Rock slider vs running board

[Andong]

Hello guys!
how's it going?

I'm considering to install running boards on my T4R.

but I also consider to put rock slider instead of running boards since I plan to go on off road in the future.

if the running boards are good enough for off-roading, I will get it from 4wheel parts. otherwise, I will get RCI rock slider.

running boards offered me below $300
but rock sliders offered me over $600

so.....

do I need to spend over $600?

what do you think? do you think I need running board or rock slider?

I know it depends on what kind of off road I'm going but mostly I'm not gonna do hardcore stuff.


Rock slider vs Running boards

 

[Bishop98]

I think only you and your wallet can make this decision.

 

[jrandom]

Simple, sliders are to protect your rocker trim from large impacting objects, running boards are not (rock chips and road salt)

Most sliders will support the weight+ of your truck, enabling you to "slide" over some objects. Whereas running boards will buckle.

 

[skt4271]

i wish i wouldve bought sliders, i went with nfabs. im just gonna mainly hit trails or forest roads, but looks wise. way better. i went nfabs due to kids, but they dont like them either.

mine came with running boards, but they was a joke, barely could use them because they was soo tucked under the car.

 

[RonJR]

Running boards are for looks, for stepping on, and for reducing road spray up on your doors. They do nothing for rocker panel protection, and look like this (or worse) after dragging over a rock.

If you never plan on hitting any rocks with the side of your vehicle, go running boards. If you want actual protection, get sliders.

 

[<<<<]

Sliders, hands down.

 

[Engineer]

Honestly not enough information given, if by off road you mean a well groomed forest service road of a beach trip every now and then. I would say rock sliders are overkill and have their own set of maintenance issues depending on the type.

If you have any intent to do an off road park or semi technical trails don't get steps.

Note that most rock sliders are poor substitutes for steps and actually make entering and exiting the vehicle more challenging.

This is sort of like asking do I want to run Michelin pilot Super sports or BFG KM2's.....both are a fine tire but depending on your use depends on which way you go.

 

[JPOVS]

After a winter of using rocksliders I highly recommend them over running boards. I found a hidden benefit using rocksliders versus running boards that hang down lower.

With running boards I notice that I get more slush and snow pile up due to the spray coming up from the front tires and landing on the running boards then turning to ice.

Since rocksliders are up tight to the doors the snow doesn't pile up from the tire spray.
Also this helps with rock chips too. The bump out even helps more.

My sliders were powder coated and in a couple months that was falling off due to rust, I have since had them sandblasted and Line-X so I never have to worry about rust again. When they get scratched I will bring it in for a repair. Shop told me free Line-X repair. Those repairs in the future may or may not look perfect, but there on the underside for the most part.

 

[e60ral]

use smooth spray paint instead of rough line-x, then just spray paint them to touchup as needed

 

[CoMtn4Runner]

If you plan on going off-road, get sliders. While they cost more than sliders, they cost a lot less than having to repair damage done by hitting rocks when driving off-road. If you plan on getting sliders, plan on also picking up some solid skid plates as well.

 

[HeartGuy]

Spend the money once, get sliders.

 

[graciedad04]

I had this discussion with my wife she wanted nfabs I wanted sliders. I bought the sliders since when I do go offroad it can get hairy. I bent a running board that is on my 07 tundra limited. Just going across a field when it bottomed out in a wash. I did not want that to happen to the only new car my wife had ever had.
So my vote is sliders.

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[gearguywb]

sliders are like insurance....if you need them you better have already bought and installed them

 

[ADBSR5]

Kinda off topic here, but can you install 5th gen OEM running boards with the current bolts in place (2017 SR5P)?

Planning to buy running boards off Craigslist, doesn't include bolts.

 

[graciedad04]

@abdsr5 Does it have steps now?

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[elguidoam]

Give the RCI sliders on toytec a glance. Minimalist appearance. Moderate price. You did yourself a favor not getting oem running boards

 

[ADBSR5]

[MENTION=144008]graciedad04[/MENTION] No it doesn't.

 

[graciedad04]

Then the bolts will doubtfully be there. Usually steps or running boards when purchased new will come with bolts to mount them.

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[ADBSR5]

[MENTION=144008]graciedad04[/MENTION] there's bolts underneath my SR5 in place where the boards would go. Would those work?

 

[graciedad04]

Possibly. I would not have guessed that they would be there unless you have to move other things to install them and if that is the case you will probably require longer ones. I have not installed a set of toyota running boards. I put sliders on my wife's 4r and my tundra had the running boards when I bought it used. But I have installed several sets on honda cars and they always come with bolts to install them.

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