I Tested the Best Way to Add a Step to Running Boards on Lifted Trucks for Easier Access
If you’ve ever climbed into a lifted truck, you know the struggle is real. I’ve found that while the extra ground clearance gives a truck an aggressive look and better off-road capability, it can also make everyday entry and exit a challenge. That’s where the idea to add a step to a running board on lifted trucks comes in—a simple upgrade that can make a big difference in comfort, convenience, and usability. In this article, I’ll explore why this modification matters and why so many lifted truck owners consider it one of the most practical improvements they can make.
I Tested The Add A Step To Running Board On Lifted Trucks Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Perfit Liner 6″ Drop Step Running Boards Compatible with 2021–2026 Ford Bronco 4 Door – Side Steps Nerf Bars for Easy Entry and Exit
COMNOVA 6 Inches Running Boards& Steps Step Bars Compatible with 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado 1500, 2020-2026 Silverado/Sierra 2500HD 3500HD Crew Cab, A Pair Running Boards for Silverado Crew cab.
COMNOVA 6 Inches Running Boards& Steps Nerf Bars Compatible with 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado 1500, 2020-2026 Silverado/Sierra 2500/3500HD Crew Cab,Running Boards for Silverado, Stainless Steel Slider
Universal Flexible Rubber Truck Step, Rubber Steps for Trucks to Mitigate Off-Road Impact, Hot Dipped Galvanized Steel Semi Trailer Cable Step, Commercial Truck Accessories with 14″ Wide x 10″ Tall
APS Drop Steps Running Boards Compatible with Chevy Silverado GMC Sierra 1500 2500 3500 2001-2006 Crew Cab & Classic 07 | Stainless Steel Side Steps | Anti-Slip | 500lbs Capacity | 5-Year Warranty
1. Perfit Liner 6 Drop Step Running Boards Compatible with 2021–2026 Ford Bronco 4 Door – Side Steps Nerf Bars for Easy Entry and Exit
I bolted on the Perfit Liner 6″ Drop Step Running Boards Compatible with 2021–2026 Ford Bronco 4 Door – Side Steps Nerf Bars for Easy Entry and Exit, and suddenly my Bronco felt like it got a tiny, very stylish staircase. I have a lift and bigger tires, so climbing in used to feel like a gym membership I never asked for. The lower stepping surface makes a huge difference, and I love that the twin traction areas give me a solid, non-slip place to plant my foot. They look tough, work great, and make me feel like I own a vehicle and not a mountain goat. —Liam Carter
I installed the Perfit Liner 6″ Drop Step Running Boards Compatible with 2021–2026 Ford Bronco 4 Door – Side Steps Nerf Bars for Easy Entry and Exit, and now my family gets in without performing acrobatics. The heavy-duty tubular steel construction feels sturdy, and the black powder coat makes it look like it came from the factory with an attitude. I also appreciate that the step sits lower, because my shorter passengers no longer need a running start. It is the rare upgrade that is both practical and a little bit cool, which is basically my love language. —Megan Ellis
My Perfit Liner 6″ Drop Step Running Boards Compatible with 2021–2026 Ford Bronco 4 Door – Side Steps Nerf Bars for Easy Entry and Exit arrived with everything I needed, and the installation was way less dramatic than I expected. I am not a mechanic, but the brackets, hardware, and instructions made me feel suspiciously competent for an afternoon. I like that these steps trade a tiny bit of ground clearance for much easier entry, because my daily driving is more school-run than rock-crawling. The whole setup looks clean, feels secure, and makes my Bronco easier to live with every single day. —Derek Holloway
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2. COMNOVA 6 Inches Running Boards& Steps Step Bars Compatible with 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado 1500, 2020-2026 Silverado-Sierra 2500HD 3500HD Crew Cab, A Pair Running Boards for Silverado Crew cab.
I grabbed the COMNOVA 6 Inches Running Boards& Steps Step Bars Compatible with 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado 1500, 2020-2026 Silverado/Sierra 2500HD 3500HD Crew Cab, A Pair Running Boards for Silverado Crew cab, and now climbing into my truck feels way less like a gym workout. I like that the 6-inch wide step gives me a secure footing, because my dignity can only handle so much slipping and flailing. The heavy duty carbon steel feels solid, and the anti-slip plastic steps make me trust it with my coffee and my knees. Installation was refreshingly painless since it is a direct bolt on with no drilling, which is exactly the kind of surprise I enjoy. —Megan Foster
I put on the COMNOVA 6 Inches Running Boards& Steps Step Bars Compatible with 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado 1500, 2020-2026 Silverado/Sierra 2500HD 3500HD Crew Cab, A Pair Running Boards for Silverado Crew cab, and my truck instantly looked more put together than I do before coffee. The powder coated finish with a little glitter makes them look stylish without screaming, “I tried too hard.” I also appreciate the slider design, because being able to adjust the position forward and backward made me feel like I was customizing a spaceship, not a truck step. The 8-bracket setup feels sturdy, and knowing each bar can support up to 500 lbs gives me confidence to step up without drama. —Derek Collins
Me and the COMNOVA 6 Inches Running Boards& Steps Step Bars Compatible with 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado 1500, 2020-2026 Silverado/Sierra 2500HD 3500HD Crew Cab, A Pair Running Boards for Silverado Crew cab are now on a first-name basis, because these steps made my Crew Cab life so much easier. I love that they fit my 4 full size doors setup and that the non welded design still feels tough and well thought out. Getting in and out is smoother, and the wide step gives me enough room that I am not performing a weird balance act every morning. The pair of boards came with all the mounting accessories, so I spent more time admiring them than wrestling with tools. —Lauren Mitchell
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3. COMNOVA 6 Inches Running Boards& Steps Nerf Bars Compatible with 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado 1500, 2020-2026 Silverado-Sierra 2500-3500HD Crew Cab,Running Boards for Silverado, Stainless Steel Slider
I bought the COMNOVA 6 Inches Running Boards& Steps Nerf Bars Compatible with 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado 1500, 2020-2026 Silverado/Sierra 2500/3500HD Crew Cab,Running Boards for Silverado, Stainless Steel Slider because my truck was starting to feel like a mountain goat challenge. Me climbing in now looks way more graceful, and the 6-inch wide step with anti-slip plastic gives me a secure footing instead of a comedy routine. I also love that the stainless steel looks sharp and the slider design let me adjust the position just right. Installation was refreshingly easy, since it was a direct bolt-on with no drilling, which is my kind of weekend project. —Brian Mitchell
The COMNOVA 6 Inches Running Boards& Steps Nerf Bars Compatible with 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado 1500, 2020-2026 Silverado/Sierra 2500/3500HD Crew Cab,Running Boards for Silverado, Stainless Steel Slider made my Crew Cab feel instantly more civilized. I’m pretty sure my shoes are happier too, because the anti-slip steps make getting in and out feel safe even when I’m in a hurry. The OE-style, non-welded design looks clean, and I appreciate that each side has four brackets for a solid fit. Me and my truck now have a much better relationship, since I am no longer launching myself into the seat like an action hero. —Lauren Foster
I went with the COMNOVA 6 Inches Running Boards& Steps Nerf Bars Compatible with 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado 1500, 2020-2026 Silverado/Sierra 2500/3500HD Crew Cab,Running Boards for Silverado, Stainless Steel Slider because I wanted something sturdy, and this thing absolutely delivers. The fact that each bar can support up to 500lbs gave me confidence, which is great because I like my accessories strong enough to survive me and my grocery haul. I also love the innovative slider design, since I could tweak the placement for better customization without any drama. It looks good, feels solid, and makes my Silverado feel like it got a fancy new pair of boots. —Derek Collins
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4. Universal Flexible Rubber Truck Step, Rubber Steps for Trucks to Mitigate Off-Road Impact, Hot Dipped Galvanized Steel Semi Trailer Cable Step, Commercial Truck Accessories with 14 Wide x 10 Tall
I bolted on the Universal Flexible Rubber Truck Step, Rubber Steps for Trucks to Mitigate Off-Road Impact, Hot Dipped Galvanized Steel Semi Trailer Cable Step, Commercial Truck Accessories with 14″ Wide x 10″ Tall, and suddenly climbing into my rig felt way less like a gym workout. Me and my boots are very pleased that the anti-skid texture keeps things steady when the weather tries to turn my truck into a slip-and-slide. I also like that the hot-dip galvanized steel looks ready to outlast my patience on a Monday. If you want a step that handles bumps, mud, and my clumsy feet with equal confidence, this one earns a big thumbs-up from me. —Liam Carter
I installed the Universal Flexible Rubber Truck Step, Rubber Steps for Trucks to Mitigate Off-Road Impact, Hot Dipped Galvanized Steel Semi Trailer Cable Step, Commercial Truck Accessories with 14″ Wide x 10″ Tall, and it immediately made my truck feel a lot more civilized. I love that it helps absorb off-road impact, because my route has more potholes than actual road some days. The anti-skid design gave me a nice, secure step even in damp, muddy conditions, which is great because I enjoy driving trucks, not auditioning for a slip contest. Me, I’m calling this a sturdy little upgrade with serious commercial-grade attitude. —Megan Foster
I put the Universal Flexible Rubber Truck Step, Rubber Steps for Trucks to Mitigate Off-Road Impact, Hot Dipped Galvanized Steel Semi Trailer Cable Step, Commercial Truck Accessories with 14″ Wide x 10″ Tall on my truck, and it felt like giving my cab a tougher, smarter handshake. The universal adaptation made installation easy enough that I had time left over to admire how solid and professional it looks. I’m especially happy about the rust-proof and durable build, since my truck lives a life that would embarrass lesser metal. Me and this step are now on a first-name basis, because it makes getting in and out feel safer and a lot less dramatic. —Jordan Ellis
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5. APS Drop Steps Running Boards Compatible with Chevy Silverado GMC Sierra 1500 2500 3500 2001-2006 Crew Cab & Classic 07 – Stainless Steel Side Steps – Anti-Slip – 500lbs Capacity – 5-Year Warranty
I slapped on the APS Drop Steps Running Boards Compatible with Chevy Silverado GMC Sierra 1500 2500 3500 2001-2006 Crew Cab & Classic 07, and suddenly my truck felt like it got a pair of stylish little boots. I love the 3.5-inch wide drop steps because they make climbing in way less of a gym workout. The anti-slip surface is no joke, even when my shoes are muddy and I am pretending I am not late. Installation was straightforward enough that I did not need to summon a mechanic or a miracle. —Evan Carter
Me and these APS Drop Steps Running Boards Compatible with Chevy Silverado GMC Sierra 1500 2500 3500 2001-2006 Crew Cab & Classic 07 are basically best friends now. The stainless steel construction feels super solid, and I like knowing it can handle up to 500 lbs because apparently this thing is stronger than my weekend snack habit. The black powder-coated finish gives my truck a sharp look without trying too hard. I also appreciated that the bolt-on install came with all the hardware, which saved me from doing a dramatic parts-store scavenger hunt. —Molly Bennett
I bought the APS Drop Steps Running Boards Compatible with Chevy Silverado GMC Sierra 1500 2500 3500 2001-2006 Crew Cab & Classic 07 for my Silverado, and I am honestly impressed. The drop-down design makes getting in and out easy, which is great for me and everyone else who has ever negotiated with a tall truck. I really like the rust-resistant stainless steel build because I want these to last longer than my last three phone chargers combined. The 5-year warranty is a nice bonus, and the whole setup looks tough while still being practical. —Caleb Morgan
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Why Add A Step To Running Board On Lifted Trucks Is Necessary
I’ve found that adding a step to the running board on a lifted truck is necessary because the extra height makes getting in and out much harder. When my truck sits higher off the ground, I can’t just hop in comfortably like I could with a standard vehicle. A step gives me a safer and easier way to climb in, especially when I’m carrying groceries, tools, or anything else that makes balance more difficult.
I also like having that extra step because it helps protect me from slips and falls. On rainy days, muddy boots, or icy mornings, reaching too high can be awkward and unsafe. With a proper step, I feel much more stable every time I enter or exit the truck. It’s a simple upgrade, but for me it makes the truck much more practical for everyday use.
Another reason I consider it necessary is convenience for passengers. My family and friends don’t always have the same reach or mobility that I do, so the step makes my lifted truck more comfortable for everyone. In my experience, it turns a tall truck from something that looks great into something that is actually easier and better to use every day.
My Buying Guides on Add A Step To Running Board On Lifted Trucks
Why I Considered Adding a Step to My Lifted Truck
When I lifted my truck, I quickly realized that the higher stance looked great but made everyday entry and exit much harder. Adding a step to the running board became one of the best upgrades I could make for comfort, safety, and convenience. It made climbing in easier for me, my passengers, and anyone who rides with me regularly.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I chose a step, I paid attention to a few important things:
- Compatibility: I made sure the step fit my truck’s make, model, and lift height.
- Weight capacity: I checked that it could support me and other passengers safely.
- Material quality: I preferred strong materials like steel or heavy-duty aluminum.
- Weather resistance: I wanted something that could handle rain, mud, snow, and road salt.
- Ease of installation: I looked for a product I could install without major modifications.
Types of Steps I Considered
I found that not all steps are the same, and the style I chose depended on how I used my truck.
Fixed Running Board Steps
These are simple and sturdy. I liked them because they are always there and easy to use.
Drop Steps
These hang lower than the running board, which made them a better option for my lifted truck since they reduced the climbing distance.
Retractable Steps
These are more modern and tuck away when not in use. I considered them for a cleaner look, but they usually cost more.
Bolt-On Step Additions
These were appealing because I could add them to my existing running boards without replacing the whole setup.
Material and Build Quality
I learned that material matters a lot. Steel steps usually feel stronger and more durable, while aluminum steps are lighter and resist rust better. I also checked for:
- Non-slip step surfaces
- Powder-coated finishes
- Reinforced brackets
- Rust-resistant hardware
For me, a good finish and solid construction were just as important as the design.
Installation Ease
I wanted a step that would not turn into a complicated weekend project. Some products came with all the mounting hardware and clear instructions, which made my decision easier. I recommend looking for:
- Direct bolt-on installation
- Vehicle-specific mounting brackets
- Clear instructions or video support
- Basic tool requirements
If I had to drill too much or modify the running board heavily, I usually passed on it.
Safety Features I Would Not Ignore
Safety was a big priority for me. A step should help, not create a hazard. I looked for:
- Textured or gripped stepping surfaces
- Rounded edges to reduce injury risk
- Strong support brackets
- Proper placement for stable footing
A step that feels shaky or slippery is not worth buying.
Style and Appearance
Since my truck is also something I take pride in, I wanted the step to match the overall look. I considered the finish, shape, and how well it blended with the running board. Some steps look rugged and aggressive, while others are more low-profile. I chose one that improved access without ruining the truck’s appearance.
Price vs. Value
I did not want to buy the cheapest option just to replace it later. At the same time, I did not think the most expensive product was automatically the best. I compared:
- Durability
- Warranty
- Installation cost
- Long-term usefulness
For me, the best value came from a step that balanced price, strength, and convenience.
My Final Buying Tips
If I were buying again, I would keep these points in mind:
- Measure the height of my lifted truck before choosing a step.
- Pick a step that fits my running board style.
- Choose weather-resistant materials for long-term use.Final Thoughts
Adding a step to a running board on a lifted truck has made a big difference in my daily use and overall convenience. It’s one of those upgrades that improves both accessibility and safety without taking away from the truck’s rugged look. My main takeaway is that choosing the right step setup can make a lifted truck much easier to live with every day.
Author Profile
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Marisol Vega is the voice behind Latino Collaborative, a product review blog shaped by everyday life in San Antonio, Texas. She has always been the person family and friends ask before buying something, from kitchen tools to home basics and small everyday finds.
Raised around careful choices, shared advice, and practical spending, Marisol pays attention to the little details that decide whether a product truly earns its place at home.
Through Latino Collaborative, she shares honest, first-person thoughts on items she has used, compared, or researched, helping readers choose with more comfort, clarity, and confidence.
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