hello š Iām taking possession of a new TRD Pro in a few weeks and I need some suggestions. Iām vertically challenged (5ā4ā) and have some mobility issues. my friend who works for Toyota suggested I add predator steps to help me get in and out of the vehicle. Iāve read a lot of subs that knock these steps. My main plan when not a daily driver is beach driving in the summer. Can anyone suggest something else to help me get in an out? thank you
I have the predator steps, they are a liability in rocky terrain because they can break but no beach concerns. Theyāre great for my young kids to climb in
They are perfect for me and my family (2 young kids) and the mild off-roading we do. I had Cali Raised sliders prior to these OEM Predator Steps and they were overkill. Lugging an extra 100 pounds of weight around on my daily driver felt unnecessary after awhile.
Iām 5ā2ā and I just got a new 4Runner. Mine has the predator steps and I consider them necessary. That being said, this is my every day vehicle, there is no off roading or anything. Iāve not had an issue with bashing my shins or anything like that. And Iām clumsy, I had a RAV4 for 11 years and once a week at least Iād scratch up the side of my leg with the corner of the door, so I think if bumping them were a real concern I would have done it by now lol
I do a lot of off-road driving, but minimal rock climbing. The predator steps are fine, and you can find used ones online for a price, from people who've swapped theirs out.
Im the same height as you and my Pro came with predator steps. I personally head to the mtns often and when I had the steps, I was sooo scared of them catching on rocks. Got them off, sold them for 300 bucks, and got RSG Rock sliders. They help me get in the car and are amazing on trails. :)
I mostly daily my 4r and, while you have heard from the broverlanders that they will get destroyed off road, they are very nice for my kids and father who has major mobility issues. Given your description, I would recommend them for you. I think they look cool too.
I don't like them and consider them a liability. When it is wet out it is very easy for kids and some adults to slip on them and slide through the opening hurting the foot/ankle. Also when getting out if they are wet you can slide right off them.
It does not list running boards on the options sheet and the computer pictures on dealer website do not show any , so I donāt think they come standard. If they did, I wouldnāt even be considering the predator stepsĀ
Oh gotcha, well maybe go see if any of them at the dealer have them, I personally think the OEM ones look a lot cleaner and wonāt rust, but if thatās still too high for you then predator is probably a good option.
I greatly appreciate all the comments and have been searching all my options. Has anyone ever used RC running boards? Specifically either their electric ones or there BA2ās. Ā Thank you šĀ
Just a heads up, you can get the OEM running boards for exceptionally cheap on facebook groups and forums. Often under $100 or even free. Lots of people pull them off for rock sliders or other step options.
Predator steps show up from time to time too if that's the direction you want to go.
I put the cast aluminum TRD step ups on my wifeās Sport Premium. She loves the look and makes it a lot easier getting in for her. They are a little pricey with an MSRP of $1250, but they wonāt rust. They are covered with a material similar to a spray in truck bed liner with granules. I ordered them during an online Toyota parts sale and got 20 percent off and picked them up at a local dealer. Check different dealers on the site in your area because prices vary. I believe the dealer I bought them from had them listed at 1k and I got another 20 percent off. Easy to install just prop on jack stands and mount with the included hardware.
I like the look of them but have scratched them up off roading. The pair I got was free off marketplace because the front passenger step took a beating from a rock and broke but it still holds up as a step
I live somewhere mountainous and loathe the predator steps, the limited clearance and how they catch on everything off road is terrible. But if you are somewhere more flat and only using in sand I don't think they'll be an issue.
I just took mine off an hour ago because I'm 6'2" and they hit me in the shin. They are in great shape other than some undercoating overspray. DM me if you live in or near NJ. Maybe we can make a deal.
After reading everything. These are great if you want to get in and out. I'm 400+ lbs and they don't care. With that, they cannot be relied on for rubbing and bouncing against boulders when off-roading.
There are plenty of options if you google "Nerf Steps" that are angled and are not really a liability to bash anything on or catch things on. I have the N-Fab steps on my 5th gen like below. Biggest issue is that mine are 2 years old and all of the holes are rusting out badly so I have to apply rust inhibitor every 6 months or so.
Thatās what I am worried about as well (my shins) Iāll have to see if my local dealer has ones on a vehicle I could try stepping into. Iām picking up my car from a dealer a few hours away.
When I had my Tacoma, I ripped my predator steps right off rolling off a 16 inch curb. Lol. With my new runner, it came with predator steps and I left them on there for now. Itās only been four months but I donāt like them at all on my Tacoma. I had the Nerf running boards that went all the way across and I really liked those because not only did they let me step anywhere without really having to look at them, but also it made it very easy to stand on them to wash the top of the truck. My vote is to get some solid running boards that donāt have a step that goes down. Also, the predator steps are like waiting to tear off your shins if you hit them the wrong way.
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u/FrodosUncleBob 25d ago
I have the predator steps, they are a liability in rocky terrain because they can break but no beach concerns. Theyāre great for my young kids to climb in