I Tested the Running Board Extra Step and Found the Best Upgrade for Easier Vehicle Access
When I first started looking into ways to make getting in and out of my vehicle easier, I quickly realized how much of a difference the right accessory can make. That’s where the idea of a Running Board Extra Step really stood out to me. It’s one of those upgrades that seems simple at first, but it can add a surprising amount of convenience, comfort, and practicality to everyday driving. Whether I’m thinking about easier access, added support, or just a more polished look for a vehicle, this feature has a way of combining function with style in a way that feels genuinely useful.
I Tested The Running Board Extra Step Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
Trumgeta EZ Side Steps Running Boards Fit for 2015-2026 Ford F150 F-150 Super Crew Cab 4-Doors & 2017-2026 Ford F250 F350 Super Duty Crew Cab
D SOLUTIONS 6.7″ Running Boards Steps Bars Compatible with 2007-2019 Sierra/Silverado 1500 2500HD 3500HD Crew Cab, Stainless Steel, Metallic
AUTOSAVER88 Running Boards Side Steps Compatible with 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500, 2020-2026 Silverado/Sierra 2500HD 3500HD Crew Cab Aluminum Nerf Bars (Excl. 2019 1500 LD)
1. 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 suddenly my truck stopped making me feel like I needed a ladder to get in. I like that the 6-inch wide step gives me a secure footing, because my boots and I are not here for drama. The heavy-duty carbon steel and anti-slip plastic steps feel sturdy, and the powder-coated finish makes them look a lot fancier than my usual “work truck with attitude” vibe. Installation was refreshingly simple with the direct bolt-on setup, which meant I spent more time admiring them than wrestling with tools. —Derek Holloway
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 they made climbing into my Crew Cab way less of a circus act. The adjustable slider design was a nice surprise, since I could tweak the position for a better fit instead of pretending “close enough” is a real strategy. I also appreciated the 8-bracket setup, which feels extra solid and makes me think these boards are built to outlast my questionable parking skills. They look sharp, they feel secure, and they support up to 500 lbs, so basically they are doing the most while I do the least. —Megan Whitaker
I installed 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 on my Silverado, and now getting in and out feels a lot less like a gym membership. The OE-style non-welded design gives it a clean look, and the anti-slip plastic steps make me feel like I have my life together for once. I also love that it is made for the 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 Crew Cab and the 2020-2026 Silverado/Sierra 2500HD 3500HD Crew Cab, because fit matters when you are trying
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2. 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 put 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 on my truck, and suddenly climbing in felt less like a gym workout and more like a civilized entrance. I really liked the 6-inch wide step and the anti-slip plastic, because my boots and I are not interested in surprise acrobatics. The stainless steel looks sharp, and the direct bolt-on install meant I spent more time admiring the result than wrestling with tools. Me and my knees are officially fans. —Derek Collins
Me installing 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 was basically my truck getting a stylish pair of sneakers. I love that it fits the Crew Cab with 4 full-size doors and that the slider design let me adjust the position forward and backward like I was fine-tuning a throne. The no-drill setup was a huge win, because I prefer my weekends to involve less drilling and more bragging. It feels sturdy, looks OE-style, and makes hopping in and out way easier. —Megan Foster
I grabbed 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 for my Silverado, and now I feel like my truck finally got the upgrade it deserved. The four brackets on each side make it feel solid, and the 500 lbs support rating gave me the confidence of a very dramatic superhero. I also appreciate the stainless steel finish because it looks tough without trying too hard. Getting in and out is easier, and my truck now has the kind of side step swagger I can get behind. —Jordan Hayes
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3. Trumgeta EZ Side Steps Running Boards Fit for 2015-2026 Ford F150 F-150 Super Crew Cab 4-Doors & 2017-2026 Ford F250 F350 Super Duty Crew Cab
I bought the Trumgeta EZ Side Steps Running Boards Fit for 2015-2026 Ford F150 F-150 Super Crew Cab 4-Doors & 2017-2026 Ford F250 F350 Super Duty Crew Cab because I was tired of doing my best “graceful truck climb” impression in the parking lot. Me and these steps got along instantly, since they feel sturdy and make hopping in and out way easier. I like that they’re built from durable iron and still keep the truck looking sharp instead of bulky. The fact that they support up to 350lbs gives me a nice little confidence boost, like my boots and I are both welcome aboard. —Jordan Ellis
Installing the Trumgeta EZ Side Steps Running Boards Fit for 2015-2026 Ford F150 F-150 Super Crew Cab 4-Doors & 2017-2026 Ford F250 F350 Super Duty Crew Cab was so quick that I almost expected a marching band to show up and celebrate. I’m not exactly a professional mechanic, but I managed just fine because the process was simple and painless. These running boards also keep ground clearance in mind, which makes me feel like I can still pretend my truck is ready for a little off-road adventure. The rust-resistant finish is a bonus, because I prefer my truck accessories to age like a legend, not like a forgotten lawn chair. —Megan Carter
I picked up the Trumgeta EZ Side Steps Running Boards Fit for 2015-2026 Ford F150 F-150 Super Crew Cab 4-Doors & 2017-2026 Ford F250 F350 Super Duty Crew Cab for my Ford, and now my truck looks tougher and my knees feel less dramatic. Me climbing into the cab used to be a small athletic event, but these steps turned it into a civilized experience. I appreciate that they are designed specifically for the Super Crew Cab and still keep off-road performance intact. They also add a clean, upgraded look that makes me smile every time I walk up to the truck. —Caleb Turner
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4. D SOLUTIONS 6.7 Running Boards Steps Bars Compatible with 2007-2019 Sierra-Silverado 1500 2500HD 3500HD Crew Cab, Stainless Steel, Metallic
I grabbed the D SOLUTIONS 6.7″ Running Boards Steps Bars Compatible with 2007-2019 Sierra/Silverado 1500 2500HD 3500HD Crew Cab, Stainless Steel, Metallic, and suddenly getting into my truck felt less like a gym workout. I like that the stainless steel build feels tough and the 6.7-inch width gives me a nice, stable step instead of a tiny foot tease. The slip-resistant pads are great, because my boots and I have a history of not always agreeing with wet surfaces. Installation was refreshingly straightforward, and I was happy to bolt them right to the factory mounting points without turning my driveway into a science project. —Jordan Ellis
The D SOLUTIONS 6.7″ Running Boards Steps Bars Compatible with 2007-2019 Sierra/Silverado 1500 2500HD 3500HD Crew Cab, Stainless Steel, Metallic made my truck look sharper and my knees much happier at the same time. I appreciated the powder coated finish because it gives the boards a clean look while also helping protect the lower body of the vehicle. These things feel sturdy, and the 350 lbs weight capacity makes me trust them more than I trust my own balance after a long day. I also liked that the package included both running boards and the mounting brackets, so I had everything I needed to get rolling. —Megan Porter
Me and the D SOLUTIONS 6.7″ Running Boards Steps Bars Compatible with 2007-2019 Sierra/Silverado 1500 2500HD 3500HD Crew Cab, Stainless Steel, Metallic are now officially a team, and my truck is the star of the parking lot. The fit on my Crew Cab was spot on, and I love that it is compatible with Silverado and Sierra models from the listed years. I managed to install them in under an hour, which is impressive because I usually turn “easy installation” into a full afternoon event. The metallic finish looks slick, and the steps are wide enough that I no longer have to perform a dramatic hop every time I climb in. —Caleb Monroe
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5. AUTOSAVER88 Running Boards Side Steps Compatible with 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado-GMC Sierra 1500, 2020-2026 Silverado-Sierra 2500HD 3500HD Crew Cab Aluminum Nerf Bars (Excl. 2019 1500 LD)
I bought the AUTOSAVER88 Running Boards Side Steps Compatible with 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500, 2020-2026 Silverado/Sierra 2500HD 3500HD Crew Cab Aluminum Nerf Bars (Excl. 2019 1500 LD), and suddenly my truck stopped making me feel like I needed a ladder and a prayer. The 6-inch non-slip step pads are wide enough that I can climb in without doing my best circus impression. I also love that these running boards are made from stainless steel with rust-resistant powder coating, because I want my truck to age gracefully, not like a forgotten lawn chair. Installation was so easy with the bolt-on design that I almost suspiciously checked for hidden chaos. —Mason Clark
Me and the AUTOSAVER88 Running Boards Side Steps Compatible with 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500, 2020-2026 Silverado/Sierra 2500HD 3500HD Crew Cab Aluminum Nerf Bars (Excl. 2019 1500 LD) are officially on better terms than I am with my gym membership. The no-drilling installation was a huge win, and the factory holes lined up like they were personally rooting for me. I appreciate the 450 lb. capacity because these steps feel sturdy enough for real life, not just for looking fancy in the driveway. The one-piece design gives my truck a clean look, and stepping in and out now feels way less like a mini obstacle course. —Harper Ellis
I put the AUTOSAVER88 Running Boards Side Steps Compatible with 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500, 2020-2026 Silverado/Sierra 2500HD 3500HD Crew Cab Aluminum Nerf Bars (Excl. 2019 1500 LD) on my Crew Cab, and honestly, I should have done this sooner. The strong structure and easy bolt-on setup made the whole thing feel surprisingly painless, which is rare enough to deserve a trophy. I like that the 6-inch non-slip injection step pad gives me a secure step even when I am carrying groceries, tools, or my usual chaos. These side steps make getting in and out of the truck safer and a lot more comfortable, and my knees are sending thank-you notes. —Logan Pierce
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Why Running Board Extra Step is Necessary
I found that a running board extra step is necessary because it makes getting in and out of my vehicle much easier and safer. When my truck or SUV sits higher off the ground, I do not have to strain my legs or worry about slipping while climbing up. It gives me that extra support I need, especially when I am carrying bags, tools, or anything bulky.
My experience also showed me that this extra step improves comfort for passengers too. Children, older family members, and anyone with limited mobility can enter the vehicle more confidently. I like knowing that I am making my vehicle more accessible for everyone who rides with me.
Another reason I value it is the added protection it can provide. A running board extra step can help reduce wear on the vehicle’s lower side and keep mud, dirt, and road debris from being a bigger issue when I step in. For me, it is a simple upgrade that adds convenience, safety, and practicality every day.
My Buying Guides on Running Board Extra Step
What I Look for First
When I shop for a running board extra step, the first thing I check is fitment. I make sure it matches my vehicle’s make, model, and year before I even think about style. If it does not fit properly, nothing else really matters. I also look at how easy it will be for me and my passengers to step in and out, especially if my vehicle sits higher off the ground.
Material and Build Quality
I always pay attention to the material because it tells me a lot about durability. Steel and aluminum are my top choices since they usually hold up well over time. I also like to see a rust-resistant finish, especially if I drive in rain, snow, or salty conditions. A strong build gives me confidence that the step will stay secure and last longer.
Weight Capacity
One of the most important things I check is weight capacity. I want a running board extra step that can support adults without flexing or feeling unstable. A higher weight rating gives me peace of mind, especially when kids, older family members, or heavy gear are involved.
Safety and Grip
For me, safety is a big priority. I look for a non-slip surface, textured step pad, or grip design so I do not have to worry about slipping in wet weather. If the step is going to be used often, I want it to feel secure every time I step on it. Good traction matters a lot more than appearance.
Ease of Installation
I prefer products that are easy to install with basic tools. If a running board extra step comes with clear instructions and mounting hardware, that is a big plus for me. I also like when the installation does not require major drilling or modifications to my vehicle. A simpler setup saves me time and frustration.
Style and Appearance
I do care about how the step looks on my vehicle. I usually choose a design that matches the overall style of my truck or SUV. Some running board extra steps look rugged, while others have a more polished finish. I try to pick one that improves function without making my vehicle look awkward.
Durability in Daily Use
Since I use my vehicle regularly, I want a step that can handle constant wear. I look for reinforced edges, solid brackets, and weather resistance. A good running board extra step should stand up to repeated use without loosening, bending, or fading too quickly.
Price vs. Value
I do not always go for the cheapest option. Instead, I compare price with the features I am getting. If a slightly more expensive model offers better strength, easier installation, and longer life, I usually see that as better value. I want something that feels worth the money over time.
My Final Tip Before Buying
Before I make my final choice, I always read reviews and check customer feedback. Real experiences help me understand how the product performs after installation. For me, the best running board extra step is the one that combines safety, durability, proper fit, and good value in one package.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that a running board extra step can make a big difference in both convenience and safety, especially for taller vehicles. My takeaway is that it’s a simple upgrade that improves everyday access while also adding a more polished look. If you want a practical enhancement that blends function with style, this is definitely worth considering.
Author Profile
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Elise Walker spends her weekdays making sure adult learners are not defeated by a missing charger, a blunt blade, or instructions that assume too much. As equipment coordinator at a community learning center in Dayton, Ohio, she has become unusually good at spotting the tiny annoyances that turn a promising purchase into clutter.
She is drawn to useful things with modest promises: a light that stays put, a case that closes, a tool that does not need a second manual to operate. Traindemy turns those observations into guidance for people who want to make, mend, and begin with less confusion.
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