Work or Play: N-FAB Step Systems Are Built to Stand Out

With all of the aftermarket options for accessorizing your truck, it can be easy to get carried away with bells and whistles. Still, one practical investment for drivers can be a step system. Depending on your options, adding side steps or running boards can run anywhere from just shy of $300 to upwards of $500. If you’re someone who prefers to leave the installation up to the pro shops, you’ll want to factor that into the cost as well.

Adding a step system can benefit your truck in a few ways:

  • Guarding against debris. Step systems work as an extra barrier against any debris that gets kicked up, like rocks and loose gravel. This helps add life to your side panels and doors, and can be particularly useful if you’re driving into more remote areas or less-traveled roads.
  • Maintaining your truck’s interior. How many times have you hopped in the cab after trudging through the dirt or mud, only to realize you’ve tracked in that extra mess? A step system works as a veritable doormat that you and your passengers can use to wipe your feet off before you hop in and head down the road. (Just remember to periodically spray off those steps to avoid a dirty-looking rig.)
  • Ease of access. A step system simply makes it easier to get into a truck without climbing up into the seats. So, if you’re traveling with a trusty co-pilot like your better half, your kids, or your furry friend, steps can make it easier for them to get in and out of the vehicle.

Remember: Some step systems require a lower installation point, effectively reducing your vehicle’s ground clearance. If this a concern for you, consider looking for a step system that mounts tighter to the vehicle.

N-FAB Step Systems

There are hundreds of choices for step systems, and one reputable brand you can consider when weighing your options is N-FAB. The Texas-based company has been designing and manufacturing some of the aftermarket’s highest quality truck and SUV accessories for almost 20 years, and in 2015, multiplied its reach by joining the Truck Hero family.

Step systems remain N-FAB’s bread and butter, and there are plenty of styles and designs to choose from. With fitment covering Chevy, Ford, GMC, Jeep, RAM, or Toyota vehicles from model years 1975-2021, N-FAB is sure to have something for your rig.

Check out some of N-FAB’s innovative step systems.

EpYx

Providing a sleek and polished look with just enough bite to turn heads, the EpYx drop-down step system offers a modern twist on the traditional hoop step design. The angular steel construction provides long-lasting durability and a design that sits up high and tight to the cab.

Toyota Tacoma wearing N-FAB EpYx side steps.
Toyota Tacoma wearing N-FAB EpYx side steps. | N-FAB

There’s also a textured black powder coat finish to withstand the elements. And modular brackets make for an easy installation. The EpYx step system is sold in pairs as a kit—with step rails and brackets packaged for convenience. The high-quality construction, materials, stylish looks, and competitive retail price point help put this series of steps at the head of the pack. They’re tough enough for the construction site and slick enough for the daily driver to the hardware store.

Growler

Next is the Growler series. True to its name, this aggressively-styled, pronounced running board effectively takes the place of a bumper sticker shouting, “Lost Your Cat? Try Looking Under My Tires!” Designed with the work truck in mind, the Growler is made to take a beating.

Close-up of the aggressive, sharp tread on N-FAB Growler Steps
Check out the aggressive tread on these N-FAB Growler Series running boards. | N-FAB

An all-aluminum construction and textured black powder coat finish mean it’ll hold up to bad weather and everyday use. The 7-inch wide board sports a very rugged tread, making the Growler a great option for drivers who need to scrape off damaging mud, grime, or snow from their work boots. Suitable for fleet vehicles, this series is versatile, robust, and easy to clean. Better yet, N-FAB packages the boards, bolt-on brackets, and simple instructions all in one box for an easy install.

Podium LG & SS

Podium LG & SS steps use a classic hoop step and integrate it into a tubular design for a mix of modern and traditional vibes. It’s also bolstered by an expanded and enclosed sure-grip step plate for safe access. Like other N-FAB step systems, this series sits high and tight to the vehicle’s body, completing the clean, modern look.

Lifted Ford Super Duty wearing N-FAB Podium Steps
This lifted Ford Super Duty turns heads with N-FAB Podium LG Steps. | N-FAB

The stainless-steel one-piece welded construction adds to the Podium series’ strength and durability. It comes in either high polish or textured powder black finish. Available in both cab length and wheel-to-wheel (with bed access) configurations, the design on the Podium series makes it a great option if you need a step that gets you in the cab quickly. Plus, it makes it more convenient to grab equipment and supplies from the back of the truck without straining your back (if you’re using the bed access option).

Nerf RS

Suppose you’re looking for a side step that accommodates all riders. In that case, the N-FAB Nerf RS step system offers some additional accessibility options. This system boasts a two-inch main bar that fits the truck’s body and has expanded drop-down steps for each door. So, if you’re traveling to the mountains with the whole family, the kids will be able to easily climb into the back seat of the truck without extra help.

N-FAB Nerf RS Step System on turquoise Jeep JL Wrangler
N-FAB’s Nerf RS side steps blend seamlessly with the OE-styling on this Jeep JL Wrangler. | N-FAB

Plus, there’s an expanded sure-grip step plate so everyone climbing in can do so safely and clean off their boots in the process. The Nerf RS also has a simplified cab length configuration, adding to the overall clean look. A textured black finish over an OEM-style e-coat primer rounds out this step system’s durability features.

Predator Pro

The Predator Pro Nerf Step series matches the aggressive looks of the Growler series with a little more stealth. Made for challenging conditions, it sports a fully-welded one-piece design of 100% aluminum (including end caps, brackets, and all hardware). A patented drop-down hoop step makes getting in and out of any big rig easy, and the wide step area is dimpled for secure footing. Sitting high and tight to the cab allows the steps to blend seamlessly with the truck’s OEM design, and like other N-FAB step systems, it’s easy to install.

N-FAB Predator Pro steps on Ford F-250
The aluminum construction of N-FAB’s Predator Pro Series side steps ensures corrosion resistance in all weather conditions. | N-FAB

Thanks to the aluminum construction, the Predator is a great option for those heavy-precipitation areas like the Northeast, where truck parts tend to rust out faster thanks to the snow and rain.

Ravegr Running Boards

N-FAB’s newest release, the Ravegr, takes traditional running board design to a whole different level with a fully-welded 12-gauge steel top plate and steel tubing with a 475-lb. capacity. There’s also an extra-large, 5.5″ X 21″ louvered step plate, making it safer to get in and out of the truck even in those slippery or snowy conditions. Like many of the other N-FAB products, the Ravegr comes in a textured, powder-coat black finish for both a sleek look and added durability.

RAM 1500 wearing all-new N-FAB Ravegr Running Boards
This clean RAM 1500 wearing all new N-FAB Ravegr Running Boards. | N-FAB

The Ravegr works excellent for truck owners who are constantly customizing their trucks. The bolt-on design means it’s easily removable when you’re applying a new paint job or other customization. Say you’re interested in adding a lift kit. In that case, this product is a solid choice, too, as it’s got an adjustable mounting system designed to work with lifted vehicles.

Rest assured, with quality American-made construction and a perfect blend of form and function, the most challenging choice won’t be if you should buy N-FAB side steps, but which system you should treat yourself to when the time comes to upgrade. N-FAB manufactures a bevy of styles and configurations to satisfy a variety of end-users. And, as the first to go to market with an aluminum nerf step, as well as being the first-to-market with stainless steel podium steps, it’s safe to say N-FAB is a master of its craft.

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