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👍 TOP 8 TUNDRA RUNNING BOARDS | REVIEWS | GUIDES AND FAQ’s

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We prepared some of the best information we can gather about Tundra running boards in the market, for you to use when you’re in doubt when choosing the right step board, let’s take a little tour through this article for more understanding of these elegant accessories.

The 8 Best Toyota Tundra Running Boards in 2021

A Quick Reference Table Of The Best Running Boards

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IMPORTANCE AND CHARACTERISTICS OF TOYOTA TUNDRA RUNNING BOARDS

The main feature of the step bar or nerf board is to give help when ascending or descending from your vehicle, and therefore needs to be super strong for your safety. Some of the best Tundra running boards can support 500 lbs, while some with less quality can only support 200-400 lbs. The traditional step boards are three to six inches wide, flat, with a rubber step.

The next significance of all running boards  is for protection; also, these are created to provide help and protection to your vehicle, it blocks out the debris such as dirt and little rocks that the wheel is producing when running. This rule applies to all makes and models of pickup trucks, whether it’s a Jeep Gladiator side steps or a Toyota Tundra nerf bars.

The facts to consider when buying running boards are to check the main characteristics of your truck. It varies on you for what to choose, depending on your taste or budget; do you want an expensive-looking yet cheap? Or do you want an elegant yet durable? Luckily, we prepared a list of the best Tundra running boards with some reviews for your convenience!

THE BEST RUNNING BOARDS FOR TUNDRA AS OF 2021

Are you having a difficult time getting in or out of your truck? Or does your car feel comfortable and safe to climb into? Have no worries, we have compiled a list of the finest running boards in the country.

Narrowing it down, these are some of the best Toyota Tundra running boards; from the cheapest to the most expensive, durable, elegant, stylish, and perfect fit for your car. This is the list that comes up when you search for the finest step boards in the market:

TYGER AUTO

Positive

Negatives

OVERVIEW

First on the list, these Tundra Crewmax running boards fits perfectly to your vehicle. These are what you need if you are looking for a durable and elegant-looking addition. They weigh 107 lbs and have dimensions of H15 x W15 x L93. The brackets are very securely welded for your safety and to withstand any probable damage. Lastly, this board is also easy to install, it will only take you 40 to 60 minutes. The Tyger Auto will make your vehicle look fashionable and provide protection and strength. These are the best Toyota running boards Tundra Crewmax for us. This step board is highly recommended for its exceptionally durable and rugged appearance, perfect for daily usage and will never disappoint you in its performance. The only downside of these Toyota Tundra Crewmax running boards is they are a bit pricey, but if you want quality step boards for Tundra Crewmax, these are the perfect fit for you.
RATING: TYGER AUTO TG-AM2T20208
EXPERT SCORE:
5/5
Functions
85%
Price
67%
Performance
92%

Positive

Negatives

OVERVIEW

One of the best Toyota Tundra running boards, it also the most inexpensive and affordable Tyger Auto running boards Toyota Tundra on this list; it is made for a rainy climate. It weighs only about 48 lbs. its dimension is W11 x H7 x L83. Made for rough roads, it is made to protect your vehicle. With its solid appearance, it can withstand any heavy damage. These Tundra Crewmax running boards are also great for family and daily usage. The best Tundra running boards when it comes to the instructions and manual; very distinct and easy to follow. You will have no trouble arranging the driver’s and passenger’s side of these step boards; all the driver’s side step boards are in a clear green bag, while the entire passenger’s side step boards are in a clear plastic bag, and all of the brackets indicate installing it on its right location.
RATING: TYGER AUTO TG-RS2T40168
EXPERT SCORE:
5/5
Functions
77%
Price
89%
Performance
74%

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Negatives

OVERVIEW

The perfect double cab Tundra running boards, we highly recommended this running board for Toyota Tundra, it is created with carbon steel for style and is made to last, rugged and ready for heavy-duty usage, sturdy and very easy to install, welded carefully for safety, excellent for the height of your Tundra, gives extra vehicle protection from debris and little rocks on the road, and easy to clean. It weighs only 64 lbs. dimensions are 81.5 x 8.27 x 9.45 inches. The packaging of these are great, it is wrapped perfectly in foam for added security when delivering. These Tundra running boards are pretty heavy when in package, but not too heavy when fixing them to your Tundra. The brackets are precise and fits precisely to each hole in your Tundra, the coating is also perfect; not too dry, not too glossy.
RATING: TYGER AUTO TG-BL2T7088
EXPERT SCORE:
4.6/5
Functions
86%
Price
78%
Performance
95%

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Negatives

OVERVIEW

The best sturdy feeling of all these Tyger auto products, very easy to install, great ground clearance, classic and typical style, attractive looking, and custom fit and made for better safety when mounting or un-mounting your Tundra, also comes with an extra non-slip and UV resistant step pads. Considerable for its price; these Tundra running boards are made to last. It weighs 63.3 lbs. and dimensions of 99.6 x 11.4 x 6.1 inches.

Your money is well spent for the quality and best value on these running boards, great price for its; perfect fit, sturdy, strong, and most importantly quality. The only concern is its plastic caps that cover the brackets, but it is not big of a deal. Lastly, installing these step boards is also extremely easy, one person could do the job but two always makes it easier.

RATING: TYGER AUTO TG-RS9T60168
EXPERT SCORE:
4.4/5
Functions
95%
Price
87%
Performance
84%

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OVERVIEW

The only stainless steel and marine-grade Tyger auto running boards for Tundra product on this list, and have a 5 inch non-slip & UV resistant step pads, enough room for your footstep. Simple DIY instructions and very easy to install, all bolts and nuts fit perfectly, all parts are elegant looking. This weighs for about 56.4 lbs. and has a dimension of 95 x 15 x 8 inches.

Good price, high quality, good packaging, easy installation, and most importantly STAINLESS STEEL, What more could you ask for? These running boards are built for protection; the only negative thing about this running board is it has only three brackets per side, as for your Toyota Tundra which has four attachments each side, but it really isn’t an issue because the fittings are really tight after installing these running boards.

RATING: TYGER AUTO TG-RS5T50177
EXPERT SCORE:
4.5/5
Functions
92%
Price
82%
Performance
75%

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Negatives

OVERVIEW

The counter-part of number 6 on this list, this is also the best Tundra running boards for Crewmax, this beauty is made for heavy-duty use. Coated with black powder for rust resistance, this also works like stainless steel. A straight forward instruction manual, that makes it simple to install, lightweight quality materials, compact and rugged pieces, and reasonable price compared to its counter-part. It weighs 57.5 lbs. and has a dimension of 95.28 x 15.16 x 8.27 inches.

Great deal for its awesome quality, the only downside of these running boards is they are not for off-roads and they feel light when stepping on, and these can’t protect the body of your Tundra due to its very light specifications. On the other hand; this is the best running boards for Tundra when it comes to installing, if you just need a step when mounting or un-mounting your vehicle, and for the wide step that gives you extra safety.

RATING: TYGER AUTO TG-RS5T50178
EXPERT SCORE:
4.8/5
Functions
95%
Price
87%
Performance
88%

APS IBOARD

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Negatives

OVERVIEW

One of the best Tundra running boards, we introduce the APS iBoard. These boards are known for their rugged and unique design; they also have fully covered rubberized step pads for comfort and added safety. It is made of cast aluminum that offers durability and strength, and has corrosion protection. Extremely easy to install, no drilling or cutting required, just follow the simple instructions and your job will be done. It weighs only 36.9 lbs. and dimensions of 88 x 11.1 x 6.2 inches.

This running board’s aluminum composition makes it much affordable; you’ll have a lightweight yet strong for a reasonable price.  The only negative sides of these running boards are they are not stainless, and they are prone to corrosion. However, if you are looking for a running board that can support you, extremely affordable, and has an added safety and comfort step, this is the best buy for you.

RATING: APS IB-T4097A
EXPERT SCORE:
4.5/5
Functions
95%
Price
84%
Performance
80%

MAXMATE

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Negatives

OVERVIEW

Last but not the least, we introduce you MaxMate! Stainless steel made and the most affordable on this list. Weighs only 42.5 lbs. and has a dimension of 88x7x10 inches, the only negative thing about this is it comes with a hard to understand instructions which are not good, we advise that you should watch tutorials online when installing, one of the best running boards for Tundra.

If you can determine the installation of every running board, then you are good to go. As I mentioned, the only negative thing in this buy is its manual, but its parts are well placed over the box, therefore you won’t have to one by one all the pieces, overall this is really good for its price and quality.

RATING: MAXMATE 4 INCH OVAL STAINLESS STEEL
EXPERT SCORE:
4.8/5
Functions
97%
Price
91%
Performance
83%

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BEST RUNNING BOARDS FOR TOYOTA TUNDRA ON THIS LIST:

EASY STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE FOR INSTALLATION OF YOUR RUNNING BOARDS FOR TOYOTA TUNDRA

  1. Remove your old Tundra running boards if you have one or if none, remove the plastic plugs which are located under your vehicle’s doorstep, these are the holes where you install the brackets of your new running boards for tundra.
  2. Carefully unpack the package of your new running boards for tundra. Check if the package is complete; from its bolts and nuts, instruction manual, also check if there’s any manufacturer’s defect, washers, brackets, and keep the warranty to avoid any costly repairs.
  3. Check the manual if you need tools such as; box end wrenches, ratchet and socket set, screw driver, and do not forget your safety glasses and gloves.
  4. Arrange all bolts and nuts in their destined washers. Be sure that all the bolts do have their own specific washers.
  5. Check if your new running board has a U-nut clip to be attached to your vehicle, it will help to keep a nut in place while not screwed down. If there is; attach it by using a screwdriver to help you. If none; get ready to attach their brackets.
  6. Now, arrange all brackets to their particular area, whether they are marked as – DF, DR, and DC meaning Driver’s front, Driver’s rear, Driver’s Center or -PF, PR, and PC mean Passenger’s front, Passenger’s rear, and Passenger’s center respectively.
  7. Install all the brackets; be cautious when installing the brackets to their assigned area, always check for the manual, and don’t tighten all the nuts and bolts, just make sure that they are on the right spot.
  8. Analyze whether you need to attach the bolts first on your running board or to attach first the running board to the brackets, you need also to prepare the running boards to its designated place; whether it’s on the Driver’s or Passenger’s side.
  9. Connect the running boards to its designated brackets; do not fully tighten for later adjustments.
  10. Level and adjust the brackets then the running boards for your desired level, and fully tighten all bolts and nuts.
  11. Inspect if there is any loosen or movable parts after you tighten all the bolts and nuts, make sure that you have installed your Toyota Tundra running boards firm and steady to make you safe and secure when mounting or un-mounting your vehicle.

RETRACTABLE RUNNING BOARDS

Retractable running boards also known as power running boards are automatic transmission based, they are designed for elegance and aerodynamics. This modernization of technology allows us to feel comfortable and at ease, some might say that it is expensive but we say that it is one of the best running boards for Toyota Tundra, and your money is well spent on this feature; imagine having Toyota Tundra with power running boards installed, your truck will be so elegant and has less drag when running, making you spent less on gasoline in the future. We highly recommend the brand AMP RESEARCH for its name is quite famous for making power step boards, the quality and elegance will rise to sky-rocket guaranteed. As of now, the reviews of the said brand didn’t make it to this list, but as today they are the best power step boards available on the market.

Toyota Tundra – How to install eBoard Retractable Power Steps

FAQ's ABOUT THE BEST RUNNING BOARDS FOR TOYOTA TUNDRA

Question: What is the main purpose of the step board?

Answer: The main purpose of the running boards is to act as a step for entering or exiting a tall vehicle, its secondary function is it acts as a protection for the debris and little rocks of the road.

Question: What are the most durable and quality brands on running boards?

Answer: These are the best running boards as of the year 2021 according to this review:

  • TYGER AUTO
  • APS iBOARD
  • MAXMATE

Question: Is it mandatory to install running boards on your vehicle?

Answer: Installing running boards is for your safety when ascending or descending your vehicle, it may also help your vehicle block off some debris caused by your wheel when running. Most of the best running boards available have a rubberized step for the grip on your foot for added safety.

Question: What is the price range of electric and simple running boards?

Answer: In the market, you could find a lot of electric running boards available, it ranges from 1000$ to 3500$ depending on the brand and quality of the product, while the simple running boards on this list range between 100$ to 400$ tops.

Question: What are the qualities of the best running boards for Toyota Tundra should I consider when buying one?

Answer: It depends on what do your Toyota Tundra needs, but we always consider that it should be durable at the same time lightweight. Durable because it acts as your support when mounting the Toyota Tundra, On the other hand, it needs to be lightweight and has the proper aerodynamics to reduce drag, and to reduce the gas consumption.

Question: Can I install the running boards all by myself?

Answer: Yes, most running boards are easy to install, no drilling or cutting needed, you just need to follow the instructions or guide that is mostly inside the package of these running boards.

Question: How heavy do the best running boards for Tundra support when mounted on it?

Answer: We can distinguish it by checking the technical details of the running boards, some are 350 lbs. limit, but most of the best running boards have a limit of 500 to 600 lbs. weight limit.

Question: How wide should typical running boards be? And what are to be considered?

Answer: A typical running boards is usually three to six inches wide, depending on the vehicle’s side clearance.

Question: What do the best running boards for Toyota Tundra compose of? What should I consider when buying one?

Answer: Some running boards are made of cast aluminum to decrease the weight of it but still can hold to heavy loads, some are made with stainless steel to prevent future rusting. You should purchase running boards that are best suited for you, depending on your needs.

Question: Will the warranty of my vehicle be void when I install running boards?

Answer: That depends on the warranty that was given to you by your seller if it indicates that drilling holes will void the warranty then don’t drill holes. Most of the warranties are being voided when you initiated drilling holes in the vehicle, but when your vehicle has a set of holes in which the running boards are supposed to be installed and then the warranty will still be valid.

Question: How do running boards help lessen gas consumption?

Answer: Through aerodynamics, drag causes air resistance which makes the vehicle harder to run or move. The higher the drag, the more fuel is needed to be burned; therefore, you need to consider the weight, shape and size, and aerodynamics. If you want to lessen your gasoline consumption, you might want to consider power running boards, because they retract underneath your vehicle when you are in motion, thus making your Toyota Tundra more aerodynamic ready. You also need to consider the weight of your selected power running boards.

CONCLUSION

Choosing the best running boards to buy is hard, but once you define your needs, it will be pretty easy; whether you need a cheap but durable, expensive yet lightweight, well-known brand, stainless steel for a long-lasting running board, a new brand to test, power running boards for a fancy look, it depends on your taste and style.

Our goal is to think about what you need, and narrow down the choice, for you to have the best that you could ever get and to have the best experience of purchasing what is needed for your vehicle. It does not matter whether you buy an expensive top-notch performance fancy-looking running boards or an affordable hard-working one; always consider your needs and focus on why you are buying new running boards.

When you are still in doubt of what to buy, or where to buy just remember:

  • Choose only trusted brands, listed in this article:
  1. TYGER AUTO
  2. APS iBOARD
  3. MAXMATE
  • The lighter the Toyota Tundra running boards, the less drag, and fuel consumption.
  • Make sure it fits (check the measurements).
  • Find out what others think about your preferred models (check user reviews).
  • Best running boards for Tundra are durable and lightweight.
  • 500-600 lbs. are the limit carriage of the typical running boards.
  • Focus on your needs.

We enjoyed doing this article and provide some useful knowledge for you Toyota Tundra lovers! We hope that we helped you and you’ve learned something new and useful from this article – something that will make you feel confident using this knowledge to find the right running boards Tundra for you. Let us know if you learned something about this article, feel free to comment on your suggestions and ideas on how this article helped you. Thank you!

James Black

About Author

My hobby is tuning my cars (Ford Mustang 2015 and my wife’s Toyota Tunda). But I also enjoy exploring all the automotive aftermarket for American auto parts! I hope my reviews and recommendations will be useful to you! If you have any questions, do not hesitate to email me: mark@car-parts-home

(2) Comments

  1. Avatar
    Thomas Mitchell says:

    I have the retractable running board installed on my Tundra 2018. It really looks flush when tucked in and very clean looking. My wife tells me she feels like a princess every time she gets in, especially at night when there’s led light that automatically lights up when you open the door. The only downside is it’s hard to install it by yourself if you don’t know how to connect the wiring harness. You have to basically open the plastic trims to run the wires through. It’s not a DIY thing unless you go for the basic running board without the motors.

  2. Avatar
    David Hall says:

    I’m looking for a running board made out of stainless steel. I used to have it on my 2 trucks and it held up a few years. I know nerf bars have problems with bad winters and road salt it started to rust after only a year. I also want that makes it much easier for shoes to grip especially if its damp outside.

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