Cali Raised Tacoma rock sliders installed on off-road truck

2024 Tacoma , 3rd Gen Tacoma

Best Rock Sliders for Tacoma

Jul 28 2026 0 comments

Our Pick: 2005-2023 and 2024+ Tacoma

Step Edition Rock Sliders for Most Tacoma Owners

For most Tacoma owners who drive the truck daily and hit the trail on weekends, the Cali Raised Step Edition is the best all-around slider. It is a frame-mounted, 100% bolt-on slider with a 0-degree flat step, and it comes in two separate fitments: Step Edition for 2005-2023 Tacoma (2nd and 3rd gen) and Step Edition for 2024+ Tacoma (4th gen). If you are building a dedicated trail rig where clearance is the priority, choose the Trail Edition instead: no step surface, a 25-degree angled tube, and a lighter set.

How the Step Edition is built: 1.75-inch DOM tubing with .120-inch seamless wall, full 3/16-inch carbon steel frame plates, and full gusseted construction. It installs 100% bolt-on with no drilling or cutting, includes Grade 8 hardware, weighs approximately 125 lbs per set, and is available with or without kick out and with optional filler plates. Finish options differ by generation; see the fitment table below. Backed by a 2-year warranty against manufacturing defects.

What Independent Reviewers Say

Listed first of 7 in a 2nd and 3rd gen Tacoma rock slider roundup, noted for versatility, DOM tubing, bolt-on installation, and multiple configuration options.

Adventures on the Rock, The Best Toyota Tacoma Rock Sliders (2nd & 3rd Gen)

An owner review of the Step Edition on a 3rd gen Tacoma, written after a little over a year of trail use. The reviewer offers a Cali Raised LED discount code on the page.

Overlandaholic, Cali Raised LED Step Edition Rock Sliders Review

Listed first of 14 in TrailTacoma's rock slider guide for 2nd and 3rd gen Tacomas, covering both the Step Edition and Trail Edition.

TrailTacoma, 14 Best Rock Sliders for 2nd & 3rd Gen Tacoma

The best rock sliders for a Toyota Tacoma bolt directly to the frame, protect the rocker panels from trail damage, and match your truck's generation, cab, and bed length. Cali Raised LED builds Tacoma rock sliders for 2005-2023 (2nd and 3rd gen) and 2024+ (4th gen) trucks in Trail Edition and Step Edition styles, each with kick out and no kick out options. Finish and filler plate choices differ between the two generations, so start with the fitment table.

Jump to: Fitment by year · Why sliders · Trail vs Step · Kick out · Finishes and filler plates · Products · Installation · FAQ

Which Tacoma Rock Sliders Fit Your Year?

Cali Raised LED builds two separate slider fitments for the Tacoma. A slider made for one generation does not carry over to the other: the 2005-2023 listings state that fitment is not guaranteed on 2024+ models, and the 2024+ sliders are designed specifically for the 4th gen Double Cab.

	2005-2023 Tacoma (2nd and 3rd gen)	2024+ Tacoma (4th gen)
Cab and bed	Access Cab, Double Cab Short Bed, Double Cab Long Bed	Double Cab Short Bed, Double Cab Long Bed. Does not fit XtraCab. Fits hybrid and non-hybrid models.
Editions	Trail Edition and Step Edition	Trail Edition and Step Edition
Kick out	Kick out or no kick out	Kick out or no kick out
Slider finish	Raw steel, BK59 powder coat, or polyurethane bed liner	Raw steel or BK59 powder coat
Filler (top) plates	Step Edition only: none, raw, powder coat, or bed liner	Step Edition only: none, raw, powder coat, or bed liner (0.09-inch 5052 aluminum)
Approximate weight per set	Trail 90 lbs, Step 125 lbs	Trail 90 lbs, Step 125 lbs
Listed install time	About 1.5 to 2 hours (both editions)	Trail Edition about 45 minutes; Step Edition not listed
Shop	2005-2023 Tacoma rock sliders	2024+ Tacoma rock sliders

All four Tacoma sliders share the same core build: 1.75-inch DOM tubing with .120-inch seamless wall, full 3/16-inch carbon steel frame plates, full gusseting, Grade 8 hardware, and 100% bolt-on installation with no drilling or cutting. The 2005-2023 sliders also list front and rear clamping support. Select your exact cab and bed on the product page before ordering.

Why Does Your Tacoma Need Rock Sliders?

The rocker panel under the doors is one of the first places a Tacoma takes damage on the trail. Factory side steps and running boards are built as steps, not as frame-mounted armor, and they can fold into the rocker on a solid rock contact. Once a rocker is creased, you are looking at bodywork, potential rust entry, and door seal issues.

A frame-mounted rock slider replaces that weak point with welded steel tube that sends impact loads into the frame instead of the sheet metal. Rock sliders let you wheel rougher terrain without bracing for body damage every time the side of the truck finds a rock. If you are still deciding between sliders and steps, see rock sliders vs running boards.

Beyond protection, proper sliders give you a stable surface for loading gear, help with access on lifted trucks, and let you use the side of the Tacoma as a pivot point on tight obstacles. They are one of the most functional trail upgrades on the truck.

What Is the Difference Between Trail Edition and Step Edition?

Cali Raised LED makes two slider designs for the Tacoma, and choosing the right one depends on how you use the truck. For the full side-by-side, read Trail Edition vs Step Edition.

Trail Edition angles the outer tube upward (the Tacoma listings specify 25 degrees). This tucks the slider closer to the body for more clearance and a tighter profile on technical terrain. There is no flat step surface and no filler plate option, which also makes it the lighter set at approximately 90 lbs. It can still help you climb in, but it is designed for clearance and protection first.

Step Edition sits flat, at 0 degrees, so the slider itself becomes a usable step. Optional filler plates close the gap between the tubes for a wider, solid stepping surface. If you drive the Tacoma daily, carry passengers or kids, or reach a roof rack often, the Step Edition earns its keep on every trip while still protecting the rocker panel. It weighs approximately 125 lbs per set.

Both editions use the same tubing, wall thickness, frame plate, and gusseting spec. The differences are the tube angle, the filler plate option, and weight. Curious how the angles and tubing affect strength? See our rock slider engineering specs and DOM vs HREW tubing guides.

Silver 3rd gen Toyota Tacoma Double Cab with Cali Raised LED Trail Edition rock sliders on a snowy road — A 3rd gen (2016-2023) Tacoma with Trail Edition sliders, from the 2005-2023 Trail Edition product gallery.

White 4th gen Toyota Tacoma with Cali Raised LED Trail Edition rock sliders angled up toward the body — A 4th gen (2024+) Tacoma with Trail Edition sliders, showing the upward-angled tube. From the 2024+ Trail Edition product gallery.

Kick Out or No Kick Out: Which Should You Choose?

The kick out option angles the rear of the slider outward, ahead of the rear tire. The no kick out option keeps the rear end tucked parallel to the body.

On the trail, a kick out helps guide the truck around obstacles at the rear of the cab and adds protection in front of the rear tire. Kick out is the most popular configuration on our Tacoma slider listings, and it gives the build a more aggressive look.

No kick out is the right call for tight wooded terrain or narrow rock slots where a slimmer profile reduces the chance of snagging. If your trails have trees close on both sides, the cleaner no kick out profile is the smarter choice.

Both options are offered on every Cali Raised LED Tacoma slider, for both generations. For a detailed look at both configurations, see our kickout vs no kickout comparison.

RAW, Powder Coat, or Bedliner: Finish and Filler Plate Options

Finish choices depend on which generation you are buying for. For a full comparison of the three coatings, see our rock slider coating options guide.

2005-2023 Tacoma: Trail Edition and Step Edition sliders come in raw steel, BK59 powder coat, or polyurethane bed liner. The Step Edition can add filler plates in raw, powder coat, or bed liner, and you can mix slider and plate finishes.
2024+ Tacoma: sliders come in raw steel or BK59 powder coat. Bed liner is offered only on the optional Step Edition filler plates, which are 0.09-inch 5052 aluminum.

RAW is bare steel with no coating. It is the right choice if you plan to paint the sliders to match your truck or apply a custom finish. Bare steel will rust without a protective coat, so plan to finish it yourself.

BK59 powder coat is a clean black finish that the listings describe as resistant to scratches, chipping, wear, and fading. Powder-coated sliders arrive ready to install. Powder coat with kick out is the most popular configuration on our Tacoma listings.

Polyurethane bed liner is a rugged, textured spray finish with added grip, which is why it is especially popular on filler plates you step on. The most popular Step Edition setup on our listings is kick out, powder-coated sliders, and bed liner filler plates.

Cali Raised LED Tacoma Rock Sliders

2005-2023 Tacoma (2nd and 3rd gen)

Step Edition Rock Sliders for 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma

0-degree flat step for daily drivers who also hit the trail. Access Cab, Double Cab Short Bed, or Double Cab Long Bed, with optional filler plates.

View options →

2005-2023 Tacoma (2nd and 3rd gen)

Trail Edition Rock Sliders for 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma

Angled, tighter-to-body slider for clearance on technical terrain. All three cab and bed options; raw, powder coat, or bed liner.

View options →

2024+ Tacoma (4th gen)

Step Edition Rock Sliders for 2024+ Toyota Tacoma

0-degree flat step for the 4th gen Double Cab, short or long bed. Raw or powder coat sliders, with optional filler plates including bed liner.

View options →

2024+ Tacoma (4th gen)

Trail Edition Rock Sliders for 2024+ Toyota Tacoma

25-degree angled slider for the 4th gen Double Cab, short or long bed. Raw or powder coat; listed install time about 45 minutes.

View options →

9.0 average score for the 4th gen Trail Edition: 9.5 for Fitment, 9.5 for Customer Support & Packaging, 9.0 for Strength & Performance, 8.5 for Weld & Build Quality, and 8.5 for Ease of Install & Instructions. The review also lists low lead times among its features.

TrailTacoma, structured review of the Trail Edition for 4th gen Tacoma

How Do Tacoma Rock Sliders Install?

Every current Cali Raised LED Tacoma slider is 100% bolt-on with no drilling or cutting, and Grade 8 hardware is included. The listings rate the install easy to moderate and estimate about 1.5 to 2 hours for 2005-2023 sliders and about 45 minutes for the 2024+ Trail Edition. Follow the instructions for your exact truck rather than a generic guide; steps differ between generations and cab lengths.

2005-2023 Tacoma, Double Cab Short Bed or Access Cab: written install instructions
2005-2023 Tacoma, Double Cab Long Bed: written install instructions
2005-2023 Tacoma video: How to install rock sliders on a 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma (YouTube)
2024+ Tacoma short bed video: How to install rock sliders on a 2024+ Toyota Tacoma (YouTube)
2024+ Tacoma long bed video: How to install 2024+ Toyota Tacoma rock sliders, long bed (YouTube)

Find every guide and video in one place on our installation resources page. Owners also ask install and fitment questions in our vendor thread on Tacoma World.

Should You Add a Fuel Tank Skid Plate?

Rock sliders protect the sides. A fuel tank skid plate protects the fuel tank from rocks coming in from under the truck. On a Tacoma that sees regular trail use, sliders plus underbody skids cover the most common hit points. Our Tacoma skid plate guide explains which plates you actually need.

Cali Raised LED makes a fuel tank skid plate for each generation. Both are for 4WD trucks only, come in steel or aluminum with a black powder coat finish, and bolt on with no drilling or modification.

2005-2023 Tacoma skid protection

Fuel Tank Skid Plate for 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma

Steel or aluminum fuel tank protection for 4WD 2nd and 3rd gen Tacomas. Bolt-on, no drilling.

View options →

2024+ Tacoma skid protection

Fuel Tank Skid Plate for 2024+ Toyota Tacoma

Steel or aluminum fuel tank protection for 4WD 4th gen Tacomas. Bolt-on, no drilling.

View options →

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Cali Raised LED Tacoma rock sliders require drilling?

No. All four current Tacoma slider listings (Trail Edition and Step Edition for 2005-2023 and for 2024+) are 100% bolt-on with no drilling or cutting, and each includes Grade 8 hardware.

Will the 2005-2023 sliders fit my 2024 Tacoma?

No. Cali Raised LED builds separate sliders for the 2024+ (4th gen) Tacoma, and the 2005-2023 listings state that fitment is not guaranteed on 2024+ models. Order the 2024+ Trail Edition or Step Edition sliders for a 4th gen truck.

What cab and bed sizes are available?

For 2005-2023 Tacomas, both editions come in Access Cab, Double Cab Short Bed, and Double Cab Long Bed. For 2024+ Tacomas, both editions come in Double Cab Short Bed and Double Cab Long Bed only. The 2024+ sliders do not fit XtraCab models.

Trail Edition vs Step Edition: which should I choose for a Tacoma?

Choose Trail Edition for a 25-degree angled, tighter-to-body profile and more clearance on technical terrain. Choose Step Edition for a 0-degree flat step that is easier for daily entry, passengers, and roof access, with optional filler plates.

What finishes are available for Tacoma rock sliders?

It depends on the generation. 2005-2023 sliders come in raw steel, BK59 powder coat, or polyurethane bed liner. 2024+ sliders come in raw steel or BK59 powder coat, and bed liner is offered only on the optional Step Edition filler plates. Raw steel is uncoated, so plan to paint or coat it yourself.

Should I get kick out or no kick out?

Kick out angles the rear of the slider outward ahead of the rear tire and is the most popular configuration on our Tacoma listings. No kick out keeps a cleaner, narrower profile for tight, tree-lined trails. Both options are offered on every Cali Raised LED Tacoma slider.

How much do Cali Raised LED Tacoma rock sliders weigh?

The listings give approximately 90 lbs per set for Trail Edition and approximately 125 lbs per set for Step Edition, for both 2005-2023 and 2024+ Tacomas.