Who Makes the Best Truck Step Bars?

By Mike Cote - December 5, 2018

From ice and snow to road grime, mud and loose gravel, the surface you step onto as you climb in and out of your rig can be treacherous. And whether you’re riding high in a big rig or rolling around in a standard pickup, if that first step is a big one, the risk-factor for a sprained ankle (or worse) increases exponentially. Truck step bars cut the distance in half, greatly reducing the risk of injury not only to you but your bodyline as well. Here’s how: Step bars are known by a number of names, including nerf bars, side steps and running boards. Made specific to each make, model and year, they come in varying cab sizes and are constructed of durable bent metal tubes, sealed against the elements in chrome, polished stainless steel or black powder coating. Step bars also feature treaded pads that channel water away from the stepping area, providing a non-slip surface when stepping in and out of your cab. Step bars provide the strength and durability required for heavy-duty use and support up to 300 lbs of evenly-distributed weight. For additional support, running boards can be added, withstanding up to 500 lbs.

Westin Step Bars

Step Bars Help Protect Your Vehicle

Step bars are more than just convenient. They’re also a great line of defense, covering the width of your truck or SUV from wheel to wheel and creating a buffer that stops carelessly-flung car doors, sticks or other damaging debris before they connect and leave a lasting mark. Think of them as your own personal cement posts. People will think twice before letting their doors fly into a solid-looking set of step bars. Custom-designed and -engineered products like Dee Zee step bars, Westin step bars, Steelcraft step bars, Rampage step bars and Aries step bars come with specialized mounting hardware and attach directly to the pre-existing mounting position on your vehicle. No drilling is necessary. These trusted brands have a proven history for delivering lasting products that provide heavy-duty performance.

Go Rhino 6” Nerf Bars

Sturdy Mounting Hardware is Key to Quality Truck Steps

While the construction of the step bars themselves is extremely important, the materials used to forge the supporting hardware, like the mounting brackets, nuts, bolts and washers, also play a large part in overall durability. Some manufacturers will use high carbon steel with a coating of black paint over the top for the mounting hardware. Many consumers prefer these parts as they tend to blend into the vehicle’s exterior. However, after continuous exposure to rain, salt and loose gravel, corrosion takes hold and has been shown to corrupt the metal and weaken the mounting hardware. So whether you’re in the market for Chevy Tahoe nerf bars, Ford F150 nerf bars, Toyota Tacoma step bars or Honda Element running boards, make sure you compare models and select one that supplies mounting hardware constructed of stainless steel. Take a look at nerf bar reviews to find out which ones are best for your truck or SUV.

I'm on off-road enthusiast behind the wheel of a perpetual project 4x4 Tacoma. I like to play in the rocks, but won't shy away from fast runs through the desert. My passion came from my dad whose had me in and around cars for as long as I can remember.