Best Nerf Bars for the Toyota Tundra

Updated on Mar 12, 2024

What are the best nerf bars for Toyota Tundra pickups? We’re glad you asked. Nerf bars have nothing to do with squishy footballs or foam darts. Nerf is an old word from a bygone era of auto-racing, used to describe what would otherwise be called a bump, nudge or even a shunt. Back then, if you “nerfed” another driver during the race, you made contact. Drivers and their crews added tube-shaped steel bars along the sides of their racecars to protect them from nerf damage caused by other drivers during a race, and the term “nerf bars' was was coined. Since then, these bars have become better known as a variation on running boards for pickup trucks—helpful as a step between the cab of your vehicle and the road but shaped more like a tube than a flat board—and yet they’re still called “nerf bars.” Now that you know the history, let’s dig into the details. If you want the best nerf bars for Tundra pickups, get yours from RealTruck.

Types and Lifestyles

The most popular types available include cab-length nerf bars, wheel-to-wheel nerf bars and hoop steps (basically nerf bars with hoop steps that sit lower from the nerf bar itself). Unless you’re planning on hardcore off-road rock crawling, for which rock sliders would be your best bet, nerf bars are great for moderate to heavy off-road use. With the tube shapes and heavy-duty construction that typically comes with nerf bars, they’re a little tougher than running boards.

Our Top Picks of the Best Nerf Bars for Tundra Pickups

With excellent models available from quality manufacturers like AMP Research, Ionic, Go Rhino, APS, Steelcraft, Romik and more, it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed by your options. That’s why we put together this list of three of our favorite products for your consideration:

Forged in durable, acid-dipped carbon steel and black-powdercoated for protection from the elements, this cab-length set of two bars features a grip-enhancing, recessed step under all four doors for better traction. Custom mounting brackets are sure to fit your vehicle perfectly without drilling in most cases. This set includes a three-year warranty and ships for free to the continental United States.

These 5” wide, cab-length hoop steps come in textured, powder-coated black carbon steel. With plastic end caps to protect from corrosion, the heavy-duty 2” steel tubing offers a large stepping surface with welded mounting brackets that mount directly to the rocker panel. A die-stamped punch plate is included for added traction, with a limited lifetime warranty against defects and a five-year finish warranty.

This top-of-class set is a welded, single-piece unit made from stainless steel, with matte black powder coat, a 4.75” wide step area with toe guard, integrated brackets and welded end caps. A limited, five-year warranty is included.

Making Your Choice

Having an extra step between the cab and the road can make getting in and out of your vehicle easier for your passengers, your knees and your back, no matter how tall, short, young or old you are, and whether your truck is lifted or not. They also add a healthy dose of your own personal style. Your choice really depends on the look and functionality you like best.

Warranties, Add-Ons and Installation

Warranties vary according to manufacturer and model, but most include at least a few years of coverage. Popular add-ons include universal LED lighting systems that make entries and exits safer after dark, as well as additional hitch steps or bed steps that add to your access options all the way around the truck bed. Installation is usually easy with nerf bars, as most are designed to be installed without drilling, using simple hand tools. For many models, we include helpful videos on our site and on our YouTube channel for a little extra assistance.

Why Buy From Us?

When you look at all the facts, it just makes sense to buy your nerf bars right here, from us. We stock more than a million parts from all the leading manufacturers, so at any given time, you’re sure to find exactly what you need. We staff our team with experienced truck experts who learn and test our products, inside and out. They live the trucking lifestyle too, so they’re excited to talk to you about it and to help you find what you’re after, so give us a call! We ship most items for free to the lower 48 states, and many of those head out on the day of purchase. Our site is packed with helpful information and videos to help you make your decision. Get your next set of the best nerf bars for Toyota Tundra trucks from RealTruck.

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