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Running Boards and Power Steps

Running Boards & Power Steps

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Running boards and power steps are indispensable accessories for enhancing both the accessibility and aesthetics of your vehicle. Designed to make it easier to enter and exit taller vehicles, these products offer a convenient step-up while also adding a stylish touch to your truck, SUV, or off-road vehicle. Running boards are typically mounted along the sides of the vehicle, providing a stable surface to step on, while power steps go a step further with automatic deployment. When you open the door, power steps extend to provide a sturdy step, and when the door is closed, they retract seamlessly, maintaining the clean lines of the vehicle.

Running boards are available in a variety of designs, from traditional fixed boards to sleek, power-operated steps. These boards come with non-slip step pads, which not only enhance grip and safety but also add comfort when getting in and out of the vehicle. For vehicles with heavy off-road use, running boards can be equipped with added features to ensure durability under harsh conditions. Whether you choose a manual running board or a more advanced power step, these accessories offer functional support while complementing the vehicle's style.

Power steps, with their automatic opening and closing feature, provide the ultimate convenience, particularly for those who prioritize technology and a seamless design. The motors that operate the power steps are built for reliability, and their quick deployment ensures that the steps are always ready when you need them. Whether you're looking for the practical functionality of running boards or the modern convenience of power steps, these accessories offer the perfect combination of performance and style for your vehicle.


Frequently Asked Questions

Start with Select Your Vehicle on OmniGarage. This narrows the category to running boards made for your vehicle.

For trucks, pay attention to cab style, and if you're looking at wheel-to-wheel boards, check the bed length too. Running boards and their brackets can be made for a specific year, model, cab, and bed combination.

Go with fixed running boards if you want a simple step that's always there. Choose power steps if you want the step to drop lower when you open the door and tuck back under the vehicle when you're driving.

That makes power steps especially useful on taller trucks when you want an easier step up without having a fixed board hanging down all the time. AMP Research PowerSteps automatically deploy with the doors and retract underneath the vehicle when they're closed.

Keep in mind that power steps add motors, wiring, and moving parts, while fixed boards are mechanically simpler.

Choose cab-length if your main goal is getting people in and out of the truck.

Choose wheel-to-wheel if you also want a step near the front of the bed. That extra section makes it easier to reach a crossover toolbox, cargo near the cab, or anything else you regularly grab from the side of the bed.

OmniGarage lets you filter between Truck/SUV Cab Length and Truck Wheel to Wheel.

Sometimes. Check what's included before ordering.

OmniGarage carries both complete setups and boards sold without brackets. For example, the current assortment includes an Aries board labeled “No Brackets” as well as LUVERNE products sold as running boards with brackets.

LUVERNE also sells some Grip Step boards and their vehicle-specific mounting brackets separately. So don't assume that buying the board means you have everything needed to mount it.

Fixed running boards can. How much depends on how low and how far out the board sits.

If ground clearance matters because you drive trails or rough terrain, look for a board that stays tucked close to the body or consider a retractable power step. PowerSteps retract underneath the vehicle while you're driving specifically to preserve clearance.

And if what you really need is rocker-panel protection for off-road use, don't assume a regular running board is a rock slider. OmniGarage has a separate Rocker Guards, Sliders & Armor category for that purpose.

It depends on the exact kit and vehicle. Many vehicle-specific boards bolt on without drilling, but that's not universal.

For example, LUVERNE lists its vehicle-specific SlimGrip applications as no-drill installations, and some AMP PowerStep applications are also no-drill. Other PowerStep applications specifically require drilling.

Check the installation instructions for the exact part you're considering rather than assuming every running board installs the same way.