Running Boards - Winter/Rust friendly

I recently purchased a 2019 4runner limited night shade and am needing running boards that can withstand the harsh winters (Denver, CO) and prevent rust.

 

N-fab steps for 5 years, have done fine in Idaho winters.

 

OEM trail style running boards are made out of aluminum and plastic. They should last as long as anything else.

 

I will offer my opinion based on way too many years of driving in the rust belt where we use tons of rock salt to de-ice the roads. Stay away from aftermarket running boards or tube steps because the finish they apply just doesn't hold up to road salt. Nobody up here - and I mean nobody - that has installed aftermarket parts has had good luck with their corrosion resistance. Within a year or two they're pretty much completely rusted out.

My recommendation would be OEM / factory running boards. (That's what I installed on mine.)



As has already been said, they're mostly plastic and aluminum and even the steel mounting brackets are finished to OEM standards. As you can see in the above pic, a full running board also does a stellar job of preventing rock chips all the way down the side of the vehicle. Better yet, these are generally available as take offs for less than $200 on FB Marketplace or CL.