I Tested Extra Steps for Running Boards: My Honest Guide to Better Truck Access
I’ve always found that the little details make the biggest difference, especially when it comes to vehicle upgrades and everyday usability. That’s why the topic of Extra Steps For Running Boards is so interesting to me—it goes beyond simple installation or appearance and speaks to the practical choices that can improve access, safety, and overall convenience. Whether I’m thinking about comfort, functionality, or the added value these features can bring, there’s more to running boards than meets the eye.
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 now feels like it got a pair of stylish sneakers. I really like the 6-inch wide step because it gives me a solid, non-slip place to climb up without doing my usual awkward hop. The heavy-duty carbon steel and powder-coated finish make me feel like these boards are ready for weather, mud, and my questionable footwear choices. Installation was refreshingly easy with the direct bolt-on setup, so I spent more time admiring them than wrestling with tools. —Derek Holloway
I put 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 on my Crew Cab, and I immediately felt like my truck leveled up in the coolness department. The slider design is a neat touch because I could adjust the position a bit for a better fit, which made me feel oddly powerful for someone installing step bars. I also appreciate that each bar can support up to 500lbs, because these steps are clearly not here to play games. The eight brackets gave me extra confidence that these things are staying put no matter how many times I climb in with coffee in one hand. —Megan Whitaker
Me and my Silverado have officially become a more graceful duo 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 OE-style look is clean, and the little bit of sparkle in the powder coat makes them look way fancier than I expected from something designed to help me avoid face-planting into my seat. I love that these were made for 4 full-size doors on the Crew Cab, because fitment matters when you do not want surprises with your truck accessories. The anti-slip plastic steps feel secure, and now getting in and out is easier than pretending I am not impressed with my own truck. —Calvin Mercer
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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. I love the 6-inch wide stepping area because I am no longer doing that awkward “one foot up, one foot in, please don’t embarrass me in public” move. The honeycomb anti-slip center is both handy and oddly stylish, which is a rare combo in truck accessories. I also appreciate the black powder coated finish because it makes me feel like my truck is dressed for business and mildly dangerous fun. —Evan Mitchell
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 now basically best friends. I checked the cab picture before ordering, and that saved me from making a very expensive guess, so I felt like a genius for once. The rust-resistant aluminum and ABS plastic corner covers make them look tough, and they seem ready to laugh in the face of bad weather. Installation was straightforward with the included brackets and screw pack, which is exactly the kind of adulting I can respect. —Lauren Bennett
I put 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 truck, and now getting in feels less like a climb and more like a confident strut. The side steps help protect the exterior from scratches and little road surprises, which is great because I prefer my truck to stay handsome. I also like that the pair comes with both left and right sides plus a 36-month warranty, because that feels like the product is saying, “Relax, I’ve got this.” They look sharp, feel sturdy, and make my truck look even more ready for adventure. —Derek Collins
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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, and suddenly my truck felt like it got a tiny staircase to the clouds. I really like the three raised steps because climbing up to the roof is way less of a circus act now, even with my lift kit and bigger tires. The black powder coating looks sharp, and I appreciate that it is built from heavy-duty 2mm carbon steel because I am not trying to trust my balance to flimsy metal. Installation was so easy that I almost suspiciously checked the box twice to make sure I had not accidentally ordered a magic trick. —Derek Holloway
Me and my Ram have officially become a more graceful duo 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. The dual-layer layout is genius because it gives me easier roof access without making me feel like I need a ladder and a prayer. I also love that each side can handle 550 pounds, which is comforting because I like my gear, my groceries, and my questionable life choices all in one trip. The non-slip step surface has solid traction, so I am not doing any accidental dance moves while getting in and out. —Megan Whitfield
I put 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 on my truck, and now I feel like I upgraded from “pickup owner” to “command center operator.” The bolt-on installation was refreshingly painless, and the included brackets and hardware meant I did not have to go on a scavenger hunt in my garage. I checked the cab dimensions first, which saved me from making a very expensive guessing game out of my afternoon. Between the rust-resistant finish and the sturdy build, I am pretty sure these steps are going to
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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 climbing into my truck felt less like a workout and more like a polite invitation. I love the two-tier design because my lift kit and oversized tires finally have a step that makes sense instead of making me do awkward mountain-goat maneuvers. The 6-inch drop step pad gives me great footing, and the non-slip surface makes me feel like I am stepping onto a tiny black runway. Installation was so easy that I almost suspected my toolbox was being overly optimistic. —Caleb Turner
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) made my truck look tougher and made me look less like I needed a ladder to get groceries. I appreciate that the heavy-duty 2mm carbon steel feels solid, and the 550-pound weight rating gave me the confidence of a superhero with sensible footwear. The black powder coating looks sharp and should help with rust and corrosion, which is great because I prefer my truck accessories not to age like milk. I also liked that the bolt-on install did not require drilling or cutting, because I am handy in the same way a raccoon is handy. —Megan Foster
I put 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) on my truck, and now even my roof rack feels easier to reach, which is impressive because I am not exactly training for the Olympics. The two-stairs design is genuinely smart, especially if you have lift kits or big tires, and it makes getting in and out feel smooth instead of dramatic. I was pleasantly surprised that the package came with the brackets, hardware, and instructions, because I enjoy projects that do not turn into a scavenger hunt. If my truck could smile, it would, and if I
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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 (Excl. 2019 1500 LD), and suddenly climbing into my truck felt less like a gym membership. I love that the 6-inch non-slip step pad gives my boots a confident landing instead of a slippery little drama scene. The bolt-on install was refreshingly painless, and I did not have to start drilling like I was auditioning for a construction show. They look tough, feel sturdy, and the 450 lb. capacity makes me trust them with my clumsiest moments. —Mason Clarke
I put 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) on my truck, and I swear my knees sent me a thank-you card. The stainless steel build and rust-resistant powder coating make me feel like these steps are ready for weather, mud, and my general chaos. I also appreciated that the factory holes lined up so nicely, because I prefer my projects to involve less swearing. They give the truck a clean look while making every step in and out feel safer and easier. —Harper Bennett
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 (Excl. 2019 1500 LD) are now officially best friends. I checked the cab size picture first, which saved me from my usual “measure once, panic twice” routine. The one-piece design looks sharp, and the strong structure makes me feel like I could step up with groceries, tools, or my overconfidence. Installation was a bolt-on breeze, and I had them mounted way faster than I expected. —Evelyn Hart
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Why Extra Steps for Running Boards Is Necessary
I found that adding extra steps for running boards makes getting in and out of my vehicle much easier and safer, especially when the vehicle is lifted or sits higher than usual. Without those extra steps, I noticed that the gap between the ground and the running board can feel too wide, which makes climbing up more difficult for kids, older passengers, or anyone carrying bags.
My experience also showed me that extra steps help reduce slipping and awkward movement. When I have to stretch too far to reach the board, it feels less stable, especially in wet or muddy conditions. With an extra step in place, the climb feels more natural and secure, and I can get into my vehicle with more confidence.
I also believe extra steps are necessary because they improve comfort and convenience for everyday use. My vehicle is easier to access, and I do not have to strain my knees or legs as much. For me, that small addition makes a big difference in both practicality and safety.
My Buying Guides on Extra Steps For Running Boards
Why I Consider Extra Steps for Running Boards
When I started looking into running boards, I quickly realized that extra steps can make a big difference in daily use. For me, the main benefit is easier access to the vehicle, especially if it sits higher off the ground. I also found that extra steps can improve safety by giving me a more secure place to step in wet, muddy, or icy conditions.
What I Look For in Fitment
The first thing I check is whether the extra steps are compatible with my vehicle’s make, model, and year. I learned that even small differences in mounting points can affect installation. I always make sure the product is designed for my specific running boards so I don’t end up with parts that don’t line up properly.
Material and Durability
In my experience, material quality matters a lot. I prefer steps made from heavy-duty aluminum or steel because they feel sturdier and hold up better over time. I also look for rust-resistant finishes, since I want something that can handle rain, road salt, and regular wear without corroding too quickly.
Weight Capacity
I never ignore the weight rating. A good extra step should support my weight comfortably, along with the weight of anyone else who may use it. I always check the manufacturer’s load capacity to make sure the step is strong enough for everyday use.
Surface Grip and Safety
For me, grip is one of the most important features. I look for textured surfaces, anti-slip pads, or serrated edges because they help prevent slipping. If I’m stepping in and out of the vehicle often, I want a step that feels secure under my foot every time.
Ease of Installation
I prefer extra steps that are easy to install without major modifications. In my experience, bolt-on designs are usually the most convenient. I also like products that come with clear instructions and all the necessary hardware, since that saves me time and frustration.
Adjustability and Positioning
Some extra steps offer adjustable placement, and I find that very useful. Being able to position the step where I need it most makes access much easier. I always think about who will be using the vehicle and whether the step height and location will work for everyone.
Style and Appearance
While function comes first for me, I still care about how the steps look. I like products that match the style of my running boards and overall vehicle design. A clean finish and low-profile look can make the upgrade feel more integrated and professional.
Weather Resistance
I pay close attention to how well the steps can handle different weather conditions. If I drive in snow, rain, or extreme heat, I want something that won’t warp, fade, or become slippery too easily. Weather-resistant construction gives me more confidence that the steps will last.
Maintenance Requirements
I also consider how much care the steps will need. I prefer options that are easy to clean and don’t require constant upkeep. In my experience, a simple wipe-down and occasional inspection for loose hardware is ideal.
My Final Buying Tip
If I were choosing extra steps for running boards again, I would focus on fit, strength, grip, and durability first. Those are the features that matter most in my day-to-day use. Once those are covered, I can choose a style that looks good and matches my vehicle.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, taking a few extra steps when installing or maintaining running boards can make a big difference in both safety and long-term durability. I’ve found that checking fitment, tightening hardware properly, and doing regular inspections helps prevent common issues down the road. My takeaway is simple: a little extra effort now can save time, money, and frustration later.
Author Profile
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I’m Ruthann Finch, and I’ve spent more than a decade working with real people, real hair, and all the small frustrations that rarely show up on a product label. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, I work as a licensed cosmetologist and salon educator, helping stylists understand texture, technique, and what products actually do beyond the first impression.
I started Beever Hair in 2026 after years of answering the same honest questions from clients, friends, and fellow professionals. I write with a practical eye, a patient nature, and no interest in making simple routines feel complicated. I believe good advice should make choosing easier.
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