Running Boards Recommendations Request

[climber1872000]

Hi All,

I'm looking for advice on the best choice for running boards. After having issues with numerous rock chips and gouges to my fender flares I feel the need the add some extra guarding. I already have the large Ark flaps installed.

Prerequisites:
Amount of protection from rocks.
Esse of installation.
Quality

Additionally, does anyone have any advice on what I can do to take care of my beat up fender flares?

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[MustardTiger]

I'd recommend the HD2 running boards by Rough Country...seems like they provide good rocker panel coverage, and they run full length of the cab. I have the factory TRD cast alum ones...they seem to be ok.

I installed the RokBlokz XL's, and also mounted a flap under each running board. The flap hangs down about 4 inches, and covers from outside the running board to the frame, it also fills the gap upwards between the frame and r. board - these flaps will deflect rocks and debris that the primary mudflaps miss...back to the ground. My custom bracket mounts with the factory step bracket bolts (so no drilling) and everything is stainless/alum. I have had "extra flaps" like this on my other trucks for years with great success. I drive a lot of gravel! If my flares had damage like yours show...I'd probably get them line-x'd. Not sure what else can be done outside of replacing them.

The extra flaps aren't that noticeable, and regardless...the added protection against gravel rash is completely worth it to me.

 

[Benny]

I got the OEM TRD Running boards from another member on here, plus the ARK mud flaps - happy with both.

 

[nurp42]

OEM 5" tube steps. I've been very happy w/ them (super easy install).

 

[Pappy]

I just pulled off my OEM oval tube steps. I'm down I-25 in Albuquerque if you want a road trip. $100. Removal was stupid easy.

Otherwise, I just installed sliders from Victory 4x4. They are not a traditional tube-and-plate slider. I can't say the install was easy, though.

OEM running boards.

Victory 4x4 sliders.

 

[Airborne]

Like most guys are saying , theres some ways to prevent rock chips, honestly IMO, you can put nice mudflaps, good running boards and cut back on alot of the chips, there is a huge choice of options for running boards, many threads are on here from guys sharing experiance, options would be ,what look and function do you want, TRD offers some nice choices, comes down to what you like…then you go to the slidder option, some will boly on to frame others you need to drill, where others just boly to rockers and are for looks for the most part…….but a big key is your mudflap protection….this will deter alot of debies based on your choice, Search the forum here everyone usually posts pictures , quality, and how nthey like them as well as installation ease……its an important issue to address but there are very good combinations to ease those chips and dings, keep us posted on your progress, dont hesitate to ask here this is a great group of helpful guys
David

 

[nurp42]

Like most guys are saying , theres some ways to prevent rock chips, honestly IMO, you can put nice mudflaps, good running boards and cut back on alot of the chips, there is a huge choice of options for running boards, many threads are on here from guys sharing experiance, options would be ,what look and function do you want, TRD offers some nice choices, comes down to what you like…then you go to the slidder option, some will boly on to frame others you need to drill, where others just boly to rockers and are for looks for the most part…….but a big key is your mudflap protection….this will deter alot of debies based on your choice, Search the forum here everyone usually posts pictures , quality, and how nthey like them as well as installation ease……its an important issue to address but there are very good combinations to ease those chips and dings, keep us posted on your progress, dont hesitate to ask here this is a great group of helpful guys
David

^^ Excellent points. So many choices-- all of which would likely help-- depending on what your use case is. I still need to get better mud flaps myself (insert bag on head emoji here)

 

[climber1872000]

I got the OEM TRD Running boards from another member on here, plus the ARK mud flaps - happy with both.

Quick question regarding your Ark mud flaps. Do you have a gap between your mud flap and your wheel well? This is a picture of my rear Ark mud flap. Also, once installed did you notice if it forced the bottom of your fender flare to budge out like mine? Mine bulges out on both sides of my rear fender flares after installing the Ark flaps.

 

[climber1872000]

I'd recommend the HD2 running boards by Rough Country...seems like they provide good rocker panel coverage, and they run full length of the cab. I have the factory TRD cast alum ones...they seem to be ok.

I installed the RokBlokz XL's, and also mounted a flap under each running board. The flap hangs down about 4 inches, and covers from outside the running board to the frame, it also fills the gap upwards between the frame and r. board - these flaps will deflect rocks and debris that the primary mudflaps miss...back to the ground. My custom bracket mounts with the factory step bracket bolts (so no drilling) and everything is stainless/alum. I have had "extra flaps" like this on my other trucks for years with great success. I drive a lot of gravel! If my flares had damage like yours show...I'd probably get them line-x'd. Not sure what else can be done outside of replacing them.

The extra flaps aren't that noticeable, and regardless...the added protection against gravel rash is completely worth it to me.

Thanks for the advice. The HD2 running boards were the ones I was leaning towards.

 

[MT-Taco]

I went with sliders and ARK mudflaps problem solved. A decent 5in wide running board would work just as well to protect from rocks.

https://www.tacoma4g.com/forum/threads/rci-rock-sliders-installed.6472/

 

[Xjim]

Thanks for the advice. The HD2 running boards were the ones I was leaning towards.

I also installed Rough Country running boards and have 11k + miles and have no chips in my paint.
I had factory running boards on my 2005 TRD OR and it had no chips either.

 

[Wife bought my 24 TRD]

Hi All,

I'm looking for advice on the best choice for running boards. After having issues with numerous rock chips and gouges to my fender flares I feel the need the add some extra guarding. I already have the large Ark flaps installed.

Prerequisites:
Amount of protection from rocks.
Esse of installation.
Quality

Additionally, does anyone have any advice on what I can do to take care of my beat up fender flares?

I went with C B I rock sliders. The install was easy with a lift jack and with the kick out 🪨 I get great rock coverage.

 

[MERAKIAUTOWORKS]

I like OEM, if not OEM, then CBI is popular with us as well.

-Josh

 

[Benny]

Quick question regarding your Ark mud flaps. Do you have a gap between your mud flap and your wheel well? This is a picture of my rear Ark mud flap. Also, once installed did you notice if it forced the bottom of your fender flare to budge out like mine? Mine bulges out on both sides of my rear fender flares after installing the Ark flaps.

No gap issues for me on the mud flaps, fender flairs are seated properly. Maybe try taking the mud flap off and warming the plastic with a heat gun, then give them a slight bend.

 

[climber1872000]

No gap issues for me on the mud flaps, fender flairs are seated properly. Maybe try taking the mud flap off and warming the plastic with a heat gun, then give them a slight bend.

Interesting. I'll give that a shot. Thanks!

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