Running Boards & Side Steps

Running Boards and Side Steps for Sale

Here you can buy running boards and side steps for some of the most popular lifted and off-road vehicles, along with a replacement motor for power running boards. Each product above can be ordered online, and every product page lists the exact vehicle, cab or door configuration, material and what is included. If climbing into your truck or SUV has become a stretch, or your power steps have stopped deploying, this is the right page.

Right now the range covers the Jeep Wrangler JL 4-door (with three different designs), the Ford Bronco 4-door with factory rock rails, the 2024-2025 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab and Crew Cab, and a driver side running board motor for the 2015-2017 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator.

Below is a full list of the running boards and side steps we carry with their specs, then a guide to the different styles, how to check fitment, what installation involves, how to care for them, and answers to frequent questions.

Running Boards and Side Steps in This Collection

Jeep Wrangler JL 4-Door

Ford Bronco and Toyota Tacoma

Power Running Board Parts

More parts for these vehicles are on Jeep parts, Ford parts, Toyota parts and Lincoln parts.

Running Boards, Side Steps, Nerf Bars and Rock Sliders

These names get mixed up, so here is how most people in the trade use them.

  • Running boards are long, flat platforms that run most of the length of the cab. They give a wide area to step on and catch some of the mud and stones thrown up by the front tyres. They are the most common choice on family SUVs and pickups.
  • Side steps are usually narrower, sometimes with individual step pads at each door. Two-step designs, like our JL boards, put a lower step below the main one for tall or lifted vehicles.
  • Nerf bars are round or oval tubes with small step pads. They are lighter and look sportier but give less foot area.
  • Rock sliders and rock rails are heavy steel rails bolted to the frame to protect the sills off-road. They are designed to take the weight of the vehicle sliding on a rock. Some vehicles, like the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and some Broncos, come with factory rock rails. Several of our running boards are designed to mount onto those rails.
  • Power running boards fold away under the body and drop down when you open a door. They are motor-driven, which is where our Expedition and Navigator motor comes in.

For a short history of running boards on cars, the running board article on Wikipedia is a good read.

Why People Fit Running Boards and Side Steps

The main reason is access. Factory ride heights on 4x4s are already tall, and once someone adds a lift and 33 or 35 inch tyres, getting in becomes a climb. Children, older passengers and anyone with stiff knees appreciate a step. Running boards also make it easier to reach the roof, which matters if you use a roof rack or roof tent. Our roof rack cross bars work well alongside them.

They protect the lower doors and sills from stones and debris thrown by the front tyres, and they reduce how much mud ends up on your trousers when you step out. And yes, many people simply like the look.

How to Choose the Right Running Boards and Side Steps

  1. Doors and cab type. A 2-door and a 4-door of the same vehicle need different lengths. Our Wrangler and Bronco boards are for 4-door models. The Tacoma boards are for the Double Cab and Crew Cab only.
  2. Model year and generation. The 2024-2025 Tacoma is a new generation, so boards for 2005-2023 trucks will not fit, and the other way round.
  3. Factory rock rails. If your Wrangler Rubicon or Bronco has factory rock rails, pick a board designed to mount to them. If not, choose a board that bolts to the body or frame mounting points.
  4. Lift height. On a lifted Wrangler, a two-step board keeps the first step at a comfortable height.
  5. Material. Aluminium is lighter and does not rust. Powder-coated steel is stronger and heavier. Both work well. Steel needs touch-ups if the coating chips.
  6. Load rating. Check the weight rating if several adults will use the step at once or if you will stand on it to reach the roof. Our two-step JL boards are rated to 700 lb.
  7. For power running board motors, match front or rear, left or right, and the wheelbase. Our motor is front left, 119 inch wheelbase.

Installing Running Boards and Side Steps

Most of the boards we sell are bolt-on and need no drilling. On the Wrangler JL, the brackets bolt to existing threaded holes in the body or to the factory rock rails. Typical steps:

  1. Lay out all the parts and check them against the parts list.
  2. Clean the mounting points under the vehicle. Rust and mud can stop bolts from threading in properly.
  3. Fit the brackets loosely to the vehicle.
  4. Lift the board into place with a helper, and attach it to the brackets loosely.
  5. Adjust the board so it is level and the gap to the body is even from front to back.
  6. Tighten all bolts to the torque in the instructions.
  7. Recheck tightness after the first week of driving and after any off-road trip.

Replacing a power running board motor is mostly a matter of unplugging the old one, removing its bolts, and fitting the new one. Clean the connector and check it for corrosion, because water in the plug is a common reason these motors fail. Many owners add dielectric grease to the connector when fitting a new motor.

Looking After Running Boards and Side Steps

Running boards live in the spray zone behind the front wheels, so they collect mud, salt and grit. Rinse them when you wash the car, and clean under the step plates where dirt builds up. Check bolts a few times a year. On powder-coated steel, touch up chips quickly to stop rust. On aluminium, a little metal polish keeps the finish looking good. For power running boards, wash the hinges and spray them with a silicone lubricant in winter so ice and grit do not jam them.

Common Problems with Power Running Boards

If one side of your Expedition or Navigator power steps stops working while the other is fine, the motor on that side is the most likely cause. Other signs include a step that moves slowly, makes a grinding noise, stays down when the door shuts, or only works sometimes. Before buying a motor, check the fuse and the connector for corrosion. If those are good and the motor still does not move, replace it. Ford fitted separate front and rear motors on each side, so make sure you replace the right one.

Related Categories

Ordering, Delivery and Returns

Running boards and side steps can be ordered from this page. They are long items, so delivery options can differ by country. You will see what is available for your address at checkout, and more detail on our shipping page. If the boards arrive and do not match the vehicle listed, see our returns page, and see our warranty page for faulty parts. Test-fit the brackets before fully installing so a return stays simple.

Running Boards and Side Steps FAQ

Do I need to drill holes to fit running boards?

Not for the boards we sell. They use existing mounting points or factory rock rails. Check the product page for the exact mounting method.

Can I fit running boards on a Wrangler without rock rails?

Yes, but choose a board made for body mounting. The Rubicon rock rail version needs the factory rails to bolt to.

Will running boards reduce my ground clearance?

Slightly at the sides, since they hang below the sills. On rough trails they can catch on rocks. Rock-rail mounted boards keep the step tighter to the body.

How much weight can a running board hold?

It depends on the design. Our two-step Wrangler JL boards are rated up to 700 lb. Other boards list their rating on the product page.

Why did my power running board stop working?

The usual causes are a failed motor, a corroded connector or a blown fuse. If the fuse and wiring are fine, the motor is the most common fault.

Will Tacoma running boards from an older model fit the 2024 Tacoma?

No. The 2024-2025 Tacoma is a new body, so boards for 2005-2023 trucks do not fit. Our Tacoma boards are for the new Double Cab and Crew Cab.

Do you deliver running boards and side steps to my country?

Delivery options are shown at checkout once you enter your address. Our shipping page has more information.

Step Height and Width: What Actually Matters

When you compare running boards and side steps, the two measurements that matter most are the step height and the step width. The step height is the distance from the ground to the top of the step. On a lifted Jeep Wrangler or a tall pickup, a step that sits too high gives little help, while one that hangs too low can catch on rocks and kerbs. The width is how deep the standing surface is from the body outward. A wider board is easier to stand on with work boots or wet shoes, and it catches more road spray, but it also sticks out further, which can be a problem in narrow garages and car parks. Look at your daily use: if older passengers or children climb in often, prioritise a low, wide step; if you go off-road, prioritise clearance.

Two-Step and Drop-Step Designs

Some running boards have two steps per side, one under each door, like the two-step running boards for the Jeep Wrangler JL 4-door. Others have a full-length board. Drop-step designs place the standing surface lower than the mounting bracket, which helps on tall vehicles. Full-length boards look neater and give somewhere to stand when you load a roof rack, while separate steps save weight and keep more of the sill visible.

Mounting to Rock Rails vs the Frame or Body

Many Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and Ford Bronco models come from the factory with rock rails along the sills. Some aftermarket running boards are designed to bolt to those rock rails using the existing holes, such as the running boards for Wrangler JL Rubicon with OEM rock rails and the Bronco running board for OEM rock rails. These are quick to fit and usually need no drilling. Other boards bolt to the body or the frame through brackets. Frame-mounted steps are strongest, while body-mounted steps rely on the strength of the body pinch weld and mounting points. Before you buy, check whether your vehicle has rock rails and which mounting style the product uses.

Load Ratings

A running board must hold the weight of a person stepping on it, often with extra force from jumping down. Many quality boards list a load rating, such as the 700 lb rating on our powder-coated Wrangler two-step boards. A load rating is not a licence to use the board as a jacking point or a recovery point. Never jack the vehicle on a running board, and never attach a recovery strap to one, because the brackets are not built for those loads.

Power Running Boards: How They Work

Power running boards, found on many Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator and some pickups, fold away under the body and deploy when you open a door. Each side has motors at the hinge points, a control module and door sensors. When a motor fails, that side may move slowly, stop partway or not move at all. Our Ford Expedition and Navigator running board motor fits the front bracket on the 119-inch wheelbase models. Road salt and grit are the main enemies of these motors, so rinse the hinges regularly in winter and spray them with a light lubricant. If the board stops working, check the fuse and the connector before replacing the motor, because a corroded plug is a common cause.

Materials and Finishes

Running boards and side steps are usually made from aluminium, steel or a mix. Aluminium is light, does not rust, and is often anodised or powder-coated. Steel is very strong and cheaper, but needs a good coating to stop rust. Look for a textured or grip-taped standing surface so wet shoes do not slip. Carbon fibre accents, like those on our aluminium Wrangler JL boards, are mainly a styling feature.

Do Running Boards Protect the Paint?

A wide board catches some of the stones and mud thrown up by the front tyres, which helps protect the lower doors and sills. That benefit is real on gravel and dirt roads. However, running boards do not replace rock sliders for serious off-roading, because they are not designed to take the weight of the vehicle sliding over a rock. If you go rock crawling, choose purpose-built sliders and keep your running boards for daily use.

Fitting Checklist

  • Check every bracket and bolt is in the box before you start.
  • Fit the brackets loosely first, then position the board and tighten everything evenly.
  • Use thread locker where the instructions say, especially on vehicles driven on rough roads.
  • Check the doors open and close without touching the board.
  • Recheck all bolts after the first week of driving.

For more off-road protection, browse our off-road and 4x4 parts, bumpers and grilles and floor mats and liners to keep muddy boots off the carpet.

More Questions About Running Boards and Side Steps

Do running boards fit every cab style?

No. Running boards are made for a specific cab length, such as two-door, four-door, crew cab or double cab. Check the cab style and wheelbase before ordering.

Will running boards reduce ground clearance?

They hang below the sill, so they can reduce side clearance a little. For serious off-roading, rock sliders are a better choice.

Can I fit running boards without drilling?

Many modern running boards are no-drill and use existing holes in the body, frame or factory rock rails. The product page states the mounting method.

How do I stop power running boards freezing?

Rinse the hinges after salted roads, spray them with a light lubricant suitable for cold weather, and clear packed snow and ice from the mechanism before driving.

Are aluminium or steel running boards better?

Aluminium is lighter and will not rust; steel is stronger and usually cheaper. Both work well when properly coated and fitted.

Running Boards for Jeep, Bronco and Tacoma

This collection focuses on some of the most popular trucks and SUVs for running boards. The Jeep Wrangler JL 4-door sits high and has a tall step-in height, especially with larger tyres, so a step makes a big difference for passengers. We stock several styles for it, from aluminium boards with carbon accents to powder-coated two-step designs and boards that bolt to the Rubicon's factory rock rails. The Ford Bronco 4-door with factory rock rails can take bolt-on steps that use the rail mounts. The 2024-2025 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab and Crew Cab have their own 4-piece running board set, made for the new generation's body and mounting points. Because these vehicles changed design between generations, always check the model years and cab style.

Matching Your Truck's Style

Running boards change the look of a vehicle as much as wheels or bumpers. Black powder-coated boards suit an off-road look, while polished or brushed finishes suit a road-focused truck. If you plan to add a bumper, rock sliders or fender flares, choose running boards in a matching finish so the parts look like they belong together.

Running Boards and Car Washes

Most running boards and side steps are fine in automatic car washes, but very wide boards and power steps can catch on the guide rails of some washes. If in doubt, use a hand wash or a touchless wash. Rinse the brackets and hinges after winter driving to remove salt, and check the bolts for tightness a couple of times a year. A little care keeps the boards solid and quiet for years.

If you are not sure which running boards suit your truck or SUV, send us your model, year, cab style and whether you have factory rock rails through our request a part page.

Every running board on this page lists the vehicle, years and cab style it fits.