Running Boards & Side Steps

Is it a long way up to the cab of your pickup or SUV, or would you like easier access to the load on the roof? Running boards, side steps and nerf bars give you a secure footing at the doors, and some models can also help protect the lower edge of the bodywork against stones and gravel.

Running boards, side steps and nerf bars – what's the difference?

Running boards typically have a wide, flat step surface along the entire side and give room for your whole foot. Side steps and nerf bars are usually tube-based and take up less space, often with step pads at the doors. For off-road builds there are also products such as N-Fab Trail Slider Steps and N-Fab RKR Rails, and a bed step such as the AMP Research BedStep gives you an extra step up to the truck bed.

How to choose steps for your vehicle

Fitment is vehicle-specific, so start with model, year, cab type and bed length – the products distinguish between, for example, Double Cab and Crew Cab. Then consider:

• Step surface: a wide, non-slip surface gives better grip with wet or muddy shoes, while narrow tubes take up less space.
• Ground clearance: low-hanging steps can hit rocks and ledges off-road.
• Finish: the surface, e.g. textured black, affects how well the part withstands road salt and stone chips.
• Load capacity: depends on the product and brackets, so check the specifications.

The category includes brands such as Westin, N-Fab, Go Rhino, LUND and AMP Research.

Installation, maintenance and inspection

Many steps can be bolted into existing holes in the chassis, but some vehicles may require separate brackets – see our step mounting kits. Make sure the bracket fits both the step and the vehicle, and retighten the bolts after the first few drives. Rinse off salt and mud after winter driving, and repair paint damage quickly so rust can't take hold. Whether the step is permitted at vehicle inspection depends on the product and the vehicle, e.g. how far it protrudes; check this for the specific part number.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between running boards and nerf bars?

Running boards typically have a wide, flat step surface along the entire side, while nerf bars are tube-based and take up less space. The choice depends on how much foot room you want and how much ground clearance you want to keep.

Do side steps or running boards need to be approved for inspection?

It depends on the product and the vehicle, e.g. how far the step protrudes beyond the bodywork and how it is mounted. Check the requirements for the specific part number and your vehicle before installing.

When do I need a mounting kit?

Some steps come with brackets, while others require a separate mounting kit for the specific vehicle. Check the product description to see what is included and that the bracket fits both the step and your vehicle's model and year.