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Truck Steps vs Running Boards: What's the Difference?
Trucks aren't always easy to climb into, especially lifted vehicles. Fortunately, you have options to make the climb more manageable. These accessories are known as truck steps, nerf bars, and running boards.
When you need a new truck step or running board, Leonard Accessories has all of the options you want.
What are Running Boards?
Running boards usually run along the entire cabin of your truck. They're flat and tend to have a rectangle shape. Running boards are usually almost flush with the cabin of your vehicle too, which gives you more space to step.
Running boards are also higher off the ground and that protects them from road debris and damage that occurs during off-roading. The height of running boards also makes it easier to reach your vehicle's roof.
What are Truck Steps?
Truck steps may run along the entire cabin of your truck, under individual cabin doors, or under the bumper. The stepping surface for a truck step is more limited and will only contain traction pads in a small area. Ultimately, truck steps are only for quickly stepping into your vehicle and don’t have a lot of real estate for standing around much.
On average, truck steps sit lower to the ground. The lack of ground clearance makes them easier to climb but more susceptible to damage from driving off-road.
The Main Differences
Running boards and truck steps have a few key differences. The biggest difference is that running boards are wider and give you more room to place your foot. Having more standing room makes it easier to mount things to your roof or add things to your roof rack.
Another key difference is that truck steps are lower to the ground when compared to running boards, on average. While this makes it easier to climb into your truck, they're more susceptible to damage during off-roading. Running boards may also be motorized to automatically lower the step and retract underneath when the doors are closed.
The last thing to note is that running boards are typically more expensive than truck steps.
Our Favorite Truck Steps and Running Boards
Truck steps and running boards are both viable options for your 4x4. Leonard Accessories has several running boards and truck steps with the best options listed below.
1. ARIES ActionTrac Power Running Boards
ARIES ActionTrac Power Running Boards are the most high-tech options on the market. ActionTrac running boards are made with powder coated 6061-T6 aluminum, which is durable enough to handle 650 pounds. What's more, the aluminum design offers sleek styling and protection for your truck's rocker panels.
ActionTrac Running Boards are strong but what sets them apart is the hardware. To function, they require a connection to the battery and the step drops down the second you open the door. The three-inch step drops a total of eight inches, which is the best in the industry. There are also LED lights to help you see at night and the electronics are protected inside.
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2. AMP Research PowerStep Retractable Running Boards
AMP Research PowerStep Retractable Running Boards are high-end steps for your truck. They're fully retractable and made with premium materials like die-cast aluminum-alloy components. Furthermore, these aluminum components are coated with a military-grade coating that protects the running board, your truck's rocking panels, and the electronics inside the running boards. The study design helps these running boards support up to 600 pounds.
AMP Research PowerStep Retractable Running Boards also come with some unique features. LED lights turn on at night to guide you into your vehicle and the step lowers down automatically when you open the door. Many components within the running board are also self-lubricating, which increases the lifespan of the running board.
3. Go Rhino Receiver Mounted Universal Truck Step
The Go Rhino Receiver Mounted Universal Truck Step is a simple and affordable step for your truck or SUV. You can choose from a 1.5-inch receiver or a two-inch receiver, which makes it a flexible option. To add to its flexibility, you can mount the Go Rhino truck step to your bumper or to the side of your vehicle to access the roof racks.
Go Rhino Receiver Mounted Universal Truck Steps also provide some additional protection for your truck's bumpers. These truck steps are available in chrome or black, which makes it easy to match your vehicle. Go Rhino products also don't require any tools to install, so they're beginner-friendly.
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4. Carr Super Hoop Truck Step Black
The Carr Super Hoop Truck Step Black is one of the nicer-looking products available. It has a black finish that matches most vehicles and it gives your truck a more off-road-style appearance. On the surface of the steps, there is also a rugged non-slip surface that gives you traction for stepping and the rugged look further enhances your vehicle's appearance.
Looks aside, the Carr Super Hoop Truck Step is durable and easy to work with. It's made with cast aluminum alloys that have corrosion-resistant coatings. For mounting, it comes with exclusive multi-mount technology that makes it easy to install almost anywhere on your vehicle.
5. Bestop TrekStep Side-Mount Truck Bed Step
The Bestop TrekStep Side-Mount Truck Bed Step is a simple product that helps you climb into your vehicle. It's made with solid linking arms that are made with die-cast aluminum alloy that can withstand up to 400 pounds. That said, what makes it unique is how far it drops down. It drops down a total of six inches, which is more than most truck bed steps on the market.
The Bestop TrekStep Side-Mount Truck Bed Step is also easy to work with. You can store it under the side of your bed and it works when the tailgate is open or closed. Furthermore, installation only takes about 15 minutes and it comes with a three-year warranty.
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