10 Best Running Boards 2024 in the United States

Running boards are accessories that you attach along the sides of an automobile, to make getting into or out of the vehicle easier. They can be especially helpful to children or the elderly, who need that extra step to help them get inside the auto. There are running boards for vans, cars, pick-up trucks, and SUVs. They'll also differ according to the make of your vehicle. You'll also need to know what material is the most durable. And lastly, which color appeals to you the most. Here is a guide to some of the best running boards on the market.

• Nerf Bar: These are not strictly running boards, but they serve the same purpose: to allow easier access into the cabin of your vehicle. They consist of bars that are attached alongside your vehicle. There are two sections of the Nerf bar that are supplied with stepping pads—typically the stepping pads consist of some non-slip material, like rubber or polyethylene. You step on them to give yourself a boost into your auto.

• Regular running boards: Typical running boards run the entire length from the driver's door to the rear doors, and there is no gap between the board and the side of the vehicle. Running boards are typically 5 inches wide—that allows enough space to get a proper footing when trying to enter or exit the car.

• Drop-down running boards: These are running boards that drop down automatically when you open the door of your vehicle. When you close the door, the running board folds up out of sight underneath the side of the vehicle.

• Custom running boards: These are running boards that are made specially for a particular vehicle.  

Based on all the consumers' reviews we've scanned, these are the top things they mentioned about their new stuff:

• Help keep your vehicle clean: If there is mud on your shoes, the running board gives you a place where you can rub off the mud before entering your vehicle. That helps keep your auto clean.

• Avoid corrosion: One customer said that the if mud adheres to a metal running board, it could lead to corrosion. The Lund running board is made from chrome-plated steel, and is corrosion-resistant. It's recommended to attach mud flaps to the wheels, to keep the car's underside from getting muddy.

• Read directions before installing: Some people noticed that they can easily mix up the mounting brackets, putting them on backwards. So it's definitely worthwhile to look at the directions that come with the running board, to make sure everything is aligned properly.

• Materials: You can get running boards from aluminum, steel, or ABS plastic.

• Finish: There are a variety of finishes that are applied on running boards: aluminum, anodized silver, black, black/silver, chrome, or made to match the color of the auto.

• Shapes: Lund makes oval bent running boards and oval straight running boards.

• Attaching running boards: Cars usually have holes where you can attach the running board's mounting bracket. If your particular vehicle doesn't have any such holes, you'll have to drill them yourself. Installation can range from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Note: When you attach the bolts, don't tighten the bolts entirely on one end until you have inserted the bolt into the other end. This is to make sure there is a proper fit.

• Make sure it fits: Since running boards can be very specific to your make of vehicle, you have to make sure they fit before making a purchase.

• Running Lights: Spec-D Tuning makes special lights, called “running lights”, that attach to the running board. This makes it easier to see the running board at night, when trying to enter or exit.

• Weight capacity: How much weight can the running board support will depend very much on the make, but typically they can withstand 350 pounds of weight or more.

Lund—is a maker of automotive accessories. They were founded in 1965 in Anoka, Minnesota, but are presently based in Buford, Georgia. They make parts for light and heavy trucks, sport utility vehicles, crossover utility vehicles, vans and passenger cars. They make deflectors, tonneaus, running boards, storage boxes, floor liners, and more.

APS—stands for Auto Parts Specialist. They are makers of automobile accessories, making at first a wide variety of grilles, but they later expanded to fender trims, door mirrors, side bars, hitch receivers, and tonneau covers. They were founded in 2006, and are based in Ontario, California.

VioGi—are importers of auto parts, located in El Monte, California. They are makers of nerf bars for a wide variety of automobiles, as well as lighting solutions, insulation, bumpers, grilles, and more.

Spec-D Tuning—was founded in 2003 as makers of auto accessories and parts. They make lighting equipment for automobiles, as well as engine parts, suspension, and interior and exterior replacement parts.They are located in City of Industry, California.