With Toyota Hilux sales through the roof, owners have the choice of a wide range of both OEM and aftermarket accessories. These extend the functionality of an already versatile and go-anywhere vehicle, provide some needed protection, make better use of the available space as well as give a performance boost to the trusty and reliable workhorse engines. While bull bars and roof racks are the obvious choices, a few goodies, such as side steps don’t get the praise or attention they deserve. These Hilux additions prove their worth in a range of uses, and come in handy for work purposes, when going off-road, or general everyday driving.
What are Side Steps?
Side steps or running boards are the metal platforms attached between the wheel arches just below the doors. Their main purpose is to allow for easier entry and exit in and out of your Hilux, considering the high ground clearance. Most have textured and non-slip rubber or plastic surfaces to grip shoes. Another use is side protection, as all Toyota Hilux side steps protrude a little further out than the widest part of the ute, making them especially good for keeping the doors and side panels scratch and dent-free. The parts are easy to install and are bolted onto the chassis rails in the allotted holes.
Why Have Side Steps Installed on Your Hilux?
Vehicle Protection
The Hilux is meant to be battered through thick and thin. If you’re often using the ute off-road or unsealed roads, having a pair of side steps installed left and right will keep the car clear of common outback nasties such as spraying gravel, bigger rocks and stumps and collisions with Aussie wildlife. The metal prevents any damage to the doors and also keeps the tyres and underbody intact. Working alongside connected side brush bars (fit snugly with the bull bar) you have the perfect solution for all-out side protection. The same setup is handy in the city, keeping the Hilux clear of unwary drivers in parking lots (and anyone sifting too eagerly through traffic). Hilux owners also get to keep the paintwork in mint condition when getting too close to curbs.
Easy and Safe Entry and Exit
Higher cars like the Hilux can mean a bit of work when trying to get in or out. If you have kids or elderly parents riding with you, there can also be some unwanted mishaps or even injuries. Safer access is allowed with the textured inserts either placed directly under the doors or running the whole length of the platforms. These are non-slip, work well with the shoe soles, and are wide enough for bigger feet. Having something to step onto also means you won’t be scraping or damaging the seats when getting in or out of the ute. The same inserts can also help when loading and unloading items in the tub or accessing gear on the roof rack.
Keeping Your Car Clean
Perforated side steps let you easily dust off any mud or dirt you’ve picked up along the way, so you’ll keep the interior of your Hilux neat and clean.
Styles and Alternatives
If you’re looking for Hilux side steps for sale, the good news is there are quite a few different designs to choose from. Look for variants that taper towards the ends if you have the ute fitted with wheel flares. Alternatively, square-edge Toyota Hilux side steps also do a good job. There’s more variety in top surfaces, with single-piece perforated side steps being a popular choice, or you can opt for side steps with rubber or ABS plastic inserts.
Spend a little more and there are electric variants that add both functionality and a little style. These automatically swing out when a door opens and retract against or under the sill when the door is closed. A benefit compared to fixed side steps is that they don’t eat into the rated ground clearance.
Other options similar to side steps and running boards are used for different purposes. If you don’t need a secure stepping surface get thinner tubular side rails or nerf bars. These sit a little lower and protrude outwards and are ideally used off-road. Or you can get rock sliders welded onto the chassis if you’re intent on doing some serious off-roading.
Buying Considerations
You’ll want side steps that are well made, can handle more than a bit of weight and comply with ADR rules. Also, you need to make sure that what you’re buying is tailored to fit your Hilux variant as lengths vary for different cab styles.
Steel is the most popular material used, with a decent thickness of 2.5mm, and can include a checker plate on top. Coatings protect the steel side steps from rust and ensure they won’t spoil the look of the car. You can also get the parts colour coded to match the colour of the ute.
Go for aluminium steps to save some cash. Some aluminium variants have polished side trim for a cleaner and more refined look. Both metals are designed to carry at least 150 kilos of weight.
Side steps that are ADR-approved mean they won’t impact the activation of the side and curtain airbags in the case of a collision. And lastly to get a perfect fit, look for supplied mounting bolts and related hardware. Side steps are a quick and easy DIY job involving no extra work, provided you get those that are compatible with your Hilux.