by Joshua Thomas
For those who have trucks and jeeps, they can understand how difficult it becomes to climb it up without any support. The inevitable need is of the best running boards that don't just help you and other riders climb conveniently but also add a beautifying element in the truck.
There are small to large details related to the running boards that will help you make the right purchase. In this running board review, we will walk through these details and cover all the significant portions, whether they are related to the materials, fit, size, or weight capacity.
Contents
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
|---|---|---|
 | 1. Tyger Auto TG-JA2J2239B (Best Overall) |
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 | 2. MaxMate WB2C35007 |
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 | 3. Tyger Auto TG-RS2D40078 |
|
 | 4. APS iBoard Running Board |
|
 | 5. Mopar Jeep Wrangler Running Board |
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 | 6. APS Premium Custom |
|
 | 7. Deezee DZ16201 |
|
From Tyger Auto, this model is from the Star Armor collection, available in 2 inches diameter. The running board is model-specific and fits only 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK 4 Door.
The construction is done with heavy-duty steel material with dual stage powder coated textured black finish to ensure the durability and robustness of the product.
It does not require any drilling because it comes with easy bolt-on installation. Thanks to the dual grinder system, you can enjoy wheel to wheel protection in this model.
Furthermore, you get lifetime warranty with this product. Although, it is not a fancy product and does not come with LED lighting to add more glamor.
Pros
Cons
So, for those on budget but require something unique and special, this 3" running boards in round shape from MaxMate are perfectly suitable.
This one is compatible with 1999-2018 Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500, 01-19 Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra 2500/3500HD models.
The construction is done with stainless-steel material so while up keeping the durability, this model will stay clear from rusting and corrosion. It comes inclusive of all mounting hardware.
The step bars come with non-slip wide step pads and has secure UV coating on the top. The round tubing is not very comfortable for the climbers. Also, this model doesn't come with any warranty.
Pros
Cons
Here is another model from Tyger Auto, which is available in 4" size and fits 09-18 Dodge 1500/2010-2019 Ram 2500/3500.
The construction is ensured with steel material and the heavy-duty triangle mild tubing is powder-coated to be rust-resistant and UV rays resistant.
The wide step pads give enough space for the climber to climb. This model comes inclusive with hardware and instruction manual to help you install it without any help required.
It might require minor drilling of 1/4" holes for bracket support. It comes with 5 years warranty without any hassle. While the instructions are given along, it might still give you hard time in installation. Also, the UV resistant coating is not very effective.
Pros
Cons
If you need the best heavy-duty running board then check out this iBoard running board review of this model which is available in 5" size and fits 2007-2018 Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra.
The heavy-duty construction is ensured with the aircraft-grade aluminum material, which is completely rust-proof and ensures the product's explicit performance. It also ensures the durability and toughness of this model.
The full coverage step pad has corrugated rubber step pad cover running entirely on the board. It is slip-proof and will make space for anyone going inside the truck.
This model is specifically for the trucks and have a low-profile design. It comes with mounting brackets and hardware kit for easy installation. It is not UV resistant and does not come with a warranty.
Pros
Cons
This is jeep specific model and comes in a suitable size that is required for the Wrangler 2007 to 2010 models. It is a perfect product for those who have these jeeps.
It does not obstruct the opening of the doors or the wheels. This one is made of heavy-duty plastic material with rubberized coating on the top to ensure that non-slip climbing of the rider.
This model is very simple to install as you can easily mount it without using any help from the professionals. Although this product is not highly suitable for cold regions, plastic will not be able to endure such temperature conditions.
Pros
Cons
So, the next product from APS Premium is this excellent model, available in 4" size and fits 2007-2018 Chevy Silverado GMC Sierra Double Cab / Extended Cab & 2020 2500 HD / 3500 HD. It supports a number of models and has beautiful designing.
The robust construction is done with aircraft-grade aluminum material which means that it is completely away from rusting and corrosion.
The single-piece bar has rubberized coating that protects it from UV rays. Also, it gives better traction to the rider. The installation of this model can be a little complex. Also, it is not scratch-resistant.
Pros
Cons
So, this is the first model in our list that comes with a universal fit. This product is a suitable purchase for many buyers.
The construction is done with aluminum material, and it comes with powder coating on the top to stay put from corrosion and rusting.
The 5 inches size has suitable space to give to the rider for easy climbing. Although, there is no rubberized coating on the top to provide slip-resistance.
It is available in three different finishes black/chrome, black/black, stainless/black. You can pick the finishing of your choice. The mounting accessories are sold separately that you will not appreciate.
Pros
Cons
Let's face it, whether you need to purchase the best rated running board for truck or a jeep, the search will be overwhelming. These products cost a lot and you don't want to spend your money on a chance.
So, we have curated this guide in our running board review to find all kinds of details related to these products. The search criteria will help you in noticing all these details in the products so that you can purchase the right model.
These days, there are very few products that come with universal fit. Most of these have custom fits which make your task really simple.
All the truck and automobile applications are different. It is good of the companies to make fi-specific running boards so that there is no hassle of trimming and making them to size.
This is a crucial factor so you are encouraged to always check the fit of the product before purchasing it. For example, if your requirement is of the best running board for Ram 1500, make sure you find a specific model that fits the search criteria.
To start with the size part, they are available in diameter. With each product, you get the size which gives you an idea about the running board.
As far as design is concerned, these days you get quite interesting designs available in these products. First of all, there is a massive variety in the style such as you can get square shaped, oval shaped, and rectangular shaped models.
Some of these might also have rubber coating on the top to give added support to the foot while climbing. The design part is totally up to you how you would like to add to your truck.
There is a difference between the material used in the core construction of the product and the material used for the exterior of the model. The best aftermarket running boards are mostly made of two materials: steel or aluminum.
Both the materials have their fair share of pros and cons. Steel is known to have high rigidity and potential to bear the beatings in off-road terrains. However, the added weight might affect the gas mileage.
On the other hand, aluminum material is light in weight although, it is not very effective on the off-road terrains.
Fortunately, the products available on the market these days come with a large weight capacity of more than 300 lbs.
If this number is not compatible with the weight you expect, you can always go for the heavy-duty models that can offer up to 500 lbs weight capacity.
While you can get the work done from a professional car engineer, there is no harm in trying your hand on the installation process. Each product mentioned above comes with a detailed manual and easy installation guide book.
Each and every step of installation is mentioned in the manual. Also, the fit-specific models also come with quick installation parts that are pre-connected and you are only required to set them up. This way, you will be able to save a couple of dollars by installing these tools yourself.
Read More: 10 Best Nerf Bars
TAC 3" Side Steps Fit 2015-2023 Ford F150 SuperCrew Cab|2017-2023 F250/350/450/550 Super - Walmart Link
APS Off-Road 6.5in Side Armor Aluminum Running Boards Compatible with Ford F150 2015-2023 - Walmart Link
APS iBoard (Black 5 inches) 304 Stainless Steel Running Boards Nerf Bars Side Steps Step - Walmart Link
Bully BBS-1101S Black Bull Series Universal Truck Aluminum Adjustable Side Hoop Step - Walmart Link
APS iBoard Running Boards 5 inches Compatible with Ford F150 2015-2020 SuperCrew Cab & - Walmart Link
APS iBoard Running Boards (Nerf Bars Side Steps Step Bars) Compatible with Ford F150 - Walmart Link
YITAMOTOR 6.5 Inches Running Boards Compatible with 2007-2018 Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500 & - Walmart Link
TAC 3" Side Steps Fit 2015-2023 Ford F150 SuperCrew Cab|2017-2023 F250/350/450/550 Super - eBay Link
APS Off-Road 6.5in Side Armor Aluminum Running Boards Compatible with Ford F150 2015-2023 - eBay Link
APS iBoard (Black 5 inches) 304 Stainless Steel Running Boards Nerf Bars Side Steps Step - eBay Link
Bully BBS-1101S Black Bull Series Universal Truck Aluminum Adjustable Side Hoop Step - eBay Link
APS iBoard Running Boards 5 inches Compatible with Ford F150 2015-2020 SuperCrew Cab & - eBay Link
APS iBoard Running Boards (Nerf Bars Side Steps Step Bars) Compatible with Ford F150 - eBay Link
YITAMOTOR 6.5 Inches Running Boards Compatible with 2007-2018 Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500 & - eBay Link
The pursuit for the best running board comes to an end here. These products are super effective and performance savvy. Even if you choose to ride your truck on the harshest terrains, these running boards will help you make your commute simpler.
As we have mentioned above, the details given in the guide are super important. You need to give attention to each one of it so that you don't buy a wasteful product for your truck or jeep.
Take a look at all the models but first check if they are compatible with your automobile. We hope that you will be able to find the best model for your truck. Happy Shopping!
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About Joshua Thomas
Joshua Thomas just simply loves cars and willing to work on them whenever there's chance... sometimes for free.
He started CarCareTotal back in 2017 from the advices of total strangers who witnessed his amazing skills in car repairs here and there.
His goal with this creation is to help car owners better learn how to maintain and repair their cars; as such, the site would cover alot of areas: troubleshooting, product recommendations, tips & tricks.
Joshua received Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at San Diego State University.
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