Running Boards, Nerf Bars, Truck Steps, and Rock Sliders

Whether your truck, Jeep, or SUV is an off-roader, daily driver, or weekend workhorse, a good set of running boards, nerf bars, truck steps, or rock sliders can be a smart, practical upgrade. Better still, they can give your truck or SUV a slick custom look. There are options for many popular models, like the Ford F-150 and Ranger, Dodge/Ram, Jeep Wrangler, Gladiator, and Cherokee XJ, Toyota 4Runner and Tacoma, and Chevy Silverado—many install using factory mounting points, requiring little to no permanent modifications to the truck or SUV.

Learn about the differences between each upgrade below, and then you can start shopping for the best running boards, side steps, rock sliders, or nerf bars for your ride today.

Running Boards

Want an easy way to bolt-on a custom vibe to your rig? A set of running boards for your truck or SUV is a good answer. A quality pair of running boards can supply an easy step-up into the truck cab, which is particularly handy if you’re running a lift kit. On the flipside, running boards are a great complement to a lowered street machine, where some slick ground effects can add to a perfectly “slammed” look. Better still, electric running boards are available with powered, retractable arms that’ll pull the running boards up out of harm’s way when it’s time to tackle the trails.

Nerf Bars & Side Steps

Also known as truck steps, these helpful step bars give you a solid leg-up into your truck or SUV’s passenger compartment. While that means they’re a great match for a suspension lift, side step rails are equally helpful if you’re reaching up to access a roof rack as well. The fact that nerf bars look cool is just icing on the cake here. Side steps, nerf bars, step rails—whatever you call them, they’re often one of the first upgrades a truck or SUV owner installs, as it enhances both the look and practicality of the vehicle.

Rock Sliders

Spend much time off-road and you’ll see how vital a durable set of rock sliders are. Bolted up near the truck or SUV’s rocker panels, rock sliders offer critical body protection from large trail obstacles. Rock sliders are designed to handle the abuse of logs and boulders far better than your vehicle body’s sheetmetal ever will. While they’re essential for serious off-road trucks and SUVs with a frame, they’re particularly important on a unibody off-roader like a Cherokee XJ to maintain the rig’s structural integrity and help you finish the ride safely. As an added bonus, many rock sliders can also serve as a good set of side steps and provide a supplemental jacking point for trail repairs.