Best Running Boards

Review & Comparison, Last Update November 24, 2023
If you are an owner of a pickup truck, you know how tiresome it can be to climb into the driver's seat after a long day of work. ...Read more
PROS

The additional black padding has anti-corrosion capabilities that prolong the service life of the nerf board.

CONS

The bolts that come with the boards aren't easy to put in.

OUR VERDICT

A highly reliable and sturdy model from TAC that is definitely worth the price since it not only makes your Toyota pickup look even cooler than it is, it also provides you with a tight grip when you climb inside the driver's or passenger's seat.

detailed parameters
Compatibility

2005-2018 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab

Wide Pads

4 inches

Ultra strong mild steel oval bend tube

UV resistant non-slip wide step pads

Features

Heavy texture black finish, Easy bolt-on installation

Packaging

2 side steps nerf bars, Mounting brackets, Mounting hardware, User manual

Warranty

3-Year warranty on manufacturing defects

PROS

The double-layer powder coating makes it harder to damage the board and makes it look good as new even after quite some time.

CONS

The rear and front caps are not the sturdiest out there.

OUR VERDICT

The high-quality steel tubing of this model combined with the rubber padding makes it a really sturdy side board and definitely a go-to pick for the owners of Tundra trucks.

detailed parameters
Compatibility

2007-2018 Toyota Tundra Double Cab

Wide Pads

4 inches

Heavy-duty steel tubing

Non-slip step pads

Features

Special 'E-Coat' inside & out, Dual-Stage Gloss Black Powder

Packaging

Mounting hardware, User manual

Warranty

5 Years

PROS

The chrome finish of this model looks especially stylish.

CONS

Liquid might pool under the non-slip pads.

OUR VERDICT

The all-steel construction paired with welded caps made of stainless metal will firmly protect the nerf boards even in the most extreme weather and situations both on- and off-road.

detailed parameters
Compatibility

2009-2018 Ram 1500 Crew Cab & 2010-2018 Ram 2500 / 3500 Crew Cab

Wide Pads

4 inches

Oval stainless steel tubing with welded stainless steel end caps

UV resistant non-slip wide step pads

Features

Easy No-Drilling DIY installation

Packaging

Mounting hardware, User manual

Warranty

4 Months

PROS

The construction features industrial-grade steel for extra sturdiness.

CONS

The installation process is a bit time-consuming.

OUR VERDICT

Balanced, sleek, and totally black side steps with premium-grade non-slip padding ensure a safe and stylish climb into your Chevy or GMC pickup and that these running boards from TAC will serve you for a long time.

detailed parameters
Compatibility

2001-2018 Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500/2500/3500 Crew Cab (Excl. C/K “Classic”)

Wide Pads

3 inches

Heavy-duty powder coated mild steel round tube

UV resistant non-slip wide step pads

Features

Easy bolt-on installation (no drilling or cutting, TAC side steps, Mirror polish finish

Packaging

Mounting hardware, User manual

Warranty

3 Years

PROS

The patented low-profile design from the iBoard will definitely make your Ford look fresher.

CONS

Some elements of the mounting hardware are vulnerable to rust.

OUR VERDICT

The non-slip, UV-resistant surface of the board guarantees that you won't slip as the board won't get iced over in the coldest of winters. All aluminum, they are reinforced with additional mounting brackets that boost the load capacity up to 300 lbs with ease to match.

detailed parameters
Compatibility

2015-2018 Ford F150 SuperCrew Cab Pickup 4-Door / 2017-2018 Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty

Wide Pads

4 inches

Corrosion resistant aluminium tube

UV resistance rubber step pad

Features

Low profile design, Matte Black Powder Coated Finish, Easy no-power tool installation

Packaging

Mounting brackets, Mounting hardware, User manual

Warranty

6 Months

Running Boards Truck Side Steps

Top Bargain for a Popular Model

The black side running board from TAC is designed specifically for the latest variation of one of the most popular pickup models out there - Toyota. The slick and dark finish of this kit makes it extremely appealing for almost all Toyota models, however, it is designed specifically for Tacoma Double Cabs.

These boards can be easily mounted on the side of your truck by using mounting brackets that are installed on the bottom of the vehicle with bolts that come supplied with all the gear. The board itself is quite strong and is made of high-quality mild steel. In order to decrease the weight of the step, the board is made using the oval tubing technology, which basically means that it is hollow. That being said, it can still support a lot of weight so even when two people are standing on it, the metal will not bend an inch.

The stiff texture of the black steps will guarantee that your feet will not slip even in heavy rain or snow. Alternatively, the UV-resistant step pads ensure that the black finish will not fade away with time and countless cleanings.

Just like the trucks themselves, these side steps offer the same reliability, and in conclusion, the long-term advantages of this model kit make it a great choice for any Toyota pickup owner and one of the best running boards out there at the same time. They not only make your pickup look cooler, but will also help you out in case you tend to have passengers in your vehicle.

Last updated price $189.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00KXHDT9E

A True Heavy-Duty Model

There is no doubt that Toyota Tundra Regular and Double Cab models are large even for pickup trucks. Whichever model you own, you may have already noticed that sometimes it can be challenging to climb into the driver’s or passenger’s seat. In case your car didn’t have the side steps right from the get-go, these nerf bars from Tyger Auto are definitely a worthy model to look into.

Starting off, the boards are compatible with 2007-2018 Tundra models, which is quite neat since you don’t have to measure the side skirts of your car to see if they fit. Moving on, the width of the side steps is 4 inches and that is more than enough for standing on top of them with both feet.

The kit includes all of the needed mounting hardware, non-slip step pads, and rear and front tips that are sealing the open ends of the boards. The only hiccup with the latter is the fact that their construction is somewhat flimsy and they could fall off and drop onto the road at some point. So if you don’t want the dirt or debris to get inside the steel tubing, we recommend purchasing spare ones of better quality. Other than that, the boards are quite sturdy and easy to maintain, as long as you wash your vehicle regularly. In the end, the truck step bars from Tyger Auto are one of the best solutions for Tundras available on the market today, thanks to the simplicity of the design and strong materials.

Last updated price $179.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B01AH5JA4E

Sturdy as a Ram Horn

The running boards from MaxMate are engineered specifically for the Dodge RAM 1500 Crew Cab, however, in case you are looking for side steps for other Dodge models they are also available. As for the specifications of this particular sideboard model, it can be installed on cars that were produced in 2009-2018 and the process comes without too much of an effort, thanks to the special no-drilling installation method. By following a few easy steps, described in the user manual, you will be able to mount the boards in just a couple of minutes.

The bars themselves are made of tempered stainless steel tubing that features welded caps on both ends of each side step. The chromed steel looks awesome and is a lot less prone to rust and damage. While other models rely on flimsy plastic, the MaxMate utilizes simple yet durable steel materials, and it shows since their products tend to last much longer than other similar models from competitors. Additionally, this product features a non-slip padding that is atypically wide, which ensures a better grip for shoes and boots in bad weather.

To wrap things up, the MaxMate WB2D41127 is one of the best long-term solutions for the Dodge Ram 1500 series, thanks to the sturdiness of the side steps and overall quality of the build.

Last updated price $179.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00EP3PUV2

For All the Chevy Fans out There

Being one of the most iconic American pickup trucks, the Chevrolet Silverado (which is also known as GMC Sierra) is also one of the biggest ones out there. The problem with that is that if you are on the shorter side, you will have a hard time climbing into that monster truck. So, what is the solution to this situation? The answer to this is definitely a high-quality, heavy duty sidestep that will make the process as easy as pie.

The TAC CN2210 is the exact right model for that. Strong and reliable, these two black boards can be connected to the bottom of the vehicle in three spots, using the mounting hardware and special brackets that ensure a firm grip to the car no matter what. The main advantage of this bolt-on installation is that you don’t need any drilling tools in order to mount the side steps under your pickup truck.

As for the compatibility of the boards, they can be mounted on each of the 1500, 2500, and 3500 Crew Cab or GMC Sierra models. Both boards feature a non-slip UV-resistant padding under the passenger’s and driver’s doors for additional safety when the weather outside is exceptionally bad.

In case you are looking for a reliable, stable, and sturdy running board for your Chevy or GMC pickup, look no further - the CN2210 is the right model for you.

Last updated price $159.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00T53IJMO

A Prime Pick for Ford Lovers

The APS IB-F4175B side board from iBoard is a heavy-duty aftermarket model. To be more specific, the housing of each board is made of solid aluminum without any plastic parts inside, not really a common product for a Ford truck. The only part that is not metal is the rubber padding that adds an extra layer of safety, thanks to its non-slip capabilities. As in many other running board models, the rubber pads are UV resistant and can endure everyday use even in harsh weather thanks to the matte-black coating.

The first thing that catches the eye when looking at this model is its flat, low-profile design that is meant specifically for Ford pickup trucks. The 4-inch wide boards are compatible with all Ford F150 models that were manufactured in 2015-2018 and the 2017-2018 Ford F-250 and F-350 as well.

The installation kit contains two boards, mounting hardware, and special mounting brackets. The latter allows you to mount the side steps almost effortlessly and without the help of any power or drilling tools. The challenge you may face during the installation process is the balancing of each board. It is recommended to not tighten the mounting bolts until you align the side steps with the bottom of your car.

Fortunately, the retractable brackets make the process quite easy once you get the hang of them. Finally, this APS nerf board is the perfect solution for almost any modern 4-door Ford pickup truck.

Last updated price $215.46
Stock In stock
ASIN B013RU4WR6

What Is a Running Board?

The main purpose of the product is providing a convenient way for the driver and the passengers to climb onto the vehicle whether it's an SUV, jeep, or a truck. The secondary purpose of such parts is protecting the side of vehicle’s body from scratches when rocks or other debris fly from underneath the wheel when the car is in motion.

Unless you are driving a tank or an armored personnel carrier, the board installation process must be as easy as changing a tire. Thus, it is also an important aspect to consider. Most of the nerf board models feature special non-slip padding that prevents the driver and passengers from slipping when they come out of the vehicle in bad weather.

The vital features of the running boards are their width and length since they determine if the mounting kit fits your particular truck model. Thankfully, the manufacturers mention the compatibility in the description of each product.

In case you are looking for more sophisticated equipment for your beloved pickup or a truck, we encourage you to take a closer look at truck side steps or even kayak racks (in case you like spending weekends actively). Additionally, you never know when your car battery dies so it is important to keep its charge at a healthy level with a trickle charger.

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