity. And I think they look cool.

 

yeah I’m 5’10 and don’t need them as a step (my wife does). Mainly getting them for her and I think they add to the look of the truck.

 

I picked up a pair of iBoards off, I believe, Amazon. Simple step mounts, easy to install even with just one person. They got good reviews. I put them on the day after I bought the truck. Granted, I dont do serious offroading, but it helps my GF who is 5'2", and my short italian mom, who is now sub 5 feet. I had no issues with them during our monsoon month of July, getting into or out of the truck-no slipping or anything.

 

These are the OEM 5-inch oval step rails. I had them included in the deal when I bought the truck in May. I don't really use them to get in, but once my butt is on the seat I do use them to help with the final seating adjustments.

 

OP, nice selection, good prices and great service at Runningboard Warehouse:
https://runningboardwarehouse.com

You really can't go wrong. I put a pair of these fat Ionics on my 2020 TRD OR and like them for their convenience and large foot surface. Price was great, too. As I am doing a little more off roading I am considering actual sliders and am starting to research that. Overall, tons of options and you really can't go wrong with any of them:

https://runningboardwarehouse.com/p/ionic-5-black-curved-nerf-bars/v/toyota/tacoma/2020/

Probably will upgrade to actual sliders when I get the time to figure out what I need.

 

where did you get the TRD badge for the front grill ? looks sweet.

 

Thanks! Right here on TW.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/color-matching-trd-grille-badges.674304/

 

I installed Westin 5 Oval Stainless steel tubes and love them they look good. I debated over the painted or stainless steel but after seeing so many painted side bar rusting went for stainless steel.

 

I got the running boards 3 yrs ago from the dealer and find them not suitable as a step (too high). But, they look ok and I can use them to easily reach the top of the cab.

 

GoRhino RB20s

 

I went with the OEM 2nd gen running boards, as I wasn’t a fan of the Predators and didn’t like most aftermarket options. They bolted right on to the 3rd gen just fine without any mods or drilling.

Sorry, no pics of my truck but here’s a post with pics in the OP (note I didn’t have to dremel like that OP did.)

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2nd-gen-running-boards-on-2019.594919/

 

Best looking steps IMO. Can't beat the quality for the price. Look so much more expensive than what they are. Unfortunately looks like they are currently unavailable.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/new-running-boards-look-like-sliders.718046/

 

I have the Westin HDX steps. Had steps sprayed with LineX

 

I got the same ones in 6”. They work as they should, decent build quality, and were priced right for my step-needs.