Tundra Lighted ABS Running Board Install

2004 Toyota Tundra Double Cab Lighted ABS Running Board Install
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This page shows how to install lighted, ABS plastic running boards. This is a straigtforward install - nothing tricky about it. I just included it in case you are interested in this particular kit and want to see how it is put together.

I went with this unit because:

a. ABS plastic is light and durable and the design is aerodynamic
b. the mounting brackets are well designed and strong
c. the lights draw little amperage and illuminate the step for passengers getting in and out in dark or icy conditions
d. the plastic is molded with slip resistant treads and does not get very slippery when wet
e. the design of the boards keeps mud and salt kicked up by the front tires from getting in between the board and the body of the truck and large chunks of mud from landing on the boards and getting baked on to the tops of the running boards
f. I wanted black boards that would match the tonnea cover rather than chrome or silver boards that match the wheels. I think the black boards blend in with the grey paint of the truck better and are less noticeable. Just a personal preference. These boards are paintable if a person wanted to match the finish of the vehicle
g. I wanted flat boards as opposed to round bars

	Boards come with 4 very solid mounting bars angled correctly for the truck they are mounting to. The bars extend most of the way under the board to support it out to the outside edge.
	The brackets use either pre-existing threaded holes or factory installed bolts. No drilling, tapping or bracket rigging is required.
	Before mounting the brackets, clean the area that sticks down vertically with alcohol or lacquer thinner so the little stip of foam insulation will stick well.
	Yes, it's the same stuff you put around your home's doors to keep the wind out. In this case, it keeps water, mud and salt from kicking up between the board and the truck body.
	Here's one side installed.

So final results are:

a. boards fit well on the doublecab and provide plenty of stepping room for passengers in front or back
b. black plastic NOT easy to keep clean, but also not slippery
c. wish the lights were a bit harder to step on or kick with boots. so far, no damage, but they are right in the way for someone with long legs

Summary: The kit is well built. The brackets are an extremely sturdy and easy to install design. Which is good because the instructions weren't very helpful. I have yet to wire the lights. Haven't decided if I want to run a separate relay or just try to tap into the courtesy lights. Here, the amperage draw of the lights would have been helpful if included in the instructions. Also, I have another wiring project to do and will probably try to do them both at the same time. Will post up the results when done.

This kit was a Christmas gift from Santa so not sure what the exact price was. I had previously seen it on eBay for under $300.

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