Rock Rails and Running Boards

[Bernie]

Are rock rails and running boards complementary, redundant or mutually exclusive?

 

[TRD JON]

Are rock rails and running boards complementary, redundant or mutually exclusive?

It depends on the model. But for the most part they are added on for additional charge.

 

[Bernie]

What I meant to ask as does it make sense to have both rock rails and running boards or do they conflict with one another? If that's the case, I'll choose the rock rails. My concern is just how high will I have to step to get in to the vehicle. I suppose there is probably an after market removable step for everyday use.

 

[Bernie]

Okay, let's try this again. I'm going to be a first time off road buyer with the new 4Runner TRD Pro (however long that takes!). I went through the build your model on the Toyota site and saw options for both rock rails and running boards. Looking at TRD Jon's new ORP, he has the running boards. They look nice and would give pretty good access to the roof rack. BUT, I kinda have a feeling that they wouldn't serve the same purpose as the rock rails and may even get in the way of rock rails. Can anyone bring this newbie up to speed?

 

[a few waffles]

Running boards and rock rails typically bolt on to the same places, so it's a one-or-the-other type of situation. Running boards do not offer much for protection, they're basically just steps. Rock rails will give you protection in one of the places that you're most likely to damage if you offroad over rocky terrain. Some rock rails will protrude a bit from the vehicle and can be used as running boards (steps) as well, but that depends on the manufacturer.