Runninr boards OR nerf bars

[jarmar]

Setting aside personal preferences, are there practical reasons for having one over the other?



Someone told me that nerf bars were more aerodynamic. True?



Trying to decide what to put on the new ride—if it ever comes in—and would appreciate any comments.



jr

 

[klenger]

It's pretty hard to find practical differences between the two. It almost always comes down to personal preference. In you live in snow country, I've heard that running boards have a tendency to load up with snow. I have Westin CPS nerf bars and am very happy with them. See sig for pics and details.

 

[RankRam]

I went with running boards mainly for rock chip protection. I have zero chips and I'm at 16K miles.



Pics are in my gallery.

 

[Gonzo 1066]

If you want the look of nerfs and the protection of boards try Stull Stainless Steel big boards. They have a large diameter tube and a board surface. I got some of them for my new truck. They look way cool.

 

[Grunt]

I went with nerf bars, they look nice but they also have a tendency for snow/ice to build up (by back door) making it sometimes impossible to open the rear doors. This happened to me last winter after driving in slush then the temps dropping way below freezing. .

 

[GWeed]

After a friend told me about several people he knew who had broken their ankles after slipping on nerf bars, I decided to go with running boards. I didn't want my wife or mom to slip through the nerf bars and wind up like this.

 

[lil red cummins]

i am with rankram. it gives really good chip protection. also keeps a lot more mud and salt off the side of truck. not sure how it is with snow yet. havent had more than a dusting since the install. i would think the snow couldnt get thrown up on the board because it covers the tire completely - except maybe at interstate speeds.



only downside i have noticed is that it makes it harder to get under the truck. then again i have a 4" drop board.



jim

 

[DPelletier]

I would take the aerodynamic advantage of nerf bars with a grain of salt LOL!

As stated, it comes down to personnal preference. I had nerf bars on my '01. 5 and they worked OK and looked great. They provided VERY little protection against rock chips, much to my chagrin. If you choose to get the bars, I suggest the stainless ones. Mine were BetterBuilt.

On the new truck, I decided running boards would be better as I didn't want the severe chip damage that my last truck did. I'm happy with them and think they look good and are undoubtably doing a great job protecting the lower body. I drive in winter conditions and sanded (like they use sand!) roads for 4 or 5 months of the year.



Hope this helps



Dave

 

[KS_Cummins]

Here is whats getting delivered to me this week. http://www.toughcountry.com/products/running_boards.htm I have a drw, so they are flaring that back of it to protect the dually fenders. Can't wait to get them on.

 

[SRadke]

I prefer the look of nerf bars but running boards are much more functional and protect the truck bettter. Here's a pic of mine:



#ad




-Scott

 

[lschultz]

I have some like SRadke and they do protect the sides a lot more than regulear nerf bars and most of them mount to your body mounts,no drilling.

 

[brown24]

Hay KS_Cummins, how much are those flared for a dually? That is just what i have been looking for but their website did not show them flared.

 

[jarmar]

Wow! Thanks so much for all the good response. It is such a great thing to be able to get response from the voices of experience. I certainly appreciate it.



I also had a concern about safety since neither of us are spring chickens and we also have several grandchildren who will ride along from time to time.



jr

 

[DocDetonancour]

Had boards on my last rig and must say they do protect. I have on order a set of MAAP that are 5" wide oval tubes. I hope to get the smooth look of Nerfs with most of the protection of boards. We'll see. Good luck, Doc

 

[Prairie Dog]

I have the Westin platinums and they are very nice. I will agree about the slippery when frozen comments though - it's just something you learn to watch for.

 

[y-knot]

My vote is for the tubes..... they are better looking, don't trap as much air or dirt. They are stronger, and will not bend or break when buba butt steps on they. They look more modern, running boards were hot in the seventies, lets leave them there. Running boards make the truck look shorter (height). There are many, many good strong tube steps out there.

 

[Pawpaw]

Originally posted by jarmar

I also had a concern about safety since neither of us are spring chickens and we also have several grandchildren who will ride along from time to time.



jr

We have 4 grandchildren full-time and my wife is 5'-3". I chose Dee Zee Brite Tread running boards, side box boards, and mudflaps for my truck. Some don't like the diamond-tread, but I do.



In '94, I put a set on my father's '93 GMC. They still look great and that truck has zero rock chips.

 

[SRadke]

Originally posted by BobHall



In '94, I put a set on my father's '03 GMC. They still look great and that truck has zero rock chips.

You mean '93 GMC?



-Scott

 

[Fuzzy Bear]

I just added some XL Nerfboards. 3 1/2" Nerf bar with a running board on top. Got them at www.atatrucks.com Full length, wheel to wheel. Also added a set of stainless rocker panels. Looks good! Does cut down on some of the mess, buts Still does not keep all the mud off. Need to add fender flares and a better set of mud flaps.

 

[DocDetonancour]

Fuzzy, those boaards are great looking! How much $$$$? Thanks, Doc