If you've ever watched someone struggle to climb into a lifted truck, you understand why running boards and side steps exist. But "entry assist" products come in very different styles — from sleek retractable running boards to burly off-road nerf bars. Choosing the right one depends on your truck, your use case, and honestly, your aesthetic preferences.

The Three Main Types

Running Boards

Running boards are flat, wide platforms that run the length of your cab (or cab + bed). They provide a large stepping surface, making it easy for passengers of all ages and abilities to enter and exit.

Best for: Family trucks, daily drivers, anyone who frequently carries passengers
Pros: Wide stepping surface, easy for kids and elderly passengers, can reduce rock chips
Cons: Reduce ground clearance, can catch on obstacles off-road, some styles look like minivan accessories

Side Steps / Step Bars

Side steps are smaller — usually a single step pad welded onto a tubular bar. They provide a stepping point without the full length of a running board. Available in round tube (3", 4", 5") and oval tube styles.

Best for: Trucks that go on and off-road, people who want some entry assist without sacrificing too much ground clearance
Pros: Better ground clearance than running boards, step pads are textured for grip, look more aggressive
Cons: Smaller step surface (harder for some passengers), still reduce clearance somewhat

Nerf Bars

Nerf bars are round or oval tubes that run along the rocker panels. Originally designed for off-road racing (to deflect side impacts — hence "nerf"), the aftermarket version serves as both rock protection and a stepping surface. Some have step pads, others are smooth tube.

Best for: Off-road trucks and Jeeps, anyone who wants rock protection + entry assist
Pros: Protect rocker panels from rocks and trail damage, aggressive look, strong
Cons: Smooth tube versions are slippery when wet, smaller step surface than running boards

Specialty Options

Retractable / Power Running Boards

Electric-powered boards that extend when you open the door and retract when you close it. You get the full stepping surface of a running board with the ground clearance of having nothing there. The best of both worlds — at a price ($1,500-3,000+).

Drop Steps

A hoop-shaped step that drops down below the rocker panel. Higher ground clearance than running boards while still offering a large step surface. Popular on lifted trucks because they can accommodate the extra height.

Rock Sliders

Heavy-duty steel bars bolted to the frame (not the body). Designed to let your truck slide over rocks without damaging the rocker panels. Some have step surfaces on top, but their primary purpose is protection. Essential for serious rock crawling.

How to Choose

Lifted Truck?

If your truck is lifted 3"+, standard running boards and step bars may not drop low enough to help. Look for drop steps or adjustable-height options. Rock sliders with kick-out steps work well on heavily modified trucks.

Off-Road Use?

Every inch of ground clearance matters on the trail. Running boards are liability — they'll catch on every rock and rut. Go with nerf bars (tucked tight to the body) or rock sliders (which actually help you slide over obstacles).

Daily Driver / Family Truck?

Running boards or power retractable boards. Your passengers will thank you, especially in parking lots and at school drop-offs.

Work Truck?

Heavy-duty running boards or step bars. You're climbing in and out dozens of times a day — durability and a wide step surface matter most. Look for slip-resistant treads.

Installation Considerations

• Mounting: Most bolt to existing factory holes or rocker panel mounting points. No drilling required on most trucks.
• Weight: Steel nerf bars and running boards add 40-80 lbs. Aluminum saves weight but costs more. Factor this into your payload.
• Width: Wider running boards provide more step surface but also stick out further and reduce approach angles.
• Material: Stainless steel resists rust best. Powder-coated mild steel is affordable but will eventually rust in salt-belt states. Aluminum won't rust but can corrode.

Combo: Nerf Bars + Running Boards

Browse our combined nerf bars and running boards selection to see all options side by side. Many manufacturers offer matching styles within a product line, so you can mix and match based on your needs — perhaps a running board for the driver side (easy entry) and a nerf bar for the passenger side (rock protection).

Bottom Line

There's no wrong choice — it depends on how you use your truck. For off-road, go nerf bars. For daily driving, go running boards. For the best of both worlds, go retractable. Browse our full side step selection to find the right fit.