What Are Running Boards?
Running boards are stepped side panels mounted beneath the doors along the lower edge of vehicles (typically trucks, SUVs, or vans). They solve step height and vehicle access challenges!
Does getting into your Ford F-Series, Chevy Silverado, Dodge Ram, Toyota Tundra, GMC Sierra, or Jeep Wrangler feel like climbing a mountain? Running boards are your solution! More than just steps, they are essential protectors for your vehicle’s body.
Manual Running Boards
Simpler yet equally functional, these fixed or foldable panels are often made of durable materials like carbon steel or heavy-duty plastic. They stay in place full-time (no moving parts), offering a reliable step without complex mechanisms. Manual boards are a budget-friendly choice for off-road enthusiasts or practical drivers who prioritize ruggedness over automation—they’re easy to clean, low-maintenance, and built to withstand rough terrain.
Power Running Boards
These smart, automated boards feature motorized extension and retraction, often triggered by proximity sensors (when you approach the door) or a push-button control. They glide smoothly out of the vehicle’s underbody when needed, creating a stable, well-lit step (many include built-in LED lights for low-light conditions), then retract seamlessly back into the frame to maintain your truck’s sleek, rugged look. Ideal for luxury or modern trucks, power running boards combine convenience with cutting-edge tech—perfect if you hate bending or want a "wow factor" for your ride.
Buying Tips:
- For heavy-duty pickups (e.g., Dodge Ram), go with Yzona (heavy-duty carbon steel construction designed to resist scratches, dents, and extreme wear, while perfectly fitting complex chassis structures).
Final Thoughts: Elevate Your Ride
Whether you crave tech-driven convenience (power running boards) or rugged simplicity (manual running boards), your choice should align with your vehicle type, budget, and lifestyle. Always check the brand’s "vehicle compatibility list" on their official website, or read real owner reviews on trusted automotive forums like pirate4x4 or Reddit to ensure a perfect fit for your truck or SUV.
(Material | Nerf Bars | Installation)
Material Matters: Built Tough, Built to Last
Steel Running Boards
Stainless Steel: Offers excellent corrosion resistance and a bright, modern appearance. Stronger and more rust-resistant than carbon steel (especially grades like 304 or 316), but significantly more expensive.
Typical Finishes: Brushed finish (most common), polished ("mirror"), sometimes textured.
Aluminum Running Boards
Extruded Aluminum: Lightweight, naturally corrosion-resistant, and strong. Very popular choice due to the balance of weight, durability, and corrosion resistance. Often used for OEM and aftermarket boards.
Typical Finishes: Anodized (clear or colored - enhances corrosion resistance and appearance), painted, powder coated, textured coatings.
- Cast Aluminum: Used for more complex shapes or decorative elements (like end caps). Can be heavier than extruded but allows intricate designs. Good corrosion resistance.
- Typical Finishes: Painted, powder coated, sometimes polished.
Plastic Running Boards
- Injection Molded Thermoplastics (e.g., ABS, Polypropylene): Lightweight, extremely corrosion-proof, and cost-effective. Can be textured for slip resistance. Durability varies greatly by quality – some are robust, others can crack in extreme cold or under heavy impact. Common on lower-cost options or specific OEM designs.
- Fiberglass Reinforced Plastics (FRP): Offers good strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. Can be molded into complex shapes. Less common than thermoplastics alone for full boards, sometimes used in covers or components.
- Typical Finishes: Molded-in color/texture, painted, sometimes with added rubber grip pads.
Key Material Characteristics Compared:
| Feature | Steel (Coated) | Stainless Steel | Aluminum | Plastic Composite |
| Weight | Heavy | Heavy | Light | Very Light |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good (Depends on coating) | Excellent | Very Good | Excellent |
| Durability/Strength | Very High | Very High | High | Moderate to Low |
| Cost | Low to Moderate | High | Moderate to High | Low to Moderate |
| Common Finishes | Powder Coat, Paint, Chrome | Brushed, Polished | Anodized, Paint, Powder Coat | Molded, Painted |
| Appearance | Varied | Bright/Metallic | Metallic | Varied (often matte/textured) |
|
Steel Running Boards |
Aluminum Running Boards |
| Stainless Steel Running Boards | Plastic Running Boards |
Running boards can range in price from around $260 to over $1,500
Nerf bars are the running board’s slimmer cousin. They offer a lower step height but less surface area. Running boards? Wider, flatter, and better for scraping off mud before entry – perfect for Jeeps tackling trails or Toyotas on farm duty.
Why Your Chevy/Dodge/Ford Needs Running Boards
Beyond just stepping up, they’re your rig’s bodyguards:
- Beyond just stepping up, they’re your rig’s bodyguards:
- 🛡️ Dirt Defense: Like a doormat for your truck! Scrape off mud, snow, or gravel before passengers dirty your interior.
💥 Debris Shield: Off-roading in your Jeep Wrangler? Running boards block flying rocks and branches from damaging doors and paint.
✨ Style Upgrade: From vintage GMC classics to modern Dodges, they add rugged sophistication. - Black powder-coated boards? Instant attitude.
Installation: Easier Than You Think!
Most running boards bolt directly into your vehicle’s pre-drilled frame holes (no welding!). Here’s the gist:
- Position the boards under your door sills.
- Secure with heavy-duty brackets and bolts (included).
- Torque to spec – and you’re done!
👉 Full step-by-step guides come with our product!
