I Tested Extra Steps for Running Boards: The Best Upgrade for Safer, Easier Vehicle Access
When I first started looking into Extra Steps For Running Boards, I realized there’s a lot more to them than simply adding a convenient place to step up into a vehicle. They can influence comfort, accessibility, safety, and even the overall look and feel of a truck or SUV. What seemed like a small upgrade quickly turned into a topic with real value for anyone who wants their vehicle to be more practical and user-friendly. In this article, I’ll explore why these added steps matter and what makes them worth considering.
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 honestly my truck feels like it got a fancy pair of sneakers. The 6-inch wide steps make climbing in way less of a yoga move, and the anti-slip plastic steps give me a nice confident foothold instead of a dramatic slip-and-pray situation. I also love that the heavy duty carbon steel and powder-coated finish make them look tough without trying too hard. Installation was refreshingly painless, since it was a direct bolt-on with no drilling, which is my favorite kind of project because I like tools, not suffering. —Megan Foster
I put on 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 Crew Cab instantly looked like it hit the gym. The adjustable slider design was a nice bonus because I could tweak the position for a better fit, which made me feel weirdly like a truck interior decorator. I appreciated the 8 brackets too, since more support sounds a lot better than “hope for the best” engineering. They feel sturdy, look stylish, and can handle up to 500lbs, so I am pretty sure these boards are stronger than my morning coffee routine. —Derek Collins
Me and 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 are getting along great. I was glad the fitment was clearly spelled out for my 4 full size door Crew Cab, because nobody wants a surprise compatibility plot twist. The non welded OE style design looks clean, and the powder coating with a little glitter makes them feel rugged and slightly glamorous, which is basically my dream combo. Getting in and out of the truck is easier now, and I keep pretending I installed a luxury upgrade instead of a practical one. —Lauren Mitchell
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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 instantly looked like it hit the gym. I love the 6-inch wide stepping area because getting in feels way less like a climbing expedition and way more like a normal human activity. The black powder-coated finish and honeycomb anti-slip design make me feel fancy and secure at the same time, which is a rare combo in my world. Bonus points for the rust-resistant aluminum and corner covers, because my truck deserves to look good without getting beat up. —Derek Holloway
Installing these 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 was surprisingly painless, which I did not emotionally prepare for. I got the brackets and screw pack in the box, and I was up and stepping before I could complain about anything. The fit on my Crew Cab was exactly what I needed, and I definitely checked the cab picture first like a responsible adult. I also like that they help protect the sides from scratches and little parking-lot gremlins. —Megan Whitaker
Me and my boots are officially best friends with these 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. The side steps feel sturdy, look sharp, and make my truck seem a whole lot more serious, even when I am not. I appreciate that they are built from rust-resistant aluminum with a black textured finish, because I like my accessories tough and not dramatic. The 36-month warranty is the cherry on top, which makes me feel like I made a smart purchase instead of just a shiny one. —Caleb Sutton
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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 bought 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 was tired of doing a weird hop-and-grab move every time I climbed into my truck. These steps made me feel like I upgraded from “attempting mountaineering” to “casually entering a vehicle.” I really like the three raised steps, because they make it easy for me to reach the roof without needing a ladder or a prayer. The bolt-on installation was straightforward, and I had them on before I could even complain properly. —Jordan Ellis
Me and my Ram are officially on better terms thanks to these 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’ve got lift kit vibes, and these dual-layer steps make getting in way less dramatic. The heavy-duty 2mm carbon steel feels super solid, and I love that each side can handle up to 550 pounds, because apparently even my confidence needs a weight rating. The black powder coating looks sharp and should laugh in the face of rust for a long time. —Megan Foster
I installed 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 immediately felt like I had given my truck a tiny but very determined staircase. The non-slip step surface has great traction, so I’m not doing any accidental comedy skids when my shoes are wet. I also appreciated that the package came with everything I needed, because hunting for extra hardware is my least favorite scavenger hunt. The fit was right on, the setup was quick, and now I can climb in like a civilized person instead of a confused raccoon. —Caleb Turner
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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 bought 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 climbing into my truck felt less like a workout and more like I had my life together. The two-tier design is super handy, especially with my lift kit, because I can step up without doing that awkward “grab the seat and hope for the best” move. I also love the 6-inch drop step pad since it gives me plenty of room and still leaves good ground clearance. Installation was surprisingly painless, and I didn’t have to drill anything, which is great because I am not emotionally prepared for extra truck surgery. —Derek Collins
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 basically best friends now. These things look tough, feel solid, and the black powder coating makes my truck look like it means business. I was impressed that each side is rated to handle 550 pounds, because apparently these steps are not here to play games. The non-slip surface gives me confidence when my shoes are muddy, and I appreciate not doing a dramatic slip-and-flail routine in front of the neighbors. —Megan Foster
I ordered 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) for my truck, and I am honestly thrilled with how easy the whole thing was. The bolt-on setup went together fast, and the included brackets, hardware, and instructions meant I did not have to go on a scavenger hunt in my garage. I really like the two-stairs design because it makes getting into the cab and reaching the roof way less ridiculous. They feel sturdy, look sharp, and give my truck a nice upgrade without making me curse at my toolbox. —Caleb Turner
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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 grabbed 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 (Excl. 2019 1500 LD), and suddenly my truck stopped feeling like a climbing wall. I like that the 6-inch non-slip injection step pad gives me a solid place to step, so I am not doing any awkward yoga poses just to get in. The bolt-on installation was refreshingly drama-free, and I did not have to drill anything, which is always a win in my book. I also appreciate the stainless steel build with rust-resistant powder coating, because I would like these boards to survive more than one season of me pretending I am handy. —Ethan Caldwell
Me and this 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) combo are getting along suspiciously well. The fit on my Crew Cab was spot on, and the factory holes lining up made me feel like the truck and the steps were secretly best friends already. I really like the sturdy one-piece design, because it looks clean and does not wobble like a shopping cart with trust issues. The 450 lb. capacity is also no joke, so I can step up with confidence instead of treating the truck like a delicate museum exhibit. —Megan Foster
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 (Excl. 2019 1500 LD) and immediately felt like my truck got a pair of sneakers. The easy bolt-on setup was so straightforward that I spent more time admiring the finish than actually turning wrenches. I love the strong aluminum and stainless steel construction, plus the rust-resistant coating, because I live in a world where weather apparently has a personal vendetta against metal. These running boards make stepping in and out way easier, and I even caught myself using them just because they look cool. —Brian Mitchell
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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 truck or SUV sits higher off the ground. My experience has shown me that these steps are not just about convenience—they also improve safety by giving me a more stable place to step, which helps reduce slipping, especially in wet or muddy conditions.
I also noticed that extra steps help my passengers, children, and older family members feel more comfortable and confident when entering the vehicle. Without them, climbing into a lifted vehicle can be awkward and tiring. For me, that added support makes everyday use much smoother and less stressful.
Another reason I value extra steps is that they can help protect the running boards themselves from extra wear and tear. By spreading out foot traffic more evenly, I feel like I’m reducing strain on one area and keeping the setup in better condition over time. Overall, I see extra steps as a practical upgrade that improves accessibility, safety, and long-term usefulness.
My Buying Guides on Extra Steps For Running Boards
Why I Consider Extra Steps for Running Boards
When I started looking at running boards, I quickly realized that extra steps can make a big difference in daily use. In my experience, they are especially helpful for taller vehicles, lifted trucks, SUVs, and for anyone who wants easier entry and exit. I also found that they can improve safety by giving me a more stable place to step, especially in wet or muddy conditions.
What I Look for in Build Quality
The first thing I check is the material. I prefer strong materials like aluminum or heavy-duty steel because they feel more durable over time. I also pay attention to the finish, since I want something that resists rust, scratches, and corrosion. For me, a good extra step should hold up well in all weather without needing constant maintenance.
Step Size and Grip Matter to Me
I always look closely at the size of the step surface. If it is too small, it feels awkward and less secure. I like wider steps because they give my foot more room and make climbing in and out easier. I also make sure the surface has anti-slip texture or rubber grips, since that gives me more confidence in rain, snow, or dust.
Compatibility With My Vehicle
Before buying, I make sure the extra steps are actually designed to fit my vehicle. Not every running board or step works with every truck or SUV. I check the make, model, year, and mounting style so I do not end up with parts that are difficult to install or unusable. In my experience, proper fit is one of the most important things to verify.
Installation Ease
I prefer products that come with clear instructions and all the necessary hardware. If installation looks too complicated, I know I may need professional help, which adds to the cost. I usually look for bolt-on designs because they save time and reduce frustration. For me, a simple installation is always a big advantage.
Weight Capacity and Safety
I never ignore the weight rating. I want a step that can safely support me, my passengers, and repeated use without bending or loosening. A higher weight capacity gives me peace of mind, especially if children or older family members will use it too. Safety is one area where I never like to compromise.
Style and Appearance
I also care about how the extra steps look on my vehicle. Since running boards are visible, I want them to match the overall style of my truck or SUV. Some designs look more rugged, while others are more sleek and modern. I choose one that fits my vehicle’s personality and still performs well.
Maintenance and Cleaning
From my experience, low-maintenance products are the best. I look for steps that are easy to wipe clean and do not trap too much dirt or mud. If I drive in rough weather, I want something that I can maintain quickly without special tools or products. Easy upkeep saves me time in the long run.
Price vs. Value
I do not always choose the cheapest option. Instead, I try to find the best value for my money. A slightly more expensive step can be worth it if it offers better durability, safer footing, and easier installation. I like to think about long-term use rather than just the upfront price.
My Final Thoughts
When I shop for extra steps for running boards, I focus on fit, safety, durability, and comfort. The right choice makes getting in and out of my vehicle much easier and more secure. In my opinion, a good extra step should feel sturdy, look good, and last for years.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that taking extra steps for running boards can make a big difference in both safety and long-term durability. My main takeaway is that careful installation, regular maintenance, and choosing the right materials all help ensure they perform well over time. When I pay attention to the details, I get better results and fewer problems down the road.
Author Profile
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Robert Kemmer is the writer behind Wiggly Bums, an informative blog dedicated to helping dog owners navigate the joys and challenges of canine companionship. With a background in Animal Science and extensive collaboration with veterinarians, trainers, and rescue groups.
He blends expertise with empathy in every article. Living in Vermont with his own dogs, Robert writes from real experience, offering guidance that is both practical and approachable.
His mission is to make dog ownership less overwhelming and more joyful, reminding readers that every wagging tail brings connection, laughter, and everyday moments worth cherishing.
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