Running Board Analyzer
The right running boards depend on your cab size, door count, and mounting points. Upload a photo and we'll figure out the specs so you get a perfect fit, no measuring tape required.
Upload a photo of any vehicle and we'll identify make, model, trim, and every visible part and accessory, with links to buy.
Drag 'n' drop images, or click to select
Upload multiple images per vehicle for better accuracy. Max 10MB per file.
Upload a photo of any vehicle and we'll identify make, model, trim, and every visible part and accessory, with links to buy.
Upload multiple angles for better accuracy
Understanding Running Boards & Side Steps
Cab Configurations and Fit
Running boards are sized to match your cab. Regular cab boards are the shortest, extended cab boards cover the front and rear-hinged doors, and crew cab boards span the full length of four full-size doors. Installing the wrong cab length means either a board that stops short of the rear door or one that extends past the body and looks awkward.
Mounting Types
Most running boards bolt to factory mounting points using vehicle-specific brackets, with no drilling required. Others use universal clamp-on brackets that grip the rocker panel, offering flexibility across different makes but sometimes a less secure fit. High-end options like power steps use electric motors and mount to the frame with dedicated hardware.
Nerf Bars vs. Side Steps vs. Rock Sliders
Nerf bars are round tubes (usually 3"–4" diameter) that run the length of the cab with step pads welded on, making them great for a sporty look and light duty use. Side steps are wider, flat platforms that offer more foot surface area and are better for passengers in dress shoes or kids climbing in. Rock sliders are heavy-gauge steel rails designed to protect rocker panels off-road; they double as steps but are built for impact, not comfort.
Material Differences
Aluminum running boards are lightweight and resist corrosion, making them ideal for daily drivers in salty climates. Stainless steel offers a polished, chrome-like finish with excellent durability but adds weight. Textured black powder-coated steel is the go-to for off-road builds, so pair them with aftermarket wheels sized to the correct bolt pattern and offset for a complete trail-ready look.
How Visual Fitment Helps
Upload a side-profile photo to identify your cab type and running board fitment instantly . Our analysis detects your door count and rocker panel height, the three specs that determine compatibility. You'll get matched recommendations you can buy with confidence. Also outfitting your bed? Check which tonneau covers and bed liners fit your truck's bed length.
By the Numbers
Built For
How the Running Board Analyzer Works
Upload a Side-Profile Shot
Mounting Fit Determined
Shop Matched Running Boards
Why People Use the Running Board Analyzer
From daily drivers to trail rigs and work fleets, find the right side step without crawling under the truck with a tape measure.
Making Entry Easier
Your family struggles to climb into your lifted F-250. Upload a side shot and our analysis identifies your cab type and rocker panel height, then recommends running boards with the right drop, from low-profile power steps for grandma to heavy-duty nerf bars for everyday use.
Off-Road Protection
You're building out a trail rig and need rock sliders that actually protect the rocker panels, not just look good. Upload a photo of your 4Runner so our analysis can match your exact wheelbase and body mount points, then browse heavy-gauge steel sliders rated for real off-road use.
Fleet & Commercial Vehicles
You manage a fleet of work trucks and need to outfit twenty Silverados with the same side steps. Upload a photo of one truck, confirm the fitment match, and order with confidence, knowing every truck in the fleet gets the correct bolt-on kit without individual measurements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Running boards are wide, flat platforms that run the full length of the cab for easy step-in access. Nerf bars are round tubes (usually 3–4 inches in diameter) with small step pads welded on. They look sportier but offer less foot surface area. Choose running boards for family vehicles and nerf bars for a more athletic aesthetic.
Yes, brackets are vehicle-specific because each truck has unique rocker panel dimensions and factory mounting points. Most quality running board kits include the correct brackets for your year, make, and model. Universal brackets exist but may require drilling and don't always fit as securely.
Most bolt-on running boards can be installed in 1–2 hours with basic hand tools, with no drilling required if you use a vehicle-specific kit. You'll typically need a socket set, a torque wrench, and a friend to help hold the board in position while you tighten the bolts.
Aluminum is lightweight and corrosion-resistant, ideal for daily drivers especially in salty climates. Stainless steel is heavier but gives a polished chrome look. Powder-coated steel is the toughest option for off-road use; it hides trail damage and handles heavy loads without bending.
Cab size determines the length of running board you need. A regular cab needs the shortest boards, an extended cab needs mid-length, and a crew cab needs the longest. Installing the wrong length means the board either stops short of the rear door or extends awkwardly past the body.