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Running boards are an integral part of vehicle safety, providing a wider stepping surface to step in and out of your vehicle with a steady foot. They may also protect your undercarriage and rocker panels from getting blasted by road debris kicked up by your wheels or when you go off-roading. Today, running boards are generally made using molded plastic, steel, or aluminum, with the choice of wheel-to-wheel or compact (hoop step) styles. With the sheer number of running boards on the market, we’ve cluttered through the mess and produced an in-depth buying guide with our top recommendations.
Our Methodology
For this review, we researched more than 40 different running boards, grading them in four key categories: construction, design, surface, and size/weight capacity. All different styles of running boards were paired up against one another, including nerf bars, side steps, and full cab-length options. Of the 40 different running boards, we narrowed our selection to seven. To learn more about how we research products and the methodology used to select the best, please visit About Guides & Gear, And The Drive’s Product Reviews Department.
Best Running Boards Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall
AMP Research Powerstep XL Electric Running Boards
Best Value
Tac Side Steps
Honorable Mention
Tyger Auto Running Boards
Best Tread Pattern
Go Rhino Dominator D6 Running Boards
Best Hoop Steps
Bully BBS-1103 Side Steps
Best Nerf Steps
Westin 56-24135 HDX Xtreme Nerf Step Bars
Best Design
Steelcraft STX100 Running Boards
Our Verdict on Running Boards
Our pick for the best running boards goes to the AMP Research Powerstep XL Electric Running Boards. These automatic, electric running boards are as rugged as they come, complete with a die-cast aluminum construction, 600-pound weight capacity, and automatic extension and retraction when opening and closing your car door. We appreciate its streamlined design and anti-pinch technology to keep your step in place without moving.
What to Consider When Buying Running Boards
Types of Running Boards
Running Boards
Traditional running boards usually extend wheel to wheel, sitting flush against your vehicle’s body, and are constructed using aluminum or stainless steel and include full-length, textured strips or evenly spaced out pads for secure footing. Stepping surface width usually ranges anywhere from 4-6 inches. Tread can also range from the shockingly simple (thin, raised ridges) to more complex, perforated grate patterns, good for scrubbing dirt off soles before entering your vehicle.
Side/Hoop Step
A hoop step sounds just as the name implies. It’s a stirrup-shaped step with a textured, rubberized surface, diamond tread, or other textured patterns for slip-resistance. Plus, unlike cab-length running boards, its space-saving dimensions allow it to be mounted in multiple locations, such as underneath doors or behind the rear axle for easy cargo bed access.
We appreciate hoop steps for their ease of installation, as they generally weigh no more than 10 pounds each and are easily mounted using provided hardware without needing a second person.
Running Boards Key Features
Type
There are two different styles of running boards: traditional running boards and side steps (hoop, rounded, oval). Each offers key advantages and disadvantages depending on the situation.
Cab-length or wheel-to-wheel running boards offer a flatter and wider step area, offering better ground clearance for lower vehicles. Usually, no gap is kept between the running board and your vehicle’s rocker panel. They may also come with a single full-length step pad, multiple smaller individual pads, or tread that extends the entire length of the board.
Another advantage of running boards is extra undercarriage and rocker panel protection due to their greater coverage area and flush position against your rocker panels, a nice-to-have on the off-road.
In turn, side steps (hoop, rounded, or oval) offer a tubular—not flat—construction. They are popular for taking up little space, mounting low, and creating more separation between your vehicle’s body. If you don’t mind a narrower width and less weight capacity, then side steps are a formidable option.
Construction
Running boards are generally made out of one of three types of material: aluminum, stainless steel, or molded plastic. Go with aluminum for lighter weight and stainless steel for strength, durability, and a higher weight capacity. Avoid molded plastic at all costs, as it tends to produce little to no traction, carry a lower weight capacity, and miss baseboards for stability.
Note that both aluminum and stainless steel may be treated using powder or e-coating for extra rust, abrasion, and impact resistance.
Design
We appreciate running boards for thoughtful designs that incorporate textured, slip-resistant, and rubberized step pads for steady footing when climbing in and out of your vehicle. Other designs focus on diamond-style tread or indented tubing over the step pads.
Weight Capacity
All of our recommended running boards have a minimum weight capacity of 300 pounds. Some reach as high as 500 pounds. With running boards, nerf bars, and side steps carrying nothing more than bodyweight, a 300-pound weight capacity is more than enough for most vehicles.
Brands to Know
Westin
Based in San Dimas, Calif., Westin Automotive is one of the most popular automotive aftermarket manufacturers in the country, covering everything from nerf step bars to grille guards and winch mounts. It has several running board lines in premium and value categories from the minimalist yet imposing Thrasher line to the high-grade Platinum 4 series. All products are proudly made in the USA.
Tyger
Founded in 2013 in California, Tyger’s product line is well-diversified, with a focus on running boards, bumpers, guards, and fender flares. The company’s mission is to bring innovative, high-quality products to the market, with a focus on durability, and style.
TAC
An acronym for “Truck Accessories Company,” TAC has been in business for more than 20 years. It manufactures aftermarket car and truck accessories. Two of its most popular products are the I4 running boards, Rattler Hitch Step, and 3-inch side steps.
Bully
Founded in 1995, Bully Truck Accessories focuses on aftermarket truck parts. It focuses heavily on aluminum side steps and running boards for different models from Toyota, Chevrolet, Ford, and Dodge.
Go Rhino
In business since 1975, the family-owned Go Rhino has several product lines. Inventors of the original modular grille guard, it manufactures modular grille/brush guards, sidebars, and universal steps. All products adhere to ISO9001 certification which speaks to the highest level manufacturing standards, meaning countless hours spent into product development and testing.
Amp Research
Amp Research is a popular manufacturer of power running boards and truck bed steps. It offers four major product categories: the SMT Series, Powerstep, Powerstep XL, and the Xtreme, each meeting a specific need (e.g. extra-rugged options and lifted truck designs) It does all of its magic at a Tustin, Calif.-based 55,000 square foot facility.
Steelcraft
Also based in California, Steelcraft is a manufacturer of truck and SUV accessories not exclusive to running boards and side steps. It offers a healthy range of bull bars, grille guards, bed rails, tonneau covers, and other accessories designed to make life easier on the road.
Tips and Tricks
As with something you do for decades upon decades, you pick up a few tips and tricks along the way in terms of selecting the right product, and/or using it. That’s the case with us and running boards. To help you bridge the information gap, here’s a selection of what we’ve learned along the way.
- Avoid molded plastic running boards. Although affordable, they may miss key stability pieces, such as baseboards, and offer a poor grip in cold weather.
- Weight capacity for most running boards is generally between 300 and 600 pounds.
- In addition to serving as a step, running boards also provide some protection against road debris shot up by wheels. Expect your undercarriage and rocker panels to see a lot less punishment.
- If you like clean vehicle lines, go for retractable hoop steps or electric running boards. They are designed to extend/swing out and retract with a quick push or upon opening and closing a door.
- Some running boards include built-in LED lights to illuminate the stepping surface, making it safer to climb in and out of your vehicle in the dark.
- For maximum ground clearance, while off-roading, we recommend retractable power running boards or retractable hoop steps.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers!
Q: Are aluminum running boards better than steel?
A: It depends on what you are looking for. In general, steel offers greater strength, a higher weight capacity, and greater wear resistance than aluminum running boards. Aluminum running boards are especially known for being lighter weight. By all means, never invest in ABS plastic running boards. They are scratch magnets and do not offer the same durability as aluminum and steel.
Q: Are powered running boards worth it?
A: Powered (electric) running boards are a great option for those who want max ground clearance, especially with lowered vehicles. When doors are closed, they retract and partially hide/fully hide underneath your truck. Additionally, some drivers consider them cosmetic upgrades, preferring not to have bulky running boards extending from the sides.
Q: Do trucks look better with running boards?
A: It depends on the individual. Many people prefer running boards because they may give the illusion of less ground clearance. Others give trucks a more streamlined appearance. Remember, running boards may also help with deflecting road debris, protecting your paintwork.