Truck owners want their trucks to look good and perform well. Part of great performance is the ease of use; if you can’t easily climb into your truck, it isn’t performing. What you might need is a running board or nerf bar that’s going to give you a solid platform to step on as well as offer protection and give your rig that cool factor. Whether you’re a running-board fan or nerf-bar supporter, give these some consideration.
Tyger Auto Textured Nerf Bars
One of the most notable features of Tyger Auto’s Star Auto nerf bars is the dual-stage black powdercoat that gives these bars a subdued appearance that is nice to look at but primarily fights corrosion and damage. The coating also covers the bar’s triple-tube design, which is engineered to offer you a step into your truck that won’t flinch.
With a weight capacity of 500 pounds, you’ll feel secure stepping onto this two-inch tube forged from carbon steel. Tyger Auto designed these to be do-it-yourself friendly, with easy installation instructions and minor drilling giving you the option to upgrade on your own. While the link we’ve selected fits select Ram 1500 pickups, these bars are available to fit most trucks and SUVs. They are expensive, however.
PROS
- High weight capacity
- Corrosion-resistant powder coat
- Matches other Tyger Auto Star Armor products
- One-piece design
CONS
- High price point
- Some drilling may be required
MaxMate Nerf Bars
Not everyone wants to shell out an arm or leg to upgrade their truck, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for something subpar. These nerf bars from MaxMate offer the perfect solution. Constructed from oval steel tubing, they feature welded end caps to prevent dirt, debris, and weather from getting inside and corroding your steps, a routine issue with many OEM-supplied nerf bars and running boards.
Another benefit to these nerf bars is their four-inch oval tubing, which provides a wide footpad for solid footing. MaxMate also added non-slip and UV-resistant pads to offer even better foot traction no matter the weather. And these straight nerf bars add a sophisticated look to any truck or SUV. That said, MaxMate doesn’t offer up a weight rating for these nerf bars, and drilling into your truck may be required, depending on your application.
PROS
- Affordable pricing
- Four-inch step offers superb footing
- Non-slip and UV-resistant pads
CONS
- No weight capacity listed
- Some drilling may be required
Rough Country HD2 Running Boards
If you’ve been around the off-roading world, you’ve probably heard of Rough Country’s off-road accessories. Don’t be fooled by all the Jeeps sporting the company’s equipment; these running boards are meant for trucks, too, and these particular boards are a great premium option. An all-steel construction and designed with a reinforced mounting system, these boards can hold up to 400 pounds, which is higher than most running boards.
Rough Country also designed these running boards to be wider, beefier, and more aggressive than the average running board for better overall footing and to handle off-roading environments. And with an attractive design, whether you’ve got a work truck, a pavement dweller, or an overlanding beast, these boards will add that wow factor without caving under the pressure. They are very expensive, however, and drilling is necessary, so you’ll want to measure twice and drill once.
PROS
- Heavy-duty construction
- Wide steps the full cab length
- 400-pound weight limit
CONS
- High price point
- Some drilling required
Tyger Auto Textured Running Boards
Nothing is worse than ordering something designed specifically for your truck only to have to modify the part upon installation. And if you’re spending good money to upgrade your rig, it makes sense that you’d want it to be as hassle free as possible. These four-inch-wide running boards by Tyger Auto make that a reality.
Constructed from carbon steel, these boards feature unique triangular tubing that makes them stronger than traditional flat boards. And the special E-coat does more than give these boards a nifty matte-black appearance. It also fights corrosion and damage on the inside as well as the outside. Each step features a non-slip and UV-resistant pad, too, that’ll hold you steady without fading. The boards don’t run the full length of the cab, however, and the weight rating isn’t listed.
PROS
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Affordable pricing
- Backed by a five-year warranty
CONS
- Doesn’t run full cab length
- Weight capacity not listed
APS iBoard Running Boards
The evolution of materials, manufacturing processes, and society’s tastes add up to the APS iBoard. These running boards are sleek, inspired by the smartphones we carry. Constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum that has been machined from a single block, the iBoard offers a five-inch platform that runs the full length of the cab, making entry and exit easy.
The boards also sport a non-slip surface that keeps your footing stable and secure. While stepping into your truck isn’t really about looks, your truck doesn’t have to look barbaric either. There are some issues with these boards, as they can only hold up to 300 pounds a piece, and they don’t offer the protection of those made of steel. They’re also expensive for what they are.
PROS
- Sleek, contemporary design
- Moderate pricing
- Lighter weight option
CONS
- Only hold 300 pounds
- Doesn’t offer as much protection as steel boards/bars
How We Selected the Best Running Boards
We carefully selected running boards and nerf bars based on performance criteria, price point, and their respective brand’s history of reliability. Running boards and nerf bars are generally made to fit specific truck makes, models, and years. To give the best comparison, we selected boards and bars for popular vehicles. We avoided selecting products that were part of a bundle or with extravagant pricing. The price point was chosen to be affordable for the average truck owner.
Our product selections, rankings, and awards for this story are based on research. While we haven’t conducted real-world testing on all of these products yet, we’ve looked at consumer testimonials and data, tutorials, and general discussions on social media and in forums. We also consider price and specification in the context of the segment. And, of course, we rely on our institutional knowledge of the automotive landscape to weed out weak products.
Buying Guide/What to Look For
It may be time to upgrade that truck of yours by giving it a set of running boards or nerf bars. To find the right ones for your truck, we gathered the information you need to know to make a good decision. When you’re shopping for your new upgrade, keep these tidbits in mind.
What to Consider When Buying Running Boards and Nerf Bars
Types
Running Boards
Traditionally, running boards run between the truck’s wheel wells and offer footing across the whole side of the vehicle.
Nerf Bars
Unlike running boards, nerf bars don’t have to cover the full length of the cab and often only offer step pads where the driver or passenger would step into and out of the vehicle. They generally look like a tube or bar with step pads.
Running Board & Nerf Bar Key Features
Length
One of the most important factors is the length of the board or bar. Not all running boards or nerf bars are made to run the full length of the cab. A full-length bar can make it appear to be a natural extension of the truck. They also offer the most surface area to step on. Shorter lengths offer less surface area but can be a cost-effective solution.
Width
The second most important factor to consider is the width of the surface area. The wider a step is, the more secure footing you’ll have when utilizing it. Flat running boards and oval tubing tend to offer the widest surfaces and best footing.
Step
When tubing becomes wet or covered in mud and dirt, it becomes slippery. It’s vital for your safety and the safety of others that you choose a stepping surface that prevents such hazards. Rubber non-slip pads or textured powdercoats are great options the majority of boards and bars offer.
