Best Running Boards: Nerf Bars, Side Steps, and More | Autance

One of the most notable features of Tyger Auto’s Star Auto nerf bars is the dual-stage black powdercoat that gives these bars a subdued appearance that is nice to look at but primarily fights corrosion and damage. The coating also covers the bar’s triple-tube design, which is engineered to offer you a step into your truck that won’t flinch.

With a weight capacity of 500 pounds, you’ll feel secure stepping onto this two-inch tube forged from carbon steel. Tyger Auto designed these to be do-it-yourself friendly, with easy installation instructions and minor drilling giving you the option to upgrade on your own. While the link we’ve selected fits select Ram 1500 pickups, these bars are available to fit most trucks and SUVs. They are expensive, however.

Not everyone wants to shell out an arm or leg to upgrade their truck, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for something subpar. These nerf bars from MaxMate offer the perfect solution. Constructed from oval steel tubing, they feature welded end caps to prevent dirt, debris, and weather from getting inside and corroding your steps, a routine issue with many OEM-supplied nerf bars and running boards.

Another benefit to these nerf bars is their four-inch oval tubing, which provides a wide footpad for solid footing. MaxMate also added non-slip and UV-resistant pads to offer even better foot traction no matter the weather. And these straight nerf bars add a sophisticated look to any truck or SUV. That said, MaxMate doesn’t offer up a weight rating for these nerf bars, and drilling into your truck may be required, depending on your application.

If you’ve been around the off-roading world, you’ve probably heard of Rough Country’s off-road accessories. Don’t be fooled by all the Jeeps sporting the company’s equipment; these running boards are meant for trucks, too, and these particular boards are a great premium option. An all-steel construction and designed with a reinforced mounting system, these boards can hold up to 400 pounds, which is higher than most running boards.

Rough Country also designed these running boards to be wider, beefier, and more aggressive than the average running board for better overall footing and to handle off-roading environments. And with an attractive design, whether you’ve got a work truck, a pavement dweller, or an overlanding beast, these boards will add that wow factor without caving under the pressure. They are very expensive, however, and drilling is necessary, so you’ll want to measure twice and drill once.

Nothing is worse than ordering something designed specifically for your truck only to have to modify the part upon installation. And if you’re spending good money to upgrade your rig, it makes sense that you’d want it to be as hassle free as possible. These four-inch-wide running boards by Tyger Auto make that a reality.

Constructed from carbon steel, these boards feature unique triangular tubing that makes them stronger than traditional flat boards. And the special E-coat does more than give these boards a nifty matte-black appearance. It also fights corrosion and damage on the inside as well as the outside. Each step features a non-slip and UV-resistant pad, too, that’ll hold you steady without fading. The boards don’t run the full length of the cab, however, and the weight rating isn’t listed.

The evolution of materials, manufacturing processes, and society’s tastes add up to the APS iBoard. These running boards are sleek, inspired by the smartphones we carry. Constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum that has been machined from a single block, the iBoard offers a five-inch platform that runs the full length of the cab, making entry and exit easy.

The boards also sport a non-slip surface that keeps your footing stable and secure. While stepping into your truck isn’t really about looks, your truck doesn’t have to look barbaric either. There are some issues with these boards, as they can only hold up to 300 pounds a piece, and they don’t offer the protection of those made of steel. They’re also expensive for what they are.