Buying Guide: Top Running Boards, Side Steps, and Nerf Bars in 2022

When choosing the proper side steps or running boards for your vehicle, it can be tough to decide which option is best. For example, do you want something that will make getting in and out of your car easier? Or do you need something that will protect your car from bumps and scrapes? In this buying guide, we’ll look at the different types of side steps and running boards available and some of the top products on the market. You should have a better idea of which option is right for you by the end.

Running Boards vs. Side Steps vs. Nerf Bars

There are a few different options available when it comes to choosing the best way to step up into your truck. Running boards, side steps, and nerf bars all provide a way to get in and out of your truck without jumping, but they each have their own unique benefits. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at running boards vs. side steps vs. nerf bars so you can decide which is right for you.

Running Boards

Running boards are one of the most popular choices for trucks and SUVs. They provide a broad, flat surface that makes it easy to step up into the vehicle. Running boards are usually made of aluminum or steel and can be either bolt-on or drop-in styles.

Benefits:

• Provides a wide, flat surface for easy stepping
• Made of durable materials like aluminum or steel
• Comes in both bolt-on and drop-in styles

Side Steps

Side steps are like running boards, but they are narrower and typically only span the length of the door. This makes them less intrusive and easier to install. Side steps are usually made of aluminum or steel and can be either bolt-on or drop-in styles.

Benefits:

• Narrower than running boards for a less intrusive look
• Easy to install with bolt-on or drop-in styles
• Made of durable materials like aluminum or steel

Nerf Bars

Nerf bars are the narrowest option of the three and typically only span the width of the door. They are made of aluminum, steel, or plastic and can be bolt-on or drop-in styles.

Benefits:

• Narrowest option for a sleek look
• Made of durable materials like aluminum, steel, or plastic
• Easy to install with bolt-on or drop-in styles

Top Running Boards

There are a lot of great running boards on the market, but these are our top picks:

• N-Fab Side Steps: N-fab side steps provide easy access in and out of your vehicle and added protection from rocks and other debris kicked up by your tires. These steps feature a durable powder coat finish and a no-drill installation for easy installation.
• Westin Side Steps: Westin side steps are designed to provide a safe and convenient step up into your vehicle while also adding a touch of style. These bars feature a durable powder coat finish and a no-drill installation for easy installation.
• Dee Zee Side Steps: Dee Zee side steps are designed to provide a safe and convenient step up into your vehicle while also adding a touch of style. These bars feature a durable powder coat finish and a no-drill installation for easy installation.
• Smittybilt Side Steps: Smittybilt side steps are designed to provide a safe and convenient step up into your vehicle while also adding a touch of style. These bars feature a durable powder coat finish and a no-drill installation for easy installation.
• Bestop Side: Bestop side steps are designed to provide a safe and convenient step up into your vehicle while also adding a touch of style. These bars feature a durable powder coat finish and a no-drill installation for easy installation.

Must-Have Nerf Bars

Some of our most popular Nerf bars include the N-Fab Sidestep Bars, the Smittybilt X2O Waterproof Side Steps, and the Rugged Ridge HDX Drop Step Bars. These Nerf bars are designed to provide your vehicle with an extra level of protection while also giving you a place to step when getting in and out of your vehicle. If you’re looking for nerf bars, these are our top picks:

• Smittybilt Side Steps: These side steps from Smittybilt are made from aluminum, and they extend from the front door to the back door. They have a powder-coated finish to resist corrosion, and they come with all the necessary hardware for installation.
• N-Fab Side Steps: These side steps from N-Fab are made from aluminum, and they extend from the back door to the rear wheel well. They have a powder-coated finish to resist corrosion, and they come with all the necessary hardware for installation.
• Tyger Auto Side Steps: These side steps from Tyger Auto are made from steel, and they extend from the front door to the back door. They have a black powder-coated finish to resist corrosion, and they come with all the necessary hardware for installation.
• Lund nerf bars: Lund nerf bars are designed to provide a safe and convenient step up into your vehicle while also adding a touch of style. These bars feature a durable powder coat finish and a no-drill installation for easy installation.

Conclusion

Lastly, there are a few things you need to consider before purchasing a set of running boards, side steps, or nerf bars:

• Decide which type of product is right for you. Do you need something to make it easier to get in and out of your car? Or do you need something that will protect your car from scratches and dents?
• Consider the material the product is made from. Aluminum is lightweight and corrosion-resistant, while steel is solid and durable.
• Choose a product that comes with all the necessary hardware for installation.

By following these tips, you’re sure to find the perfect set of running boards, side steps, or nerf bars for your car.