Nerf Bars & Side Steps Research Guide

Advice on selecting the right side steps
Some quick advice on selecting the right side steps for your vehicle

When picking the right pair of nerf bars or running boards for your truck or SUV, think of the following side step features. It's best to consider:

Which side steps will look best on my vehicle?

Some side step styles look best on a particular vehicle type, though selecting a set of steps is also largely based on personal preference.

  • If you drive a full-size SUV, cab-length running boards will most likely look best on your ride. A number of big-name brands, such as Nasta, Stull, Lund, Dee Zee, Westin, ATS and BAK, craft top-notch running boards.
  • For mid and full-size trucks, nerf bars look best. For a stable set of nerf bars, look to OR-FAB, Go Rhino, Go Industries, ATS, Putco, Westin, Dee Zee, WAAG, T&H and Nasta to set you straight.
  • On full-size pickups and workhorse rigs, wheel-to-wheel nerf bars are ideal. Their extra length gives you fast access to your truck�s bed. Take a look at WAAG, Dee Zee, Westin, Nasta, Go Industries, Putco and Go Rhino for these elongated bars.
  • If you prefer color-matched style, select custom running boards, which are specially made by ATS.
  • When the added feature of lighted ends will add something to your vehicle's appearance, get lighted running boards. Check out Westin, BAK and ATS for these brilliant running boards.
  • For straight-up style without step pads or thick-diameter bars, get a subtle sport tube, which is made by Westin.

What length of side step do I need?

Both nerf bars and running boards come in different lengths to suit your needs. Extra step length can come in handy on any number of occasions.

  • If you want the standard size side step, select a cab-length nerf bar or running board.
  • For those who need frequent truck bed access or often climb into the bed, grab a set of wheel-to-wheel nerf bars.
  • Roof rack users will enjoy the extra step provided by a set of wheel-to-wheel nerf bars.
  • If you don't want steps running any length of your vehicle, or want to decide where to mount your steps and how many to add, grab a set of individual side steps.

What side step finish best matches my vehicle's looks and other accessories?

Black, polished or custom-painted step models are available. Pick the finish that best fits the rest of your vehicle's looks.

  • If you have a grille guard, tail light guard or roof rack, select nerf bars that match the same finish color.
  • When subdued looks are your vehicle's style, select a set of black nerf bars. You'll find these powerful black bars by peruse these companies: T&H, Aries, WAAG, Dee Zee, Go Industries, Westin, OR-FAB, Manik and Go Rhino.
  • Polished stainless steel nerf bars offer the flashiest side step looks. Get this gleam from Nasta, T&H, Dee Zee, Putco, Westin, Manik, Go Rhino and Go Industries.
  • For seamless color-matched style, grab a pair of paint-matched running boards by ATS.

How much weight capacity do I need?

Most any side step will provide the weight capacity you need for regular use. Keep in mind who you frequently bring along in your truck or SUV, and the weight rating of step that will meet those needs.

  • If 300 lbs capacity per tube is enough strength, select any set of nerf bars.
  • For extra strength and capacity, grab a set of reinforced running boards capable of holding 500 lbs of weight, like the BAK running boards.

We hope you have found our Nerf Bars & Side Steps Research Guide Center a good guide in helping you choose the best Nerf Bars & Side Steps for your vehicle. It is AutoAnything's goal to provide the most information on the Internet and through our Auto Accessory Specialists on every product we sell. If you have any information that you think could help improve this section, please email us at researchcenter@autoanything.com.