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You’re tired of everybody complaining about climbing in and out of your truck. Your spouse nags you about it, your children thought it was fun until they got hurt, and even your in-laws refuse to ride with you (although, is that really a bad thing?). You’ve decided to make everyone happy by installing some nerf bars or running boards. And, you have to admit—you’re kind of looking forward to it as well. I mean, they do add extra style to your rig, and your knee has been bothering you lately.
When you’re in the market to purchase new truck steps, you face a tough decision. Running boards vs. nerf bars—which shall it be? Running boards and nerf bars are actually very similar. In fact, many people don’t even know the differences between the two. So, before you can make your decision, you need to evaluate what your needs are and choose the style that will meet them best.
The major difference between running boards and nerf bars is the length of the step pad. Running boards, like Romik Running Boards and Westin Running Boards, feature a slip-free stepping area that runs the entire length of the cab. Nerf bars, on the other hand, like the Westin Nerf Bars and Aries Nerf Bars, feature a slip-free stepping pad only below each seating row. And, they come in several different styles. You can choose wheel to wheel nerf bars which offer easy access to your cab as well as your truck bed, or you can pick oval nerf bars which widen the stepping area for you and your passengers.
Having trouble deciding which nerf bars and running boards brands are the best? Stick with names like Aries, Westin, Steelcraft, Go Rhino, and Lund for optimum strength and style. And, be sure to check out the customer reviews on our site. We have hundreds of reviews on all of our truck running boards and nerf bars. Plus, we even offer vehicle-specific reviews. So, you can search for reviews on running boards for the Toyota Tundra, or the best Ford F150 running boards. You can also search for reviews on a specific product, like the AMP Power Step Running Boards. We make it easy for you to see what numerous consumers are saying about their preferences when it comes to running boards vs. nerf bars for their vehicles.
Westin Platinum Oval Step Bars
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Aries Nerf Bars
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Romik Running Board Sidesteps
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ATS SL Running Boards
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Sale Price |
From $181.95 /pr |
From $144.95 /pr |
From $421.95 /pr |
From $277.95 /pr |
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Shipping |
Free Shipping |
Free Shipping |
Free Shipping |
Free Shipping |
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Current Offers |
ON SALE! |
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Customer Rating Price/Value Ease of Installation Quality Appearance |
(646) 
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(369)
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(140)
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Not Yet Rated |
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Available Colors |
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Available Light Kit |
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No |
No |
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Finish |
Black Polished |
Black Polished |
Black Polished |
Black Factory Paint Match |
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Fit |
Custom |
Custom |
Custom |
Universal Board with Custom Bracket |
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Length |
Cab Length |
Cab Length |
Cab Length |
Cab Length |
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Material |
Mild/Carbon Steel Stainless Steel |
Mild/Carbon Steel Stainless Steel |
Stainless Steel |
Aluminum |
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Shape |
Oval |
Round |
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Size |
4" |
3" |
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Warranty |
3-year warranty (black) Lifetime Warranty (polished) |
Lifetime Warranty |
Lifetime Warranty |
3-year warranty |
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Google+ |
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Reviewed by Jeremiah A (Natick, MA Reviewed for a 2007 Acura MDX—2011-01-24 12:36:53
These boards (stainless) look amazing on my wife's MDX; however, they would benefit greatly from an additional (center) mounting bracket like the OEM ones have -- the frame holes are already there, why not add another bracket to this kit? I'm 200 lbs and they flex quite a bit if I put any of my weight on them. Regardless...they still work great for both my 3-year old son and wife...my primary reasons for installing them. The install was fairly painless but for the floating L-bolts (4 of them) that bolt to body panel weeping holes. These are a bit of a pain as it is difficult to hold the mounting bracket, washer, and lock washer in place while threading the nut and trying to prevent the bolt from pushing up into the body panel -- by the fourth one I got the hang of it, but a third hand for this step would be very useful. If your car has any kind of rust on the bottom you best have a tap and die set on hand for this install, as I can see these mounting holes getting corroded very quickly. The bottom of my car is in great condition, yet several of the frame holes were starting to show signs of rust.
Asked by Anonymous A.
8/8/2012 6:08:21 PM
I have a 2012 Dodge Ram Crew cab.Does a crew cab have to be specified and the frame where I think it would have to be secured is farther in from the side of the truck than it looked to be in the video. So I woulg guess there is a larger bracket.
Answered by Nathan S. — 8/9/2012 6:02:58 PM
Thank you for your question, The Romik Running Boards will be specific to the cab size of your truck and will include the correct installation hardware to simplify installation. The pictures and videos listed may not represent your specific truck but are a sample of what to expect during the installation in most cases and a generalization of how the product fits.
Asked by Brenda G.
1/21/2012 4:55:48 PM
Will these fit my 2012 GMC Terrain? Does these come as a set and do all the necessary parts come with it to install on truck? When I was purchasing my GMC i asked the dealership at the time did it come equipped with running boards and they said no? So, will all parts be included to install on my truck?
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