If you've been thinking that trucks and SUVs look taller than ever, you're not wrong. The segment now features vehicles that are larger than before--having grown by almost 25% between 1989 and now.

Adding a lift and/or taller tires to your new SUV or truck will make it even taller. This makes it much harder for many people to get into these vehicles, including children, shorter people, seniors, or women wearing dresses.

According to statistics from the NHTSA, the number one non-crash injury related to vehicles is falling while entering or exiting. In fact, roughly 146,000 people per year go to the ER for injuries while getting in or out of a vehicle. That's about 400 people per day.

That's where running boards for trucks and SUVs come in. Running boards are one type of sidestep for trucks or SUVs. They have flat surfaces just below the door of your vehicle, which makes it much easier to step into the vehicle.

What Are Truck Running Boards?

Running boards are most often attached to tall SUVs and 4WD trucks, but some people may also want them for smaller SUVs, crossovers, and smaller 2WD trucks. Anyone who has a limited range of movement or might have a passenger who does can benefit from having running boards on their SUV or truck.

Aftermarket running boards also tend to offer a tough, rugged look that appeals to many truck and SUV owners. Running boards for pickup trucks differ from side steps and nerf bars in that they are completely flat steps that mount beneath the doors of a truck or SUV.

Nerf bars, on the other hand, are bars with textured stepping areas, and side steps are simply narrow single steps that install below the door.

Side Steps on a Pickup Truck

The benefit of pickup running boards is that they provide a stable, flat surface that makes it easy for just about anyone to get in and out of a tall truck or SUV. Since the surface is completely flat, running boards can also be useful places to set things as you load or unload your vehicle.

How To Install Running Boards

Installing aftermarket running boards is a pretty simple process, but you might need an extra person to hold the board while it's being installed. Most vehicles have factory-drilled mountings in the frame where running boards can be affixed.

All you'll generally have to do is fit them to these mounting holes and then attach them with included hardware. If your vehicle doesn't have factory-drilled holes, then you'll have to do the drilling yourself. This is when you might want to have a professional install them so you don't risk compromising your frame.

Weight Ratings For Running Boards

Weight ratings for running boards aren't always listed, but a normal amount is between 300 and 500 pounds. Weight testing isn't really a thing with running boards either, but they're generally quite solid for getting in and out.

Brackets attach the boards to your truck or SUV frame, which gives it a lot of stability. For general use, you're unlikely to encounter any major weight issues with well-made running boards.

Running Board Construction and Maintenance

Running boards are usually made with stainless steel, coated mild steel, or aluminum. Many running boards have some type of coating on them as well. Compared to side steps, running boards can collect significant debris since they have a flat, wide surface.

To keep your boards from being slippery or collecting debris, you should hose them off with a strong spray whenever you notice large amounts of pollen, moss, or pine needles on them.

In damp climates, moss can form on running boards pretty easily, which can make them slippery. You may need to use a vinegar solution to remove moss.

When it comes to keeping your running boards clean, the powder-coated ones are the easiest in this area. Chrome-trimmed aluminum running boards are the most difficult as they tend to show scratches and corrosion quickly.

Popular Running Boards

Most running boards are permanently affixed steps to the side of your truck or SUV. However, there is also a segment of power running boards or electric running boards. These running boards are wired to your vehicle's electrical system and can retract when not in use.

Some retract and extend automatically when you open your door. These running boards are helpful because they won't reduce your ground clearance. Most regular running boards are roughly two inches below your frame, which means two inches or so less of ground clearance.

AMP Research Powerstep

Action Trucks offers this popular electric running board that features an automatic-retracting step whenever you get in or out of your truck. When the doors close, the running board automatically retracts out of sight, which restores your ground clearance.

These running boards are rated for 600 pounds of load capacity and are backed by a three-year warranty.

Putco Traditional Running Board

Another popular offering comes from Putco. This traditional running board is constructed from stainless steel and includes LED lighting and chrome trim. These sleek running boards run the length of your truck and fit a variety of different makes and models.

Luverne Black Aluminum Running Boards

For aluminum running boards, we have the Luverne grip step line that features black powder coating and a rugged design with open treads to help keep debris out of your truck.

The seven-inch wide stepping surface makes it easy to get in and out of a tall truck or SUV, plus it gives you a handy surface to set things while loading or unloading.

Action Trucks stocks a wide variety of running board brands, including Body Armor, Rampage, Rough Country, and more. Search by make and model on our site to find the perfect running boards for your vehicle. You can also stop by our stores for expert advice and installation help.