Side Steps, Running Boards, Nerf Bars, and Rocker Guards – What’s the Difference?

“Why do I need side steps or running boards? I can get into my vehicle without too much trouble.”

It’s a valid question, but side steps do more than provide a boost in and out of your vehicle. A solid set of steps/boards/bars can also help with the following:

• Serving as a welcome mat. The aggressive tread or grates of modern step areas do an admirable job of dislodging dirt from footwear prior to entering a vehicle.
• Protecting the rocker panel. Bars and steps serve as a barrier to wayward obstacles on the trail.
• Protecting the exterior. Depending on the footprint, side steps offer varying degrees of coverage from rocks and debris shooting up from the wheels that could scratch your paint.
• Bumping up style! A good-looking set of nerf bars can add just as much aesthetic as a fresh set of wheels or new bumper.

Perhaps we’ve sold you, or at least got your attention. So what’s next?

Now you’ll need to decide what shape and style of bars will be best for your vehicle and its purpose.

This is one of those categories where three manufacturers can make a similar product, but call it three different names. So, when doing research, don’t be pinned down by a specific name. For example, what one company calls a nerf bar, another calls a side step. That being said, there are a few general specifics that most of these individual styles will have, so let’s look at a few main monikers.

Running Boards

Out of all the categories, running boards generally have the largest footprint. They mount right to the underside or rocker panel of the vehicle, leaving little if any gap. They have a wide, flat profile that usually runs from wheel to wheel, or the length of the cab, instead of having just a step under each door.

In our opinion, running boards provide the best option for vehicles that consistently carry passengers or families. They’re also a great option for people who may have difficulty entering and exiting bigger vehicles, as the larger stepping area creates a sure-footed way to get in and out. Running boards can be made of sturdy plastic, aluminum, steel, or some combination of each.

Side Bars

Whether you call them side bars, step bars, nerf bars, or something else, these bars are popular and look good on just about anything—from CUVs to big lifted F-350s. Unlike running boards, side bars consist of a main tubular portion that mounts a few inches away from the body of the vehicle.

While running boards generally sit high and tight, side bars typically mount a bit lower below the doors for maximum step function. This will usually shave off a bit of ground clearance, so if that’s something that matters to you, be sure to consider the final installed height of the bars/steps you’re considering.

Hoop Steps

Simple and clean, hoops steps don’t involving any bars running from wheel to wheel. They’re just individual steps that mount under each door – like a stirrup on a horse’s saddle.

If saving weight is important, or you just don’t like the bulky look of boards, then hoop steps are your best bet. And since there’s not much material to them, they’ll probably save your wallet a bit of stress as well.

Rocker Panel Guards

The main purpose of the previous categories was all about getting into your vehicle. But anything with the term “rocker” in the name usually has a different primary job—vehicle protection.

This name is derived from your vehicle’s Rocker Panels. Rocker Panels are the rather important strip of metal that runs wheel to wheel just below your door(s) on each side of the vehicle. Since you’re here, it’s probably a term you should know, as it’s what you’ll most likely be mounting any step/board/bar to.

Like all of these categories, there’s a ton of brand-to-brand variance within the ‘rocker’ label. In its most simple form, it’s a no-frills metal tube that runs the length of the rocker panels to guard them against elevated terrain and obstacles. You may even already have this bar from the factory, if you’ve opted for an off-road package.

Some Rocker Bars are tight to your vehicle, while others extend outward with the footprint of a running board, providing a natural place to put your foot. They can jut upward, downward, or straight out. Still, others offer the option to bolt steps right to them. In our book, any Rocker Bar with a defined step can also slot into the nerf bar category.

Confused yet? Like we said, don’t get too bogged down in trying to fit a bar into a certain category name. What matters is that they serve the function and visual design you need for your vehicle.

TrailFX

Whatever style and application you do decide to go with, we recommend checking out the offerings from our friends at TrailFX. Whether steps, bars, or boards, TrailFX provides a great looking, tough-as-nails product that won’t break the bank. Let’s run down a few of our favorites.

Drop Down Steps

If there’s a more stylish looking step, we’d like to see it. These sharp, angled, matte black beauties are the perfect complement for today’s modern aftermarket bumpers. You’ll get superior rocker panel protection in a no-drill, bolt-on package. And since they feature a wide, grated step surface, with a precision-cut logo, you’ll have sure-footed entry and exit in a design that won’t pool water and mud.

The whopping 3-year limited warranty means that TrailFX stands behind their craftsmanship.

Trapezoid Step Bars

It’s probably been a hot minute since you’ve thought about trapezoids, eh? No Second-Grade lesson on shapes and angles would be complete without these unsung anti-90-degree rebels. Well, TrailFX didn’t forget, and used them for the design of one classy set of bars.

Available in mirrored or matte black stainless steel, these Trapezoid Step bars feature large, deep-tread step pads for a no-slip grip in any condition. They’ve got the surface area of a running board to satisfy even the chunkiest of en vogue dad shoes, but the tapered design means your bars don’t need to be chunky as well.

Truck Running Boards

While chunky grey plastic running boards have their place in the aftermarket, for those that value style on par with function, TrailFX is on your side. Like the Drop Down Steps, TrailFX Truck Running Boards feature a gorgeous stealth design that would look right at home on a show truck.

But they’re not just all talk. The Q2235A powder coated steel stands up to snow, sun, or obstacles on the trail as good as anything on the market. And with an easy install using sturdy steel mounting hardware, it only takes a few turns of the socket to totally transform the look of your rig.

Head over to https://www.trailfx.com/ for more great options.