2019+ RAV4 Running Boards Installation Guide

Read further down to see where I got it and other information.
Here's my install of running boards for my 2019 Toyota RAV4. These make getting in and out of the SUV easier and they look great. Makes loading and unloading from the rood easy as well for shorter people. I got these running boards/side steps from Hitop Auto accessories (Holitop Brand) on Aliexpress. I'm very happy with them. These running boards are for the new 5th generation Toyota RAV4s only. These inclusde 2019, 2020, 2021 models so far. If you have another model, check out their store for a different model.
2019, 2020, 2021 RAV4 OEM style Running Boards Side Steps can be found here
(Holitop Brand)
www.aliexpress...
Hitop Auto Accessories Co. on Aliexpress (Holitop Brand)
www.aliexpress...
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[@Jamal2fresh]

Is there something like this for a 2022 Lexus NX 350 which is essentially a RAV4 😔🙏🙏🙏 anyone???

[@RandomMods]

Hi @Jamal2fresh. Congrats on your '22 Lexus. Nice ride! There has to be one around. I don't see why not. Don't get the exact one I got as you don't want it to say RAV4 on a Lexus. LoL. If you see another RAV4 in a parking lot, take a look and see if the underside is the same as yours. If so, a RAV4 sidestep will fit. I'll pin your comment so it stays on top and maybe someone else can confirm.

[@RandomMods]

So I looked around some ebay sellers selling RAV4 running boards for the current model year and then I entered in Lexus NX350 to see if it will fit and it said no. I'm not sure how accurate that is. I then went to the Aliexpress seller's site where I got mine (see video description for link), and looked to see if NX350 was there. I swear I saw all other Lexus suv models except the 350. What gives? I wonder if they even sell the NX350 overseas. Maybe it's NX300 there. I did see some nice ones for a NX300 (2020+). I would head over to that Hillitop store and send them a message to ask if they have any that will fit a NX350. They were helpful when I got mine. They even made me send a photo to make sure there were no issues as my RAV4 was new in 2019. So far I love the side steps. Makes your suv stand out and saves wear when getting in and out. Good luck finding out if there's a RAV4 version that will fit your Lexus. I Bet Lexus charges you an arm a leg just because it's a Lexus. Subscribe if you can as there may be some other mods I'll be posting that may help you as the RAV4 and NX are basically twins in chasis. Keep us updated as I'm sure others want to know as well. If anyone knows if RAV4 running boards fit a NX350, let us know too!

[@CheewyEww]

For anyone planning to install these, here's an update to what I did in addition to what the video has already shown. The seller now includes galvanized brackets, but I still sprayed them with Rustoleum Black paint for cosmetic purposes. Since the factory plugs were removed and couldn't be reused with the L bolt due to the plastic protrusion, I installed rubber washers 1.25" outer diameter with an inner diameter of 1/4" and 1/16" thick. This size worked perfectly with the L bolt and covered the hole. Just for extra precautionary measures, I then used marine clear silicone around the rubber washer to ensure a nice seal. Prob add a coating of rust inhibitor to the exposed end of the bolts as well.

[@RandomMods]

Good to know they use galvanized metal now. I repainted mine and it's like new again.

[@jenovaizquierdo]

Dude thank for the video and the link for the product will definitely buy it.

[@JoshStreetDesign]

Thanks man, mine were slightly different, but was able to figure it out thanks to your video.

[@RandomMods]

Glad I could help. Yeah most of these running boards install the same. Especially the clone ones like mine.

[@JoshStreetDesign]

@@RandomMods funny thing, a piece of the plastic was broken on one of them, so they refunded me the entire amount and let me keep them. But the broken piece is under the car and you can't even see it. So basically I got them for free, haha! Mine weren't numbered though and I had to figure out that they were different size brackets, smaller to largest and they had to go in the right order.

[@RandomMods]

@@JoshStreetDesign One thing I did differently after a comment on this channel after making the video was to reuse the round plastic caps. I drilled a hole in them to pass the "L" bolt through snuggly. This way, water won't easitly get into the frame. Not sure where you live but if in the winter, if they put salt on the roads, it will help. It also helped keep the bolt in place when sliding up the brackets. Glad you got great service from them! I bet it would of cost alot of money for them to pay to ship it back. I guess maybe I should make the video where I put a trailer hitch on perhaps. I didn't want to make this an all RAV4 channel but there's been a bunch of stuff I did to the RAV4 the past couple of years.

[@JoshStreetDesign]

@@RandomMods There's no need for the round things as the bracket completely covers the hole on mine. I have a 2022 Limited Hybrid in black. I also installed LED lighting under all my seats and the dash, put a large valance on the back hood, flange light pieces around the headlights, trim on the front grill, tinted all the windows to 5%, and an AWESOME lip splitter from Maxtor designs on the front. My mother in law said it looks pimp, haha

[@kitchwatembo]

I like how you just glazed over the hardest part, threading the first bolt on the bracket

[@RandomMods]

First bolt is always harder. Since the making of the video, I found it easier to bolt up this way. Use those round plastic covers and cut a small hole so you can slide the bolt through with some friction. Now put the first bolt in with the cover and snap in place. This will also help keep the water out. Now slide the bracket up but this time the bolt can't easily be pushed back up due to the plastic cap gripping it while you put the nut on. Hope this makes it easier to install.

[@tonygarcia5729]

Best video ever

[@constitutionalconservative67]

Thanks so much for this Vid! I wanted to install Running Boards on my Rav 4 Prime but assumed that it would be expensive or difficult to install myself.

[@RandomMods]

Glad I could help. Yeah, the dealership prices were multiple times more expensive.

[@AngelRodriguez-jr2ft]

How to order a set with RAV4 logo from hi top

[@fujitran3180]

Does this running boards stick out far enough to help prevent door dings?

[@crewzta]

Was wondering the same thing.

[@RandomMods]

Nope, they do not prevent door dings. I don't think I ever saw anything that would prevent door dings.

[@mudassartai4936]

You should try the rav4 door handle bowl lights. Will look good. I'm thinking ordering this with these running boards for my 23 rav4

[@RandomMods]

I replaced the fog lights with LED bulbs and the sideview mirror lights with LEDs. LED the way to go. I haven't seen the door handle led mods before. Didn't know they made those. New video coming soon. Not Rav4 related but it's going to be cool. Don't forget to subscribe. :)

[@CheewyEww]

Still have the side steps? Any rust on the steel plates where you step? How are they holding up?

[@RandomMods]

Yes, I still have them. The area where you step is aluminum so it doesn't rust. I did see some rust coming up from below from the brackets but I'm able to clean it off. I also had to repaint the brackets with antirust black paint. I saw areas of rust where paint flaked off where I must of hit something. After a bit of paint, it back to normal.

[@CheewyEww]

@@RandomMods I took off a plug to see how it looks on the other side of the plug. How did you place the bracket on the other side of the plug and put it back in place. The other side of the plug has a square plastic protrusion about 1/2" all around which acts as clips to hold the plugs in place. Basically there is no way for the L bracket to sit flush against the backside of the plug. Can you take a pic of yours for us to visualize? thx

[@jimjamison8247]

Do the running boards actually make it easier to get in and out? Do they really make a difference?

[@RandomMods]

It helps if you are short and trying to exit the Rav4. If your legs can't reach the road and you have to slide off your seat, the side of the seat may start to wear out. If you have the side steps installed, you can easily get out without having to slide off the seat saving them from wearing out. My wife is about 5 feet tall and she loves it. If you are tall and you are the only one going in or out, you may not need it. Kids and shorter people will love it. The side steps also make it easier to wash your car or to clean the windshield. At least for me. I'm about 5'6" If you have any questions let me know.

[@cap8e]

What about jacking points? how do you use the scissor jack if the running board covers them... or to the point the jack cant reach?

[@RandomMods]

Hi, there's no need to Jack up the RAV4. There's plenty of room for someone to lay on the ground and install the running boards.

[@RandomMods]

If you want more room, just drive over a piece of solid wood plank both front and back one side at a time.

[@cap8e]

@@RandomMods thanks for answering but I mean for like changing a flat tire or other maintenance and repairs.

[@RandomMods]

@@cap8e When the running boards are installed, the jack points are not covered up. You can still use the facotry sissor jack to lift the RAV4 up to change a tire. There's a gap at each end so nothing is covered up. Very good question and thanks for bring this point up!

[@cap8e]

@@RandomMods THANKS A LOT

[@don_satchmo]

Now that you've had them installed for awhile, are there any issues with looseness? Another install video showed the guy cutting up the plastic so the mounting is metal on metal. Not sure I want to do this.

[@RandomMods]

Hi Don! Nothing got loose but the brackets towards the front of the rav4 hit a curb when I didn't take a right turn wide enough. It scrapped the paint and the area started to rust. I took everything apart and repainted everything with rust proof paint. The boards seem to be rust proof as I think it's aluminum but the brackets are plain steel. If you do get them, prepare to spot some rust spots and do a touch up once a year. The nuts will also rust a bit so spray some anti rust paint as well. Wife loves the boards as it makes getting in and out easier if you are short. Also helps avoid wearing the seats getting out too as you can now lift off the boards with your legs getting out. If I had to get them again, I'd definitely buy it again as it's so much cheaper than Toyota OEM ones.

[@RandomMods]

Oh, not sure about cutting the plastic.... Haven't seen that. I don't think you have to do that with this version. It's completely a straight bolt on. This is a copycat part. Brackets pretty much bolt on straight to frame. Hopefully this helps.

[@tobertzekram6937]

Is that all-black or you just peeled off the chrome trims? I want the all-black too. Tnx

[@VictorNomura]

It's black with aluminum trim. You can't remove the chrome trim parts.

[@LyonHaus]

Black can be found here. www.sparksparts.com/p-black-running-boards-0001642081 In the video, the black trim on the door is reflecting on the shiny part of the running board causing the running board to look black.

[@djdc7295]

Hi, is it lessen the wind noise? Because if you look under there's a lot of gap between the two doors, that's why my rav has a lot of dust when i open the door. So if i put a running boards to my rav, you think it will lessen the wind noise and dust? Thanks in advance

[@RandomMods]

Hi, I don't notice any difference in noise level after installing the running boards. I do notice there's dust on the running boards itself where the doors cover them when the doors are closed. I mean when the doors are closed, it covers part of the running boards on top. When you open the door, you can see dust on the top of the running boards closer to the RAV. The area between the 2 doors, I didn't notice any difference in dust. On the plus side, there's a lot less dust and dirt on the side of the RAV because the running boards protect the sides from dirt and dust getting kicked up from the wheels. If you have any other questions, let me know.

[@djdc7295]

@@RandomMods thank you so much. It means a lot to me to lessen the dust coming inside. Do you have link in Amazon? I don't have AliExpress account, I want to have the same running boards that you have.

[@RandomMods]

@@djdc7295 You don't need a AliExpress account. They will accept a regular credit card. I don't think they sell the running boards on Amazon. The Aliexpress seller will ship via FedEx or UPS so it will arrive fast to USA or Canada. Not sure where you are from but if it's USA or Canada, it's going to arrive in a week or so. So far the running boards have been on my RAV4 for over a year now. So far so good.

[@jimjamison8247]

Does it fit if front wheel mud flaps are installed?

[@RandomMods]

Yes, I have front and rear mud flaps installed. No issues.

[@JennLee-dj7tz]

Hi, Random Mods, are there covers for the screws under the running boards after installation? Or are they exposed? How have they held up since your install?

[@RandomMods]

Hi, there are no covers. After 2 winters, the screws are a bit rusty. So before the start of this winter, I sprayed antitrust paint on it. So far so good. They put alot of salt on the roads where I live. Just spray all the areas with a good anti rust paint and you will be ok.

[@JennLee-dj7tz]

Thanks@@RandomMods I don't live in snow nor want to drive in it so I think I'm good. I may just spray it for good measure as I want to keep the running board for as long as possible. The comments from others have been helpful too! Have you installed window deflectors on your RAV?

[@JennLee-dj7tz]

@@RandomMods Hi again, I finally had time to install the running boards yesterday! Yay-it sat in my garage for 4 months :p I was't able to screw holes into the caps I took off to pass the L brackets back through. I tried. It was futile and I gave up. I live in the Bay Area, CA and don't drive in any snow etc. Is the exposed bit of the frame going to be a problem long term? Thanks again!

[@RandomMods]

​@JennLee-dj7tz Hi Jenn, I think you will be fine. After the bolt, nut, L bracket etc ... The hole is pretty much covered up. Here where I live, Vancouver BC Canada, we use salt on the roads in the winter so making sure none gets past is a high priority. I used a drill with a 1/4" (I think) bit to make the holes in the plugs. If you still want to make a hole, you can try this. Hold the bolt using BBQ tongs or pliers and heat using a candle. Get it really hot. Place the plastic cap outside on concrete and have the bolt "melt" through. That's one way I can think of making a hole in it.😊 If you are still worried, head over to a car parts place like Pep boys or AutoZone and ask for some rust prevention spray. Spray that hole/bolt and everything else once in awhile. That should be good. PS, congrats on getting it installed 😊. I guess I should upload other things I did to my Rav4😂 ALSO, do you have the hybrid version? There's an electrical connector plug that's near the rear left wheel that rusts and prevents the hybrid motor from working after a few years in wet weather. Mine got corroded and the whole cable needs to be replaced. Toyota is covering this $5000 cable under warranty. Yes,$5000, not a typo.

[@jennl7288]

@@RandomMods Ohh, that's a great idea, thanks for the protip about the heat from candle. It kept popping away from my pliers when I drilled into it. Will use candle and BBQ tongs! My brackets arrived really banged up, so I went and bought a can of anti-rust paint. I will remove the whole thing and respray for good measure. The washer and bolt did not cover the hole up completely so my frame is somewhat exposed and will for sure get water if I hit puddles of water etc or go to car wash. I'll reinsert the cap since I saved it (just in case). Yes, more photos please! I have the 2021 Hybrid Limited edition, so yes, I saw several tubes of wires in the rear left. But I'm guessing your cables weren't covered in tubes? Or was it? I believe it, $5k 🫣 Good thing it's under warranty. I just had my entire front right axel replaced cause it was making clicking sounds every time I braked. Warranty matters 😜

[@minntsv2620]

Will the jack points be covered?

[@RandomMods]

Nope. Jack points are fully accessible. No issues.

[@Moonlightwhale]

I couldnt remove plug. How did you do it?

[@VictorNomura]

I just used a screwdriver with a flat head. It just pops out. If it's stuck, spray some lube. It shouldn't be hard to remove.

[@Moonlightwhale]

@@VictorNomura Did you have to apply much force to get it out? I used a plastic trim remover it kinda loosen it, but wont come out….I bought the same side board as this video. You as well?

[@VictorNomura]

Maybe heat it up with a hairdryer before trying?

[@Moonlightwhale]

@@VictorNomura is warm here…maybe I used the wrong tool..I used plastic trim tool as I dont have the metal one like yours. I am getting one now though. I bought the same side step after watching your video

[@Moonlightwhale]

@@VictorNomura so your plugs came out easy? Mine seems stucked……

[@OliverTimbreza]

Can u share the link where i can buy please?

[@VictorNomura]

It's in the video description.

[@Patryk-y]

you should leave the 1 and 8 free, you are blocking the car jack points.

[@RandomMods]

Hi, after I counted the plugs, I said to use #2,3,5,6,7,8. Unless they changed the mounting plates, this doesn't block the jack up points on the RAV4 at all.

[@tahir7048]

Has anyone compared these to genuine rav4 running boards, is there much difference

[@tahir7048]

I’m torn between these or 2nd hand genuine, also the mounts on the genuine look much more sturdier though

[@JennLee-dj7tz]

@@tahir7048 Hi, the OEM running boards are more complicated and you have to cut out a part of the side panels. There's some KZbin vids on it if you're adventurous. I just installed these recommended ones yesterday. Super sturdy, no problem!

[@bradschauer8615]

Hey man great video, just a question about installing the bolts, to seal the holes off do you have to drill through the plastic inserts or is there a rubber insert I can buy to seal it better so I don't get rust

[@RandomMods]

Drill through the round plastic covers you took off and pass the bolt through it. I forgot to do this in the video. Thanks for your comment!

[@bradschauer8615]

Thanks man! I get my Rav 4 in a month! Keep the videos coming!

[@RandomMods]

You're going to love the RAV4! Congrats! I've got the trailer hitch, LED fog lights, and other mods done. I guess I should made a video for those too. LED fog lights most useful mod ever. Factory fogs are too dim and useless. Subscribe so you know when I post. Thanks!

[@JennLee-dj7tz]

@@RandomMods Aww, bummer about not having a video about LED Fog lights installed. How long did it take you and did you have to use special tools etc to get it done? I've never installed lights on cars before and am not sure if I should try this on my own.

[@RandomMods]

@@JennLee-dj7tz Hi, my Rav4 came from the factory with fog lights already but I just replaced the bulbs to LED type. It only took 10 mins. Peel back the fender liner, unplug fog light connector and then replace the bulb. If you RAV4 didn't come with fog lights you'd have to get the fog light assembly from Toyota. I'd assume it would be a much more intensive installation. LED type is so much brighter than stock, I'm not sure why Toyota even bothered with regular dim bulbs in the first place.

[@josedemendoca5588]

Bro when you removed the plastic insertes covering the body holes your suppose to preice a 1/4 inch hole, in the plastic or rubber insert cap an then install it back into the hole with your sapporte bolt ,if you do not do this,you'll have rust forming in the under body of your rav4,it was not done in your installation bro, ask your toyota dealer about it thank you.

[@RandomMods]

That's a good idea. These were not OEM sidesteps from Toyota. I'll add this great reminder from you soon as a sticky. Thanks!

[@markanders250]

Yeah you must do this especially in you live in the north where they salt the roads. I sprayed rust inhibitor as well before putting the bolts back in.

[@rickt1951]

115.00 shipping from china?

[@VictorNomura]

They will use FedEx or DHL Express shipping so you will get it quick. There's a cost to that. Still it's still a great deal compared to getting it from a Toyota dealer.

[@JennLee-dj7tz]

The dealership just quoted me a total over $1k (parts+labor+taxes 🙅🏻‍♀) to stall the running boards 🫣

[@DUNGSTA]

These aren't instructions for the OEM parts. It's some bootleg install guide...