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Featured
- #741
- Dec 28, 2021
- 178
- 145
- 4Runner '05 Modified
- '24 6.7 F350 Tremor Lariat Ultimate Iconic Silver
Excellent Question. Correct. I went with rear bed steps but omitted side bed steps.
My rationale was based on: 1) I couldn't think of many situations when I would need the side bed steps because I won't have a tool box in the bed and I anticipate adding either a topper or a pop top slider like the AT Atlas. 2) I thought they might interfere with the potential future inclusion of after market sliders, and 3) they seemed like an unnecessary and relatively high expense ($780) "for what they are" considering my concerns about functionality. 4) Perhaps I can add them later if I change my mind. 5) deployed power running boards or after market sliders might provide close to the same access. 6) If I want better access, a small step thrown in the back of the truck might be more functional overall. Especially if I end up with a camper/topper.
If I better understood how side bed step inter-acted with / complemented / or got in the way of other options like sliders and running boards, or to what degree they might be damaged, I may have changed my mind. But I was fed up with trying to figure every detail out --- and there hasn't been much inventory on the lot to inspect and evaluate - so I just made the executive decision not to add them. Also figuring they probably aren't welded in place so they could probably be added later.
I could end up kicking myself for not ordering the side bed steps.
Broader perspective:
The decision was not based on funds available (but I still need to balance my preferences against "pissing off my CFO" LOL), but I am cost and value conscious. So the decision was based on perceived value and utility. Well, and the trucks have gotten "stupid expensive" overall and that just annoys me. Even though I ordered on "Z Plan".
Same for ordering Lariat Ultimate rather than a higher trim package. I'd be MORE than willing to pay for some features in higher trim levels - especially Projector Headlights (we have them on wife's Volvo XC60 T8 - those headlights are very nice for my old eyes). I wish they were an option on Lariat's or included in Lariat Ultimate but I am unwilling to pay for many of the other features packaged with the Projector headlights in the higher trim levels. Like 20 inch wheels (a vehicle with 20 inch wheels would just create one more chore for me - selling the 20 inch wheels if they came with my truck).
Ditto sunroof which is standard on some higher trim levels - I'd literally pay extra money to eliminate a mandatory sunroof. We've had them on most of our vehicles over the past 20+ years and to me the main value is to ventilate a hot car parked in the sun. Otherwise, for me they just make a car noise, reduce head clearance, add a lot of weight, increase complexity and maintenance issues and create a potential leak point. And I cannot even safely look out of them while I am driving. BTW, I live in Washington State so we have mostly cool weather with a good amount of clouds and rain. So, when I live my sunroof open for ventilation I sometimes get an unpleasant damp surprise. I might feel differently if I lived somewhere else.
