Running Boards- TE vs. SR5

[36bound]

Hey guys,

I am aware that running boards mount differently to a Trail Edition than they do on an SR5 on account of the SR5 having the rocker panel moldings. My question is, appearance-wise, do the running boards that are available as an option on the (2012) Trail Edition look any different than the running boards that are available as an option on the SR5.

My reason for asking is, the SR5's running boards have that chrome strip that certainly compliments the look of all the other chrome on the SR5, but it seems like it would contrast against the "black out" black trim look associated with the Trail Edition.

If you have running boards on your Trail Edition (or have seen running boards on a Trail Edition) do they look any different than the running boards that are put on the SR5?

Note: I will not be doing any "serious" off-roading.

 

[Johnny Utah]

lots of threads about running boards on here...but, i am not going to blast you for creating another one.

all i know is the factory running boards with the chrome strip like you mentioned are literally, and i mean literally worthless. My girlfriend with her 5'2" size 3(in kids) feet, can barely get enough of her foot on the running board to make the board worthwhile and useable. I wish i could take them off,

Some of the 2012s have the auto running board feature(I doubt on the trail edition though.) Those look Sweet.

If you want some running boards get the the dee zee branded ones, although there are some problems with the grommets, from what i read on a previous thread.

good day to you sir, :hatsoff:

 

[oldsweng]

Yes, the TE versions are different - all black and plenty usable.

 

[ArcticEd]

My girlfriend with her 5'2" size 3(in kids) feet, can barely get enough of her foot on the running board to make the board worthwhile and useable. I wish i could take them off,

Are the 2011 boards different than they were in 2010? I only ask because the ones that came with the 2010 limited seemed to work pretty well at being a step for my then 8-year old. I hated them though - took 'em off an sold them to another member. Got rid of the rocker panels at the same time.

 

[Johnny Utah]

Are the 2011 boards different than they were in 2010? I only ask because the ones that came with the 2010 limited seemed to work pretty well at being a step for my then 8-year old. I hated them though - took 'em off an sold them to another member. Got rid of the rocker panels at the same time.

i doubt it. They look the exact same on 2010 trucks that i've seen..

 

[STLDAVE]

HEere are some pix of my 2011 TE with the factory running boards. I think they are the same for 2012. And, yes, they are usable. My girlfriend (5'0") and my daughter (5'6") both use them every time they climb in, or out.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...ner-owners-picture-thread-105.html#post869765

.

 

[petenthend]

I'm trying to find some running boards for my 2012 TE as well. I've been reading through different threads that they recommend the deezee NSX (not sure if that's the right name). They come in 3 different/color trims, i'm still doing research to what fit's best.

running boards vs. sliders vs. sliders with stepping. I don't think I'll be doing heavy off roading but it's good to have in case, but at the same time I like the look of running boards vs. rock sliders with stepping.

 

[Whiplash Willy]

If you removed the SR5 rocker cover/trim, could you mount the OEM Trail Running boards? Would there be weird gaps between the running board and exposed SR5 Rocker panel, or at the bottom of the fender trim?

 

[eddiebx]

I never inspected the OE Trail running boards up close, but from what I recall it mounts up right under where the trail rocker ends, so I think it's probably going to look just as exposed as if you mounted up a set of sliders w/o the SR5 rockers. You'd probably need to add the trail rockers to fill in the gaps.

 

[TexasAg]

I took off my running boards from my Trail. You can certainly mount them on the SR5, you just have to remove the rocker trim panel and then you can get the mudflaps that are integrated into the wheel wells. Still got the running boards...

 

[BobsTrail]

IMO I think n-fab steps look good on a T4R. On an SR5 the rocker panel needs to be trimmed or spacers are needed. There is a good post about trimming the rocker panels. In the sticky post: Modifications, Write-Ups, Quick Links, and FAQ's

N-Fab side step install- Rocker panel trimmed: HOW-TO by Antman

(Wish I knew how to post a link.)

 

[STLDAVE]

... from what I recall it mounts up right under where the trail rocker ends, so I think it's probably going to look just as exposed as if you mounted up a set of sliders w/o the SR5 rockers. You'd probably need to add the trail rockers to fill in the gaps.

This is correct.

I took off my running boards from my Trail. You can certainly mount them on the SR5, you just have to remove the rocker trim panel and then you can get the mudflaps that are integrated into the wheel wells. Still got the running boards...

The TE mud flaps won't work on the SR5 unless you also do the black trim around the wheel wells. That requires different wheel well liners, which require...you get the picture. Just do the Trail conversion. You know you want to.

 

[Okki]

This is correct.

The TE mud flaps won't work on the SR5 unless you also do the black trim around the wheel wells. That requires different wheel well liners, which require...you get the picture. Just do the Trail conversion. You know you want to.

You do NOT need to change the wheel well liners. I did a TE rocker conversion on my Limited and you just need to change the fender molding, the mudflaps and rockers. The rear fender molding does not have to be changed.

For part numbers and installation instructions, see my build thread below.

Do keep in mind that the TE trim is textured so you'll have some extra expense with getting it painted to match the rest of your LE or SR5 trim.

Okki

 

[sraycock]

SR5 Running Boards Worthless

I agree with Johnny Utah, the OEM running boards for the T4R_SR5 are worthless. The bottom "rocker panel" interferes with the running board and there is not enough space to put your foot. Bad design. I bought mine last week and are sending them back to the dealer. Lessons learned. Don't make the same mistake I made.