I installed running boards on my 2018 Silverado in 2020. Two years later, I switched to nerf bars. Here's why—and how to decide which is right for your truck.
Both running boards and nerf bars help you get in and out of a lifted truck. But they're not the same. They look different, they perform different, and they're better for different situations.
The Quick Answer
| Feature | Running Boards | Nerf Bars |
|---|---|---|
| Width | Wide (4-6 inches) | Narrow (2-3 inches) |
| Step surface | Flat, full-length | Round tube, small contact |
| Best for | Daily driving, families | Off-road, trail riding |
| Ground clearance | Lower | Higher |
| Off-road durability | Can catch on rocks | Slides over obstacles |
| Price (installed) | $300-$600 | $250-$500 |
What Are Running Boards?
Running boards are wide, flat steps that run along the side of your truck, typically spanning the door opening. They're usually 4 to 6 inches wide and made of aluminum or plastic with a textured surface.
They provide a full-width step that's easy to stand on. If you have kids, elderly passengers, or you just want easy entry and exit, running boards are the better choice.
Pros of Running Boards
- Wide, stable step surface
- Easier for kids and elderly
- Better for daily driving
- More foot contact area
- Look more like SUV steps
Cons of Running Boards
- Lower ground clearance
- Can catch on rocks and curbs
- Not ideal for off-road
- Heavier than nerf bars
What Are Nerf Bars?
Nerf bars are narrow, round tubes (usually 2 to 3 inches in diameter) that run along the side of your truck. They're typically made of stainless steel or aluminum and provide a small step point at the door opening.
They're called "nerf bars" because they originated in off-road racing, where they protected the vehicle's sides without adding too much weight or reducing ground clearance.
Pros of Nerf Bars
- Higher ground clearance
- Better for off-road
- Lighter weight
- More durable in rough terrain
- Sleeker, more aggressive look
Cons of Nerf Bars
- Narrow step surface
- Less foot contact area
- Harder for kids and elderly
- Can be slippery when wet
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Running Boards If:
- You drive mostly on pavement
- You have kids who need to climb in
- You have elderly passengers
- You want easy daily entry and exit
- You prefer a wider step surface
Choose Nerf Bars If:
- You go off-road regularly
- You want maximum ground clearance
- You prefer a more aggressive look
- You don't have small kids climbing in
- You want something more durable for rough terrain
My Experience
I started with running boards on my 2018 Silverado. They were great for daily driving—easy to get in and out, good for my wife and kids. But when I started taking the truck on trails, the running boards kept catching on rocks. I bent one on a rock in Moab, and it started scraping on every rough trail.
I switched to nerf bars two years ago. The step is narrower, so it takes a bit more precision to step on, but the ground clearance is noticeably better. I haven't had any issues on trails since. The nerf bars slide over rocks instead of catching.
For my use case—50% daily driving, 50% off-road—nerf bars are the better choice. If I were purely daily driving, I'd probably still have running boards.
Installation Tips
Both running boards and nerf bars bolt onto existing mounting points on your truck's frame. Most installations take 1-2 hours with basic tools.
If you're installing yourself, make sure you have a jack or jack stands to support the truck while you work. You'll need to remove the old step bars (if any) and bolt on the new ones.
For running boards, you'll need to align the brackets carefully to ensure the boards are level. For nerf bars, the installation is similar but the narrower profile makes alignment a bit easier.
Price Comparison
Running boards typically cost $300-$600 for a set, depending on the brand and material. Aluminum running boards are on the lower end, while powered running boards (that extend when you open the door) can cost $1,000+.
Nerf bars typically cost $250-$500 for a set. Stainless steel nerf bars are more expensive than aluminum, but they're also more durable.