Running boards are horizontal steps mounted along the sides of trucks, SUVs, and some vans that make entering and exiting the vehicle easier. They extend outward from the body between the front and rear wheels, providing a foothold that reduces the climb distance into taller vehicles.
This guide explains what running boards are, how they differ from similar accessories, their benefits and drawbacks, the main types available, installation considerations, and what to consider before adding them to your vehicle.
What Are Running Boards on Vehicles?
Running boards are exterior accessories that attach to the frame or rocker panels of a vehicle and provide a stepping surface between the ground and the cabin. They typically run most of the length of the vehicle’s side, creating a platform that makes it easier to access the seats and cargo area, especially on vehicles with higher ground clearance.
How Running Boards Differ From Nerf Bars and Side Steps
The terms running boards, nerf bars, and side steps are often used interchangeably, but they describe different products with distinct designs. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right accessory for your needs.
Running Boards
Traditional running boards are wide, flat platforms that extend along most of the vehicle’s length. They typically measure four to six inches wide and provide a continuous stepping surface from just behind the front wheel to just before the rear wheel.
Running boards often feature a non-slip tread pattern or rubberized surface. Some models include a vertical lip or raised edge that helps prevent your foot from sliding off.
Nerf Bars
Nerf bars are tubular steel or aluminum bars, usually three inches in diameter, mounted along the side of the vehicle. They feature individual step pads positioned below each door opening rather than a continuous platform.
The term comes from off-road racing, where these bars originally protected the vehicle from side impacts. On consumer trucks and SUVs, they primarily serve as steps.
Side Steps
Side steps occupy the middle ground between running boards and nerf bars. They combine tubular construction with wider, more platform-like stepping areas at the door locations.
This design offers better ground clearance than full running boards while providing more foot space than simple nerf bars. Side steps work well for drivers who want both functionality and off-road capability.
Why Vehicles Have Running Boards
Running boards address the challenges created by high ground clearance and tall body designs. Modern trucks and SUVs often sit 18 to 24 inches or higher off the ground, making entry difficult for children, older adults, shorter drivers, and people with mobility limitations.
The step reduces the vertical distance by half or more. A vehicle with a 20-inch step-in height becomes much easier to access with a running board positioned 10 inches off the ground.
Historical Context
Running boards were standard equipment on most automobiles from the 1920s through the 1940s. They served practical purposes when vehicles had narrow cabins and high floors, providing a place to step when entering and a platform for mechanics working on the engine.
As car bodies widened and floors lowered in the 1950s, running boards disappeared from sedans. They remained popular on trucks and returned as aftermarket accessories when SUVs and lifted trucks gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s.
Benefits of Running Boards
Running boards offer several practical advantages beyond easier entry and exit. These benefits vary depending on your vehicle type, how you use it, and who rides in it.
Improved Access
The primary benefit is reducing the step-in height, which makes daily use more comfortable and safer. You reduce the risk of slipping or falling when entering or exiting in wet, icy, or muddy conditions.
Parents with young children particularly appreciate running boards. Kids can climb into car seats and booster seats more independently, reducing the need to lift them into the vehicle dozens of times per week.
Roof and Cargo Access
Running boards provide a stable platform for reaching roof racks, cargo boxes, and items secured on the roof. This matters if you regularly load kayaks, bikes, lumber, or camping gear above the cabin.
They also make it easier to clean the windshield, check roof-mounted lights, or access truck bed toolboxes. Always ensure the running board is clean and dry before stepping on it to reach higher areas.
Side Body Protection
Running boards offer minor protection from road debris, gravel, and door dings in parking lots. The step creates a physical barrier that can deflect some impacts that would otherwise hit the rocker panel or lower door.
This protection is modest compared to dedicated rock sliders used in serious off-road situations. Running boards are not structural components designed to support the vehicle’s weight during rollovers or side impacts.
Appearance and Customization
Many truck and SUV owners add running boards to enhance the vehicle’s appearance and complete a customized look. Polished stainless steel boards create a traditional appearance, while black powder-coated models offer a modern, aggressive style.
Running boards can visually balance the proportions of lifted trucks or large SUVs. They fill the space between the body and ground, making the vehicle appear more integrated.
Drawbacks and Considerations
Running boards are not ideal for every vehicle or driver. Understanding the limitations helps you decide whether they suit your needs and driving conditions.
Reduced Ground Clearance
Running boards lower your effective ground clearance by three to five inches, which matters if you drive off-road or navigate steep driveways, speed bumps, or deep snow. The boards become the lowest point on the vehicle and can contact obstacles that the frame and suspension would otherwise clear.
If you frequently drive on rough trails, consider rock sliders or skip running boards entirely. Check your owner’s manual for the factory ground clearance and measure the proposed running board’s lowest point before installation.
Maintenance Requirements
Running boards collect mud, snow, salt, and debris. The step surface needs regular cleaning to maintain traction and prevent corrosion.
In winter climates, ice and packed snow build up on running boards and create slipping hazards. You need to clear them before use, just as you clear snow from steps and walkways.
Installation Complexity
Most running boards require drilling into the frame or rocker panel to mount the brackets securely. This permanent modification can affect warranty coverage on new vehicles and leaves holes if you later remove the boards.
Some models use no-drill clamps that attach to existing mounting points. Verify that your specific year, make, model, and cab configuration is compatible with the running boards before purchase.
Added Weight and Cost
Running boards typically weigh 40 to 80 pounds per pair, depending on materials and length. This weight reduces payload capacity slightly and may decrease fuel economy by a small but measurable amount due to increased mass and aerodynamic drag.
Quality running boards cost between $150 and $600 for the parts, with professional installation adding $100 to $300 in labor. Prices vary widely based on materials, finish, brand, and vehicle application.
Types of Running Boards
Running boards come in several materials and styles. The right choice depends on your budget, aesthetic preferences, intended use, and maintenance willingness.
Materials
Common running board materials include aluminum, stainless steel, mild steel with powder coating, and plastic or polymer composites. Each material offers different characteristics for weight, durability, corrosion resistance, and price.
- Aluminum: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and available in polished or textured finishes; may dent more easily than steel
- Stainless steel: Durable and resistant to rust; heavier and more expensive; requires regular cleaning to maintain shine
- Powder-coated steel: Strong and affordable; the coating can chip and expose the metal to rust if damaged
- Polymer or composite: Lightweight and rust-proof; some models include a textured surface molded in; can crack in extreme cold or from impacts
Fixed Running Boards
Fixed running boards remain in position at all times. They mount to the frame or body with brackets that position the step at a set height and distance from the body.
This traditional design is the most common and affordable. It works well for daily driving and light off-road use.
Retractable and Power-Deployable Running Boards
Retractable running boards fold up against the body when not needed and extend automatically when you open the door. Electric motors or spring mechanisms control the movement.
These systems preserve ground clearance when the boards are retracted and offer a clean appearance. They cost significantly more than fixed boards, require electrical connections, and introduce mechanical components that can fail or freeze in winter conditions.
Some manufacturers offer power-deployable running boards as factory equipment on premium truck and SUV models. Aftermarket systems are available but require more complex installation.
Cab-Length and Wheel-to-Wheel Boards
Cab-length running boards extend from behind the front wheel to the rear edge of the cab. Wheel-to-wheel boards run from the front wheel opening to the rear wheel opening, covering the full length of crew cab trucks.
Longer boards provide more stepping area and better access to the bed on trucks. Shorter boards weigh less, cost less, and offer slightly better departure angles.
Installation Considerations
Running board installation typically takes two to four hours for experienced DIY mechanics with the right tools. Professional installation ensures proper alignment and secure mounting but adds to the total cost.
Vehicle-Specific Fit
Running boards are engineered for specific makes, models, years, cab styles, and bed lengths. A board designed for a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 crew cab with a 5.8-foot bed will not fit a 2015 model, an extended cab, or a different bed length.
Verify fitment with your vehicle’s exact specifications before ordering. Measure the wheelbase and cab configuration if you are uncertain.
Mounting Points and Brackets
Most running boards attach using brackets that bolt to the frame or pre-existing mounting holes in the rocker panel. Some designs require drilling new holes, while others use clamps or utilize factory threaded inserts.
Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions precisely. Incorrect mounting can result in loose boards that rattle, shift, or fail under load.
Weight Capacity
Running boards are designed to support typical step-loading from an adult entering the vehicle, usually 200 to 400 pounds depending on the design and mounting system. They are not platforms for standing on while working or carrying heavy loads.
Do not use running boards as jacking points or support stands. Use only the vehicle’s designated lift points and proper jack stands when raising the vehicle for maintenance or repairs.
Electrical Connections
Power-deployable running boards require connections to the vehicle’s electrical system, typically tapping into door trigger wires or using a dedicated control module. Installation is more involved and may require routing wiring through the door jambs and under the vehicle.
Consult a qualified automotive electrician or professional installer if you are not experienced with automotive wiring. Incorrect electrical work can cause shorts, blown fuses, or malfunctions in other vehicle systems.
Choosing Running Boards for Your Vehicle
Select running boards based on your primary needs, vehicle use, budget, and local conditions. Consider these factors during your evaluation.
Primary Use
If accessibility is your main concern, prioritize wide platforms with aggressive tread patterns. If you split time between highway driving and moderate off-road trails, side steps offer a compromise between function and ground clearance.
For serious off-road use, consider rock sliders instead. These structural components bolt directly to the frame and can support the vehicle’s weight during side impacts or when traversing rocks.
Climate and Conditions
In areas with heavy snow and road salt, choose stainless steel or aluminum over powder-coated steel to minimize corrosion. Look for drainage holes or open designs that prevent ice and snow buildup.
In dry climates where corrosion is not a concern, powder-coated steel offers excellent value and durability. Inspect the coating quality and look for models with complete coverage, including mounting brackets.
Budget
Entry-level running boards start around $150 for basic powder-coated steel models. Mid-range aluminum and stainless options run $250 to $400, while premium power-deployable systems can exceed $1,200 before installation.
Factor in installation costs if you lack the tools or experience for DIY mounting. Confirm whether the price includes all necessary brackets, fasteners, and instructions.
Brand and Warranty
Reputable brands typically offer warranties ranging from one year to limited lifetime coverage. The warranty should cover manufacturing defects, corrosion, and finish deterioration under normal use.
Read the warranty terms carefully. Some warranties void if you install the boards yourself, use the vehicle for commercial purposes, or modify the mounting system.
Safety and Proper Use
Always check that running boards are dry and free from ice, mud, or debris before stepping on them. Wet or contaminated surfaces reduce traction and increase the risk of slipping.
Hold the door frame or grab handle while using running boards to enter or exit the vehicle. This three-point contact provides stability and reduces fall risk.
Avoid standing on running boards for extended periods or using them as work platforms. They are designed for momentary step-loading, not sustained weight.
Inspect mounting bolts and brackets every few months, especially after off-road driving or if you hear rattling. Tighten any loose fasteners immediately to prevent the boards from shifting or detaching.
Making the Right Decision
Running boards improve access to tall vehicles and add functionality for many drivers, particularly those with children, mobility concerns, or frequent cargo-handling needs. They are most beneficial on trucks and SUVs with 18 inches or more of ground clearance and less useful on lower vehicles.
Evaluate your specific needs, driving conditions, and budget before adding running boards. Verify exact fitment for your vehicle’s year, make, model, and configuration, and choose materials appropriate for your climate and intended use to ensure years of reliable service.
Whether you’re researching vehicle accessories, maintenance procedures, or ownership decisions, exploring more helpful articles can guide you through the complexities of automotive topics and help you make informed choices for your vehicle.