Introduction
Running boards are things which all pickup trucks need; unfortunately, not all trucks come with them, and the many that do, simply don’t come with the right running boards with a high quality design. If you need to buy new running boards for your truck, you have come to the right place.
We’re here to take a look at the top 5 best truck running boards out there, the point of which is to help inform you about them and help you make a good purchase decision. Remember, not only do running boards look really cool, they can also make life a whole lot easier. Let’s get to it and look at some of the best truck running boards out there right now. Although we’ve reviewed specific running boards for special makes and models, most of these are available for most pick up trucks sold on the market today.
Contents
Top 5 Best Pickup Truck Running Boards
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Ranking |
Image |
Product |
Overall Rating |
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| 1. Read The Full Review |
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 (4.9 / 5)View Now On Amazon |
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| 2. Read The Full Review |
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TAC 5″ i4 Running Boards Textured Black Side Steps |  (4.5 / 5)View Now On Amazon |
| 3. Read The Full Review |
 (4.4 / 5)View Now On Amazon |
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| 4. Read The Full Review |
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 (4.2 / 5)View Now On Amazon |
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| 5. Read The Full Review |
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(4.2 / 5) View Now On Amazon |
Tyger Auto Star Armor Running Boards
Consumer Ratings (4.9 / 5)
The Tyger Auto Star Armor Running Boards, yet another highly reputable brand name when it comes to truck accessories. All Tyger Auto accessories are made to meet or exceed OE quality standards, which is definitely a good thing. These Tyger Auto Running Boards are designed for the Toyota Tundra Pickup truck and are available for other models.
To be specific, they are designed for double cab Toyota Tundras from 2007 and up (has to be full-size front doors with narrow rear doors). Tyger Auto makes the same running boards for most other pickup trucks.
We really like the Tyger Auto Running Boards because they are made using high-quality metals designed to last a lifetime. They can easily withstand several hundred pounds of weight without fear of bending, buckling, or breaking. These are oval tube style running boards with heavy-duty seamless welding for a superior finish.
The ends of the tubes feature sealed end caps to stop water and dirt from getting inside of the Tyger Auto Running Boards. These running boards also feature a special pre-treatment which helps to make them resistant to rust, corrosion, and physical damage. The texturized black finish looks great, and it also keeps wear and tear at bay.
The steps themselves do not have rubber or plastic like others we have looked at, but they are still texturized and even feature a neat star pattern. They do their job just fine in terms of helping you get in and out of the truck, plus keeping you safe while you do so. The Tyger Auto Running Boards are also nice and easy to mount with the simple bolt-on design that they are made with. You can always get a professional installation, but doing yourself is doable no doubt.
Pros
- Running Boards available for most Makes and Models
- High quality build
- No-Hassle 5 year warranty against manufacturing defects
- Special pre-treatment for rust and corrosion resistance
- Seamless welding with sealed end caps
- Texturized star step design for safety
- Easy bolt-on installation
Cons
- Will not fit regular cab, CrewMax, double cab (4 full size doors), or access cab
What Consumers Say about the Tyger Auto Truck Running Boards
- These side steps are amazing!! Super heavy duty glossy black rough finished non slip surface. These things are rugged and ready for duty. Arrived boxed and foam wrapped impeccably and I installed them in under 30 minutes by myself. They are very heavy and I had to lay it on my leg while I supported the front side and installed the bolts, after that it was as easy as turning your socket wrench 6 bolts with washers per side. I am very happy with the price and quality of these side steps.
- THE TOUGHEST OF NERF BARS I HAVE EVER SEEN! When I received the bars via US Mail I was astounded by how heavy the box was, about 150 lbs. I knew these bars were the best choice for my brand new 2016 Tundra. Removing packaging I found that the bars are very well protected even the though the box was in rough shape, not a scratch on them when unwrapped. The coating is tough as nails and has a subdued parkerized look, not too shiny not too dull.
- Installation was a breeze and took only an hour, including prep of tools and floor. Instructions on installation are straight forward and simple to follow even for the weekend mechanic . The bolts removed are metric and bolts installed are SAE. When mounting bars, I was amazed at how precise the bars fit into place and not really a whole lot of adjustments need to made. Installation can and was done by one person with supports and light.
- These side steps are awesome! Well built, easy to install, and very eye catching on my charcoal grey Tundra. Installation – while the instructions are clear the photos are a bit difficult to see exactly where the Tundra existing bolts are located. It took a bit of hunting under the frame, but once I found the first one the rest where easy. Note there are four pre-drilled locations per side, but the step only uses three…very obvious, just line up the step brackets. I installed the steps alone so it was a bit challenging to get the bolts started. I used a furniture dolly built up with some scrap 4×4 to help mate up the steps to the truck frame. I recommend a helper, if available, as they are very heavy.
View More on Tyger Running Boards on Amazon
TAC i4 Running Boards
Consumer Ratings (4.5 / 5)
TAC Running Boards are a well-known and highly trusted brand that supplies people with aftermarket car and truck parts. One of their really big sellers is these particular running boards for pickup trucks. First off, these running boards are specifically designed to fit Both GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado models from 2007 through to 2018. The TAC Running Boards can be equipped to 1500, 2500, 3500, double, and extended cab models, making them quite a versatile option, no doubt. While we just reviewed this particular model running boards, these are available for most other makes and models.
The TAC Running Boards are never used and 100% brand new right out of the package, not used, which is something we can all appreciate. Something that we really like about these running boards is that they are made with extremely high quality aircraft grade aluminum. In other words, breaking, bending, or scratching these running boards is not easily done by any means. They are about as tough as tough can get. They also feature a UV resistant injection to make them last even longer than thought possible. Also, the injection bracket trim covers help to add even more protection still.
The TAC Running Board is just over 80 long and 5 inches wide, making for a great step. It helps to add safety, and makes it easier to get in and out of your truck too. To make sure that you never slip, even when these are wet, they come with a specially textured zigzag pattern on the surface, which helps to provide you with really good traction.
Installation is easily done, as everything needed for equipping the TAC Running Boards comes included in the packaging; plus they only need to be bolted on. It is definitely possible to put them on your truck yourself, but professional assembly is always recommended.
Pros
- High quality aircraft grade aluminum
- Added UV protection
- Very resistant to daily wear and tear
- Fits many Chevy and GMC pickup truck models
- Installation is fairly easy
- Non-slip surface for safety
- Running Boards available for most Makes and Models
- NO-HASSLE WARRANTY-5-Year warranty against manufacturing defects
Cons
- Do not fit crew or regular cab models
What Consumers Say about the TAC i4 Running Boards
- Received my item in good safe condition.. No parts missing. Clear directions easy to follow and easy installation. The best part is they look great on my new truck. Very sturdy. I will recommend them to anyone wanting to have running boards on their truck. The seller advertised just exactly what you were to get. Very good vendor.
- These are very nice looking, but don’t have a great weight capacity, I am a big guy, 400+ and these are starting to bend after about 2 years of use. If you a big guy like me, the steel ones are worth the money.
- Great price point. They are a slim and simple design and look great on my 2018 Chevy double cab truck. Watching a YouTube video will ease the installation process. I liked the raised tread design along the entire running board. If you weigh more than 250lbs, I would avoid these running boards.
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APS iBoard Running Boards
Consumer Ratings (4.4 / 5)
APS iBoard Running Boards are another really highly trusted brand which supplies car and truck owners with various aftermarket accessories. First off, when it comes to the trucks which these running board fits, they can be equipped to any GMC Sierra or Chevy Silverado models from 2007 through to 2018. You do need to be aware that they will only fit on these trucks if the cab is a crew size cab. Depending on the length of the bed in your pickup truck, you can also choose running boards ranging from 4 to 6 inches in width.
Installation is made very easy with these APS Running Boards. They come with all of the required mounting hardware to get the job done in a matter of minutes. You can of course get them professionally installed, but doing it yourself is really not very hard at all. Not only are they easy to install, the APS Running Boards also look fantastic, which is thanks to their sleek low-profile design.
The APS Running Boards are made out of high-grade aircraft-quality aluminum, which is extremely durable and can easily withstand 300 pounds of weight without bending or breaking. When it comes to washing these particular running boards, all you need to do is hose them down to get them as clean as when they were brand new.
To keep you safe, the rigid texturized rubber surface helps to provide you with long-lasting traction so you never slip or fall when getting in or out of your truck. Getting to your doors, windshield, or truck bed is made nice and easy thanks to these APS Running Boards.
Pros
- Come with all mounting hardware needed
- Very easy to install
- Can withstand 300 pounds of weight
- High-quality aircraft aluminum
- Texturized rubber surface for good traction
- Easy to wash
- Fits most GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado models
- Running Boards available for most Makes & Models
Cons
- Will only fit crew cabs
- Not compatible on diesel models with DEF tank
What Consumers Say about the APS iBoard Running Boards
- Pros:
– Rocker panel mount is simple to install
– Full coverage step (makes the whole bar usable for things like scraping the windshield in the winter)
– Lightweight
– Strong
– Fit perfectly
– Most affordable bar I found
– Look great, generally
– Seller was good to work with
– Arrived earlier than expectedCons:
– From a distance you can see the mounting hardware underneath the bar, giving it a somewhat unfinished look in my opinion. But I am picky and most people may not notice. They could have put a flange on the outside of the bar to make it look thicker and cover the hardware, but that would have made them less affordable I’m sure.Just be sure not to lose any of the bolts or washers as they do not package any extra. Installation took about an hour and a half with only hand tools. I am very happy with them. - Easy to install and look great on my 2016 Silverado. Took about an hour to install them. Probably would have been faster once you realize left side is simple bracket install and bolt on. Right side is a slight bit trickier and I suggest you complete “building” the right front bracket first. Then the rest is simple bracket installation. Right and left rear requires removing a “cap” with a screwdriver so grab a flathead or a small chisel to wedge under the edge and he pop right out. Then you’ll use the same piece that you attach the lower part of the bracket to the vehicle with for the upper part of the bracket on these 2 pieces. Do NOT fully tighten any of the brackets u too the running board is attached so you can still meneuver the bracket to line up with the running board holes. With that info you’ll have a 45 minute install even if you’re not very handy with tools. Once the running board is attached to he brackets then fully tighten the rest of the bolts. Items needed are ratchet wrench (extender will make it easier but not necessary) and a flat head screwdriver or small chisel.
- I installed this on my 2015 Chevy Silverado crew cab. I’ve had them on for about 5 months or so and I love them. They are showing no signs of wear and tear and still look really nice. For the price I am very impressed and the installation was very easy, even though the instructions weren’t very good. When I bought these I worried 6 inches would look weird, but now that I have them and have used them I wouldn’t want anything smaller. They are fairly thin so they don’t look bulky, but are nice and wide so you don’t have to worry missing one. I would HIGHLY recommend these.
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Super Drive Running Boards
Consumer Ratings (4.2 / 5)
The Super Drive Running Boards are another really fantastic option to consider if you are on the lookout for brand new running boards. Super Drive always manages to make high-quality products, and they surely have not failed to do so here. The Super Drive Running Boards are made of really durable chrome, something which looks very nice and can also withstand a lot of punishment. These particular running boards can actually hold up to 500 pounds of weight without breaking or bending at all, making them some of the strongest aftermarket running boards out there right now.
You will probably love the fact that the Super Drive Running Boards are simple bolt-on models. They come with all of the required mounting and installation hardware, so you don’t need to buy anything else on the side. Also, thanks to being simple bolt-on running boards, installation is definitely possible on your own, even if you are not really mechanically inclined. The Super Drive Running Boards are designed 4-door crew cab models. Be aware that you do need a 4-door crew cab for these running boards to fit.
Where the 4 doors are on a 4-door crew cab, the Super Drive Running Boards have a specially textured rubberized step. Unlike other running boards where the whole length acts as one big step, these running boards just have the textured rubber where the doors are. This is honestly more a matter of preference and how you want the running boards to look, rather than something to do with functionality.
Pros
- Can withstand 500 pounds of weight
- Good looking and durable chrome finish
- Specially rubberized foot steps
- Very easy to install
- Running Boards available for most Makes and Models
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- Needs to be a 4-door crew cab model
What Consumers Say about the Super Drive Running Boards
- They arrived this morning and I went out to put them on my new 2017 Tundra. They were packaged well, and came out looking clean. Would have been nice to see Stainless hardware, but for the price you can’t argue. I can replace it later if they fail. The reason for the drop in 1 star is the Front brackets were marked backwards. Luckily, I saw that the offset was just about right if I swapped the brackets. All in all, it’s a nice sturdy set of Nerf Bars, and I would buy them again.
- The instructions that come with the side bars need to be updated to match the product stamps. I had to put the LF with RC and RR to make it work on the passenger side and the RF on the driver side. Once I figured out how to get one side the other side mounted quickly and easily. The parts list also requires a “Passenger/Tight Rear” and my wife does look good but I made her do a few bun exercises just to be safe. Step 6 also tells you to “level and just side bar, and then tighter all hardware” I would adjust and tighten. Product looks great and hopefully it will last along time just work with the instructions.
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VioGi Running Boards
Consumer Ratings (4.2 / 5)
VioGi Running Boards are yet another great brand name to take a look at if you are on the hunt for running boards and other truck accessories. To begin, the VioGi Running Boards are specifically designed for all GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado models from 2006 to 2017 with either an extended cab or crew cab (with full sized front and back doors). They will fit 1500, 2500, and 3500 models as well. Check the exact model and build of your specific truck to make sure that the VioGi Running Boards will fit.
Many people do like the VioGi Running Boards because they are made out of high-quality T304 stainless steel. They are highly rust, impact, and abrasion resistant, plus they can hold up to 450 pounds of weight per side, making them some of the stronger and more durable running boards out there right now. To complete them, they come with a shiny chrome finish. This looks really nice, plus it helps add some more resistant to everyday wear and tear.
These are 4-inch stainless steel nerf bars that come with all of the necessary mounting hardware. The VioGi Running Boards come with simple rocker panel mounts that are fairly easy to deal with. Complete installation of these running boards should take no longer than one hour. They are oval style tube running boards with specialized slip-resistant plastic steps. These plastic steps make getting into and out of your truck about as safe and easy as it gets. When they get dirty, you can simply hose the VioGi Running Boards off with some water.
Pros
- Ideal for Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra with crew or extended cab
- High quality stainless steel – rust resistant and high weight capacity
- Durable and good looking chrome finish
- Texturized plastic steps for safety
- Fairly easy to install
- Running Boards available for most Makes and Models
Cons
- Will not work for crew cabs with ½ size rear doors
- Will not fit diesel models
What Consumer Says about the VioGI Running Boards
- These are good and they work. However, the reason I gave it four stars was because they are a little too short for this model. Yes , I checked MANY times to see if these were the correct one. They actually bolt up exactly with the existing factory holes. As you can see from the picture they do not come all the way back past the doors like other models do. Again , for the price it is fine. I bought these because no one can climb into my truck ( except me) without help , and my wife cannot life out son anymore as he is getting to heavy. These will work for what I wanted them for and better than paying $300+ at Pep Boys or Auto Zone. I just think they are better for the non- four door models and should be used solely for just ext cab.
- These steps are good for the price. They look as good as higher priced units, but there are some minor things they could change. The bolt heads on the bolts that mount the steps to the brackets need to have round heads with star bits. When you mount the steps, the bolts stand out (maybe not like a sore thumb, but you notice them). There are two different sizes of bolts and washers and they are all mixed in one bag, so when mounting, make sure to use the correct ones in the correct spots (easy to mix up as they are close in size).
These do sit farther out and down from the body of the truck than some other styles. This makes using the steps much easier than some brands but does leave a larger visible gap between the step and the body. - They do fit in factory holes on rocker panel on my 2014 Silverado LT Double Cab. I wish they were a bit wider or placed a bit further from truck. I have slipped using them. Not much room for error when stepping on them. They work OK once you get used to them and so far look good, but haven’t been through the winter yet. I wash regularly with an unlimited wash program at my local Delta Sonic. Says Stainless so we will see. I added mud flaps as road spray would fill end of tubes with water. Not sure of the purpose of leaving ends open. You don’t notice or see them once installed. I have already had my eyes on other types. Mainly the hidden mount style for starters and a wider plank style. These ones have 3 mounts that show hardware and have a slight forward lean to them when bar is straight and installed. It is secure and doesn’t move under my foot. I am 200 lbs.
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A Few Things to Consider before buying Running Boards
Before you go out and make your final purchase, there are a few things which you should look out for.
Always remember to check the model and make of your specific truck. Running boards are designed for a specific brand, model, and size of truck. Get this wrong and the running boards won’t fit.
Make sure that you get aluminum or stainless steel running boards, preferably with a chrome finish of sorts (or a different durable top coating). Your running boards need to be able to hold up a lot of weight, be rust and corrosion resistant, and should be easy to wash as well.
The running boards you get need to have some kind of texturized step. This is what allows you to get in and out of your truck with ease and with safety. Good traction is key here.
Final Verdict
As you can see, when it comes to the best truck running boards out there, there are quite a few different options to go with. Always remember to check the exact model and make of your truck to make sure you don’t get the wrong size of running board. As long as you follow our tips and choose a great pair of running boards, you and your truck will definitely benefit from them.
