Cab Length vs Wheel To Wheel Truck Steps

Running boards and nerf bars are usually available in one of two lengths: cab length or wheel to wheel. If you’re looking for a set of steps for your truck, deciding which length you need is an important part of the shopping process. In this article, we examine the difference between these two lengths.

Cab Length

AMP Research PowerSteps on a Chevy Colorado

Note how the bar ends at the back of the cab.

Ionic 5-Inch Stainless Steel Oval Nerf Bars on a Silverado

A cab length truck step runs the length of your truck or SUV’s cab. On a truck with a regular two-door cab, it will provide one step on each side of the vehicle. On vehicles with crew cabs or extended cabs, two steps will be provided on each side of the vehicle. Cab length steps are usually more affordable than their wheel-to-wheel counterparts and are an excellent choice if you won’t need to frequently access the back of your truck’s bed.

Wheel To Wheel

Both nerf bars and running boards can be wheel to wheel in length.

Stainless steel wheel-to-wheel running boards on a Ford Super Duty

Five-inch black nerf bars

Wheel-to-wheel nerf bars are ideal for truck owners who need access to items like toolboxes.

This truck step extends beyond your truck’s cab to the rear wheel well, providing an additional step to access the bulkhead area of the bed. This is particularly helpful if your truck is equipped with a toolbox. Wheel to wheel nerf bars are ideal for customers who need to access items in the bed frequently, such as contractors and anyone who uses their truck to make a living. Some manufacturers, most notably N-Fab, also offer wheel to wheel nerf bars without a bed step.

Shop our full selection of nerf bars, running boards, and truck steps.

When you purchase nerf bars or running boards from RealTruck.com, hardware and brackets are always included, ensuring you’ll have all the parts you need to get the job done. If you have questions about nerf bars, running boards, or any other truck accessories, chat in or call our product experts at 877-216-5446.