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Best Running Boards for Ford F150 – Firm Footing for Your Truck

In case you own a Ford F150, you might need some support to make getting in and out of it easier. And the best way to do so is by installing running boards.

Top 8 Best Running Boards for Ford F150 – Firm Footing for Your Truck

They are not just extremely useful, but also improve the exterior look of your vehicle and protect the sides from scratches. Finding the best running boards can be a daunting task since you have to be 100% sure that it fits your truck.

If you’re thinking of getting one, check out my roundup of the best running boards for Ford F150. They will all give you a firm step and add a classy aesthetic touch to your truck.

The 8 Best Running Boards for Ford F150 in 2020

1. APS iBoard Running Boards

APS iBoard Running Boards

Based on my extensive research and testing, the APS iBoard Running Boards lies at the top of running boards for Ford F150 for several reasons.

APS is a reputable name in the field of car and truck accessories since 1995, and it’s no wonder that they made the running boards that turned out to be the best.

This model, in particular, is specially made with a custom fit for the Ford F series, and you can really tell that it has been completely adapted to these cars.

Firstly, I liked how it provides more than a sufficient amount of support with 300 lbs load capacity and firm corrosion-resistant surface.

Next, I was impressed with its design. The combination of the solid black aluminum and the corrugated rubber for a no-slip effect hits the right balance between functionality and aesthetics. Did I mention the low profile design so that it doesn’t stand out?

There are three sizes (4, 5, and 6 inches in width) that you can choose from. My advice here is the more, the better.

The only thing that can be considered a downside is the fact that there are no grille openings on the pads, which means that dirt, water, or ice can accumulate. But a bit more frequent maintenance is nothing compared to the support that they give!

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Spoiler alert: if you’re looking for the best side steps for Ford F150, the APS iBoard Running Boards are the ones. They are built with aircraft-grade aluminum, provide excellent support, and look great – all at the right price.

 

2. Tyger Auto TG-AM2F20548 Running Boards

Tyger Auto TG-AM2F20548 Running Boards

Tyger Auto designs vehicle accessories and auto parts that are simply built to last, and they meet and exceed OE (Original Equipment) quality standards. This time around, their running boards for Ford F150 landed as the runner-up on my list.

This model is made to fit Super crew Cabs with four full-size doors, which means it fits your Ford F150 perfectly (or any other from the F series).

I’ll be honest with you – at first glance, these running boards did not seem that reliable, as they are not that wide and don’t have a rubber surface. 

However, due to the double girder bridge that offers additional support and powdered black finish, the metal pads are entirely durable and make it easy to enter your truck.

With the recognizable star pattern and Tyger logo, your truck will look better than ever.

The installation was as easy as ABC. No drilling was required, and the DIY easy-to-follow instructions are included in the package.

Lastly, the 5-year warranty that you get with these shouldn’t go unmentioned!

The only con is that you’ll be paying a steep price for this set, albeit it’s well worth it.

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During the testing period, the Tyger Auto TG-AM2F20548 set of running boards outperformed in all fields and found its way to my list!

 

3. VioGi Fit 04-08 Ford F150Running Boards 

VioGi Fit 04-08 Ford F150Running Boards

As you can observe from the name, this model of VioGi Fit running boards is made exclusively for Ford F150, which means that it should fit your truck like a glove.

But is it really so?

For the most part, yes. I just didn’t like how the stepping surface has two dedicated rubber parts to put your foot – one at the front doors and one at the back – and the rest is stainless steel that is a bit slippery to step on. 

This positioning means you have to be very careful when you’re assembling the running boards so that they aren’t uncomfortable later when you step on them to enter your truck.

Other than that, the installation is straightforward, bolt-on, and you get all the instructions and mounting brackets for the system.

Another thing that amazed me is weight capacity. These boards can hold up to 450 pounds on both passenger and driver’s side!

As I mentioned, I wasn’t too excited about the layout of the materials, but when you consider what the VioGi Fit 04-08 Ford F150 brings to the table, it’s not that huge of a deal.

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If you want to invest in a quality pair of nerf bars for Ford F150 crew cab, the VioGi Fit 04-08 set could be it!

 

4. TAC Side Steps 

TAC Side Steps

The TAC side steps fit Ford F150 perfectly, and though they are a bit different than the prototype of running boards, they are an excellent pick.

Who do I claim that they differ?

Well, they are more of a nerf bars, since they are narrower and do not offer the support for the complete foot, but rather a sort of a bar on which you step on when you enter the vehicle.

But most importantly, that is not to say that they are anywhere less reliable or inconvenient.

 Imbued with the UV-resistant non-slip pads topped with a black powder finish, these boards make it convenient to get in and out of your truck while looking great.

I was also pleased to learn that the bolt-on installation is quite straightforward. With the purchase, you’ll receive all the mounting hardware that you need along with the instructions.

I awarded bonus points for the 3-year warranty that manufacturers decided to include.

As I mentioned, the stepping surface is not as wide as with some other picks, which may bother some users, but I don’t see it as a deal-breaker since it still offers a reliable space to step on.

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All things considered, I cannot deny that the TAC set is one of the best nerf bars for F150. It’s up to you to establish whether you like a slightly different layout.

 

5. APS Off-Road 6.5in Side Armor Aluminum Running Boards

APS Off-Road 6.5in Side Armor Aluminum Running Boards

Whereas my previous pick lacked a couple of inches in the stepping surface department, with 6.5 inches of width, the APS Off-Road Running Boards are one of the leading choices for that criterion.

Just like with all quality running boards made from sturdy materials, you can expect durability and reliability. 

What I want to add regarding the material is that it doesn’t come at the price of weight. These are still lightweight, even though they were made from heavy-duty aluminum.

Another thing that makes these running boards a good pick is their versatile construction. 

The dual girder system protects you from obstacles and dents, and the square tube design and slotted step pads make the pads extremely comfortable.

Besides, the manufacturers chose to implement grille openings to allow ice, dirt, and other stuff that can accumulate to pass through. And as the pads are wide enough, this won’t impact the secure footing!

The only downside that I noticed is the fact that the instructions were a bit unclear. But I strongly believe you won’t have any trouble attaching these, as the process is intuitive, and it comes with the hardware kit for an easy DIY install!

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The APS Off-Road Running Boards have one of the widest stepping surfaces on the market, which is very useful. Due to this characteristic, you can also use them as rock sliders!

 

6. Topline Autopart Running Board Nerf Bar

Topline Autopart Running Board Nerf Bar

The Topline Autopart Running Boards are yet another nerf bar type of boards for your Ford F150, and I can confirm they are a quality pick in the overflowing market.

I want to give you a heads-up that it won’t fit Ford F150 Super (the extended version), so if that’s your model, search elsewhere.

What you will undoubtedly enjoy as much as I did is that the installation was a breeze because they bolt to the stock mounting studs of your Ford F150, and the instructions are concise and clear. You’ll have them ready in less than 30 minutes!

I was amazed by all the design components – the oval bent end, rugged frame, and secure mount tube. You can really tell that the manufacturers have paid attention to details, and I always appreciate that.

Lastly, I have some notes about the materials. Yes, I did like how durable and premium the stainless steel looked like. But although they are quite stable, they are still on the heavy side.

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In spite of the fact that they are a bit heavier than your regular side steps, the Topline Autopart Running Boards are still one of the best alternatives for the retractable side steps for Ford F150 as they are incredibly easy to assemble and disassemble.

 

7. MOSTPLUS Running Board Nerf Bar 

MOSTPLUS Running Board Nerf Bar

The MOSTPLUS Running Boards technically belong to the category of nerf bars, but they are slightly wider (6 inches), which makes them reliable support you can install on your Ford F150.

In fact, they are the most similar to my top pick, APS iBoard Running Boards, when it comes to design.

With a wide surface for stepping, V-style construction, and serrated coating to prevent slipping, these will definitely be a valuable addition to your truck. 

The coating is made from ABS plastic, which some may categorize as a con, but I don’t see it as necessarily bad, since it is only implemented for enhanced stability, and not for the frame itself.

Moreover, the aluminum materials proved to be rust-resistant and lightweight.

The direct bolt-on method without any extra drilling and modification is a tried and true recipe – no problems there.

The only thing that kept it from receiving a higher grade was that it carries a hefty price tag for this range.

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If your process of selecting a wide set of the running boards for your Ford F10 has come to a halt, consider these by MOSTPLUS. You won’t be disappointed!

 

8. Stehlen 642167818991 Hoop Drop Step Side Nerf Bars

Stehlen 642167818991 Hoop Drop Step Side Nerf Bars

Last but not least, make some space for the Stehlen 642167818991 Running Boards, another competitor with many things to like. It’s compatible with all four full-size door F510 models, except for Super (extended one).

This is the second and upgraded version of the boards, and I’m happy to see that some disadvantages of the previous make have been eliminated. 

For instance, the heavy-duty steel construction has been enriched with the flat shimmering finish and the octagon-shaped pattern to reduce the chances of slippery.

Hence, I’m glad to report that safety and durability were the primary concerns of this product, and I have no objections to that.

Again, this kind of running board – nerf bars – is a bit narrower than what you are used to, which may bother some users, but I believe the most important thing is that it offers a secure stepping surface. 

Depending on the model and the position of the factory holes on your Ford F150, drilling might be required, so have that in mind, too.

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Overall, if you’re in search of top-notch nerf bars to spruce up your Ford F150, these running boards by Stehlen deserve a go.

 

Conclusion

Now that you made it to the end of this roundup of best running boards for Ford F150, I wanted to give it a quick once-over and proclaim today’s winners.

My favorites of the bunch are the APS iBoard Running Boards, and I decided to crown them the best running boards overall that you can get for Ford F150.

If you don’t want to spend a lot on running boards, but still want to have sturdy support for your Ford F150, my budget pick, the VioGi Fit 04-08 Ford F150, is an excellent option.

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