Running Boards vs Nerf Bars: Which Fits Your Truck
AMP Research PowerStep Electric Running Boards lead the group with a retracting step that solves clearance on lifted trucks. Westin PRO TRAXX 4 Oval Nerf Bars balance step comfort against a lower outlay. Tyger Auto TG-RS Star Armor Kit covers the full cab length for buyers working with a tighter budget.
Getting into a lifted truck is the real complaint behind most running board searches, and AMP Research PowerStep answers it with a step that retracts out of sight. Westin PRO TRAXX 4 Oval Nerf Bars suit owners who want a durable step without the electric price tag. Tyger Auto TG-RS Star Armor Kit adds full cab coverage for buyers watching the budget.
Running board listings look nearly identical until you check step width, mounting hardware and finish. A round nerf bar narrows foot placement in work boots, while a flat aluminium board adds width some garages cannot spare. Drilling requirements and rust resistance also vary by kit. We compared step geometry, mounting method, finish durability and load rating across seven current listings, then matched each result to the driver and vehicle it suits best.
What to look for
What’s the difference between running boards, nerf bars and power steps? Nerf bars are tube frames with step pads mounted at each door. Running boards are continuous flat platforms that span the whole cab. Power steps use a motor to extend a board when a door opens and retract it when the door shuts. Bars keep clearance and cost the least. Boards add width but make rear seat entry easier for kids and older passengers. Power steps do both jobs at a much higher price point. Match the type to who actually uses the truck, not just the look.
Do running boards require drilling to install? Most quality kits bolt to existing factory mount points inside the rocker panel. No drilling is required for these applications. Universal kits marketed for multiple truck models sometimes need holes drilled into the pinch weld, which breaks the paint barrier and invites rust in salted climates. Check the fitment notes for the exact year, cab style and bed length before ordering. A crew cab kit will not fit an extended cab correctly.
Which finish lasts longest on running boards? Powder coated steel costs less and resists everyday scratches well. It rusts wherever the coating chips, usually at bracket contact points first. Aluminium will not rust through and weighs less than steel, though it scuffs more easily and can bend under a hard impact. Stainless steel holds its finish longest and costs the most of the three. Owners in states that salt roads should treat corrosion resistance as a primary factor, not an afterthought.
What step height and width fit your truck best? Step drop, measured from the door sill to the top of the step, matters more than the board’s total width. A step mounted too high offers little help climbing in. One mounted too low can catch driveways, curbs and speed bumps. Width affects comfort in work boots, since a narrow round tube forces an awkward foot placement in wet or icy conditions. Taller drivers with long legs generally need less drop than kids or older passengers.
The shortlist, ranked
AMP Research PowerStep Electric Running Boards
This board extends automatically when a door opens and tucks back under the rocker panel when it closes, keeping ground clearance and the factory profile intact. Shorter passengers climbing into a lifted truck benefit most, since the step drops well below the body line on deployment. Wiring the motor into the vehicle makes installation the most involved in this lineup.
Pros
- Step retracts fully so clearance stays unaffected
- Deployed step sits wider and lower than fixed boards
- Doors close to a clean, boardless profile
Cons
- Price runs well above fixed nerf bars and boards
- Motor and wiring add potential failure points
Westin PRO TRAXX 4 Oval Nerf Bars
Oval tubing and wide moulded step pads give a steadier foot placement than round bar designs. Westin builds these kits to match specific truck years, so most installs bolt to factory mount points without drilling. Owners in salted regions report the powder coat resists chipping through several winters.
Pros
- Wide step pads suit work boots better than tubes
- No drill fitment on most factory mount points
- Powder coat holds up well against road salt
Cons
- Step surface exists only where pads sit
- Tube shape traps mud and road grime
Tyger Auto TG-RS Star Armor Kit
Coverage runs the full length of the cab instead of two isolated pads, which makes rear door access easier. Textured tread spans the entire board, so foot placement never depends on hitting a specific pad. Bolt on brackets are matched to specific vehicle years, based on specifications in the listing.
Pros
- Continuous tread covers every door along the cab
- Lower cost than boards offering similar coverage
- Bracket kit bolts on without special tools
Cons
- Coating chips more readily than powder coat
- Snow and mud collect along the full length
APS iBoard Running Boards
Aluminium construction gives a broad, flat top with grip texture running the full length. Extra width helps when climbing in with wet boots but eats into clearance in a narrow garage. Rust is not a concern with aluminium, though the finish can scuff over time.
Pros
- Widest fixed step surface in this lineup
- Aluminium resists rust through the full lifespan
- Grip texture covers the entire board length
Cons
- Adds more width to the vehicle than bars
- Reduces side clearance for off road driving
Smittybilt SURE STEP Side Bar
Tube construction tucks close to the body, preserving clearance on trails where a wide board would catch rocks. Individual step pads replace a continuous surface, trading width for trail protection. Jeep owners and trucks that leave pavement regularly get the most use from this shape.
Pros
- Tucked profile protects ground clearance off road
- Tube construction resists rock strikes on trails
- Long running fitment support across model years
Cons
- Step area is narrower than full boards
- Rear door access is less convenient than boards
Dee Zee NXc Extruded Aluminium Running Boards
Extruded aluminium construction pairs with a replaceable tread insert, so a worn surface does not mean replacing the whole board. Weight runs higher than a tube bar, though the load rating stays generous. Owners in salted regions report these outlast coated steel bars by several seasons.
Pros
- Tread insert replaces instead of the whole board
- Corrosion resistance suits regions with road salt
- Solid, flex free feel under weight
Cons
- Heavier overall than tube bar alternatives
- Fewer vehicle fitments than larger competing brands
Raptor Series 5 inch OEM Style Slide Track Running Boards
Slide track mounting lets brackets shift along the board instead of locking to fixed points, which helps on cabs where factory mounts sit awkwardly. Profile closely mimics dealer fitted boards, so the aftermarket look is hard to spot. Careful track alignment during installation adds extra time compared with bolt on kits.
Pros
- Bracket position adjusts along the slide track
- Profile closely matches factory installed boards
- Aluminium construction costs less than most rivals
Cons
- Track alignment during installation takes real patience
- Grip strip covers less width than full tread
Side by side
| # | Model | Type | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AMP Research PowerStep Electric Running Boards | Electric retracting board | Best overall | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Westin PRO TRAXX 4 Oval Nerf Bars | Oval tube nerf bar | Best value | 9.2 | Check price |
| 3 | Tyger Auto TG-RS Star Armor Kit | Full length side step | Best budget | 9.0 | Check price |
| 4 | APS iBoard Running Boards | Aluminium running board | Best for wide step surface | 8.8 | Check price |
| 5 | Smittybilt SURE STEP Side Bar | Tube side bar | Best for off road use | 8.6 | Check price |
| 6 | Dee Zee NXc Extruded Aluminium Running Boards | Extruded aluminium board | Best for long term durability | 8.3 | Check price |
| 7 | Raptor Series 5 inch OEM Style Slide Track Running Boards | Aluminium board, slide track mount | Best factory look | 8.0 | Check price |
Questions worth asking
Do running boards need drilling to install?
Most vehicle specific kits bolt into existing factory mount points and need no drilling. Universal kits and some older applications still require it. Listing fitment notes state this clearly, so confirm before ordering, especially if the truck lives where road crews use salt.
Will running boards reduce ground clearance?
Fixed boards and bars sit below the rocker panel and do reduce usable side clearance, which matters off road and on steep driveways. Tucked tube bars keep more clearance than wide flat boards. Electric power steps retract fully, so clearance stays unaffected while driving.
How much do running boards affect fuel economy?
Any addition along the side of a vehicle changes airflow slightly. Owners generally report the difference is too small to notice against normal variation from load, weather and driving style. Weight matters more than shape with heavy steel bars.
How long does it take to install running boards?
A bolt on nerf bar kit is typically a one to two hour job with hand tools and a second pair of hands. Slide track boards take longer because the tracks need careful alignment. Electric power steps require wiring into the vehicle and often need a half day or a professional install.
Are electric power steps reliable in cold weather?
Manufacturers seal the motors and linkages against weather. Owners in cold regions generally report reliable operation, though packed ice can slow deployment. Clearing snow and salt from the linkage regularly is the maintenance that matters most.
What weight can running boards hold?
Quality boards and bars are commonly rated in the hundreds of pounds per side, which comfortably covers an adult stepping up. Ratings vary by product and mounting method. Check the listed load figure if the boards will double as a work platform for roof access.
Can running boards fit a lifted truck?
Yes, boards mount to the body and rise with the lift, so the step becomes less useful on a big lift. This is exactly where a power step earns its price, since it drops well below the rocker line only when deployed.
Do running boards damage paint over time?
Correctly fitted kits using factory mount points do not damage paint. Grit trapped between a bracket and the rocker panel can wear through paint over time. Cleaning behind brackets occasionally, and adding protective tape at contact points during install, prevents the problem.
Which is better, nerf bars or running boards?
Nerf bars cost less and preserve more ground clearance, which suits trail use and single drivers. Running boards add a wider, continuous step that makes rear seat entry easier for kids and older passengers. Choose based on who rides in the truck regularly, not just budget.
Are running boards worth it for daily driving?
Daily value depends on who climbs in and out. Families with kids, older passengers or a lifted truck get real benefit every trip. A single driver in work boots with a stock ride height may not notice much difference.
The verdict
Westin PRO TRAXX 4 Oval Nerf Bars deliver the best mix of step comfort, durable finish and simple installation for most trucks and SUVs. Families with shorter passengers, or owners of a lifted truck, get more daily value from the AMP Research PowerStep despite its higher price. Tyger Auto TG-RS Star Armor Kit remains the practical choice when full cab coverage matters more than a premium finish.
Tony Russo
Tony trained as an automotive technician and spent years in service and parts retail before moving into writing. He focuses on garage tools, car care products and accessories from a hands-on maintenance perspective.
