Kenworth Truck Nerf Bars & Running Board Side Steps

Sturdy & Sleek Truck or SUV Nerf Bars

Are you tired of clumsily leaping in and out of your ride day after day? Save your body (and your dignity) with a set of premium nerf bars from RealTruck. With multiple brands, styles, and finishes available, RealTruck is the premier source for all of your nerf bar needs. 

Nerf bars are a style of running board/truck step, characterized by their tubular construction and cab-length or wheel-to-wheel design. As a stylish and multifunctional addition to any ride, whether stock-height or lifted, nerf bars provide a wide, easily accessible step that's significantly lower than factory. They'll also help to guard your vehicle's rockers against rock chips and minor abrasions. 

Our selection of nerf bars isn't just functional and stylish—they're also durable, engineered to last the lifetime of your vehicle, and designed for a simple bolt-on installation on most applications. With wide, non-slip steps at each door, you can trust nerf bars to make climbing in and out of your truck or Jeep® a safe and effortless process.

Nerf Bar Fitment Types

Nerf bars come in two fitments—cab-length and wheel-to-wheel. 

Cab Length

Stretching from the front to the rear of the cab, these nerf bars make accessing your vehicle's interior a breeze. Independent steps at each door provide wide, non-slip footholds, making climbing into the cab far safer and more comfortable. In any climate or weather conditions, stock, lifted, or leveled, cab-length nerf bars are a solid upgrade.

Wheel to Wheel

In comparison, wheel-to-wheel nerf bars feature a longer design for additional functionality. Stretching from wheel to wheel, the nerf bars typically include an extra step just before the rear tire, making the bed just as accessible as the cab. Ideal for work trucks, these nerf bars make accessing tool boxes and cargo in the bed quick and easy—all without ever having to climb into the bed. 

Popular Nerf Bar Materials and Finishes

Nerf bars are commonly manufactured from durable materials with corrosion-resistant finishes, ensuring years of reliable service in even the most demanding climates. Some of the most popular finishes include: 

Black

Black nerf bars are sleek and stealthy, pairing well with murdered-out styling. Most black nerf bars are manufactured from carbon steel with either a black powder coat, textured urethane, or automotive-grade painted finish. Choose satin black, matte black, gloss black, or textured black to fine-tune your truck's styling. 

Chrome

Chrome nerf bars are flashy, bold, and stylish. Most chrome nerf bars are constructed from carbon steel and feature a thin, highly reflective chromium coating, giving them a lustrous appearance and exceptional corrosion resistance. Perfectly paired with chrome wheels, trim, and accents, chrome nerf bars are the ideal choice for those seeking to make a bold statement.

Polished Stainless

Polished stainless steel is another popular finish. This alloy is a mixture of chromium and steel that, when polished, offers a mirror-like shine and solid corrosion resistance. Unlike chrome-plated steel, polished stainless steel is corrosion-resistant to its core. Even if stainless running boards encounter dents, dings, and scuffs, the exposed metal won't rust.

Polished Aluminum

Aluminum is another popular material that's commonly used in the manufacturing of nerf bars. This material is lightweight and naturally resistant to corrosion. It can be coated for additional protection or polished to a mirror-like shine. However, polished aluminum requires regular upkeep to maintain a clear, reflective shine. 

Learn more about side-step materials and their impact on overall durability on RealSource.

FAQs About Our Truck Nerf Bars & Side Steps

Q: Nerf bars vs running boards: what's the difference?

A: While both nerf bars and running boards accomplish the same task by easing entry into a vehicle, they do so with different styles and form factors. Typically, nerf bars are narrow, tubular steps, while running boards are wider, flatter surfaces that provide a broader and more stable stepping surface. 

Q: What are the most durable nerf bars? 

A: Most nerf bars are manufactured from durable materials, like carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum, for exceptional strength. However, some brands stand out among others for their superior quality and attention to detail, like N-Fab® and Go Rhino®. 

Q: What's better: wheel-to-wheel nerf bars or cab-length?

A: While neither wheel-to-wheel nor cab-length nerf bars are superior, they offer different functionality. For the average truck owner who's merely looking to ease cab access, cab-length nerf bars will suffice. However, those with work trucks or who routinely haul cargo in the bed will benefit from the added functionality of wheel-to-wheel nerf bars.