Top 5 Running Board Manufacturers

Just out of curiosity, how many of you reading this think that most people think that the top manufacturers of anything are the first five listed on a search engine?  Odds are that quite a few people do.  While the top five results might include a few of the top manufacturers you have to wonder why they are listed at the top too.  Are they there simply because of name recognition or is it in fact because of the quality and pricing of the running boards that they make?  For that matter, what would qualify a manufacturer as a top manufacturer in your eyes?  No matter what your requirements for top manufacturers are I will take a minute and tell you my top 5.  The manufacturers that made my list did so because of the quality of the boards as well as the value for the price.

Steelcraft

Interestingly enough, different manufacturers call their bars different things.  The Steelcraft company calls theirs Nerf Bars.  In particular, the bars that have landed them on my top p5 list are called Steelcraft 5’’ Wheel to Wheel Oval Nerf Bars.  These are made from stainless steel that is T304 grade.  The install is a no drill one that is quick and easy.  The bars come complete with brackets that are specific to your vehicle.  It also features a step pad made from polyethylene and this bar is covered by a limited lifetime warranty. 

Aries

Aries makes a running board that they call the Aries Stainless Step Bar.  This particular bar that has landed them on my list is for the Ford Ranger 1983 – 1997.  You can get this board for around $260.  This is made from marine grade stainless steel that has been given a polished mirror like finish.  It includes the mounting hardware and is a 3’’ tube.  It is easy to install and has a standard width recessed step pad. 

Lund

The Lund board that made this list is the Lund Original Trail Runner Step Boards.  They are quite stylish and can be acquired for around $400.  There are two step pads on each side.  They come with all of the necessary hardware and are easily installed.

Westin

The Westin Wheel to Wheel Black Step Bars can be found for around $400.  They include all of the hardware that you will need to mount them.  They are made from stainless steel that has been given a black powder coat with a diamond design.  This will add a touch of rugged elegance to your truck.

Ionic

The Ionic brand running boards that made this list are the factory style ones.  You can get them for around $275 depending on where you get them.  As implied from the style they are fashioned to look like OEM boards.  They come together with all of the necessary mounting equipment and are easy to install.  They are constructed from heavy duty plastic that is UV resistant to make the life of the boards longer.  They also come complete with a warranty for the life of the boards.

As stated before, these are my personal top 5.  You will have to look at what is out there and decide which of the manufacturers out there will make your top 5 list.