Chevy Silverado 1500 Silverado 1500 Nerf Bars, Steps & Running Boards

Sleek & Durable Chevy Silverado 1500 Running Boards, Bars & Steps

Chevy Silverado 1500s are one of the nation’s most popular pickup trucks—and for good reason. Renowned for their reliability, longevity, and heavy-duty nature, these trucks are built to last and work hard. 

A hard-working Silverado deserves a set of side steps that’ll last as long as it does. Fortunately, RealTruck carries a wide selection of premium side steps in various styles and configurations to meet the needs of every Silverado owner. From heavy-duty steel rock sliders to corrosion-resistant and tech-packed electric running boards, pick the option that best fits your needs, style, and budget. 

Our side steps are application-specific and engineered for easy installations—no modifications required. Vehicle-specific brackets, hardware, and instructions—alongside our collection of installation tutorials on the official RealTruck YouTube channel—ensure hassle-free, at-home mounting, regardless of your Silverado’s model year or cab configuration.

Types of Chevy Silverado 1500 Nerf Bars, Steps & Running Boards

Your Silverado 1500 deserves a set of side steps that complement its rugged design and practicality. At RealTruck, we stock a wide selection of running boards, nerf bars, power steps, and rock sliders to suit every Silverado 1500 owner—from tradesworkers to weekend wheelers. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most popular side step styles.

Running Boards

Running boards are one of the most popular side step styles for Silverado 1500 owners. With broad, flat stepping surfaces, running boards make getting in and out of your truck far easier—especially for young kids and those with limited mobility. 

While running boards are highly convenient for accessibility, keep in mind that the lower step surface can limit ground clearance. They also don’t offer much rocker protection on the trail. If you plan to wheel your Silverado, you may want to consider another step style. 

Most Silverado 1500 running boards feature simple bolt-on installation with the included application-specific hardware and installation instructions. Check out our installation tutorial for the Ionic Billet running boards for additional information.

Nerf Bars

Nerf bars feature a sleek, tubular form factor with recessed step pads, providing stable, non-slip treading in any weather conditions. While nerf bars don’t offer the same level of body protection as heavy-duty rock sliders, they’re the perfect addition to a primarily street-driven or lightly wheeled Silverado 1500. 

Installing nerf bars is typically a simple process, as most include vehicle-specific brackets, mounting hardware, and instructions. For extra guidance, check out our installation tutorial for Ionic 3” black nerf bars.

Cab-Length vs. Wheel-to-Wheel

When shopping for nerf bars and running boards for your Silverado 1500, you’ll encounter two lengths—cab-length and wheel-to-wheel. Cab-length running boards and nerf bars stretch the entire length of your Silverado’s cab, while wheel-to-wheel steps reach back further, stretching from just behind the front tire to just before the rear. Wheel-to-wheel steps also typically feature an additional step at your Silverado’s bedside, enabling easy access to cargo in your truck’s bed.

Retractable Power Steps

While every driver can benefit from the improved accessibility of side steps, not every Silverado owner appreciates the aesthetics of these steps. Fortunately, RealTruck offers retractable power steps, which tuck behind the rocker panels when not in use and automatically deploy when a door is opened. These steps provide a sleek, factory-style appearance and little to no impact on ground clearance while retracted, making them ideal for off-roaders or those who want convenience without the bulk of fixed running boards. 

Installing power-retractable running boards is more labor-intensive than similar fixed-position offerings because it requires multiple moving pieces and wiring steps. However, most kits include all necessary wiring, brackets, and hardware for a straightforward installation. Learn more about what goes into installing PowerSteps on a Chevy Silverado 1500 in our video tutorial.

Rock Sliders

For drivers who prioritize protection on rough terrain, rock sliders are the go-to upgrade. Designed for maximum durability and strength, these steps shield your Silverado’s body from trail obstacles and kicked-up debris. Many sliders feature outer rub rails and reinforced mounts, making them a favorite among off-road enthusiasts. 

While rock sliders offer exceptional protection, they typically feature a narrow profile and a higher step surface, making them less convenient for those with limited mobility. Installation is generally a simple process, with most sliders featuring simple bolt-on designs.

Rocker-Mount vs. Frame Mount

When choosing rock sliders for your Silverado 1500, you’ll note two primary mounting methods—rocker-mount and frame-mount. Rocker-mounted sliders bolt to your Silverado’s rocker panels, making them sturdy enough for general use and light off-roading. Alternatively, frame-mount steps bolt directly to your Silverado’s heavy-duty steel frame, making them far more rigid and structurally sound. Frame-mounted sliders are the ultimate addition to a frequently-wheeled Silverado, safeguarding the rocker panels and body against trail damage.

Our Popular Picks for Silverado 1500 Running Boards, Bars & Steps

Check out some of our top step picks for the Chevy Silverado 1500.

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

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

FAQs About Our Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Truck Running Boards & Side Steps

Q: Do I need a different running board for the 2019 Silverado 1500 LD or Legacy models?

A: Yes, the 2019 Silverado 1500 LD was sold concurrently with the new generation truck. However, the LD uses the previous generation’s (2014–2018) body style and mounts. 

Q: Which finish is most durable: Polished Stainless Steel or Textured Black Powder Coat?

A: Powder coat is one of the most durable side step finishes on the market. However, it’s still susceptible to corrosion from chips and scratches. Alternatively, polished stainless steel steps are manufactured from chromium-infused steel, which makes the alloy essentially impervious to rust. Even after scratching or chipping, stainless steel won’t rust. 

Q: Nerf bars vs. running boards: which to choose for the Silverado 1500 truck?

A: Nerf bars and running boards serve similar purposes, but with different aesthetics. Whereas nerf bars feature a more aggressive tubular design, running boards feature a wide, flat, factory-inspired design. At the end of the day, the proper steps for you are those that match your aesthetic preferences.