RCI Rock Sliders – 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab / Access Cab | TACO-16-SLIDER

Protect your Tacoma's vulnerable rocker panels and doors with the RCI Off Road Rock Sliders, part #TACO-16-SLIDER, engineered specifically for compatible 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma 4WD models.

Built as true frame-mounted rock sliders—not decorative side steps—the RCI sliders feature a 2" square main tube, 1.75" DOM outer rails, heavy-duty 1/4" gussets, a full-length 3/16" frame mounting plate, and a four-leg design capable of supporting the weight of the vehicle during demanding off-road use.

Choose RCI's standard 20-degree upward angle for maximum ground clearance and a tight-to-the-body profile, or the optional 5-degree low-angle configuration for improved functionality as a daily-use side step.

An optional dimpled top tread plate can also be added for increased footing and additional rocker-panel protection.

Vehicle Fitment

Toyota Tacoma

• 2016-2023

• 3rd Generation

• 4WD

Compatible Cab / Bed Configurations:

• Access Cab with 6' Bed

• Double Cab with 5' Bed

Part Number: TACO-16-SLIDER

Important: Verify cab and bed configuration before ordering. These sliders are specifically designed around the Tacoma configurations listed above.

Key Features

• Heavy-duty frame-mounted rock sliders

• Protects vulnerable rocker panels and lower door areas

• 2" square main tube

• 1.75" DOM outer rails standard

• Heavy-duty 1/4" gussets on all four legs

• Full-length 3/16" frame mounting plate

• Strong four-leg design

• Standard RCI low-profile rear kick-out

• Capable of supporting the entire side of the truck

• Suitable for sliding across rocks and trail obstacles

• Can be used as a lifting point with an appropriate Hi-Lift-style jack

• Standard 20° upward slider angle

• Optional 5° low-angle configuration

• Optional dimpled top tread plate

• Direct bolt-on installation

• Uses existing factory mounting locations

• No drilling required

• Installation possible with basic hand tools

• Grade 5 and Grade 8 hardware included where applicable

• Available with RCI's heavy-duty textured black powder coat

• Powder-coated versions receive an epoxy primer for increased finish durability

• Made in the USA

True Rock Sliders – Not Just Side Steps

There is an important difference between a running board, side step, and a true rock slider.

RCI designed the TACO-16-SLIDER to become a structural protection component attached directly to the Tacoma's frame.

When navigating rocky terrain, the sliders help protect the rocker panels and lower door area from direct contact with:

• Rocks

• Ledges

• Stumps

• Trail obstacles

• Deep ruts

• Uneven terrain

Instead of the rocker panel absorbing the impact, the slider takes the hit and distributes the load into its frame-mounted structure.

2" Square Main Tube

RCI builds these sliders around a substantial 2-inch square main tube.

The square main structure provides a strong foundation for the slider and sits close to the Tacoma's rocker panel where it can provide effective protection without unnecessarily reducing ground clearance.

RCI specifically chose the 2" square main tube for increased strength compared with the smaller round tubing commonly used in many competing slider designs.

1.75" DOM Outer Rails

The outer rails are constructed from 1.75-inch DOM tubing.

DOM—or Drawn Over Mandrel—tubing provides excellent strength and dimensional consistency, making it particularly well suited for structural off-road components expected to withstand substantial impacts.

The outer rail also creates additional protection between trail obstacles and the side of the truck.

Four-Leg Frame-Mounted Design

RCI uses a four-leg mounting system combined with a full-length 3/16-inch frame plate.

Each leg is reinforced with heavy-duty 1/4-inch gussets.

Rather than concentrating the load at only a few small mounting points, the full-length frame plate and multiple mounting locations help distribute impacts across a larger portion of the Tacoma's frame.

This creates an extremely rigid connection between the rock slider and the vehicle.

Strong Enough to Support the Truck

These are functional rock sliders designed for actual trail use.

RCI states that the sliders are capable of supporting the entire side of the truck, allowing them to withstand substantial contact with rocks and obstacles.

Their structural design also allows the sliders to serve as a lifting location when using an appropriate Hi-Lift-style jack.

As with any vehicle recovery or lifting operation, always use proper lifting procedures and equipment.

Standard Rear Kick-Out

RCI includes its signature low-profile rear kick-out as standard equipment.

The kick-out widens the slider near the rear tire, helping push the truck away from rocks and other obstacles before they can contact the rear quarter or bedside area.

It also provides a useful step near the rear of the cab.

Choose Your Slider Angle

RCI offers two slider-angle configurations.

20° Standard Angle

The standard 20-degree upward angle keeps the outer rail tucked closer to the body.

Choose the 20° configuration when your priorities are:

• Maximum ground clearance

• Technical off-road use

• Rock crawling

• A tighter, more aggressive profile

• Maximum rocker-panel protection

5° Low Angle

RCI's optional 5-degree configuration places the outer rail in a flatter position.

Choose the 5° configuration when you want:

• Easier entry and exit

• Better functionality as a side step

• A flatter stepping surface

• Easier access for children

• Easier access for pets

• Rock-slider protection with greater everyday practicality

The 5° version remains a true structural rock slider while providing increased step functionality.

Optional Top Tread Plate

An optional dimpled top tread plate can be added to the sliders.

The tread plate provides several benefits:

• Increased grip when entering or exiting the vehicle

• Larger stepping surface

• Improved footing in wet or muddy conditions

• Easier vehicle access for children and pets

• Additional protection against rocks and debris thrown from the tires

• Added structural rigidity

If you plan to use the sliders frequently as a step, RCI recommends combining the tread plate with the 5° low-angle configuration for a flatter stepping surface.

Mitered Steel End Caps

Rather than simply cutting the slider tubing square and welding a flat cap over the end, RCI uses mitered, laser-cut and bent 3/16" steel end caps.

This provides a cleaner finished appearance while creating a strong and functional termination for the slider structure.

Heavy-Duty Powder-Coat Finish

RCI offers the sliders with its heavy-duty textured black powder-coat finish.

Powder-coated sliders also receive an epoxy primer underneath the powder coat to increase finish durability and corrosion resistance.

RCI performs its powder coating in-house for greater control over the finishing process.

Direct Bolt-On Installation

The TACO-16-SLIDER installs using existing mounting locations on the Tacoma frame.

No drilling is required.

RCI includes the necessary installation hardware, using Grade 5 and Grade 8 hardware where applicable.

Installation can be completed using basic hand tools.

Because rock sliders are large and heavy components, having a second person or suitable lifting/support equipment available can make positioning during installation considerably easier.

Ideal for Daily Drivers & Serious Trail Builds

The ability to choose between the 20° and 5° configurations makes these sliders useful for a wide range of Tacoma builds.

They're an excellent choice for:

• Daily-driven Tacomas

• Weekend trail vehicles

• Overland builds

• Camping and exploration

• Hunting vehicles

• Rock crawlers

• Technical trail builds

• Lifted Tacomas

• Trucks equipped with larger tires

Choose the configuration that best balances your need for maximum trail clearance with everyday step functionality.

Product Specifications

Manufacturer: RCI Off Road
Part Number: TACO-16-SLIDER
Product Type: Frame-Mounted Rock Sliders
Vehicle: Toyota Tacoma
Model Years: 2016-2023
Generation: 3rd Gen
Drivetrain: 4WD
Access Cab Fitment: 6' Bed
Double Cab Fitment: 5' Bed
Main Tube: 2" Square Steel Tube
Outer Rail: 1.75" DOM Tubing
Frame Plate: Full-Length 3/16" Steel
Legs: Four
Leg Gussets: 1/4" Steel
Slider Angle Options: 20° or 5°
Rear Kick-Out: Included
Top Tread Plate: Optional
Finish: Bare or Heavy-Duty Textured Black Powder Coat, depending on selection
Drilling Required: No
Installation Hardware: Included
Country of Manufacture: USA

Frequently Asked Questions

What years does TACO-16-SLIDER fit?
RCI lists these sliders for compatible 2016-2023 3rd-generation Toyota Tacoma 4WD models.

Do they fit a Double Cab Tacoma?
Yes. They fit compatible Double Cab trucks with the 5-foot bed.

Do they fit an Access Cab Tacoma?
Yes. They fit compatible Access Cab trucks with the 6-foot bed.

Are these running boards or real rock sliders?
These are structural frame-mounted rock sliders designed to protect the rocker panels and support substantial vehicle weight during off-road use.

Can the sliders support the weight of the truck?
Yes. RCI states that the sliders are capable of supporting the entire side of the truck for sliding across rocks or lifting with an appropriate Hi-Lift-style jack.

What is the difference between the 20° and 5° versions?
The 20° version angles upward toward the body for maximum ground clearance and a low-profile installation. The 5° version sits flatter, providing a more functional step while retaining the protection of a true rock slider.

Which angle should I choose if I want to use the sliders as steps?
The 5° configuration is the better choice for frequent step use. RCI specifically recommends the 5° option when selecting the top tread plate because it creates a flatter stepping surface.

What does the rear kick-out do?
The rear kick-out extends the slider outward near the rear tire, helping push the vehicle away from rocks and other obstacles before they can contact the body.

Is the top tread plate included?
The tread plate is an optional configuration. Select it when ordering if you want the additional stepping surface, grip, and rocker-panel protection.

What are the outer rails made from?
RCI uses 1.75" DOM tubing for the outer rails.

Does installation require drilling?
No. The sliders attach to existing Tacoma frame mounting locations with no drilling required.

Is mounting hardware included?
Yes. RCI provides the installation hardware, using Grade 5 and Grade 8 hardware where applicable.

Are these made in the USA?
Yes. RCI manufactures these rock sliders in the USA.

Do these fit a 2024+ Tacoma?
No. TACO-16-SLIDER is designed for compatible 2016-2023 3rd-generation Tacoma models. The redesigned 2024+ 4th-generation Tacoma requires a different slider application.