If you’ve recently added a lift kit to your truck or you bought a truck that sits higher off the ground than typical, you may find that you and your passengers are having trouble getting into your vehicle.

Stepping up into the cab of a lifted truck can be a real challenge for some, even if you have a stock grab bar built in. Even the stock height of some heavy-duty trucks can be a bit high for your passengers.

Side steps and running boards are an aftermarket option that can help with that problem.

Side steps and running boards are not stock parts on all trucks and both can improve the look and function of your truck. If you know you want a pair of these but you aren’t sure which would be better for you, we will do our best to help you decide with the information below. Let’s jump in.

Side Steps

Side Steps or Running Boards?

Right away, you’ll see the most obvious difference between side steps and running boards is they have different step areas.

The typical side step is round with a flat area near the doors. You step on the flat area to enter the vehicle. The rest of the side step is typically round and usually, a slick surface that can be potentially hazardous when icy, muddy or wet.

Your typical running boards run the full length of the cab or fully to the rear wheel well and are flat for the entire length.

Running boards can assist with access to the cab and to parts of your truck bed as well. This can be a nice bonus depending on what you haul and how often. If you have a crossover toolbox mounted behind the cab of your truck, running boards might make it easier to access your tools.

Speaking of length, there are different lengths of both running boards and side steps. Some run the length of the cab, others run “wheel to wheel.”

This length can make a huge difference in the usefulness of the steps so how you use your truck should be taken into consideration in either case.

Wheel to Wheel Running Boards

What About Ground Clearance?

Presumably, one of the reasons you put a lift on your truck was to get more ground clearance. If you don’t want to compromise that, you may want to choose side steps over running boards.

Side steps typically have a shorter length and a less dramatic effect on ground clearance. It may not be vital for someone who never plans to, but it’s something to consider when adding either one to your truck.

Under your truck, you have a driveshaft, suspension, and other drivetrain parts. All of these affect your ground clearance. Skid plates can be installed to help prevent damage, but often, the bottom of the body doesn’t define true ground clearance.

It can, however, have an effect when crawling over rocks and other obstacles, or when one side of the vehicle is higher than the other.

Your effective ground clearance depends on the situation. If you have side steps and running boards sitting lower, you’ll be able to access your truck more easily but it may impact this type of ground clearance when you’re driving off-road.

Side steps have better ground clearance and protect your rocker panel better than running boards.

Style and Look

Appearance is one of the most important factors for many people, and understandably so! There are a multitude of choices when it comes to color, shape and fit of side steps and running boards.

Running boards can be stainless, chrome, black, and sometimes painted to match your vehicle's body color.

Whatever style you choose, running boards will dramatically change the look of your truck. You’ll want to get the cleanest look you can.

Side steps are pretty straightforward in their look. They’re usually rounded with rubber step pads and come in chrome, stainless, or sometimes anodized black aluminum.

Some have a universal fit but we recommend getting a pair specifically designed for your truck.

Side steps give your truck a rougher, more aggressive look whereas running boards have a sleeker, more built-in design like it came from the factory that way.

Cost

The final, and often most influential factor in your decision is your budget.

Side steps tend to be simpler and less expensive than running boards. They cost less to install in most cases and usually come in bolt-on configurations.

Generally speaking, side steps are a more affordable option.

Running boards can get complicated. Some are simple and bolt on easily or installed with some simple drilling.

While basic in construction (because they contain more actual metal) they’re usually more expensive than side steps. And if they have to be painted or customized in any way, that’s another expense.

We suggest you compare costs for parts and installation before buying any running board or side step.

No matter which route you choose, a side step or running board can help you and your passengers more easily access your truck.

Neither is perfect for every situation so weigh your options, shop around and understand the impact they have on both appearance and function so you can make the right choice.

About Enthuze

Enthuze is constantly developing products with the goal of producing industry-leading aftermarket truck accessories to make your truck more useful and look great too!

Our products range from floor liners, wheels, fender flares, side steps for pickup trucks, tonneau covers, tool boxes and much more! Check out everything Enthuze has to offer here.