Automatic Running Board - Opinion - Help

[jhawkict]

Does anyone have a 2014 with automatic running boards? Whats your opinion of them or concerns. Looking at getting the wife a 4R and down the road "someday" I will be able to mod it out with sliders and etc. Dealer is getting a new 4R in with the automatic running boards in soon. I have not seen them in person. Thank you for your feedback/input.

 

[BlkKnight]

I've only had my 2014 Limited with auto running boards for a few months, but I specifically asked for the auto running boards when I traded for the 2014. Various family members had trouble getting into my 2013 Limited that had no running boards. I leave them turned off when it's just me in the truck, but I like having them available for when others are riding with me and need them.

I only do very light offroading while camping, so sliders aren't a necessity. Add in that I personally just don't like the look of the fixed running boards (I feel they make the truck look bulky), so auto running boards were a good fit for me.

Note that the auto running boards are a factory option, so you wouldn't be able to add them later if you opt against them now. I contacted a few aftermarket step providers regarding my 2013 Limited, but they all said the 4Runner was too low volume of a vehicle to justify something like is available for other trucks.

Here are a few pics of the running boards on my 2014 Limited with Michelin LTX M/S2 tires on the stock rims. The driver's door isn't fully closed so the running board will stay out.

Hope this helps!
-BK

 

[southman_70]

I don't have a 2014 but a 2012 LE. Toyota said that mudflaps cannot be installed with the automatic running boards. That was BS. The running board itself can be moved, it is only held by 4 allen heads screws and mudflaps installed.

 

[jhawkict]

BK, great photos! I appreciate you taking the time to post. Thank you

 

[Skeletor03]

I have a 2012 with Auto Running Boards. I love them and so does my 5 ft wife. I leave them on all of the time now even though I am 6ft 3in tall. My only concern is snow build up on them. I had them sprayed with Rhino Tuff Guard bed liner by a truck bed company because my wife slipped on them while they were a little wet from road spray. I have mud guards on my truck, like it was said you just move them back 1 inch and they work perfectly.

 

[dekeman]

You're lucky, we can't get these in Canada. I'd choose them if available here because the others are like tumors and don't even do the job they're intended to do. These tuck away very nicely. Also like that they can be shut off when you're driving solo. Good choice on the tires too!

 

[BlkKnight]

Good choice on the tires too!

Thanks!
-BK

 

[gwcpa]

I've got them and like them. The fixed boards look too low to me. I leave them off except when I think to use them for my wife and daughter or am washing the roof/windshield, guess if I used the roof rack I'd use them too.

If I leave them on I step over them 90% of the time.

 

[inv1GRated]

I have them on my 2014 as well. Love em! Specifically stole (a-traded) one from Arizona so I could get one in SoCal with them (early on). I agree about the bully look of the fixed boards.

One day when/if I convert this to a trail rig, they'll have to go! But for now, love em!

 

[dedude6789]

I've only had my 2014 Limited with auto running boards for a few months, but I specifically asked for the auto running boards when I traded for the 2014. Various family members had trouble getting into my 2013 Limited that had no running boards. I leave them turned off when it's just me in the truck, but I like having them available for when others are riding with me and need them.

I only do very light offroading while camping, so sliders aren't a necessity. Add in that I personally just don't like the look of the fixed running boards (I feel they make the truck look bulky), so auto running boards were a good fit for me.

Note that the auto running boards are a factory option, so you wouldn't be able to add them later if you opt against them now. I contacted a few aftermarket step providers regarding my 2013 Limited, but they all said the 4Runner was too low volume of a vehicle to justify something like is available for other trucks.

Here are a few pics of the running boards on my 2014 Limited with Michelin LTX M/S2 tires on the stock rims. The driver's door isn't fully closed so the running board will stay out.

Hope this helps!
-BK

hi What is the brand of the running boards on your Limited edition vehicle, and where can they be purchased? tks

 

[fkheath]

hi What is the brand of the running boards on your Limited edition vehicle, and where can they be purchased? tks

The running boards that BlkKnight is talking about are the factory OEM running boards. Do a Google search for aftermarket power running boards that may be available.