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Trails West: Ohio's Largest Custom Truck & 4x4 Super Center

Running Boards Columbus Ohio

4×4 Truck Accessories in Columbus Ohio

Located just outside of Columbus, Trail West is Central Ohio’s top shop for 4×4 accessories. Whether you’re looking to purchase side steps, running boards, trailer hitch systems, new wheels, or any other number of parts and accessories, come to our super center today.

We specialize in customizing 4x4s, trucks, and Jeeps. As a one-stop-shop our team can answer any questions you have, help determine the right accessories for your vehicle, and install it in-house. We make customizing 4x4s quick and easy and handle all of the logistics and installations so you can enjoy the rest of the process. If scheduled ahead of time we can often get parts and accessories installed in one day to provide the most convenient experience and reduce your wait time.

Contact us today with any questions or swing by our 36,000 sq. ft. facility to speak with someone!

4x4 Side Steps & Running Boards

4x4 Side Steps & Running Boards

When looking to upgrade your truck or 4×4 there are plenty of unique accessories to choose from. 4×4 Steps come in different styles for different functions, but mainly are utilized to lower the step into your truck’s cabin. For some vehicles running boards can be purchased in a retractable configuration. Retractable running boards are powered by your vehicle to tuck away when not in use. This is great for someone who doesn’t want the accessories of their truck to stick out, or if they plan to do off-roading and don’t want to sacrifice clearance of the vehicle. More sturdy steps may be rugged, made of more durable materials, and will better withstand wear and tear.

The Uses of Running Boards

Running boards are mainly designed to assist with accessibility for large trucks. These flat support bars are meant to provide a safe way for vehicle passengers to enter a large truck, especially when trucks are lifted with a suspension kit. A running board will likely have tread from front to read in order to provide a stable, flat step. The board can also assist in loading equipment onto a roof rack. Having a built-in step makes loading and unloading easier and safer.

Running boards also offer a unique benefit of shielding your truck from debris. Because running boards run along the entire side of a truck they can block debris from flying up and causing damage. These helpful truck accessories are flat and wide to allow passengers a place for solid footing, which also means they can block mud, rocks, and other potentially damaging debris. Running boards are a standard for many larger trucks, 4x4s, and SUVs and are one of the most common accessories for these vehicles.

The Uses of Running Boards
The Uses of Side Steps

The Uses of Side Steps

Side steps are designed to provide a single step into a truck or 4×4. Many standard size 4x4s that have stock suspension are low enough to allow a passenger to easily step into the vehicle. Larger 4x4s, and any 4×4 trucks that have suspension lift kits may be high enough off the ground to make stepping into the cab more difficult. Side steps can lower the entry point into a truck’s cab anywhere from a couple of inches to nearly a foot.

Not only are side steps convenient and make stepping up into your vehicle easier, but they also provide additional safety. These non-slip, treaded steps reduce the likelihood that someone will slip or fall, especially during the wintertime when the ground may be wet, icy, or covered in snow.

Similar to Running boards, side steps can also provide protection from debris while driving. Mud, rocks, saltwater, and other loose debris can be blocked by side steps. This additional protection can stop your side panels from getting damaged, and reduce the potential of rust accruing over years.

Step Finishes & Materials

Steps come in many different configurations and materials making it easy to select one that will fit naturally on your build. Stainless steel, carbon steel, and aluminum all have their own advantages, and unique styles. Different finishes provide different benefits as well. Powder coated, chrome plated, painted, and polished metal finishes have different durabilities. Some may not withstand certain weather conditions. Consult a Trails West employee to select the best option for you.
Step Finishes & Materials
What’s Best for Your 4x4?

What’s Best for Your 4x4?

In order to decide what works best for your custom build, it’s important to understand your personal needs. Are you looking for functionality, accessibility, personality, or a combination of different benefits that these accessories can provide. If you’re looking for a very sturdy step that provides easy accessibility into your truck’s cab, side steps are a great option. With a massive variety of different styles, specific side steps can be selected to match the exact look and style of your 4×4.

Running boards provide a much larger step that runs along the entirety of the truck’s cabin. Running boards are a much larger platform with a wide, flat surface to step up onto. These boards provide more stability for the user, and typically don’t stick out as much visually or physically. Overall deciding the best option comes down to your individual needs and how you want to customize your truck. Drive on over to the Trails West showroom outside of Columbus, Ohio to speak with a member of our staff, view our massive showroom, or have your vehicle worked on by our in-house mechanics team.

Central Ohio’s Best Custom 4×4 Shop

Deciding on aftermarket truck equipment, parts, and accessories is a big undertaking, especially when designing your first 4×4 custom build. Trails West offers a massively wide selection of parts and accessories to allow you complete customization of your truck. From adjusting the height of your vehicle, to installing custom underglow lighting we can walk you through all of the options and have your accessories installed quickly and efficiently.

Check out Our Parts & Accessories at Our Showroom

If you’re just starting to customize your truck and need assistance selecting parts and accessories, come talk to the staff at Trails West. We specialize in customizing 4x4s and will help translate your 4×4 dreams into a reality. We provide suspension kits, wheels, lights, liners, tires and wheels, hitches, and 4×4 steps bars. Drive over to our showroom just outside of Columbus to learn more about how Trails West can provide the right parts for you!

Monday-Friday 8a – 5p
Saturday 9a – 4p