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Side steps. Short wife friendly.

3.7K views 21 replies 17 participants last post by  Lee's rig  
#1 ·
I've been informed by my better half that I need some steps for my new Tundra. She's 5'1" and 38 weeks pregnant:D She still wants a step for getting in and out after the baby is here.

I was dead set on Nfabs if I had to have steps. Then, the more I started thinking, I'm a little worried about how trip friendly they are. I'm thinking maybe a board style would be better, but the problem is, I don't really like the looks of the boards.

Is it easy to miss the step on the Nfabs when getting in and out vs a board style? Am I thinking about this too much? :D My wife isn't really a klutz, but she did express some concern when I showed her the NFabs.

Any other recommendations?

Thanks!
 
#3 ·
I used to have running boards on my 2001 F-250. They worked great during the summer. In the winter they became extremely dangerous. They were simply a hard plastic runner. I could have rhino lined these to help, but I didn't care since it was just me. Just make sure you consider how they might respond to wet weather with a non-boot (defined heel) jumping up on them.

Cheers!

-Justin
 
#4 ·
I have slipped more on my 5" running boards than I ever did with the n-fab style step bars I had on my last truck. When my wife was pregnant, she had no problem getting in the truck. With the running board type step bars, I think my kids can get in easier. They provide more stepping area than the n-fab style ones do. I like the new predator bars that Toyota is putting on the new trucks.
 
#7 ·
1. NFABs, I have them....they suck...look cool, but they are heavy, with too small a stepping surface and I have missed them a few times and banged my shins climbing out...they have to be linex'd to ensure non-skid when wet.

2. Rocksliders - $1500 bucks??? really? Heavy as sh!t and wayyyyyyy overdone for your 5ft 1 wife's needs.

3. Amp Power steps - these give fits after about the first year...countless posts on here about guys having issues with the motors. Electronics down behind the splash-pattern of the wheels makes no sense, BUT people still buy them.

4. Best I have seen are the 5 inch wide plastic steps...cheap, light, and get them linex'd and they will be non-skid. They provide a stable consistent surface that alleviates the guesswork as you climb out backwards after loading the newborn in the car seat. BTW: That is how I typically bust my ass/shins on the NFABs. Will also be good for heels;)

Cheers,

Frank
 
#8 ·
I have OEM SS steps. They work great for myself (back issues) and the 5'2" gf. Especially since I leveled it.

They don't have the looks of some of the steps out there, but I have never had issues in winter of slipping on them. I have had 2 falls from getting out of the truck and finding ice from hell on the ground though. Get out, put a foot on the ground, then get to try to catch myself on the door lol.
 
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#10 ·
Do what I did. Because I'm an amazing boyfriend.

Get her a stool. My most recent ex girlfriend said she wanted me to get steps (I hate steps), so I get her a stool.


She didn't pull that "I want steps!" BS with me again....
 
#11 ·
I've had Toyota steps installed at the dealership before I took delivery of the truck about 5 & 1/2 years ago--goodness, has it been that long?). With four children and wife, I've never had anyone slipping on the step. I live in Western PA (not far from the lake), so we get plenty of snow and ice.
 
#12 ·
I got boards for the same reason as OP. My wife is 4'8, 4'9. Two kids and my youngest is 1. I got cheap ebay 6" boards. These were the widest I could find. I have these for 2 years now and no complaint other than it could be a little lower. I plan to cut the mount and add extensions for additional length. During the winter, grip was never an issue with these. Didnt have to line-x or coat it with non-skid. Think I paid less then $200. Couldnt be happier. Dont buy something because all the "cool kids" have it but get something practical and safe, especially if its mainly used for your family. Would you rather be cool or have that peace of mind? Good luck with whatever you chose.
 
#14 ·
I third the AMP power steps. I put them on because I like the clean look of no steps, but like the OP, my wife complained after I leveled and put on 35's. One cool thing about the Power Steps, is if you think they don't extend low enough, they sell extensions you can bolt right on.

If you do go with the Power Steps, here's a couple of install tips.

1) AMP instructions say cut ~13" off the boards if you have a DC.
- Don't bother, they fit just fine without cutting and actually give additional step length for the rear doors.

2) AMP includes some dinky little clips to fasten the weather shields over the motors.
- Chuck 'em and use zip-ties. Not only are they easier to install, but they are more secure.
 
#15 ·
AMP steps no question. These steps definitely eliminated any complaints about the lift. Plus it's been great for kids and older family.
Unless... you never want kids and older family in the truck, and you aren't worried about keeping the current woman around, definitely don't get steps.
 
#16 ·
You guys must all be living in the south. Amp steps have tendency to freeze during winter so they don't fold up all the way, etc. OP, I am not sure where you live, but that's something to consider if you get ice/snow.