2012 Mazda CX-7 Steps and Running Boards

Do you need help climbing in and out of your pickup? RealTruck® carries a wide selection of premium running boards to ease the process. We carry various styles and finishes to complement any ride, from mild to wild.

Why Install Running Boards?

Running boards are an excellent addition to any pickup, especially lifted applications running oversized tires. As the ride height of your pickup increases, so does the height of your rockers—the primary step surface into your truck. Rather than physically leaping into the cab, why not equip your ride with running boards?

Styles of Running Boards

Running boards come in various form factors and configurations. Below are some of our top-selling styles.

Electric vs. Standard

Do you like the functionality of running boards but dislike their appearance and negative impacts on ground clearance? What if you could make them disappear when they aren't in use? Electric running boards, popularized by brands like AMP Research with its best-selling PowerStep™ line, are the solution. These running boards deploy from beneath your vehicle’s rocker panels when a door is opened and tuck back into place when not in use for a sleek appearance.

Top Electric Running Boards: AMP Research PowerStep™

Why we love it: 

• The original power-retractable running boards

• Conveniently retracts and deploys

• Robust extruded aluminum construction

• Heavy-duty single-motor design

• Offers maximum ground clearance when retracted

• Integrated LED courtesy lights

• Most applications offer simple plug-and-play wiring

• 5-year limited warranty

Alternatively, conventional running boards feature fixed-position mounting brackets. They’re available in varying widths and finishes, ranging from narrow 3-in. steps to extra-wide 6-in. steps and above. 

Most running boards feature robust alloy constructions, simple no-drill installations, non-slip step pads for easy entry into the cab, and cost-effective price points—far below comparable electric running boards.

Top Standard Running Boards: RealTruck Go Rhino® RB30 Slim Running Boards

Why we love it: 

• Slim, 5-in. step surface

• Perforated design prevents the build-up of dirt, mud, etc.

• Tapered design increases ground clearance

• No drilling is required for installation

• Limited lifetime structural warranty

Cab-Length vs. Wheel-to-Wheel

Running boards also come in two different lengths—cab-length and wheel-to-wheel. 

Cab-length running boards stretch only the length of the cab, whereas wheel-to-wheel running boards stretch past the cab along the bedside. Most wheel-to-wheel running boards also include steps at each bedside for convenient cargo access.

Top Cab-Length Running Boards: Havoc HST Black Running Boards

Why we love it: 

• Premium carbon steel construction

• Durable 1.75-in .120-wall tubular frame

• ⅛-in. thick, stitch-welded, carbon steel step pad

• Welded end-caps for maximum corrosion resistance

• Extra-wide 7-in. step surface

• Durable 2-stage textured black powder coat finish

• Simple bolt-on design

• Limited 5-year warranty

Top Wheel-to-Wheel Running Boards: Westin R5 Black Wheel to Wheel Nerf Step Bars

Why we love it: 

• Built from durable carbon steel

• Sleek textured black powder coat finish

• 5-in. wide injection-molded step pads

• Anti-slip R5 treading

• Drilling is not required for installation

• Limited 5-year warranty

Rocker-Mount vs. Frame Mount

Finally, running boards come in two primary mounting configurations—frame-mount and rocker-mount. 

Frame-mount running boards offer more strength and durability than their rocker-mount counterparts, bolting directly to your vehicle’s thick steel frame for added support. Alternatively, rocker-mount running boards traditionally offer quicker installations, but the result isn’t as durable.

Top Frame-Mount Running Boards: Go Rhino Dominator D6 Running Boards

Why we love it: 

• Durable tubular steel construction

• Extra-wide 6-in. step pad with raised hex pattern

• Textured black powder coat finish

• The dual-purpose design offers the benefits of a running board and sliders

• Optional bolt-on 4-in. drop steps available

• Frame Mount available on select applications

• Simple bolt-on application with no drilling required

• Limited lifetime structural | 5-year finish warranty

Top Rocker-Mount Running Boards: APS Truck Armor Side Steps

Why we love it: 

• Heavy-duty 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum construction

• Corrosion-resistant matte black powder coat finish

• Extra-wide step surface eases entry into the cab

• Guards rocker panels against mild impacts and abrasions

• Includes all necessary hardware and bracketry

• Simple no-drill installation

• Limited 1-year warranty