Rock Rails | Removable Steps?

Just took delivery of a 2024 TRD PRO. It included the OEM rock rails/sliders which are surprisingly sturdy and clearly purpose built. Unfortunately, I am looking for a step to get into the truck and the rails do not provide a place to put your foot. Was hoping not to remove the rails as they are nice and (paid for).

Has anyone added a "removable step" similar to this? N-Fab Tundra RKR Rock Rail Detachable Steps; Textured Black JPTS32 (Universal; Some Adaptation May Be Required) - Free Shipping (extremeterrain.com)

Parts department at my dealership suggested that Toyota does not make anything like this and to just remove the rock rails/sliders and add purchase the Toyota running boards.

 

Congrats and welcome to the forum ! ...maybe try a local welding/fab shop for idea on a single step to take on/off slider.

 

i'm in the same boat.

There are ton of options. Rhino seems to be the affordable yet good looking boards, Toyota seems to be the pricier option, and I also dabbled on power running boards since they now make it for the hybrid (some magnet issue before).

I do like to have the most clearance, so I might just cry once and get the power running boards. Still debating. If I didn't go power, I'd likely get the Rhinos for the price point and seem to be good quality. I'd also stick with aluminum for weight savings.

 

Do you think you will ever be in a “Rock rail” situation given your driving plans/locations?

If not (most of us won’t quite honestly) and if you are in that 99% crowd then why not just remove /sell and get a set of Rhinos or other brands and call it a day.

if you really gonna use rails then remove/sell and get a pair of those that serve both purpose like what Wescott Design (and others) sell.

I don’t know much about those you mentioned but they are interesting thinking about it.

 

Not to hijack OP thread but if you go the powered step option, I saw some steps on a buddies gmc that blew me away. Not only were they regular powered steps like AMP but you hit a button with your foot and they slid back so you could access the bed from the steps. He kept show me all the tailgate configurations (cool) but the steps were amazing.

 

How are those supposed to mount to the truck? They look like they need to be welded to tubing.
I looked at the TRD Pro before getting the 1794LE. I stood on the side rails and bounced up and down, they flexed, not sure if they are the same thing you have but if they are they are not true rock rails/sliders. The ones I saw are mounted to the body and not the frame, if you drop those on a rock you're going to need a good body shop.

 

@Rockpig thanks for note. The rock rails on mine are in fact directly bolted to the frame and are incredibly sturdy. I have no intention of ever needing them to slide over a rock as she will be more of an urban assault vehicle / pavement princess. The steps I referenced above may be able to bolt between the two rails, there is a welded connecting bar with holes that may accommodate the step - they arrive in a day or two so ill update with my findings.

 

I have no plans to use the rails for anything offroad. I like the way they look but provide no functionality for myself. If the steps do not directly mount, i will remove / sell the rock rails and pickup another set.