A popular addition to a truck or SUV is an aftermarket side step or running board. These items are a great solution for “vertically-challenged” folks who need to climb the heights of an F-150, Ram 1500, or similar high-riding vehicle.
Running boards go in and out of fashion. But they have recently become both stylish and practical. Vendors use different terms for running boards and side steps based on their intended purpose. Take note: Many sellers use these distinct terms interchangeably.
So, here’s a handy glossary to help you select the best aftermarket step for your rig.
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Hoop Steps
Hoop StepsThe simplest add-on solution is to install a hoop step below each door. A hoop step consists of a U-shaped component that bolts under the vehicle.
The extended section gives you enough room, about four to six inches, to plant a foot and rise into the passenger compartment. A hoop step, while simple, adds a new fixed component to your vehicle’s exterior. Other options below are retractable and don’t detract from the looks of a truck or SUV. Matte black and chrome are popular finishes for hoop steps.
Truck Bed Steps
A retractable truck bed step offer a way to reach the bed from the side of a pickup.
A variation of the hoop design is to place a step more to the rear of the vehicle—on the side of pickup bed rather than under the door. Most truck bed steps are manually retractable. When pulled out, it provides a step for reaching items in the bed or fully stepping over into the bed.
After you grab what you need, the truck bed step pivots back under the bed to avoid snagging anything as you drive.
Nerf Bars
A nerf bar is a bigger version of a hoop step. It usually takes the form of a rounded tube rather than a full-fledged board. But a nerf bar is bigger than the average hoop step. It extends the full length between the two wheel wells. In some cases, vendors offer a nerf bar with a padded non-slip rubber surface to maintain footing.
Nerf bars were originally used in race cars. “Nerf” is the term for when a racer bumps another car in an attempt to pass. The idea is to prevent a competitor’s wheel from making contact with your exposed wheels. Some truck owners install nerf bars to create a more rugged or performance aesthetic.
Running Boards
A running board typically is a longer flat panel that runs from one wheel well to the other. The broad platform is mostly designed to offer firm footing for getting in and out of a high vehicle. It’s usually made of lightweight aluminum or fiberglass.
Running boards often have a shape that conforms with a specific model to help the panel blend into the wheel well. But like hoop steps, running boards are a fixed addition. And they can lower your ground clearance, which is an issue for some off-road vehicles.
The retractable step pivots out when a door is opened
Retractable Side Steps for Trucks
If looks are a priority for you, you might consider an electrically powered retractable step. When you open the door, the step automatically slides out from under the cabin. Close the door, and the steps retract back out of the way. Some retractable steps only extend below the doorways, while others extend along the passenger compartment’s full length.
Some steps take advantage of electrical power to add a light to illuminate the steps. The newest versions might even offer an app that lets you control the step’s function from your phone. That’s slick.
If only one driver in your crew needs the step advantage, you can toggle the power system on and off to avoid unnecessary wear and tear to the motor. As you might expect, these controllable retractable systems are more expensive.
Lighted Side Steps for Trucks
Lights on a running board help passengers safely enter a car at night.
Do you like the idea of a lighted step? This function can be worth the price of a side step. eBay vendors offer many aftermarket side steps with built-in lights. There are also LED strips that you can wire to your truck and attach to the steps.
Some units offer white lights, amber illumination, and other colors. The white LEDs come on when you enter the vehicle, and the amber LEDs light up while on the road at night, or when using a turn signal. They can serve as an extra safety indicator for surrounding motorists and pedestrians.
A rock slider offers a step and protection to the body panels.
Rock Sliders
Rock sliders are designed to fit under the vehicle frame and cover the lowest portion of the body panels. These are designed for the off-road enthusiast who encounters boulders and tree stumps along a trail. Rock sliders are popular on Jeeps and similarly rugged outdoor cruisers.
The meaty portion of the tube is designed to take the punishment when sliding over rocks—hence, the name. Rock sliders are usually heavy-duty. Some, but not all, options add a step.
