If you’re the owner of a pickup truck, you have probably heard at least one complaint about how difficult it is to get in and out of. Perhaps the lady wears high heels. Imagine the struggle she must have getting into your truck without looking like a fool. Do the kiddos ride in your pickup? Think of the running leap they need to get in! Running boards and nerf bars can both alleviate this problem, but are they created equally? Let’s take a look at the similarities and differences between the two.

Nerf Bars

When you hear “nerf” you probably think of something made of soft foam like Nerf gun darts. Why on earth are the shiny chrome steps on the side of pickups called Nerf bars when there is nothing soft about them? “Nerf” is also a term used in the racing industry when two vehicles rub against each other. Nerf bars actually come from the racing industry as a line of defence to prevent the tires of two vehicles from rubbing together at such high speeds. Basically, they acted like the bumper on a bumper car, but they weren’t supposed to hit other cars. The nerf bar was adapted for pickup trucks over the years because they could be used as steps to get into the racecars and someone thought “hey…. That would be so useful for my very tall truck.” BOOM. The nerf bar as we know it was born.

Running Boards

Running boards came from carriages, trolleys, and buses from back in the day. The running boards ran the length of the vehicle and acted as steps to make it easier to get in and out of. As cars came into the picture, their frame was much higher than they are today, so they also featured running boards. Cars lost their running boards as their construction became more low-profile, but pickup trucks adopted the running board to assist passengers when getting in or out. Today, running boards are a common truck accessory, especially for those with big trucks and small passengers.

Whats the Difference?

Our Top Picks

Westin HDX Stainless Steel Drop Step Wheel to Wheel Nerf Step Bars

The Westin HDX Steel Drop Step Nerf Bar is a great choice! The bars are made from stainless steel and painted black with a powder coating. The steps drop lower than the nerf bar itself, making it even easier to enter and exit your truck. The plates on the steps are removable for easy cleaning so you can get rid of any mud, dirt, snow, or ice. The Westin HDX features a third step that allows for bed access. This step is customized for each truck model so that you can reap the benefits no matter what pickup you drive. This nerf bar can be installed drill-free, so you’ll have your step installed in no time. Check out this nerf bar here: Westin HDX Stainless Steel Drop Step Wheel to Wheel Nerf Step Bars

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Go Rhino RB20 Black Cab Length Running Boards With Four Drop Steps

Nerf Bars are nice but sometimes you need the solid and wide platform a running board provides. With the Go Rhino RB20 running board, you still have the aggressive styling of a black nerf bar with the added features of a wide and flat stepping area with no gaps to catch heels or toes. Installing a running board gives you the added benefit of protecting the rocker panels and door bottoms from mud, rocks, and other debris. You can get the Go Rhino RB20 in a black powder coating, or coated with the same material used for spray-on bedliners. Use the included drop steps for taller or lifted trucks to make getting in and out a breeze. Be a truck hero to your friends and family and make it easy for them to enjoy your truck like you do by installing a set of Go Rhino running board truck side steps. Check them out: Go Rhino RB20 Black Cab Length Running Boards With Four Drop Steps

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We hope this article has helped you see the difference between two of the most popular truck accessories - nerf bars and running boards. Both serve a valuable purpose and can make your truck life easier. If you have a lady or kids, some form of truck step is a must-have, so consider these two options. Leonard Truck Accessories has all of the nerf bars and running boards you could need, so get some today!