Crossover Nissan X-Trail T32 (2014–2020 model year) remains one of the most popular SUVs in Russia due to its reliability, spacious interior and adaptability to Russian roads. However, even such a station wagon has a weak point - high ground clearance and the absence of factory running boards in the basic trim levels. This creates inconvenience when boarding passengers, especially children and the elderly, and also complicates loading luggage onto the roof.
Footrests for X-Trail T32 solve these problems, but their selection requires attention to materials, fastenings and compatibility with the body. Original accessories from Nissan guarantee a perfect fit, but are expensive, whereas analogues from Thule, Mannol or domestic brands can offer better price-quality ratio. In this article we will look at which footrests are suitable for T32, how to install them correctly and what to pay attention to during operation.
Types of running boards for Nissan X-Trail T32: what they are and how they differ
Crossover running boards are divided into three main types, each of which solves its own problems. The choice depends on whether you need aesthetics, functionality or body protection.
- 🚗 Side steps - the most common. Installed under the doors, making it easier to get in and out. There are aluminum (light, but slippery in winter) and steel (durable, with anti-slip coating).
- 🏔️ Rear steps - relevant for owners who often transport luggage on the roof. Mounted under the rear bumper, they serve as a support during loading.
- 🛡️ Protective footrests - a combined option that covers the lower part of the doors from chips and dirt. Popular with off-road enthusiasts.
Original running boards from Nissan (article 999T5-VN000 for side and 999T5-VN010 for the rear) are made of anodized aluminum with plastic inserts. They perfectly follow the curves of the body, but their price starts from 25,000 rubles per set. Alternatives from Thule (series Evo) or Mannol will cost 2–3 times less, but may require modifications during installation.
⚠️ Attention: Footrests with wide steps (more than 80 mm) can catch on high curbs when parking. If you often drive around the city, choose models with curved edges or rubber pads.
Compatibility of running boards with X-Trail T32 configurations
Not all footrests are universal - their design depends on body type And availability of factory fastenings. For example, in configurations LE+ And Tekna technological holes are already provided for original accessories, whereas in the basic versions (Visia, Acenta) they may not exist.
| Equipment | Availability of factory fastenings | Recommended running boards | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visia, Acenta | No | Universal (for example, Thule Evo with brackets) | Body drilling required |
| LE+, Tekna | Yes (under original) | Original 999T5-VN000 or analogues with mounting in standard holes |
Installation without drilling |
| Hybrid (hybrid version) | Yes (modified) | Reinforced footrests (e.g. Mannol ML-1201) | Consider the weight of the batteries - do not overload the mounts |
If your X-Trail T32 is not equipped with factory fastenings, be prepared for additional work: it will be required drilling and treatment of holes with anticorrosive. An alternative is running boards suction cups or clips, but they are unreliable at sub-zero temperatures.
- Original Nissan
- Analogues (Thule, Mannol, etc.)
- Universal without brand
- Not installed yet
- Others
Step-by-step instructions for installing running boards on the X-Trail T32
Installing the footrests yourself takes 1–2 hours if you have experience working with the tool. For installation of original accessories on the complete set LE+/Tekna enough key for 10 and screwdrivers. For universal models you will additionally need:
- 🔧 Drill with a set of drills (for metal, diameter 8–10 mm).
- 🧴 Anti-corrosion treatment (for example, Molykote or WD-40 Specialist).
- 📏 Ruler or template for marking holes.
- 🔩 Torque wrench (for tightening bolts with a torque of 20–25 N m).
If you do not have experience drilling a body, it is better to contact a service center. Improperly installed running boards can become a source of corrosion or fall off while driving.
☑️ Preparing to install the running boards
Procedure for original footrests:
- Raise the car on a lift or use a jack with stops.
- Remove the plastic plugs under the doors (they hide the standard holes).
- Attach the step to the body and align the fasteners with the holes.
- Secure with bolts (tightening torque -
20 Nm), do not overtighten! - Check the reliability of the fastening by shaking the footrest with your hand.
⚠️ Attention: When installing universal running boards, avoid drilling in areas longitudinal beams And fuel lines. Use a template from the manufacturer - an error of 5 mm can result in the step preventing the door from opening.
Review of the best running boards for X-Trail T32: original vs analogues
The market offers dozens of options for running boards X-Trail T32, but not all of them are equally good. We analyzed owner reviews and technical characteristics of popular models.
| Model | Type | Material | Price (set) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Original Nissan 999T5-VN000 |
Lateral | Aluminum + plastic | 25 000–30 000 ₽ | Perfect fit, anti-corrosion coating | High price, slip in winter |
| Thule Evo (item depends on the year) | Side/rear | Powder coated steel | 12 000–18 000 ₽ | Anti-slip pads, universal brackets | Requires modifications when installing on Visia |
| Mannol ML-1201 | Side protective | Stainless steel | 8 000–10 000 ₽ | Shockproof, suitable for off-road use | Heavy (set weight ~12 kg) |
| AutoSteel AS-NT32 (Russian brand) | Lateral | Aluminum with rubber inserts | 6 000–8 000 ₽ | Low price, easy installation | Weak corrosion resistance |
Important: Footrests from Thule And Mannol often counterfeited. Check for the presence of a hologram on the packaging and a certificate of conformity. Counterfeit products can burst under a load of more than 100 kg.
Before purchasing, check with the seller to see if the model is suitable for your year of manufacture. For example, footrests X-Trail T32 2014 may not be included in the restyled version 2017–2020. due to changes in the shape of the thresholds.
Caring for footrests: how to extend their service life
Footrests are used in aggressive conditions - dirt, salt, temperature changes. Without proper care, they will last no more than 2-3 seasons. Basic rules:
- 🧼 Washing: Clean dirt and salt from the running boards after every off-road ride. Use car shampoo and a soft brush - abrasives scratch the coating.
- 🛡️ Protection: Apply wax polish or anti-gravel coating 2 times a year. Suitable for aluminum models Sonax Aluminium Polish.
- 🔧 Mounts: Every 10,000 km, check the tightness of the bolts. Vibrations when driving over bumps can weaken them.
- ❄️ Winter: Rubber pads lose elasticity in the cold. Process them silicone grease (For example, Liqui Moly Silicone-Spray).
If on the running boards appeared chips or rust, do not delay repairs. Aluminum oxidizes quickly, while steel can rust through within a season. To restore use:
- For aluminum: epoxy paint in cans (for example, Motip Aluminium).
- For steel: anti-corrosion primer + paint for metal (for example, Kudo).
What to do if the footrest falls off while driving?
If the running board comes off while driving, stop immediately and check:
1. The condition of the fasteners (the threads in the body may have been broken).
2. Integrity of brackets (cracks or deformations).
3. The presence of play in the remaining footrests.
If the problem is in the body holes, do not try to screw the bolts back in - this will worsen the corrosion. Better install repair bushings (For example, Rivnut) or contact a welding service.
Common mistakes when choosing and installing footrests
Even experienced car owners make mistakes that lead to breakdowns or inconveniences. Here are the most common:
- Mismatch in year of manufacture. For example, footrests X-Trail T32 2014 models may not be suitable for the 2017 restyling due to the changed shape of the thresholds.
- Ignoring weight load. Cheap running boards can last up to
80–100 kg, while the original ones are up to150 kg. If an adult man leans on them, cheap analogues may bend. - No anti-corrosion treatment. Drilling without protection leads to rust within a year. Be sure to use zinc spray (For example, Zinc Rich Primer).
- Incorrect bolt tightening. Overtightened fasteners deform the body, weak ones lead to play. Use a torque wrench!
Another typical problem is buying running boards without anti-slip coating. In winter, they turn into a skating rink, and passengers can slip. If your running boards are smooth, stick them on anti-slip tape (For example, 3M Safety-Walk).
The most common cause of footpeg failure is corrosion of the fasteners. Even if the step itself is intact, rusty bolts can burst under load. Regularly inspect joints and treat them WD-40 or liquid key.
Owner reviews: pros and cons of different running boards
We collected real reviews from forums Drive2 And X-Trail Club Russiato show the problems owners face.
👍 Original running boards (Nissan):
“I installed it a year ago - no complaints. Everything fits like a glove, no creaks. The only negative is that it gets icy in winter, so you have to cross your feet before planting.” — Alexey, X-Trail T32 2018
👎 Thule Evo:
“I bought it for 15 thousand, I thought it was of high quality. Six months later, one of the steps began to play - it turned out that the bracket was bent from the load. I had to buy reinforced bolts.” — Dmitry, X-Trail T32 2016
⚠️ AutoSteel AS-NT32:
"Cheap, but after the winter rust appeared on the edges. I had to paint. But they are easy to install - I did it myself in an hour." — Sergey, X-Trail T32 2015
General conclusion: original running boards more reliable, but more expensive; analogues require modifications, but save the budget. If you often drive off-road, it is better to overpay for Mannol or Thule with reinforced brackets.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about running boards for Nissan X-Trail T32
Can running boards be installed on the X-Trail T32 without drilling?
Yes, but only if your equipment has standard mounts (For example, LE+ or Tekna). In basic versions (Visia, Acenta) you will have to drill the body or use running boards on suction cups (unreliable). An alternative is universal models with clamps, but they can damage the plastic elements of the body.
Which running boards are best for winter?
The optimal choice is models with anti-slip coating (rubber or plastic spikes). Among the original ones is 999T5-VN000 with rubber inserts. Among analogues - Thule Evo with aluminum steps and overlays 3M Safety-Walk. Avoid smooth metal running boards - they become icy.
How much weight can the footrests support?
Depends on model:
- Original Nissan - up to
150 kgon the step. - Thule/Mannol —
100–120 kg. - Budget analogues -
60–80 kg(risk of deformation).
If you plan to frequently rely on the footrests (for example, to load luggage), choose models with reinforced brackets.
Do I need to remove the running boards before washing?
No, but necessarily Rinse the fastening areas with a jet of water under pressure to remove salt and dirt. After washing, dry the footrests and treat the fastenings WD-40 or silicone grease. This will prevent corrosion.
Can the running boards be painted to match the body color?
Yes, but use special paints for metal with anti-corrosion properties. Suitable for aluminum running boards acrylic enamel (For example, Motip), for steel - hammer paint (For example, Hammerite). Before painting, clean the surface from grease and rust, then apply primer.