2025 Trailhunter Need to Replace Running Boards

Need help and input from the techies here regarding the replacement of my running boards with electric, automatically extending running boards when the door opens.

I purchased a 2025 Trailhunter last week (love it) but the quasi running boards are not really running boards. They are a pipe to protect the vehicle when off-road. I took my girlfriend (just a friend, I’m happily married to an awesome masculine man ) to lunch yesterday and she struggled getting into the vehicle — rutroh. I’m tall so I didn’t give it much thought until yesterday

But I digress. If I’m going to replace them I only want to do it once. I really liked the electric running boards on the 2025 Sequoia. They extended when the door opened - super cool. If that vehicle wasn’t so big I would have splurged and bought it. Just way too big for everyday driving. Any input would be very muc appreciated.

 

welcome, hope you're enjoying the trail hunter. I those are indeed rock rails for more "hardcore" off roading. I haven't seen any mechanised steps on 4Runners but I'm sure a quick google search can help find some answers.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ZDC1mXavFhA

here is a 2025 TRD SPORT with said steps

edit: here is the link to something on Amazon, hope this is a good place to start

Amazon.com - Seller$1,759.16KDUTDS Retractable Power Running Boards Compatible for Toyota 4Runner Trail Edition SR5/TRD Pro 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Automatic ElectricIn stock onlineFree delivery

 

Thank you! The website doesn’t like my VPN and this was my first post. It didn’t post the thank you - user error.

 

What made you want to buy the Trailhunter that’s designed for off-roading over a Limited or Platinum?

 

According to the Toyota build/options list, Automatic Running Boards are an option for the Limited and Platinum trims. Now if the frames are set-up identical (meaning fastener locations) then it may be possible to retro-fit an OEM unit. Wiring it up will take a bit more research as the main harnesses may differ between models.

 

That should inspire some interesting conversations or thoughts from anyone who’s well versed in how each 4Runner model is configured from the factory. A trail hunter would look odd with the rock sliders replaced with auto or flat side steps. Even my old tube steps would look odd there. I see plenty of examples of SR5 want to be a TRD around my area that have been rebadged to look more advanced though.

 

Personally I would leave it alone. You got yourself a special model for wheeling and auto boards take part of that away plus could hurt resale down the road.

 

The Platinum and Limited are the only ones that have the option for electric side steps from the factory.

This is basically the same for the previous models, the 2012-2024 models, only the Limited had the option for the auto side steps from the factory.

You could buy the AMP and other aftermarket side steps for the SR5, TRD Offroad, Pro, ect ect, but the only way to get them from the factory was get them built on the vehicle from the factory.

I suspect its just a matter of time before one of the aftermarket companies makes them for the new 2025+ models, it appears they are all the same under the door, so the auto side steps should be able to fit all models when you can get your hands on a set.

 

I think modifying your 2025 Trailhunter this way will devalue it. Also, I recommend finding non-powered running boards that would work for you.

 

I seriously doubt its going to devalue the vehicle, thats a far stretch.

I do however like the new running boards that mimic the 4th gen running boards. These are even wider than the 4th gen and 5th gen offerings. These are nice and wide and flat and i really like how they look for a flat running board. The electric auto steps are by far my favorite though, i try to buy vehicles with them from the factory, they are really really nice.

 

AMP is a good resource and builds quality product, I'd begin the hunt with them.

Keep the existing rock rails and offer them to next owner if valuation a concern.

 

I’m sorry I didn’t see, or didn’t get alerts for this post.

Thank you so much for the good information! You guys are awesome. I’ll leave the rock sliders for now, but I’m guessing I will replace them in the future. I doubt seriously I will spend a lot of time on trails that can potentially trash my truck. If that’s what I wanted to do I’d buy a Polaris RZR for 17k, not a 75k truck. It would make more sense and fit that lifestyle. There are certainly enough nearby off-road trails to put it to good use. However, most trails are doable without rock sliders.

I bought it because I like it. Isn’t that why all of us buy a new car? This is my primary vehicle. I use it everyday. Those of you who use it everyday know shorter people struggle to get in. Unless you’re 5’7” or taller it’s difficult to get in.

Additionally, it fulfills a number of my needs & wants. 1. Needed something to pull the camper, check. 2. Wanted luxury comfort, check. 3. Wanted it to be reliable, check. 4. Wanted to see that great big smile on my husbands face, check. 5. Wanted it to hold resale value, check. 6. Wanted the ability to go off-road, and traverse the mountain roads during winter, check. 7. Wanted all the techie toys, check. 8. Wanted a medium size vehicle for everyday, around town driving, check. If the 87k Sequoia wasn’t so friggin big it would be sitting in my garage right now. Wow, what a car. The list goes on. This will most likely be my last new car. As with anything there are always trade offs, we pick our poison.

 

Did your research, checks nearly all your boxes, no validation needed from this side of screen.
For smidge of context..........friend has new Rubicon Unlimited running 35" tires that he trails frequently. Wife is 5 ft. nothing and likes to trail as well...........hmmmm.
He had AMP electric boards/sliders installed early on and has nothing but good things to say. Does he overlook some drawbacks? Maybe. Do they provide a bigger solution for his needs?
Enjoy your TrailHunter...........

 

I have the ORP and hate the standard steps. I've been looking for electric steps since purchase in late May. NOBODY has them specifically labelled for the '25 MY. I have an issue where I get in and my hip is the perfect height to crush/slide across the leg/hip bolster when getting in/out. The factory stepboards are so high that when I stand on them, I have to pretty much go "crouching tiger" just to clear the roof with the upper part of my body to get in. It's a horrible design... Electric would afford a lower entry point for us tall folk. Unfortunately, absolutely no one has them yet. AND, Toyota does not list them as accessories in their online shop that I've found. I've run AMP on my trucks and wranglers and would love to see 4runner availability in the very near future. Can't wait to get rid of the factory pos's...

 

When you find one you like please post info and pics!