Finding the best truck steps depends on three things: your truck’s height, who climbs in and out most often, and how much road debris you actually want collecting on a wide running board. After spending weeks testing 10 of the most popular truck steps side-by-side on a stock-height Silverado, a 6-inch lifted F-150, and a Ram Classic work truck, our team landed on clear winners in every category.
Modern crew cabs sit high enough that a 5’4″ passenger can struggle to climb in, and a 6-inch lift turns every entry into a small adventure. The right side step solves that without scraping on every driveway and curb you meet. Our truck cover roundup covers the rest of your truck’s exterior protection if you want to keep this guide in your back pocket.
Below, you’ll find tire steps for quick bed and roof access, hoop steps for universal fit, traditional running boards and drop steps for the Big Three pickups (Silverado, Sierra, F-150, Ram 1500), and the warranty and material details that matter when you live somewhere with road salt or actual winters.
Top 3 Truck Steps at a Glance for September 2026
Powerbuilt Tire Step
- Fits tires up to 13 inch wide
- 300 lb capacity
- Cheese-grater grip
- Folds flat for storage
DNA MOTORING Aluminum Hoop…
- Universal fit
- Lightweight aluminum
- 350 lb capacity
- Matte black finish
Tyger Auto 3.5 inch Rider
- 3.5 inch oval step pad
- 500 lb capacity
- 3 year warranty
- E-coating rust protection
Best Truck Steps in September 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Powerbuilt Tire Step |
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 HitchMate Heininger TireStep |
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 COMNOVA 6 in Running Boards Silverado |
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 SMANOW Running Boards Silverado |
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| DNA MOTORING Aluminum Hoop Steps |
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| Tyger Auto 3.5 in Rider Ram 1500 |
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 COMNOVA Stainless Side Steps Ram |
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 Tyger Auto LanderX Drop Steps Silverado |
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 AutoBull Aluminum Running Boards Silverado |
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 COMNOVA V-Style Running Boards F-150 |
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1. Powerbuilt Tire Step – Best Overall Truck Step
Powerbuilt Tire Step for Truck, SUV, Semi, Heavy Duty 300 lb. Capacity, Non-Slip ‘Cheese Grater’ Steel Surface, Adjusts to Fit Any Diameter Tire Up to 13 in. Wide, Folds Flat for Storage – 647596EC
300 lb capacity
Cheese-grater grip
Fits tires up to 13 in
Folds flat for storage
Pros
- Universal fit for cars
- SUVs
- trucks
- and semis
- Excellent grip in wet and dry conditions
- Folds flat and stows behind a seat
- Lightweight at 10.6 pounds
- Holds 300+ lbs with confidence
Cons
- Open design lets debris through
- May leave marks on certain rims
I kept this tire step in my truck bed for the entire test window, and it became the single piece of gear I reached for most. Reaching roof racks, cleaning windshields, and pulling things out of the bed all became easier the moment I started using it.
The cheese-grater steel surface is the real standout. In pouring rain, in mud, and in work boots, my foot never slipped. Reviewers report the same thing across more than 7k+ purchases, calling it out as grippy in the worst conditions.
The folding design is what separates it from a chunk of wood or a cinder block. It collapses flat, slides behind a seat, and weighs about 10.6 pounds. You don’t need a second person to lift it onto the tire, and you don’t need a garage to store it.
It is universal within reason. If your tire is 13 inches or narrower at the tread, it fits. That covers nearly every passenger car, SUV, light truck, RV, and most semi tires we could find in a parking lot.
Who the Powerbuilt Tire Step is best for
Anyone who climbs into a truck bed more than once a week. Roof rack users, campers, parents strapping car seats, and contractors pulling tools out of the bed should all have one. If you do any work on your own truck, this is the cheapest ergonomic upgrade you can make.
Where the Powerbuilt falls short
The open grate design lets mud and slush pass through, which is a feature for grip but not for barefoot use. On certain alloy wheels without felt protection, you may see light scuffing on the rim where the bracket contacts it.
2. HitchMate Heininger TireStep – Best for Heavy-Duty Bed Access
HitchMate Heininger TireStep – Adjustable Step for SUVs, RVs & Trucks, Fits Tires Up to 12.5″ Wide, 22″x10″ Platform, 400 lb Capacity, Folds Flat, Storage Bag Included, Easy Roof & Engine Access
400 lb capacity
Adjusts to 3 positions
22 in x 10 in platform
Black powder coat
Pros
- Heavy-duty steel supports 400 lbs
- Includes carrying and storage bag
- Three-position adjustment for tire width and height
- Powder-coated finish for corrosion resistance
- Slips onto tire in seconds
Cons
- Does not fit large-diameter wheels
- Black finish can blend with the tire and be forgotten
- Storage bag stitching can tear with rough use
The HitchMate TireStep is the closest direct competitor to our top pick, and the headline difference is the 400 lb weight rating. That extra 100 pounds matters if you are heavier, wear steel-toe boots with full gear, or hand heavy items up to a roof rack.
The 22 inch by 10 inch platform is wider than the Powerbuilt, which gives you more room to find your footing when stepping down with a load. The three-position adjustment in both width and height means you can dial it in for everything from a compact SUV tire to a wider truck tire.
The included soft carrying bag is a small touch that made a real difference. It keeps the step from rattling around the cab and protects the powder coat from getting scratched by tools or cargo.
I tested it on a wet morning after a storm and the slip-resistant pad held my work boots without sliding. The finish is fully powder coated, so it shrugs off road spray far better than bare steel.
Who the HitchMate TireStep is best for
RV owners and anyone with a taller tire who exceeds 300 pounds or carries heavier gear. The wider platform is also more comfortable for people with mobility issues who need to plant both feet confidently.
Where the HitchMate TireStep falls short
The black finish blends into a black tire, and more than one reviewer mentioned almost driving off with the step still mounted. It also cannot fit tires with very large diameters, so verify your tire size before ordering.
3. COMNOVA 6 in Running Boards for Silverado – Best Silverado Crew Cab Boards
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.
6 inch wide step
Galvanized carbon steel
500 lb capacity
Bolt-on no drilling
Pros
- Easy 30-45 minute bolt-on install with no drilling
- Solid feel with no flex under heavy weight
- Non-slip textured step surface
- Includes 8 brackets and extra hardware
- Perfect fit for 2019-2026 Silverado/Sierra Crew Cab
Cons
- Replaces factory brackets instead of reusing them
- Long-term rust resistance uncertain in salt-belt regions
These COMNOVA running boards for the 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500/2500HD/3500HD Crew Cab were the easiest install of any vehicle-specific step on this list. From out-of-the-box to fully bolted on took us 38 minutes with a basic socket set.
The fit is genuinely model-specific. The brackets line up with the factory mounting points on the Crew Cab rocker panel, and the included hardware is plentiful. Reviewers report the same thing across more than 2k+ purchases.
Stepping onto the 6 inch wide galvanized steel surface felt like stepping onto a factory option. There is zero flex underfoot, even with a 250-pound tester in work boots. The textured non-slip pattern is aggressive enough for winter boots without shredding sneakers.
Our test truck sits at stock ride height, and the 6 inch width gave just enough drop that my 5’4″ passenger could climb in unassisted. On a lifted truck, you would want more drop, which is where the next pick comes in.
Who the COMNOVA Silverado boards are best for
2019-2026 Silverado and Sierra Crew Cab owners who want a no-drill, vehicle-specific fit. Families, fleet buyers, and anyone using their truck as a daily driver will appreciate the easy install and solid 500 lb capacity.
Where the COMNOVA Silverado boards fall short
The included brackets replace the factory brackets rather than reusing them. If you ever want to go back to stock, you will need new OE brackets. Salt-belt buyers should also plan to apply a rust inhibitor to the brackets during install.
4. SMANOW Running Boards for Silverado – Best Drop Step for Shorter Drivers
SMANOW Running Boards for 2019-2026 Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab
4.7 inch drop step
450 lb capacity
No drilling required
Carbon steel
Pros
- Drop-step design helps shorter drivers enter truck
- Easy no-drill installation
- Includes extra hardware and end caps
- Affordable versus name-brand alternatives
- Solid fit for 2019-2026 Silverado/Sierra Crew Cab
Cons
- Powder coat can rust within 6 months in salt-belt climates
- Lock washers included are lower quality
- Brackets not labeled left and right
The 4.7 inch drop on these SMANOW running boards is the headline feature for anyone who has handed the keys to a shorter driver or watched a kid struggle to climb in. That drop brings the stepping surface noticeably closer to the ground.
My partner, who is 5’3″, gave the SMANOW boards a clear thumbs-up over the COMNOVA boards on the same truck. The difference in step height is meaningful for daily entry and exit.
Install follows the same pattern as the COMNOVA boards: bolt-on, no drilling, all hardware included. The instructions could be clearer (the brackets ship without left and right labels), but a careful installer can work it out in under an hour.
The textured powder coat looks great out of the box. The big question is longevity, and multiple reviewers in northern climates report rust creeping in at the bracket contact points after one or two winters.
Who the SMANOW drop steps are best for
Silverado and Sierra Crew Cab owners who prioritize ease of entry for shorter drivers, kids, and elderly passengers. The 4.7 inch drop is the practical sweet spot for stock-height trucks.
Where the SMANOW boards fall short
If you live where road salt is heavy in winter, the powder coat will need a protective spray at the brackets within the first season. The included hardware is acceptable but not premium, and budget-conscious shoppers get what they pay for.
5. DNA MOTORING Aluminum Side Hoop Steps – Best Universal Hoop Steps
DNA MOTORING 2 Pcs of Aluminum Side Hoop Steps, Universal Step Rails for Pickup & SUV & Truck, Non-Slip Stirrup Side Steps Assembly Compatible With Chevy GMC Toyota Ford, Black, SSTEP-BK
Universal fit
Aluminum
350 lb capacity
Matte black finish
Pros
- Universal compatibility with most pickups and SUVs
- Lightweight aluminum construction
- Affordable price point
- Rugged matte black aesthetic
- Non-slip step surface
Cons
- Requires drilling into rocker panel for installation
- Professional installation recommended
- Some quality variability reported by reviewers
The DNA MOTORING aluminum side hoop steps are the lowest-priced set on this list, and they deliver genuine truck step functionality for shoppers who do not need vehicle-specific fit. If you are running an older truck or a non-mainstream model without a dedicated bracket kit, universal hoops are often the only option.
The aluminum build keeps the weight down to 6.5 pounds per pair. That matters when you are mounting them to a rocker panel, because lighter steps put less stress on the mounting points over time.
At 1 inch in diameter, the stirrup step is narrower than a running board. That is the trade-off with hoop steps: minimal loss of ground clearance, but a smaller landing zone for your foot. Mount them where you naturally place your foot entering the cab and they work well.
The matte black powder coat gives the hoops a rugged look that matches most trucks and SUVs. Reviewers note the universal fit is broad, but always verify compatibility before purchase, especially on vehicles with lower body cladding.
Who the DNA MOTORING hoop steps are best for
Owners of older trucks, project trucks, and less common models who need a functional step without a vehicle-specific bracket. Budget shoppers and off-roaders worried about losing ground clearance both get what they need here.
Where the DNA MOTORING hoops fall short
Installation requires drilling into the rocker panel. If you are not comfortable with a drill and a tape measure, this is a shop job. Reviewer ratings are noticeably more mixed than the vehicle-specific boards, so inspect the kit on arrival.
6. Tyger Auto 3.5 in Rider Running Boards for Ram 1500 – Best for Long-Term Ownership
Tyger Auto 3.5″ Rider Running Boards Compatible with 2019-2026 Ram 1500 (Not Fit 19-24 Classic) | Crew Cab | TG-SS2D35098 | Side Step Rail Nerf Bars
3.5 inch oval tube
500 lb capacity
E-coating
Bolt-on 20 minutes
Pros
- Wider 3.5 inch oval step pad versus round tubes
- End-to-end E-coating with textured powder finish
- Quick 20-minute bolt-on install
- 3 year manufacturer warranty
- Strong 500 lb capacity
Cons
- Only fits Crew Cab
- not Quad Cab or Mega Cab
- Not compatible with 2019-2024 Ram 1500 Classic body style
The Tyger Auto 3.5 inch Rider running boards for the 2019-2026 Ram 1500 Crew Cab deliver the best combination of fit, finish, and warranty on this list. The 3 year manufacturer warranty is the longest here, and reviewers consistently report zero rust after multiple winters.
The oval tube is the practical difference. Round tube running boards give you a small landing zone. The 3.5 inch oval tube gives you a full step pad, which feels safer in work boots and on icy mornings.
Install was the fastest in the test fleet. Tyger includes all hardware and a printed guide, and we had both sides bolted on in 22 minutes with a single socket wrench. No drilling is required, and the bracket alignment matched the factory holes on our test Ram.
The dual-stage E-coating under the textured black powder finish is what makes these hold up in salt-belt climates. Reviewers in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania all report the same: no rust creep after two or three winters.
Who the Tyger Auto Rider boards are best for
2019-2026 Ram 1500 Crew Cab owners who plan to keep their truck for years and want a worry-free install. Anyone who lives where road salt is a fact of winter will appreciate the E-coating.
Where the Tyger Auto Rider falls short
These are Crew Cab only. If you have a Quad Cab or Mega Cab, this set will not fit. The 2019-2024 Ram 1500 Classic is also excluded, so verify your cab configuration before ordering.
7. COMNOVA Stainless Steel Side Steps for Ram 1500 – Best Stainless Steel for Ram
COMNOVA 6 Inches Running Boards for 2019-2026 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab New Body Style (Excl. Ram 2500/3500/Classic), Stainless Steel Side Steps, Truck Step Bars Nerf Bars.
Stainless steel
500 lb capacity
Bolt-on no drilling
6 inch wide
Pros
- Stainless steel resists corrosion and discoloration
- Patented adjustable slider design
- Easy direct bolt-on install in 30 minutes
- Wide 6 inch anti-slip step surface
- Each bar supports up to 500 lbs
Cons
- Not compatible with Classic
- 2500
- 3500
- Quad
- or Mega Cab
- Some users report needing extra drilling for fitment
- Long-term sturdiness ratings are mixed
These COMNOVA stainless steel running boards for the 2019-2026 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab (new body style) are the most corrosion-resistant vehicle-specific option in this roundup. If you live near the coast or anywhere with salt spray, stainless is the long-term answer.
The brushed stainless finish out of the box looks like an OE upgrade. After two months of testing, including weekly washes, there was no spotting or discoloration.
The patented slider design is the unexpected highlight. Once bolted on, the step can slide forward and backward along its bracket to fine-tune the position. That matters when you are dialing in fitment on a Ram with a slightly different cab configuration.
The 6 inch wide anti-slip pad is comfortable in work boots and stable for elderly passengers stepping down with a hand on the door frame.
Who the COMNOVA stainless Ram steps are best for
2019-2026 Ram 1500 Crew Cab owners who want the longest-lasting finish available without stepping up to a retractable power step. Coastal drivers, winter warriors, and weekend road-trippers benefit most from stainless.
Where the COMNOVA stainless steps fall short
The fitment exclusions are long. If you have anything other than a 2019-2026 Ram 1500 Crew Cab new body style, look at the Tyger Auto set above or the universal hoops. A small number of buyers report needing minor drilling, so have a drill on standby.
8. Tyger Auto LanderX Drop Steps for Silverado – Best for Lifted Trucks
Tyger Auto LanderX Running Board Compatible with 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado GMC Sierra 1500; 2020-2026 2500 3500HD | Crew Cab | TG-LX3C82318 | Drop Step Side Step Rail Nerf Bars
5 inch drop
Triangular tube
500 lb capacity
3 year warranty
Pros
- 5 inch drop helps entry on lifted trucks
- Stylish triangular tube design stands out
- Easy 20-minute bolt-on install
- Solid feel under 300 lb testers
- Dual-stage E-coating resists rust
Cons
- Instructions rely heavily on pictures over written text
- Only fits Crew Cab
- not Double Cab
The Tyger Auto LanderX is the drop step we kept reaching for on the lifted Silverado in our test fleet. The 5 inch drop is meaningfully deeper than the SMANOW’s 4.7 inch drop, and on a truck with a leveling kit or 4-inch lift, that extra half inch is the difference between a comfortable step and a small jump.
The triangular tube design is genuinely stylish. Anyone wanting a step that looks different from the sea of round tube running boards will appreciate this profile from the curb.
Install follows the same Tyger pattern: bolt-on, no drilling, about 20 minutes from start to finish. The hardware bag includes more than you need, which is a small but welcome detail.
The wrinkle-textured powder finish over dual-stage E-coating is built to hold up under salt and slush. Several reviewers in northern climates have posted multi-year updates with no rust creep at the bracket contact points.
Who the Tyger Auto LanderX is best for
2019-2026 Silverado and Sierra 1500/2500HD/3500HD Crew Cab owners with a leveling kit or lift who need a deeper drop. Anyone shopping for a step with stronger styling than a round tube will find it here.
Where the Tyger Auto LanderX falls short
The instructions are picture-heavy with limited written guidance. First-time installers should plan for extra time to figure out the order of operations. Double Cab models are excluded.
9. AutoBull Aluminum Running Boards for Silverado – Best Lightweight Aluminum Boards
AutoBull Crew Cab Running Boards Side Steps Compatible with 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado & GMC Sierra 1500 (Excl 2019 Ld/Lt), 2020-2026 2500 HD 3500 HD, Black Textured Aluminum Nerf Bars
Aluminum construction
Honeycomb anti-slip
6 inch wide
36 month warranty
Pros
- Lightweight aluminum resists rust
- Honeycomb anti-slip pattern looks and grips well
- Easy bolt-on installation
- Includes ABS plastic corner covers
- 36-month warranty included
Cons
- Only 6 brackets included (3 per side) versus the typical 8
- Reports of rough welds requiring grinding
- Back section feels less supported than front on some trucks
The AutoBull aluminum running boards for the 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500/2500HD/3500HD Crew Cab are the lightest vehicle-specific set in this roundup. Aluminum steps put less strain on the rocker panel and never rust through, which is a real advantage for daily-driven trucks.
The honeycomb anti-slip pattern is more modern than the raised hex pattern on most competitors. It grips well in sneakers, work boots, and on wet mornings after the dew has set.
Install is bolt-on with no drilling, and the kit includes brackets and ABS plastic corner covers that protect the step ends from curb rash. The 36-month warranty is one of the longer ones in this category.
The aluminum build does have a downside: it is more flexible than steel under hard impacts, and a few reviewers noted the rear mounting points can flex slightly when stepping down hard. The fix is a quick grind of any rough welds before the brackets seat.
Who the AutoBull aluminum boards are best for
Silverado and Sierra Crew Cab owners who want a lightweight, rust-proof step with a longer warranty than most budget boards. Drivers in coastal or salt-belt regions will appreciate the aluminum construction.
Where the AutoBull aluminum boards fall short
The kit includes 6 brackets (3 per side) when most use 8 brackets for a more secure mount. Some buyers add a second set of brackets to stiffen the rear. Watch for rough welds that need a quick pass with a file before the brackets fully seat.
10. COMNOVA V-Style Running Boards for Ford F-150 – Best F-150 Crew Cab Boards
COMNOVA Pair Running Board Nerf Bar Compatible with 15-26 Ford F150 Superduty Crew Cab（4 Full Size Doors） Rocker Slider Side Steps,Width 6 Inches V Style.with OE Style Brackets
V-style step
500 lb capacity
No drilling
OE-style brackets
Pros
- OE-style appearance with polymer stripes
- Easy bolt-on installation
- no drilling
- Patented slider design for fine adjustment
- Slip-resistant plastic step pad
- Wide 6 inch surface
Cons
- Longer delivery window than most boards
- Fitment specific to Crew Cab with 4 full-size doors
The COMNOVA V-style running boards for the 2015-2026 Ford F-150 Crew Cab close out our list as the strongest F-150 specific option we tested. The V-style step pad gives a slightly different look from a flat step, and the OE-style brackets make the whole install look like a factory upgrade.
Install is bolt-on with no cutting, and the included hardware bag has everything you need. We had both sides mounted in about 35 minutes with a helper.
The patented slider design on these boards lets you adjust the step forward and backward along its bracket, which solves the most common fitment complaint on F-150s. Our Reviewers that tested on a 2021 F-150 with a slight body lift found the slider let us center the step perfectly under the door.
The matte textured black powder coat with the glitter effect looks more expensive than the price suggests, and it has held up to two months of weekly washes with no spotting.
Who the COMNOVA V-style F-150 boards are best for
2015-2026 Ford F-150 Crew Cab owners who want an OE-style step with a slip-resistant pad and a wide landing zone. The adjustable slider is a real bonus for F-150 owners with body lifts or aftermarket wheels.
Where the COMNOVA V-style boards fall short
Many buyers report a longer delivery window than other boards on this list, so order ahead of winter if you live in a snow-belt region. The fitment is Crew Cab only, so SuperCab and Regular Cab owners need to look at universal hoops or a different model-specific set.
How to Choose the Best Truck Steps for Your Truck?
The right truck step depends on your truck’s height, your typical passengers, and the climate you live in. Below is the breakdown we walk every buyer through before they commit.
Truck step types: nerf bars vs running boards vs hoop vs tire step
Nerf bars are round or oval tube steps that run along the rocker panel. They sit close to the body, lose almost no ground clearance, and look more aggressive. Running boards are wider flat steps with a full landing pad, easier for kids and elderly passengers but they collect more road debris. Hoop steps are small stirrup-style steps, often universal-fit, and ideal for older trucks. Tire steps are portable and stow in the bed, perfect for roof and bed access without permanent mounting. For setups beyond the truck itself, our RV steps guide and pool ladders and steps roundup cover similar portable and fixed-step comparisons for tow-behinds and backyard use.
Material comparison: steel vs aluminum vs stainless steel
Carbon steel is the strongest and most affordable, but it rusts in salt-belt and northern winters unless protected. Aluminum steps are lighter and corrosion-proof, with slightly less rigidity under hard impacts. Stainless steel costs more but outlasts both in coastal and winter salt conditions. Powder coating adds years of protection on any substrate, and dual-stage E-coating plus powder coat is the best combination for longevity.
Drop-down clearance and ground clearance
Drop steps add 4 to 5 inches of drop, which is the practical sweet spot for stock-height trucks and short lifts. Hoop steps and nerf bars drop only 1 to 2 inches and are the right call for lifted trucks where you cannot afford to lose ground clearance. Running boards without a drop step sit 3 to 4 inches below the cab and work for stock trucks.
Installation difficulty and mounting
Most vehicle-specific running boards are bolt-on with no drilling required and install in 20 to 45 minutes with basic hand tools. Tire steps mount on the tire and need no tools at all. Universal hoop steps usually require drilling into the rocker panel and benefit from a shop install if you are not comfortable with bodywork. Always verify cab configuration (Crew Cab, Quad Cab, Double Cab, Mega Cab) before ordering.
Warranty and long-term ownership
Warranty ranges from 1 year on budget options to 5 years and beyond on premium brands. Tyger Auto backs their boards with a 3 year warranty. COMNOVA offers 2 years. Stainless steel and aluminum steps with quality E-coating hold up longer than bare steel in salt climates, so factor that into your choice. If you want extra protection, our truck bed liner roundup covers the matching interior protection.
Best use case: family, off-road, lifted, and bed access
Family crews with kids or elderly passengers want wide running boards with a meaningful drop, like the SMANOW or Tyger Auto LanderX. Off-roaders want hoop steps or tire steps to preserve clearance. Lifted trucks need a drop step of 4 inches or more for safe entry. Anyone who climbs into the bed more than once a week should also keep a tire step on board. For smaller-footprint spa and hot-tub setups, our spa steps guide rounds out the related picks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best steps for high trucks?
For high or lifted trucks, drop steps with 4 to 5 inches of drop are the safest choice. The Tyger Auto LanderX and SMANOW boards both work well on stock to mid-lifted trucks, while AMP Research PowerStep style retractable boards extend further and retract automatically for taller lifts. Hoop steps and tire steps preserve ground clearance for serious off-road builds.
What is the best truck bed step?
A portable tire step is the most practical truck bed step for most owners. The Powerbuilt Tire Step and HitchMate TireStep both slip over a rear tire in seconds, hold 300 to 400 pounds, and fold flat for storage. If you prefer a permanently mounted bed step, AMP Research and other brands make fold-down tailgate steps that mount to the hitch or the bed itself.
What are the best automatic folding steps for trucks?
Powered retractable steps like the AMP Research PowerStep deploy when you open the door and retract when you close it. They are the best option for elderly passengers, lifted trucks, and anyone who wants a clean look with the steps hidden when parked. Expect to pay significantly more than fixed running boards, and factor in wiring to the door trigger or an override switch.
How much does it cost to put steps on a truck?
Truck steps range from budget-friendly tire steps and universal hoops at the low end, to mid-range vehicle-specific running boards, to premium retractable power steps at the top end. Vehicle-specific boards from brands like Tyger Auto and COMNOVA usually fall in the middle of the range. Professional installation adds to the total only if you choose universal hoops that require drilling.
What is the best material for Nerf bars?
Stainless steel is the best long-term material for nerf bars in coastal or salt-belt climates because it resists corrosion and discoloration. Powder-coated carbon steel is the best value choice for most buyers, especially when paired with E-coating under the powder. Aluminum is the lightest material but is more common on running boards than round nerf bars.
Are nerf bars worth it?
Nerf bars are worth it for owners who want easier entry and exit without losing ground clearance or collecting road debris. They are the standard choice for off-roaders, lifted trucks, and anyone who finds wide running boards too low for their garage or driveway. For daily-driven family trucks, wide running boards with a drop step are usually easier for kids and elderly passengers.
Final Verdict: Which Truck Steps Should You Buy?
After testing 10 of the most popular truck steps side-by-side, our team’s top pick is the Powerbuilt Tire Step for bed and roof access, the COMNOVA 6 inch boards for Silverado Crew Cab daily driving, the Tyger Auto 3.5 inch Rider for Ram 1500 long-term ownership, and the Tyger Auto LanderX drop steps for lifted Silverado and Sierra trucks. The best truck steps for your specific truck come down to height, cab style, and climate, and the comparison table above puts every spec in one place. Whichever you pick, you’ll step into your truck with more confidence every morning.