Material: For any car accessory, you need to consider the material used for its construction to get an idea about its build quality. Checking the material of the running board before making the purchase will let you know about the expected lifespan of the unit and whether it is the right choice for your vehicle and driving type or not. To help you with that, we will be specifying the material with all of our choices. Size: The one factor that affects the compatibility and application of these running boards is their size. The first thing that you should check is its overall length as it tells you if it can fit your car or not. Other than that, you should also see if it offers a good footrest or not by checking its width. While having a wide running board will surely offer better footing, it can be problematic when you are trying to park in a compact space. Type of Running Board: There are a couple of different types of running boards available on the market and choosing the right option for your car is certainly an important factor. The traditional design for running boards has always offered a flushed installation against your vehicle’s door. But, there are newer and more efficient designs on the market such as a hoop step board that offer much better results in comparison.
There are a lot of brands on the market that offer 3rd party vehicle accessories, and that is on top of what you will find from the official manufacturer of the vehicle you own. As a result, you will find a lot of options when you are looking for a common accessory such as a running board for your car. To help you find the right option quickly, we are gathering the best running boards that you can find on the market right now. We also have a “Buying Guide” for the best running board so make sure you check that out before making a choice.
Best Running Boards List
Best Running Boards Reviews
1. Tyger Running Boards
If you think compatibility might be a problem in your case, you should go with a popular running board option for your car that thousands of car owners are already using. Therefore, we are bringing this option from Tyger Auto to our picks. When it comes to car accessories, there are only a few options like the Tyger Auto Running Board that are preferred by thousands of buyers. Hence, it is our first choice for this list. The Tyger Auto Running Board is designed for a wide range of cars, including Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra, Silverado, Crew Cabs, and many other popular models. And, it is also made up of alloy steel for better build quality. The Tyger Auto Running Board is constructed using an oval tube pipe with around 3.5 inches of surface for sure footing. The entire body of the Tyger Auto Running Board is basically a seamless pipe so that you won’t find any weaker points on its periphery. Even the installation of the Tyger Auto Running Board is quite easy and does not require you to drill holes. It can be easily fitted on compatible vehicles using the bolt-on installation method. Best Features
It is made up of Alloy Steel 5 inches width available Weighs about 46.9 lbs Made up of a seamless tube
Pros
Popular choice with great compatibility Suitable with almost all 4 full-sized door cars Comparatively cheaper than many other choices
Cons
Weight carrying capacity could have been better
2. Auto 6 Inches Running Boards
Auto Dynasty also has a popular option on this list that is currently installed on thousands of cars out there. This is a rather wider option and is best suited for commercial vehicles. In 2nd place, we have the Auto Dynasty Running Board. This is also one of the popular choices on this list and favors a lot of vehicle models such as Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra, and various crew cab models. In this set, you will receive 2 running boards, both of which are chrome polished to avoid rust and corrosion issues. The weight capacity of the Auto Dynasty Running Board is especially good since it is made up of stainless steel. It can sustain up to 350 lbs weight without any problem. And with the stainless steel design, you also get added environmental protection. On the top surface, you will also notice ABS plastic cover and caps to offer a secure grip. The overall length of the Auto Dynasty Running Board is about 84 inches, making it suitable for large cuts. Best Features
It is made up of Stainless Steel 6 inches width available Weighs about 43 lbs Weight capacity is about 350 lbs
Pros
Quite a popular choice Offers 84 inches total length Chrome finish on top for longer reliability
Cons
Design could have been better
3. COMNOVA 6 Inches Running Boards
COMNOVA AUTOPART is also a brand that only deals with essential vehicle accessories such as a running board. COMNOVA AUTOPART supplies compatible accessories for Chevy, Ford, Toyota, Dodge, and many other popular car manufacturers. In the 3rd position, we have the COMNOVA AUTOPART Running Board. This is a rather special option on our list since it is probably the most reliable option you will find today. Even though it is a relatively cheaper option, the COMNOVA AUTOPART Running Board offers about 500 lbs weight capacity, making it one of the strongest choices on the market. And with stainless steel construction, it weighs just short of 50 lbs. Apart from the heavy-duty steel construction, the COMNOVA AUTOPART Running Board also features anti-slip covering on top for the entire 6 inches of footing area. The high weight carrying capacity is admirable, especially since it does not require any holes on the chassis for installation. The new and innovative design of the COMNOVA AUTOPART Running Board allows you to adjust its position as per your comfort. Best Features
It is made up of Stainless Steel 6 inches width available Weighs about 46.9 lbs Adjustable design
Pros
One of the strongest options on this list Weight carrying capacity is 500 lbs Non-welded design to avoid failure
Cons
Not suitable if you need a compact option
4. YITAMOTOR 6 Inches Running Boards
Compatibility of a running board is usually an issue with SuperCrew Cab vehicle models. Therefore, we are bringing this option on our list from YITAMOTOR which is specifically designed for SuperCrew Cab models. The YITAMOTOR Running Board is the best solution for you if you own a SuperCrew Cab car model. This model is best fit for Ford F150, Ford F250, or Ford F350 models. It also installs easily on the car using the bolt-on design, avoiding any unnecessary permanent changes in the chassis. So, you can get the YITAMOTOR Running Board installed within an hour. The YITAMOTOR Running Board is made up of a combination of aluminum and ABS material to offer great strength, lightweight design, and a secure grip on the top. With that, you will get about 450 lbs weight capacity on this running board. The aluminum used for the construction for YITAMOTOR Running Board is pre-treated to avoid rust and corrosion problems completely. And the single-piece design of the board ensures its strength and reliability. Best Features
It is made up of Aluminum & ABS 6 inches width available Weighs about 37.5 lbs Single-unit design for longer lifespan
Pros
Considerably lightweight option It offers about 450 lbs weight capacity Great choice for SuperCrew Cabs
Cons
Not compatible with Super Cabs or regular cabs
5. AUTOSAVER88 6 inches Running Boards
AUTOSAVER88 is also a great choice of brand if you are looking for an affordable range of vehicle accessories such as headlights, tail lights, towing mirrors, etc. It also has an affordable running board that you should check out. The AUTOSAVER88 Running Board is yet another affordable option from our selection of the best running boards on the market. This running board is a special option since it is made up of heavy-duty ABS plastic that is coating the aluminum alloy body. As a result, this becomes one of the most lightweight running boards, weighing only 33.4 lbs. Still, it offers a weight capacity of about 450 lbs which is higher than many other premium choices. As for compatibility, the AUTOSAVER88 Running Board is the right fit for Jeep Wrangler 2018 to 2023 models. As it is completely coated by ABS, there are no chances of environmental problems like rust or corrosion. AUTOSAVER88 also includes a comprehensive instructions manual along with the board to help you with the installation. Best Features
It is made up of Heavy Duty ABS and aluminum alloy 6 inches width available Weighs about 33.4 lbs Weight carrying capacity is about 450 lbs
Pros
Great design and construction quality Safely coated by heavy duty ABS Wide footing area
Cons
Size can be problematic since it is not adjustable
6. ONINE 7 inches Running Boards
As running boards are also used as an aesthetic accessory, a lot of buyers look for a good design on the running board. Therefore, we are putting this option from ONINE on this list. The ONINE CRB830110 Clutch Running Board is one of the unique running boards that we have selected for this list. It is a custom-fit model specifically designed for Chevy Silverado, Gmc Sierra, and other crew cab car models. Along with the alloy steel construction, these boards also have a powder-coated top surface for added protection. You will also notice a slotted pattern on the board to offer added grip on the footing area. Though it is a comparatively premium choice, the ONINE CRB830110 Clutch Running Board is still one of the strong choices on this list, offering weight carrying capacity of up to 500 lbs. And for that, ONINE is offering a lifetime warranty period on the CRB830110 Clutch Running Board. The 3-layer design of these running boards surely offers a great set of benefits, but with the drawback of a heavier design. Best Features
It is made up of Alloy Steel 7 inches width available Weighs about 58 lbs 3-layer design for added benefits
Pros
Great choice for the price Offers very high weight carrying capacity Reliable and unique design
Cons
Comparatively heavier than other options
7. DNA 6 inches Running Boards
There is a lot of competition on the market when it comes to 6 inches wide running boards. Even though there are a lot of good options, not all options are as reliable as the one made by DNA Motoring. The DNA Motoring STEPB-ZTL-8017 is a stainless steel running board designed for Silverado Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD models released between 2007 to 2019. This is a 6 inches running board with a chromium finish and black powder-coated top surface for better grip. With stainless steel, you also get the advantage of added durability and corrosion resistance. The weight carrying capacity of the DNA Motoring STEPB-ZTL-8017 ranges up to 350 lbs which is not bad, especially since it has a great design and wide footing area. You will also receive vehicle-specific mounting brackets with the DNA Motoring STEPB-ZTL-8017 to avoid problems at the time of installation. It is also a rather lightweight model since it weighs only about 43 lbs. Best Features
It is made up of Stainless Steel 6 inches width available Weighs about 43 lbs Easy to install
Pros
Specifically designed for various models of Silverado Sierra Black powder coating for added reliability Strong construction and weight capacity
Cons
Not as versatile as other running board models
8. Snailfly Running Boards
As we are talking about premium models for a running board, let us talk about a great choice from Snailfly. It can be the perfect running board for your car for decades to come with its strong design and build quality. The Snailfly Running Board is a rather premium running board making it to our list of the best running boards as it is the best option for Ford Explorer models launched after 2020. It covers almost all trims for the lineup such as base model, ST, XLT, and even the limited ST-Line models. To maintain its aesthetic appeal the Snailfly Running Board is limited to 4.13 inches width. As for the quality, the Snailfly Running Board is made up of aluminum and ABS to offer both, reliable build quality and a safe and secure footing platform. With that, you will get up to 350 lbs weight capacity from the Snailfly Running Board which is pretty good considering its width is nearly 30% narrower than other standard models. Best Features
It is made up of Aluminum 13 inches width available Weighs about 29.2 lbs Great design and build quality
Pros
Made up of high-quality aluminum alloy Weight capacity is pretty good for the size Perfect fit for Ford Explorer models
Cons
Very expensive choice compared to other running boards
9. TAC TRUCK 4 inches Running Boards
There are many options on the market that are not as popular as others, but offer a pretty good set of features for an affordable vehicle accessory. TAC TRUCK ACCESSORIES COMPANY is also one such brand that makes a durable running board. The TRUCK ACCESSORIES COMPANY Running Board is also a 4 inches slim running board on our list that offers a great look to your vehicle along with offering a durable and strong platform at the bottom of your door. This is designed for the Ranger Super Cab models launched between 2019 to 2022. This is also a different choice than the rest of the options on this list as it is made up of mild steel. As for the design, you will notice that the structure of the TRUCK ACCESSORIES COMPANY Running Board is not flushed to the edge of the vehicle body. Instead, it has a slight gap between the end of the board and the vehicle for a better look. This is a perfect option for many Super Cab models, having 2 full-sized doors. Best Features
It is made up of Mild Steel 4 inches width available Weighs about 40.6 lbs It has 3-year warranty period
Pros
Unique design aspect Easy installation procedure Narrow and stylish step pads
Cons
Not compatible with SuperCrew Cab models
10. oEdRo 6.5 Inches Running Boards
OEDRO is also offering a unique model for a running board that you will surely like if you are into bold designs. Other than that, it is also one of the widest running boards on the market. A lot of users find even the 6 inches wide running board inefficient, especially for a commercial car with a regular traffic of passengers. If you are also struggling with the same, we have just the right running board for you. The OEDRO Running Board is a pretty great pick from our list as it has a 6.5 inches wide footing area and it introduces a weight capacity of up to 450 lbs. The board itself is made up of a combination of aluminum and stainless steel. And with that, it manages to maintain a strong build quality and body weight of about 44.9 lbs. The looks and design of the OEDRO Running Board is quite bold and fits perfectly for a similarly rugged and heavy duty truck such as a Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra. You will also notice stamped stainless steel pads on the OEDRO Running Board for added grip and secure footing. Best Features
It is made up of Aluminum & Stainless Steel 5 inches width available Weighs about 46.9 lbs 450 lbs weight capacity
Pros
Great choice for heavy-duty trucks Perfect option for commercial vehicles Great weight capacity
Cons
Size may be problematic for smaller cuts
11. APS 6 inches Running Boards
If you would rather go with a simple and basic model for a running board, the following option from APS might be worth checking out. APS is also a brand that only designs a wide range of vehicle accessories. The APS iBoard Running Board is also a standard 6 inches wide running board on our list that offers a great set of features suitable for its premium price range. It is made up of aluminum and coated with black powder coating for added reliability. The build quality of the APS iBoard Running Board is certainly better than most of its competitors as it is made up of Aircraft grade 6061-T6 aluminum. With that, it manages to maintain a weight capacity of 500 lbs. And the board itself weighs only 46.2 lbs which is pretty much the same as other standard options. There are many other practical additions made to the design of the APS iBoard Running Board that are missing from other models such as raised mud guards, full-length grip tread, single-piece design, etc. Best Features
It is made up of Aluminum 6 inches width available Weighs about 46.2 lbs Weight capacity is up to 500 lbs
Pros
One of the strongest options on this list Made up of Aircraft grade 6061-T6 aluminum Simple yet elegant design aspect
Cons
Comparatively more expensive than other choices
12. SMANOW Running Boards
In the end, we are bringing yet another unique option for a running board on this list. The running board made by SMANOW is definitely the right choice for sports vehicles and off-roading enthusiast. Finishing up our picks for the best running boards is the SMANOW Running Board. This running board is a perfect option for heavy-duty sports vehicles since its design only consists of seamless pipes curved around the length with a minimal flat footing area. But you will still get approximately 6 inches of maximum width on the board considering the total footing area. The SMANOW Running Board goes best with Dodge Ram 1500 models launched between 2002 to 2008. To offer a heightened reliability, the SMANOW Running Board is made up of carbon steel and offers up to 450 lbs weight capacity along with the body weight of only 40 lbs. And since carbon steel is used for its construction, it offers pretty solid resistance to corrosion and rust. When it comes to looks and appearance, the SMANOW Running Board certainly has an edge over other options with circular tube structure unlike other options that offer a flat, rectangular surface. Best Features
It is made up of Carbon Steel 6 inches width available Weighs about 46.9 lbs One of the best options for a sports truck
Pros
Unique design and appearance Great weight capacity Goes well with off-roading vehicles
Cons
Not the best option for commercial cars
Buying Guide For The Best Running Boards
All car accessories have a certain function and they must be perfectly compatible with your car’s manufacturer and model to allow a perfect installation. Therefore, finding the right running board for your car can get a little bit confusing, especially now when there are hundreds of options available out there. However, you can always find the right one for your car by considering a few key aspects and comparing various options in your budget based on that. To help you with that, we have prepared this helpful buying guide for the best running boards. In this guide, we will talk about some important features of running boards that will not only guide you about the compatibility of the board with your car but also let you know if that’s the right product for your car. So, make sure you check all of the factors mentioned here before you make a choice.
1. Type of Running Board
As we mentioned earlier, there are various types of running boards available on the market and statistically speaking, not all options can be the right one for you based on compatibility and desired usage. So, you should first decide what type of running board you want for your car before you start looking at available options. There are mainly 3 types of running boards commonly available that are as follows.
2. Plank Running Board
These are the most basic types of running boards that are easily compatible with a wide range of makes and models. A plank running board is simply a long, flat piece of metal that will follow the end-to-end length of your vehicle. The benefit of installing such a unit is the fact that they are comparatively cheaper and offer great protection against debris. You will also find a decent width on a plank running board.
3. Nerf Bars
Nerf bars, as the name suggests, are bars instead of boards. These are cylindrical tubes of metal that can be installed on the side of the car to assure sure footing when you are trying to get in or out of the vehicle. Due to reduced width, nerf bars also eliminate the problems that you may observe otherwise while going through a compact space. Although, it is not the best option since metal parts can get slippery and won’t offer a sure footing, especially around winter.
4. Side Steps
Side steps are considered the best option for a lot of buyers. These are basically steps that you can install below your car’s door to allow safe and secure footrests for the passenger. They also offer a pretty wide footrest so that you won’t have to worry about safety after installing a sidestep. However, side steps are usually more compact and aren’t available in sizes long enough to cover wheel to wheel length of your car. While it may be an advantage for some, it can be a dealbreaker for commercial vehicles.
5. Design
While you are checking out the running board, make sure you also take a look at its design and surface quality to ensure if it’s worth installing in your case. A lot of manufacturers introduce creative designs to the boards to increase the footing grip while reducing the space coverage. For that, you will need a slip-resistant surface on the running board, preferably made out of rubber. It also helps if the footing area has a permanent textured surface to offer a better grip.
6. Construction & Build Quality
As for the construction and build quality, you need to carefully check the material used for the construction of the running board. This is generally the most important factor since it directly affects the reliability of the running board. To ensure good build quality, running boards are usually made up of metal such as aluminum, stainless steel, or even carbon steel. You can also find some affordable options made up of high-quality plastic or ABS that have the benefit of a lightweight design which is important for heavy-duty vehicles.
7. Weight Capacity
The weight capacity is also a factor that can affect the safety standards of the running board especially if you have a commercial vehicle. Any standard running board should have a weight capacity of 300 lbs, if not higher to be on the safe side. It will ensure rigid construction and resistance to deformation even if multiple adults are using the running board simultaneously. Some premium options also offer up to 500 lbs weight capacity, which is always a better choice if you are going for a premium option. The overall weight capacity varies based on the material used for the running boards. It also changes for various types of running boards so make sure you keep that in mind.
8. Compatibility
Lastly, we will suggest you check out the compatibility of the running board with your car before you make the purchase. If you find all the factors mentioned above as per your liking, it won’t be the right option for you if it simply does not fit the length of your car. To help you with that, a lot of manufacturers mentioned the suitable car manufacturer and model along with the running board. In most cases, the 3rd party manufacturers design the running board in such a way that they can offer a wide range of compatibility with popular car models. Still, it is worth checking out the compatibility before making a choice rather than going through the hassle of replacing the unit afterward.
Conclusion
There are a lot of different types of trucks or SUVs available on the market, each having a different ground clearance based on the design and preferred terrain type for the car. In a lot of cases, the higher ground clearance makes it difficult for passengers to get in or out of the car, especially old folks, and kids. So, you will have to add an additional step or a plank below your car’s door to avoid such problems.
For that, a running board will be an ideal choice for your car. In this guide, you will find all of the best options for a running board that you can find on the market right now. We have carefully picked up these options based on their advantages and the overall quality of the product. You can know more about the important qualities of running boards in our buying guide. Lastly, we will give you some quick recommendations handpicked from this set.
If you want a durable option within an affordable price range, we will suggest going with the Auto 6 Inches Running Boards. This is a great option made up of steel which is cheaper than many ABS and plastic options on the market. You will get about 6 inches of width on the board for sure footing and the overall length of the board is about 84 inches. This board is designed for various Chevy models such as Silverado 1500 2007-2018, Silverado 2500HD 3500HD 2007-2019, and even Crew Cab 2007-2019. It also has about 350 lbs weight capacity which is pretty good. On the other hand, the Snailfly Running Boards is a pretty good choice if you want a lightweight yet reliable choice for the running board. The Snailfly Running Board is made up of aluminum, granting the benefit of a lightweight design as it weighs only 29 lbs. But, it still has a weight carrying capacity of about 350 lbs, leaving no doubts about the strength or build quality of the board. And to increase the aesthetic appeal of the board, Snailfly has also implemented a black powder-coated surface on the board that goes well with a lot of paints and designs. Lastly, we will suggest the AUTOSAVER88 6 inches Running Boards since it also has a pretty good weight capacity. Thus, you can rely on the lightweight design of the board and its compatibility with a wide range of vehicle models such as Jeep Wrangler models designed north of 2018. The AUTOSAVER88 Running Board also offers a weight capacity of about 450 lbs, which is pretty good considering it has an ABS plastic exterior along with an aluminum build. The installation of the AUTOSAVER88 Running Board is also pretty simple and you can also install the board yourself as it comes with an instruction manual.
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