Running Board Set

What Are Running Board Sets?

Running board sets are side-mounted step platforms that run along the rocker panels of trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps, providing a stable surface for entry and exit. While they may look like a purely cosmetic accessory, a quality set of running boards serves several practical purposes: they reduce strain on knees and ankles when climbing into a raised cab, shield the lower body panels from road debris and trail hazards, and can even act as a secondary layer of rocker panel protection on the trail.

Modern running boards come in several configurations to suit different driving styles. Fixed flat-style boards offer the widest stepping surface and a clean profile, while tubular nerf bars provide a more rugged, open look favored by off-road builds. Power-retractable boards deploy automatically when a door is opened and tuck away when driving, preserving ground clearance — a feature that has gained significant popularity on newer lifted trucks and SUVs.

What to Consider When Shopping for Running Boards

• Material: Steel boards offer maximum strength and impact resistance, while aluminum is lighter and naturally corrosion-resistant — a better choice for daily drivers in harsh climates.
• Finish: Powder coat, bedliner, and chrome-plated finishes each have different durability profiles. Powder coat and bedliner coatings resist scratches, chips, and UV exposure better than chrome in most off-road conditions.
• Step Surface: Look for perforated, textured, or rubber anti-skid step pads that channel mud, snow, and water away from the stepping area to prevent slipping.
• Fitment: Vehicle-specific brackets ensure a clean, factory-style fit with no drilling required. Universal-length boards offer more flexibility but require a separate, vehicle-specific mounting kit.
• Ground Clearance: For off-road use, a board that mounts tight to the rocker panel preserves approach angles and reduces the risk of snagging on obstacles.

Top Brands in Running Board Sets

Go Rhino is one of the most recognized names in the running board market. Their popular RB Series features heavy-duty galvanized steel construction with a raptor-inspired open-tread design that prevents mud and ice from accumulating, and their products are backed by a limited lifetime structural warranty.

Westin Automotive brings over 40 years of experience to the truck accessories market, offering a diverse lineup ranging from the Sure-Grip aluminum boards to the Grate Steps and Outlaw Series. Westin's finishes undergo salt spray testing for corrosion resistance, and many models are available in both stainless steel and powder-coated black to match any build.

Attica 4x4 takes a purpose-built off-road approach with their Frontier Series running boards, constructed from heavy-duty steel with body mount construction and featuring integrated step lights for safe entry and exit in low-light conditions — a standout detail for overlanders and adventure drivers.

APS rounds out the lineup with solid options for truck and SUV owners who want reliable, well-fitted running boards at a practical price point. For those seeking cost-effective fitment solutions, Aftermarket replacement boards offer a straightforward way to restore factory-style side step access on older or high-mileage vehicles.