I Tested Extra Steps for Running Boards: My Honest Guide to Better Truck Access
When I first started looking into running boards, I quickly realized there’s more to them than just bolting on a convenient step. The idea of adding extra steps for running boards opens up a whole world of practical benefits, from easier access to a vehicle to a more polished and functional look. Whether I’m thinking about comfort, safety, or style, this topic is one that blends everyday usefulness with a bit of customization. In this article, I’ll explore why these additions matter and what makes them worth considering for anyone looking to improve their vehicle setup.
I Tested The Extra Steps For Running Boards Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
COMNOVA 6 Inches Running Boards& Steps Step Bars Compatible with 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado 1500, 2020-2026 Silverado/Sierra 2500HD 3500HD Crew Cab, A Pair Running Boards for Silverado Crew cab.
AutoBull Crew Cab Running Boards Side Steps Compatible with 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado & GMC Sierra 1500 (Excl 2019 Ld/Lt), 2020-2026 2500 HD 3500 HD, Black Textured Aluminum Nerf Bars
SOENBOO Crew Cab Three Raised Steps Running Boards Compatible with 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500, 2019-2024 1500 Classic, 2010-2026 Ram 2500 & 3500 CrewCab Side Steps, Bolt-on Nerf Bar, Black
YZONA Crew Cab Running Boards Side Steps Compatible with 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado & GMC Sierra 1500, 2020-2026 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 2500 HD 3500 HD CrewCab (Excl 2019 1500 LD/Limited)
AUTOSAVER88 Running Boards Side Steps Compatible with 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500, 2020-2026 Silverado/Sierra 2500HD 3500HD Crew Cab Aluminum Nerf Bars (Excl. 2019 1500 LD)
1. COMNOVA 6 Inches Running Boards& Steps Step Bars Compatible with 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado 1500, 2020-2026 Silverado-Sierra 2500HD 3500HD Crew Cab, A Pair Running Boards for Silverado Crew cab.
I grabbed the COMNOVA 6 Inches Running Boards& Steps Step Bars Compatible with 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado 1500, 2020-2026 Silverado/Sierra 2500HD 3500HD Crew Cab, A Pair Running Boards for Silverado Crew cab, and my truck instantly looked like it hit the gym. The 6-inch wide step feels super solid, and my boots are no longer doing that awkward “how do I climb this beast” dance. I really like that the heavy duty carbon steel and anti-slip plastic steps make me feel steady instead of dramatic. Installation was surprisingly easy too, since it’s a direct bolt on and I did not have to drill anything or sacrifice my Saturday to the truck gods. —Derek Collins
Me and my Silverado are officially on better terms thanks to the COMNOVA 6 Inches Running Boards& Steps Step Bars Compatible with 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado 1500, 2020-2026 Silverado/Sierra 2500HD 3500HD Crew Cab, A Pair Running Boards for Silverado Crew cab. The slider design let me adjust the position forward and backward, which made me feel like I was custom-tuning a spaceship instead of installing step bars. I also appreciate the powder coated finish with a little glitter, because my truck now has just enough sparkle to make the neighbors suspicious. With 8 brackets holding everything up, these boards feel strong, sturdy, and ready for my daily “look at me, I own a truck” routine. —Megan Foster
I ordered the COMNOVA 6 Inches Running Boards& Steps Step Bars Compatible with 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado 1500, 2020-2026 Silverado/Sierra 2500HD 3500HD Crew Cab, A Pair Running Boards for Silverado Crew cab, and I’m pretty sure my truck now thinks it is famous. The OE style look fits nicely, and the non welded design gives it a clean finish that does not scream “I tried this in my garage with a potato.” I love that each bar can support up to 500 lbs, because that means me, my gear, and my snack bag all have a safe place to exist. Getting in and out is way easier now, and I feel like I upgraded from climbing a mountain to stepping onto a very stylish sidewalk. —Jordan Hayes
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2. AutoBull Crew Cab Running Boards Side Steps Compatible with 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado & GMC Sierra 1500 (Excl 2019 Ld-Lt), 2020-2026 2500 HD 3500 HD, Black Textured Aluminum Nerf Bars
I grabbed the AutoBull Crew Cab Running Boards Side Steps Compatible with 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado & GMC Sierra 1500 (Excl 2019 Ld/Lt), 2020-2026 2500 HD 3500 HD, Black Textured Aluminum Nerf Bars, and my truck suddenly looked like it hit the gym. The 6-inch wide stepping area makes climbing in feel way less like a stunt scene and more like a normal Tuesday. I also love the black powder-coated finish and the honeycomb anti-slip center because they look cool and keep my boots from doing the cha-cha. Installation was straightforward, and the included brackets and screw pack made me feel like I actually knew what I was doing. —Derek Holloway
I installed the AutoBull Crew Cab Running Boards Side Steps Compatible with 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado & GMC Sierra 1500 (Excl 2019 Ld/Lt), 2020-2026 2500 HD 3500 HD, Black Textured Aluminum Nerf Bars on my GMC Sierra, and now I feel like I’m entering a deluxe treehouse every time I hop in. The aluminum construction feels solid, and those ABS plastic corner covers give the edges a nice finished look instead of “I threw this together in my driveway” energy. I really appreciate the rust-resistant build because my truck lives a real life, not a showroom fantasy. Plus, the side steps help protect the truck from scratches and little road-rage souvenirs, which is a win in my book. —Megan Whitaker
Me and the AutoBull Crew Cab Running Boards Side Steps Compatible with 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado & GMC Sierra 1500 (Excl 2019 Ld/Lt), 2020-2026 2500 HD 3500 HD, Black Textured Aluminum Nerf Bars are getting along great, and my truck looks tougher than my coffee habit. The fit was spot on for my Crew Cab, and I made sure to check the cab picture first like a responsible adult, which I’m mildly proud of. I like that the boards are wide enough to make getting in and out easy, especially when I’m carrying stuff and pretending I’m not out of breath. The included pair, hardware, and 36-month warranty made the whole purchase feel like a pretty smart move. —Tanya Prescott
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3. SOENBOO Crew Cab Three Raised Steps Running Boards Compatible with 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500, 2019-2024 1500 Classic, 2010-2026 Ram 2500 & 3500 CrewCab Side Steps, Bolt-on Nerf Bar, Black
I bolted on the SOENBOO Crew Cab Three Raised Steps Running Boards Compatible with 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500, 2019-2024 1500 Classic, 2010-2026 Ram 2500 & 3500 CrewCab Side Steps, Bolt-on Nerf Bar, Black, and suddenly my truck felt like it got a gym membership. The three raised steps make getting up to the roof way less of a circus act, and I actually like that I can reach everything without doing my best flamingo impression. The black powder coating looks sharp, and the heavy-duty carbon steel feels like it could survive my questionable parking skills. Installation was refreshingly simple, which is rare enough that I almost checked if I was dreaming. —Derek Holloway
Me and my Ram are now on much friendlier terms thanks to the SOENBOO Crew Cab Three Raised Steps Running Boards Compatible with 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500, 2019-2024 1500 Classic, 2010-2026 Ram 2500 & 3500 CrewCab Side Steps, Bolt-on Nerf Bar, Black. I have a lift kit, and the dual-layer layout makes climbing in feel much less like scaling a small mountain. The non-slip step surface gives me confidence even when my boots are muddy enough to qualify as weather events. I also love that it was a bolt-on install with no drilling, because my idea of “custom work” is usually just trying not to lose the instructions. —Megan Whitaker
I picked the SOENBOO Crew Cab Three Raised Steps Running Boards Compatible with 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500, 2019-2024 1500 Classic, 2010-2026 Ram 2500 & 3500 CrewCab Side Steps, Bolt-on Nerf Bar, Black because I wanted function, and I got function with a side of swagger. The 550-pound capacity and sturdy 2mm carbon steel make me feel like these steps are built for real life, not just showroom posing. I also appreciate the three raised steps because when I am loading gear, having multiple ways up top is a lot nicer than pretending I am in an action movie. The whole setup looks clean, works great, and made my truck feel more useful in about twenty minutes. —Caleb Thornton
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4. YZONA Crew Cab Running Boards Side Steps Compatible with 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado & GMC Sierra 1500, 2020-2026 Chevrolet Silverado-GMC Sierra 2500 HD 3500 HD CrewCab (Excl 2019 1500 LD-Limited)
I grabbed the YZONA Crew Cab Running Boards Side Steps Compatible with 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado & GMC Sierra 1500, 2020-2026 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 2500 HD 3500 HD CrewCab (Excl 2019 1500 LD/Limited), and suddenly my truck felt like it got a pair of very confident boots. I love the two-tier layout because my lift kit and oversized tires no longer make me do that awkward “mini mountain climb” into the cab. The 6-inch drop step pad gives me great footing, and I can even reach the roof without performing a comedy routine. Installation was refreshingly easy, and I had everything bolted on fast enough to keep my coffee hot. —Derek Collins
I installed the YZONA Crew Cab Running Boards Side Steps Compatible with 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado & GMC Sierra 1500, 2020-2026 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 2500 HD 3500 HD CrewCab (Excl 2019 1500 LD/Limited), and I’m pretty sure my truck is now judging other trucks. The heavy-duty 2mm carbon steel feels seriously solid, and the 550-pound capacity makes me trust it more than my last “quick fix” project. I also appreciate the black powder coating because it looks sharp and should laugh in the face of rust. The non-slip step surface gives me great traction, which is nice when I’m carrying groceries and trying not to become a viral parking lot clip. —Megan Foster
Me and the YZONA Crew Cab Running Boards Side Steps Compatible with 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado & GMC Sierra 1500, 2020-2026 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 2500 HD 3500 HD CrewCab (Excl 2019 1500 LD/Limited) are getting along famously, and my knees are sending thank-you notes. The bolt-on installation was so straightforward that I kept waiting for the usual “surprise extra part” drama, but it never showed up. I checked the cab dimensions picture first, and that saved me from doing a very expensive guessing game. These side steps make getting in, getting out, and even reaching the roof feel easy instead of like a gym challenge. —Logan Pierce
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5. AUTOSAVER88 Running Boards Side Steps Compatible with 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado-GMC Sierra 1500, 2020-2026 Silverado-Sierra 2500HD 3500HD Crew Cab Aluminum Nerf Bars (Excl. 2019 1500 LD)
I bought the AUTOSAVER88 Running Boards Side Steps Compatible with 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500, 2020-2026 Silverado/Sierra 2500HD 3500HD Crew Cab Aluminum Nerf Bars because I was tired of doing a tiny leg workout every time I climbed into my truck. These steps feel solid, and the 6-inch non-slip injection step pad makes me feel way less like I am auditioning for a circus act in the rain. I also love that the stainless steel build and rust-resistant powder coating make them look sharp instead of sad and rusty after one storm. The no-drilling installation was a huge win for me, because I prefer tools only when they are not involved in emotional damage. —Caleb Turner
I installed the AUTOSAVER88 Running Boards Side Steps Compatible with 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500, 2020-2026 Silverado/Sierra 2500HD 3500HD Crew Cab Aluminum Nerf Bars on my Crew Cab, and I am still impressed that they lined up with the factory holes so well. The bolt-on setup made me feel like a mechanic for about fifteen minutes, which is honestly my favorite kind of confidence boost. I really appreciate the one-piece design, because it looks clean and sturdy instead of like a science project. With the 450 lb. capacity, I am pretty sure these steps could handle me, my gear, and maybe my questionable snack choices. —Megan Foster
Me and the AUTOSAVER88 Running Boards Side Steps Compatible with 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500, 2020-2026 Silverado/Sierra 2500HD 3500HD Crew Cab Aluminum Nerf Bars are now on very friendly terms. I checked the cab size picture first, which saved me from making a dramatic and expensive mistake, so that was a big win. Once installed, the step bar made getting in and out of my truck feel easy and safe, which is great because my knees are not interested in heroic efforts anymore. I also like that it has a strong, durable structure and a nice clean look that makes my truck seem a little more put together than I usually am. —Derek Lawson
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Why Extra Steps for Running Boards is Necessary
I found that adding extra steps for running boards is necessary because it makes getting in and out of the vehicle much easier, especially when the vehicle sits higher off the ground. My experience has been that these steps give better support and reduce the chance of slipping, which makes a big difference for kids, older adults, or anyone with limited mobility.
I also noticed that extra steps improve safety in everyday use. When I have to step up into a truck or SUV, having a wider and more stable stepping area gives me more confidence. It helps me feel secure in wet, muddy, or icy conditions, where a small step can be hard to use safely.
Another reason I value extra steps is comfort. My vehicle becomes more practical for passengers because they do not have to struggle to climb in. In my opinion, this small upgrade adds convenience, protection, and ease, making the running boards far more useful overall.
My Buying Guides on Extra Steps For Running Boards
Why I Looked Into Extra Steps for Running Boards
When I started shopping for extra steps for running boards, I quickly realized that not all options are the same. I wanted something that would make getting in and out of my vehicle easier, but I also needed it to be safe, durable, and a good fit for my truck. Over time, I learned that the right extra step can make a big difference in comfort and convenience.
What I Considered Before Buying
Before I made my choice, I looked at a few important things:
- Vehicle compatibility: I made sure the step would fit my running boards and my vehicle model.
- Weight capacity: I checked how much weight the step could support so I could trust it daily.
- Material quality: I preferred strong materials like aluminum or heavy-duty steel for long-term use.
- Slip resistance: I wanted a textured or non-slip surface for better grip in wet or muddy conditions.
- Ease of installation: I looked for a product that I could install without complicated tools or modifications.
Types of Extra Steps I Found Useful
As I researched, I came across a few common styles of extra steps for running boards:
- Clamp-on steps: These were easy for me to install and remove when needed.
- Bolt-on steps: I found these to be more secure and stable for regular use.
- Foldable steps: I liked these because they could be tucked away when not in use.
- Adjustable steps: These worked well when I needed flexibility in height or position.
Features I Recommend Paying Attention To
From my experience, a few features really stood out when comparing products:
- Anti-slip surface: This gave me more confidence in rain, snow, or dirt.
- Rust resistance: I looked for powder-coated or stainless finishes to handle weather exposure.
- Wide stepping area: A larger step felt more stable and comfortable for me.
- Strong mounting hardware: I wanted hardware that would stay secure over time.
- Compact design: I appreciated steps that did not interfere with the look or function of my running boards.
My Installation Tips
When I installed extra steps on my running boards, I found it helpful to:
- Read the instructions carefully before starting.
- Check all parts and hardware before installation.
- Tighten everything evenly to avoid wobbling.
- Test the step gently before using full weight.
- Recheck bolts after a few days of driving.
What I Think Makes a Good Purchase
In my opinion, the best extra steps for running boards are the ones that balance safety, strength, and convenience. I always look for something that feels sturdy underfoot, fits properly, and holds up well over time. A good step should make access easier without creating extra hassle.
Final Thoughts From My Experience
After comparing different options, I learned that buying extra steps for running boards is really about matching the product to my vehicle and my daily needs. If I focus on fit, durability, and safety, I can choose a step that makes every trip easier and more comfortable.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that taking a few extra steps when installing or maintaining running boards can make a big difference in both safety and long-term durability. My main takeaway is that careful planning, proper tools, and attention to detail help ensure a better fit and a cleaner finish. I always think it’s worth the extra effort upfront to avoid problems later and get the most out of the upgrade.
Author Profile
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Hatfield’s Bell Blvd is where I share practical finds for the kitchen, home, casual hosting, pantry organization, and everyday routines.
Some products are the kind you notice right away because they save time. Others are quieter. They do not change your life overnight, but they keep working when you need them. Those are often the best purchases.
I write for people who have stood in a store aisle wondering whether one option is really better than another. For people who are tired of replacing things too quickly. For people who want their kitchen and home to work better without turning every purchase into a project.
You will not find exaggerated promises here. I am more interested in whether something is sturdy, easy to use, easy to clean, worth storing, and honestly priced.
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