Should You Get Step Bars or Running Boards?
Both step bars and running boards create an additional step to make entering and exiting your truck or SUV easier. These truck steps are ideal for people with taller vehicles and can provide additional safety and accessibility. Running boards are a flat surface, wide enough for a whole foot to rest on comfortably. The boards will run along the side of your truck, offering a step for the front seat, backseat, and easier access to the roof. Step bars are similar, with a lower profile than boards. The bars are attached close to the vehicle’s body and are made of metal. The bar is thick enough to act as a step, but it is much narrower than a running board. The two different steps are both attached to your truck and offer assistance with getting in and out of the vehicle. Continue reading to learn about the pros of running boards and whether or not they’re the right truck accessories for you.
Easier Access for Your Truck
Roof rack systems are sometimes difficult to reach with larger pickup trucks. For those who utilize racks for camping, cargo boxes, or have other useful rooftop accessories, running boards are extremely helpful. With truck running boards, you have much easier access to the roof of your vehicle and don’t have to awkwardly climb onto a seat inside the truck to reach the roof. Because a lot of pickup trucks and 4×4 vehicles are larger, some shorter passengers may struggle to enter and exit the cab. With running boards, or even a side step, shorter drivers and riders are less likely to get injured. For drivers who frequently ride with children in the truck, running boards make a big difference. Having running boards or other similar step-up accessories installed makes accessing your truck easier for all.
Running Boards Protect Vehicles from Debris
Running boards have a wide, flat profile, and because they’re attached along the side of your truck, they can reduce debris from getting kicked up. When driving a 4×4 or pickup, road debris can get launched up by your tires and hit your vehicle. It’s common for rocks and other road debris on highways to cause damage to the paint on fast-moving vehicles. With running boards attached, some of that debris will get blocked. The running boards act as a shield from rocks and other flying pieces that come from the ground. Not only will boards protect your truck from debris, but they can also act as a side bumper, preventing other vehicles from bumping into and scratching your paint. Running boards also offer a unique way to brush off mud, dirt, and other debris from your shoes. While getting into vehicles, drivers and passengers can scrape the bottom of their shoes clean, preventing mud and other debris from being tracked into the interior of the vehicle.
Choosing the Right 4×4 Accessories
Choosing the right accessories for your 4×4 or pickup is important when customizing your own build. Trails West is the biggest 4×4 store in the entire Midwest, offering accessories of all kinds. From running boards to tonneau covers, we have a massive inventory to help you find the accessories you need. You can stop by our showroom near Columbus, Ohio, or make an appointment to speak with one of our sales members on our showroom floor.
When choosing the right truck steps for your 4×4, you have to know what options are available. Firstly, you want to find a design that is compatible with your vehicle. Not only does that include the visual style and look of the running boards, but also whether the type of running board can physically fit onto your truck. Understanding the materials available can help narrow down your choices. Think about what use cases your vehicle has, and how you will be using your running boards to best determine what will work for you. If you want something extremely durable, stainless steel boards might be the best option. Other materials include aluminum, fiberglass, and molded plastics. Some running boards require more maintenance than others, so be sure to select boards that fit your ideal lifestyle as a 4×4 driver.
Potential Downsides to Adding Steps to Your Truck
There are some potential downsides to consider before installing running boards on your 4×4 or pickup truck. While running boards can shield your truck from debris and reduce paint scratches, the boards themselves can get pretty dirty, and even icy in the colder months. Mud, snow, and other debris can find their way onto your boards or side steps from either the roads or the bottom of your shoes. Running boards will need to be cleaned frequently, both for safety and to keep them in good condition. Running boards may not be a great fit if you tend to drive off-road, across rocky terrain, or on unusual paths. Because running boards attach to the side of a vehicle just below the doors, they will reduce clearance under your vehicle. If you’re driving off typical roads frequently, they may scrape the ground and become damaged quickly. While some may mention that running boards add weight or wind resistance, the impact is so minimal that it’s not really worth considering. Truck steps and similar accessories aren’t always necessary, but can be extremely helpful in certain circumstances.
Running Boards for Visual Appeal
When adding accessories to a custom 4×4 rig, you get to choose the style of your vehicle, whether it’s a fire engine red Jeep or a minimalist blacked-out pickup. Like a lot of exterior accessories, running boards can be customized to fit your vibe. Metal running boards provide a brighter look that sticks out against the paint of your truck, while plastic running boards may be more low-profile and blend in. If you need help narrowing down your search for step boards or bars, contact Trails West today.
Order Parts Through Trails West
Trails West proudly supplies the greater Columbus area with 4×4 accessories and parts. We provide truck accessories, jeep accessories, bed liners, truck caps, hitches, tinting, suspension kits, running boards, step bars, custom wheels, ties, tonneau covers, and more. Feel free to stop in our 36,000-square-foot showroom to look at many of the accessories we have available.