Getting in and out of a big truck or SUV is easier and safer with Nerf Step Bars, Side Steps For SUVs, And the Best Running boards.
Trucks and SUVs have grown by about 25% between 1989 and 2019, making them the largest they’ve ever been.
If your car didn’t come equipped with running boards from the start, getting in and out becomes progressively difficult.
It’s especially difficult for smaller persons, youngsters, and the elderly, to the point that, according to NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) statistics, falling when getting or departing a car is the leading cause of non-crash injuries.
An estimated 146,000 people require hospitalization or an EMT visit each year due to injuries sustained while getting into and out of autos.
Every every day, that’s 400 people. Anything you can do to make it safer, especially putting side steps or running boards, will not only make your life easier, but it may also spare you from a hospital visit.
Many trucks and larger vehicles have pre-determined mounting places in the frame to which aftermarket running boards can be attached.
That means you won’t have to modify your vehicle to install them; it’ll be a do-it-yourself project.
If you don’t have the proper holes, you can still install a set, but you’ll have to drill and maybe tap threads into a new hole.
Your running boards will come with instructions and possibly some tools, but this is a much bigger project.
As long as they don’t cause any damage, bolt-on aftermarket running boards won’t void your vehicle’s warranty (see Table of Contents).
When it comes to adding running boards, you have three options: side steps, running boards, and nerf bars.
Side stairs are square or U-shaped bracket that attaches on to a truck bed or beneath a door to provide easier access.
A longer running board, which frequently runs the length of your truck’s cab, serves as a long step or platform.
Nerf bars are designed to protect your cabin from harm while offroading and are normally the length of your cabin. Many contain cutout stairs as well.
See our Table of Contents for more information on which ones to buy, how to install them, and how to care for them.
About Best Running Boards, Nerf Step Bars, and Side Steps For SUVs
What Are Nerf Bars and Running Boards For?
Nerf bars and running boards simply make it easier to get into and out of a high-riding car.
While most running boards are installed on tall cars like full-size trucks and SUVs, shorter people or those with a limited range of motion may put them on crossovers and compact trucks because they may still have difficulty getting into these vehicles.
Aftermarket running boards are also popular among truck and SUV owners because they offer their vehicle a tougher, more rugged appearance.
As a result, many running boards are designed to improve the aesthetic of a truck or SUV’s exterior and are available in a variety of finishes, including chrome, black, and brushed metal.
What Types of Running Boards Are There?
Running boards, nerf bars, and side steps are the three forms of aftermarket automobile steps.
A running board is a totally flat step that attaches underneath the doors on the side of a vehicle or SUV.
A nerf bar, on the other hand, mounts underneath the doors of a truck or SUV and has cutout areas for the passengers’ feet.
These parts commonly include rubber grips or a textured surface to provide additional grip when entering and exiting the vehicle.
A side step is a small, single step that functions similarly to a running board.
These can be installed on the side of a truck or SUV underneath the passenger doors, or behind the rear axle on a truck to help the user access the bed more easily.
How Do I Install Running Boards?
Installing running boards is normally a straightforward process, however, you may want to seek the assistance of a friend if your running boards are particularly heavy.
Many aftermarket running boards, nerf bars, and side steps will provide installation instructions.
Many vehicles have factory-drilled mounting points in the frame for mounting running boards, so all you have to do is install them and secure them with the hardware that came with them.
If the holes in your vehicle aren’t pre-drilled, you’ll have to drill them yourself. If the holes aren’t pre-drilled, we recommend hiring a specialist to install them.
As you don’t want to compromise your vehicle’s frame.
How Much Weight Can Running Boards Hold?
Weight ratings aren’t often specified, however, they typically range from 300 to 500 pounds. Some side steps allow you to use two or three brackets, which might assist tighten up a set that is sagging.
There is no weight standard, and no manufacturer tests each model individually. Greater brackets joining your step bars to the frame will handle more weight as a rule of thumb, though you won’t be able to fit triple brackets under a single cab truck or two-door Jeep.
Even with extra brackets, a long run, such as in a full-size crew cab pickup, may flex nonetheless, especially if two large individuals are riding in it at the same time.
Breakage from overloading is very rare, but if you do it repeatedly, you’re likely to make small cracks or other wear that can lead to rust.
What Are Running Boards Made From?
Stainless steel, coated mild steel, and aluminum are the most common materials used for step bars.
There are a few off-brand carbon fiber running boards available, but none from big brands. They all have benefits and drawbacks.
Side stairs made of stainless steel are top-of-the-line items. Weight ratings of up to 500 pounds are common, as are lifetime warranties against material faults.
Stainless steel’s great strength allows it to be thinner and lighter, making it easier to install. Although stainless steel is rust-resistant, it will corrode over time, and brackets and fasteners are not commonly constructed of stainless steel.
Stainless steel nerf bars are often more expensive than a comparable pair of mild steel step bars because of the higher cost of materials and fabrication.
Because stainless steel is more difficult to weld than mild steel, simple bends in tubes and rectangular bars are the most common designs.
Unhardened steel is referred to as mild steel. It has more flex and is less prone to cracking than hardened steel, which could be employed in high-strength mounting bracket applications. It will immediately rust if you don’t coat it.
The best steel running boards are galvanized, which electrically attaches a rustproof zinc coating to the steel and then protects the galvanized finish with additional layers of protection.
Inside and out, they must be covered. All of these coatings can be chipped off by road debris or worn away where fasteners or stairs are attached.
Welding and repairing mild steel is relatively straightforward. Look for five-year warranties on coated steel running boards.
Although aluminum step bars do not rust, they do corrode with time. Aluminum, like stainless steel, is difficult to weld, so it’s commonly found in extruded and bent shapes like ovals, tubes, and rectangular bars.
They tend to be more expensive when created in more intricate shapes.
Aluminum must be thicker than steel to obtain the same strength, but it is much lighter, thus they weigh around the same as or even less than stainless steel, making one-person installation easier.
Aluminum can be polished, brushed, or coated to provide a dazzling luster. Galvanic corrosion can occur when aluminum and steel come into close contact, weakening the metal and rusting the steel.
Will Installing Running Boards Void my Vehicle’s Warranty?
No. The Magnuson Moss Warranty-Federal Trade Commission Improvements Act is a federal rule in the United Specifies that states that a dealership or manufacturer must prove that an aftermarket part is to blame for a failure.
They have the burden of proof. This isn’t to say that a dishonest vendor won’t try to take advantage of you, and if your running boards cause damage, they won’t be covered under warranty. They can’t, for example, argue that your step bars damaged the transmission.
This implies that some precautions should be taken, particularly where the frame is connected. Ensure that all surfaces are clean and that any protective coatings are not scratched.
After installation, we would spray any contact areas with rust preventative like Cosmoline or Fluid Film, wash it regularly, and touch up the spray coating a couple of times a year.
Check your bolts at the same time to ensure they haven’t loosened, and make sure you don’t have steel hardware in touch with an aluminum frame or step bar, or vice versa since this can lead to galvanic corrosion.
Best Running Boards, Nerf Step Bars, and Side Steps For SUVs
1. APS iBoards Running Boards
APS iBoard Running Boards are full-length running boards with full-length anti-slip rubber inserts that are modern-looking (“influenced by iPhone”).
They are available in brushed aluminum or powder coated matte black finishes. They come in five, six, and seven-inch widths, which is ideal for vehicles with a lot of curves in the bottom bodywork (“tumblehome”). For some uses, not all widths are accessible.
They’re composed of rust-resistant 6061 aluminum, have a 300-pound weight capacity, and come with mounting hardware and brackets.
Although the running boards themselves are low-profile, the brackets that hold them out from the car in many instances can be seen, as can the brackets and mounting hardware.
You may need to drill and tap holes depending on your car. If that’s the case, you’ll need a drill, bits, step bits, and a tap wrench, but not taps, which are provided. The hardware is said to be of decent quality, although the provided instructions are a little hazy.
Customer satisfaction with the running boards is generally good, but not so with customer service (see below).
Higher-end running boards with longer warranties are available, but they can easily cost twice as much as iBoards. The majority of iBoards have positive ratings of 90 to 93 percent, however, a few fitments have lower ratings.
Customer Service and Warranty from APS
The iBoards are covered by APS Auto Parts Specialist Inc.’s one-year limited guarantee, which is relatively short for aluminum running boards, which often have five-year or lifetime warranties.
Because the IPS website lacks customer support contact information, you must go to the APS website, which provides a US toll-free number as well as a Vancouver local number.
When we contacted, we were able to speak with a live person who instantly offered information on some frequent issues with our example truck before we even posed a question.
A semi-useful page on the APS website lists installation instructions for nearly 6,000 different items.
Pros – Slim design, clear instructions, and a neat appearance
Cons – Short warranty, and when mounted, screws and brackets may show.
2. Go Rhino RB20 Running Boards
The RB20 series from Go Rhino is for you if you want a set of running boards that will last a long time and have a no-nonsense look.
They’re comprised of 16-gauge galvanized steel with an additional layer of a Bedliner applied for grip and protection.
Go Rhino RB20 side steps are sold as a pair as full, no-drill kits with all necessary nuts and hardware. The instructions are clear and include color photographs.
So why aren’t they being used by everyone? The matte surface and industrial style are geared at work trucks and offroaders, with limited availability outside of pickup trucks and full-size SUVs. At their high price point, they also face stiff competition from other high-end companies.
The few products with over 100 ratings have a positive rating of above 90%. They are not to be confused with the BR20 line of bumpers.
Go Rhino for Customer Service and Warranty.
Materials and finishes are covered by a five-year limited warranty from Go Rhino (on products not designed to come into contact with rocks).
A limited lifetime warranty is included with their stainless steel running boards. Go Rhino covers return shipping both ways, which is a huge plus when a set of side steps can weigh up to 100 pounds.
They have pdfs with installation instructions for all of their current items as well as rebate applications on their website.
A toll-free number in the United States is provided, as well as email and in-person assistance at their Brea, California, showroom.
Pros – Excellent customer service, great warranty, and long-lasting product.
Cons – Expensive, large, and bulky
3. Tyger Auto Star Armor Kit
Most running boards can handle 250 to 300 pounds, but thanks to a reinforced, truss-like triple tube design, Tyger Auto’s Star Armor set of nerf bars with side steps can support 500 pounds.
Lower rock-rail style two-inch diameter tubes with 0.120-inch thick walls protect rocker panels from damage while offroading and aid in sliding over obstacles.
Star Armor nerf bars have sealed ends and are coated inside to prevent corrosion.
All contain laser-cut star pattern steps for the right number of doors for your car, and the exterior is dual-stage powder coated for a slip-resistant surface.
They’re available for most late-model Jeeps and full-size pickup trucks, as well as other popular off-road vehicles.
Some applications that aren’t accessible on Amazon are available on their site, but Amazon’s corresponding part numbers are usually cheaper.
We especially like how their listings show the vehicle’s unique purpose rather than a generic photo.
The majority of the mount to existing step board mounting holes, and the included hardware is of excellent quality and black oxide coated.
If you’re offroading, you’ll want to spend extra time and care installing them to ensure they remain put.
Heavier weight and a greater price go hand in hand with heavy-duty performance.
Four-door truck models can weigh more than 50 pounds each, making them difficult to install and adding to your overall weight.
Some users suggested that the side steps may be more texturized to improve traction in slick circumstances.
They’re pricey, although they’re often less so than competing premium brands. We didn’t find any models with less than 90 percent positive reviews, and many had over 95 percent positive reviews.
Customer Service and Warranty for Tyger Automobiles
Tyger Auto is based in California and offers customer assistance via a toll-free hotline in the United States. Additional web forms are available for technical support, and you can also upload photos to assist.
Tyger claims a five-year warranty on materials, workmanship, and finish with no hassle assistance.
If you keep the original packaging, they will pay for delivery. Their website has installation instructions as well as some videos.
Pros – Interior corrosion protection, five-year warranty, and heavy-duty construction.
Cons – They are tough to install because to their high cost and substantial weight.
4. Ionic Stainless Steel Curved Nerf Bars
The stainless steel three-inch nerf bar running boards from Ionic offer a classic, subtle aesthetic and an original equipment style that will look great on any truck or SUV.
They’re made of 304L stainless steel, which is less durable than 304 stainless steel but is easier to weld and may result in a higher-quality product.
They use a powder-coated drop bracket to position them three inches below and away from your vehicle’s pinch weld, maximizing the modest reinforced step area.
You’ll probably want a different design of side steps if you require a larger platform to stand or climb on, or if you need a step that doesn’t hang down.
The disadvantage of the bracket mounting approach is that it requires additional hardware and installation time.
The photographs and graphics in the directions are fine, but the textual material might be better (see below for some issues we had with instructions).
The stainless steps have a high weight capacity of 500 pounds, making them appropriate for at least light-duty use as sliders.
Larger diameters are available, as well as a Pro Series that Ionic claims is constructed of “marine grade” stainless steel but is basically priced the same.
Ionic side steps don’t have a lot of reviews, but those that do have a lot of them are generally positive.
There is a brand named Iconic, which is owned by The AAM Group and produces comparable products but exclusively distributes them through brick and mortar stores rather than online.
If you search for Ionic, the first result will almost certainly be the Iconic website. We were perplexed for a long time before we figured out the difference.
Ionic Customer Service and Warranty
Ionic steel steps have a limited lifetime warranty, whereas black powder coated steps have a three-year warranty. We don’t know who makes Iconic, and it doesn’t have its own website, but it’s supplied by RealTruck and could be an in-house brand.
When we couldn’t find installation instructions for our 2018 Chevrolet Sierra 1500, we contacted RealTruck’s toll-free customer support line for assistance.
We were instantly connected to a representative, who was knowledgable, helpful, and spent a significant amount of time speaking with us, but was unable to provide instructions.
It could have been a fluke, but double-check that your order includes all papers. RealTruck has a lot of interesting videos on YouTube, so a search there is a smart idea.
Pros – Can be used as sliders, has a low profile, close mount construction, and comes with a lifetime warranty.
Cons – Brackets make installation more difficult; make sure you have instructions.
5. N-FAB EpYx Nerf Steps
N-FAB EpYx nerf steps for late-model trucks and SUVs are full-length bolt-on nerf bars with step cutouts.
The EpYx sticks out among N-step FAB’s bars because to its square bar construction and striking chevron cuts.
A stable surface is provided by a drop-down step at each entrance, although it is not suitable for offroading because it would catch on the terrain.
The bars hug a truck’s rocker panels firmly, giving it a clean appearance and ensuring that just the step protrudes.
Steel construction with a black powdercoat finish. They’re made for easy installation with modular, adjustable brackets that allow you to fine-tune the fit.
We looked at the directions for numerous models and found them to be straightforward and simple to follow, even if they were brief.
EpYx step ratings are consistently 89 percent positive across multiple models, which is excellent. Users expressed their dissatisfaction with shipping damage and variable production quality.
N-FAB Customer Service and Warranty
N-FAB is a member of the Truck Hero brand family, which also includes Husky Liner, ARE, Lund, and Superlift.
N-FAB and Truck Hero each offer their own toll-free numbers, giving you extra options if you need to reach them.
N-FAB provides installation instructions online, and we were able to quickly locate the ones we needed. Powdercoat finishes are covered by a five-year warranty, and materials and workmanship, including welds and brackets, are covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
Pros – Good warranty, and a unique, close-to-the-body appearance
Cons – Expensive and ineffective as rock slides
6. Westin Pro Traxx 4 Oval Nerf Step Bars
Running boards, step bars, and nerf bars are available in 30 distinct designs from Westin Automotive.
One of the simpler and more cheap options in their inventory is the four-inch diameter Pro Traxx 4 model.
The Pro Traxx 4 nerf step bars include a broad injection-molded polymer step pad with grooves to drain water, give traction, and catch mud, and are saddle-mounted in accompanying triple two-piece bolt-on brackets.
On most applications, OE-style 30-degree ends are fully welded, and brackets are covered with injection-molded polymer caps.
You’ll have to choose whether you want the look and cost of stainless steel or black e-coated mild steel. If you live near the ocean or expect a lot of use, the stainless steel is the way to go, as corrosion is a regular problem with all types of step bars.
Coatings are also prone to being blasted off by grit and rocks as kilometres are accumulated on the road.
With three brackets on each side, almost all truck and SUV applications are bolt on. Even the longest versions for a full-size double cab truck are only 25 pounds, which is less than half the weight of a comparable set of running boards.
making a single one-person installation a lot easier Although Westin does not specify a weight capacity, users indicate that they do not bend when all three brackets are placed.
Customer Service and Warranty at the Westin
The materials fault warranty on Westin stainless steel nerf stairs is restricted to a lifetime, compared to five years for black finishes. We tallied over 1,000 ratings from various fitments, and the Pro Traxx 4 received an 87 percent positive rating.
Customer support is available via a toll-free call, email, web form, and rebate forms on the Westin website, as well as a toll-free number for the California headquarters.
Customer assistance is responsive and knowledgeable, according to buyers.
On the Westin website, we found a range of installation instructions that are easy to discover and more comprehensive than some other step bars, but they aren’t very easy to understand, with a lot of information packed into a short space.
Pros – Lightweight, reasonably priced, and reminiscent of original equipment
Cons – Low clearance due to limited uses and low drop
7. Bully Universal Truck Coated Side Step Set
You may install a set of universal cast aluminum side steps from Bully if all you need is a leg up and are ready to sacrifice some time and work to save money.
They’re called stirrups, and they’re approximately the same size as that piece of horse tack: a 3.5-inch deep-textured hoop step that looks wonderful and weighs only 3.25 pounds each. They come in two or four-piece sets and are by far the most cost-effective option on our list.
The quality of your installation will play a role in achieving the 350-pound weight rating. These side stairs will flex under higher weights, as you’d expect for something that weighs less than a two-liter bottle of Pepsi.
There are 56 pieces of hardware to put together, as well as 11 pages of instructions to read. A basic tool kit, which includes a drill and excellent bits, punches, files, screwdrivers, wrenches, and sockets, is also required.
Bully suggests twist drills, but having a good set of step drill bits on hand is also a good idea. Bending the universal bracket is also required for some setups.
These side steps measure 12.25 x 10.75 x 6 inches, which isn’t enough clearance for some newer vehicles with a deep inboard frame, such as 2009-2018 Dodge Rams, which require an additional installation kit.
The benefit of a universal installation is that these step bars may be used on older SUVs and vehicles that don’t have unique parts.
Bully Truck Accessories is a company we don’t know much about, but they’ve been selling these steps for 17 years and have a fair 80 percent positive rating with over 1,500 reviews.
It’s worth mentioning that universal side steps have generally poor reviews, owing mostly to installation issues, and an 80 percent rating is considered excellent for the category.
Customer Service and Warranty are both bullies.
In the instructions and on the website, there is a toll-free customer support number and email address for the parent business Pilot Automotive, but when we called, we were put on wait.
No one answered the phone. We couldn’t discover any warranty information, but Amazon’s 30-day return policy covers the side steps.
Pros – They’re cheap, light, and don’t take up a lot of space.
Cons – Customer service is poor, and there is a lot of assemblies required.
8. TAC 3″ Tubular Side Steps
TAC (Truck Accessories Company) offers a variety of sizes, forms, and materials for side steps and running boards, including three-inch stainless steel tubular side steps.
They’re available for most late-model full-size domestic trucks, as well as a few other types.
They’re built of “marine-grade” CNC-bent polished stainless steel (which isn’t an official term but commonly refers to 316 or 304 stainless alloys), custom-made brackets, and UV-resistant step inserts, according to TAC.
Replacement pads are available on the TAC Auto Parts website, but please read our cautionary note below. TAC also offers powder-coated black mild steel side steps that are otherwise comparable.
The bundled hardware and installation instructions are good, according to users, and installation is simple. We prefer stainless steel in salt-prone areas, whether coastal or in the snow belt.
These are hollow step bars with a drain plug to keep moisture from rusting them out. The steel drain plug should be fitted with an O-ring or rubber washer.
TAC Customer Service and Warranty
We calculated a proportional review score based on nearly 4,000 TAC side step ratings, and they averaged a fantastic 92 percent.
This used to be our second choice, but we were directed to voicemail when we called their toll-free customer service line.
We contacted around lunchtime on a Friday, and no one had returned our call nearly two weeks later.
TAC offers a three-year “no fuss” guarantee, but we’re not sure how straightforward it would be to file a claim.
We emailed them at the same time because they stated that email requests take one day to process, but we never received a response. If you have a problem, we encourage using social media to solve it.
You shouldn’t have to, though. This is a good product that has been marred by poor customer service.
Pros – Stainless steel of superior quality with efficient anti-slip inlays
Cons – Customer service that is non-existent may stand out too much.
FAQs About Best Running Boards, Nerf Step Bars, And Side Steps For SUVs
What is the difference between a running board and a Nerf bar?
The majority of running boards have a stepping pad that runs the length of the board. Nerf bars, on the other hand, serve as a stepping surface at each of your cabin’s access points.
Are running boards worth it SUV?
Running boards serve to keep debris out of your vehicle and protect it from harm. Running boards also assist in keeping your vehicle’s inside clean. They serve as a kind of doormat, allowing passengers to wipe the dirt off their shoes before entering your vehicle or SUV.
What is the purpose of nerf bars?
The nerf bar protects the sides of the vehicles and also keeps their tires from becoming entangled.
What are running boards on an SUV?
A running board is a platform affixed to the doors of a vehicle that makes it easier for passengers to board and exit the vehicle. Running boards are most commonly found on trucks and SUVs, where the high ground clearance makes it difficult to access or exit the vehicle.
How much weight can a running board hold?
Most running boards can handle 250 to 300 pounds, but thanks to a reinforced, truss-like triple tube design, Tyger Auto’s Star Armor set of nerf bars with side steps can support 500 pounds.
