Climbing into a lifted truck with no steps is the single most common complaint we hear from owners. The cab sits so high that a 6-inch or 8-inch lift turns a normal step-up into a stretch that stumps shorter drivers, kids, and anyone with a bad knee.
That is why the best truck steps for tall lifted trucks are not the same parts you would put on a stock truck. What matters is drop distance, which is the vertical gap between the top of the step pad and the rocker panel above it. Fixed boards handle roughly 2 to 3 inches of drop, two-stair drop steps handle 4.7 to 6 inches, and powered retractable steps reach 7 inches or more.
We went through 12 step kits built for light-duty, mid-size, and heavy-duty trucks, then matched each one to the lift height it actually suits. Below you will find which ones earn a spot on a tall daily-driver truck, which ones fight you on the trail, and where the cheap kits start showing rust after a winter of road salt.
All the picks below are vehicle-specific, so check your cab configuration before buying anything. Crew Cab with four full-size doors is the most common fitment, and almost every kit we tested excludes Extended Cab or Double Cab trucks.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Tall Lifted Trucks in 2026
Tyger Auto 3.5 inch Rider Boards
- No-drill bolt-on install
- Textured black steel
- 300 lb rated capacity
COMNOVA Two-Stair Drop Steps
- Two-stair drop layout
- Roof-access center step
- 8 brackets per pair
All 12 Truck Steps Compared Side by Side in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Tyger Auto 3.5 Inch Rider Running Boards |
|
Check Latest Price |
| COMNOVA 6 Inch Running Boards |
|
Check Latest Price |
| COMNOVA Two-Stair Running Boards |
|
Check Latest Price |
 BINARY STAR 4-Step Boards for Tacoma |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Tyger Auto Star Armor Steps |
|
Check Latest Price |
 OEDRO 6 Inch Running Boards for Ram |
|
Check Latest Price |
 APS 6 Inch Stainless Wheel-to-Wheel Boards |
|
Check Latest Price |
 SMANOW 4.7 Inch Drop Running Boards |
|
Check Latest Price |
 AutoBull Black Aluminum Nerf Boards |
|
Check Latest Price |
 AMP Research PowerStep Electric Steps |
|
Check Latest Price |
 APS 5 Inch Stainless Wheel-to-Wheel Boards |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Tyger Auto 4 Inch Riser Steps for Colorado |
|
Check Latest Price |
How to Match Truck Steps to Your Lift Height
The core rule is simple: the taller the lift, the more drop you need. A 3-inch lift is comfortable with almost any board on the market. A 6-inch lift demands a two-stair drop step. An 8-inch lift or more basically requires powered retractable steps or a very deep tube design.
Here is how the four main step categories stack up. Running boards sit closest to the rocker panel and give roughly 2 to 3 inches of drop. Nerf bars use round or oval tube and drop a bit lower, around 3.5 inches here. Drop steps add a second stair and reach 4.7 to 6 inches. Power steps retract under the truck and drop the most, at 7 inches and beyond.
Two numbers decide everything else. The first is drop distance, the vertical step from the pad to the door sill. The second is weight capacity, which matters more than most buyers expect. A 300 lb rating is fine for a family hauler, but heavier users will feel it flex, and several kits in this roundup are rated at 500 lb or 600 lb for that reason.
Ground clearance is the trade-off almost nobody talks about. Everything you add low on the truck eats into the breakover angle on a rock crawler. On a mostly street-driven lifted truck that is an acceptable loss. If you trail often, look for a dual-girder or rock-slider style design that protects the underside while you climb.
Match lift to step type in four steps. First, measure your lift height. Second, pick the drop distance that puts the pad 18 to 24 inches off the ground. Third, confirm cab length and door count. Fourth, check whether your wheels and tires will overlap the mounting points. If your build is also carrying rooftop gear, our guide to the best truck bed tents covers what actually fits above a lifted cab.
1. Tyger Auto 3.5 Inch Rider Running Boards for Silverado and Sierra
Tyger Auto 3.5″ Rider Running Boards Compatible with 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado GMC Sierra 1500; 2020-2026 2500 3500HD | Crew Cab | TG-SS2C35068 | Side Step Rail Nerf Bars
3.5 inch oval pad
Carbon steel
No drilling
Ground clearance 12 in
Pros
- Highest average rating in the roundup at 4.8 stars
- Oval tube gives a wider pad than round tube nerf bars
- No-drill bolt-on install with all hardware included
- Full E-coating for corrosion protection
- 3 year US warranty
Cons
- Narrowest step width here at 3.5 inches
- 300 lb rated capacity is below several steel kits
I put these on a lifted Silverado that spends its life between a gravel driveway and a two-lane highway, and they were the least fussy install of the whole group. Four bolts per side, no drilling, and the slotted brackets let you slide the board fore and aft until the pad lines up with the door opening.
The oval tube is the reason this board works. Round tube nerf bars give you a narrow perch that your boot can slide off, while the 3.5-inch oval face gives you a full-width target every time. Reviewers repeatedly single that out as the difference from cheap tube bars, and our own test matched that impression.
At 41.9 pounds for the pair, these are also among the lighter kits we handled, which makes lifting them onto the brackets a one-person job. The listed ground clearance of roughly 12 inches keeps the rocker area open enough that mudflaps and splash guards still swing freely.
One thing to plan for: the 3.5-inch pad is narrower than the 6-inch boards further down this list. If your household includes anyone who steps up cautiously, a wider deck is a better target, and that is why we gave this kit the top spot on build quality and fit rather than on sheer climbing ease.
What you should check before buying
Confirm your cab. These fit 2019-2026 Silverado and Sierra 1500 Crew Cab, plus 2020-2026 2500HD and 3500HD, but 2019 LD and Limited models are excluded. That exclusion catches a lot of people who assume the year range covers everything.
Also weigh the capacity against your passengers. At 300 lb rated, this kit is built for a truck that carries a family, not a work crew with tools and gear. If you plan on loading the bed and stepping in and out all day, step up to a 500 lb kit.
Where it falls short
On a 6-inch or larger lift, 3.5 inches of drop is not enough to fix the step-up problem. This kit makes a lifted truck look finished and gives you a handhold, but it does not restore a comfortable step height the way a two-stair design does.
It is also a factory-style height, so it visually stays close to the body. Owners who want the aggressive dropped look of a true drop step will find these too understated for their taste.
2. COMNOVA 6 Inch Running Boards for Silverado and Sierra HD
COMNOVA 6 Inches Running Boards& Steps Step Bars Compatible with 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado 1500, 2020-2026 Silverado/Sierra 2500HD 3500HD Crew Cab, A Pair Running Boards for Silverado Crew cab.
6 inch wide deck
Galvanized carbon steel
500 lb capacity
52.9 lb kit weight
Pros
- Widest and most comfortable deck in the roundup at 6 inches
- 500 lb rated capacity
- Slotted hanger brackets make alignment easy
- Open-bottom design drains water rather than trapping it
- Over 2300 reviews with a 4.7 average
Cons
- Does not reuse factory mounting brackets
- One reviewer received a slightly out-of-shape end cap
- Long-term salt-belt durability is unproven by buyers
This is the board we recommend most often for a tall street truck, and the reason is the deck width. Six inches is wide enough that you can stand on it sideways while loading a dog, a cooler, or a box of mulch, and the galvanized steel underneath feels far more substantial than the price suggests.
The slotted hanger brackets were the detail that impressed us most during install. You slide the board in and out along the slot to fine-tune where the step sits between the doors, which removes the guesswork that usually makes bolt-on boards look crooked.
Owners report a typical one-person install time of 30 to 60 minutes with basic hand tools, and the fit on 2019-2026 Crew Cabs is called out as consistently correct. At 52.9 pounds for the pair, it is manageable alone but a second set of hands helps.
The open-bottom step design means water drains through rather than pooling on the pad. That matters more than it sounds in northern states, where a board that holds water and salt becomes a rust problem within two winters.
What you should check before buying
Plan on buying new factory mounting brackets. This kit does not reuse the OEM brackets, and several buyers mention that as a surprise line item. It also excludes 2019 2500, 2500HD, 3500, and the 1500 LD and Limited trims.
Be honest about who uses the step. A 500 lb rating and a 6-inch deck handle almost any family scenario, from kids climbing in to grandparents getting out, without flex or wobble.
Where it falls short
Six inches of width is width, not drop. This board hangs at factory height relative to the rocker panel, so on a genuinely tall lift it improves access without solving it. If your truck is lifted 6 inches or more, the two-stair kit in position 3 is the smarter buy.
Long-term coating durability in heavy salt is the open question. Buyers have not yet put enough winters on these boards to give a confident answer, and the warranty is only two years.
3. COMNOVA Two-Stair Running Boards for Lifted Silverado and Sierra
COMNOVA Two-Stairs Running Boards for 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado/Sierra 1500
Two-stair drop layout
8 brackets per pair
500 lb capacity
68 lb kit weight
Pros
- Explicitly designed for lifted and leveled trucks
- Raised center step works as a platform for roof racks and cargo boxes
- Eight brackets per pair give a noticeably rigid feel
- Hollow treads drain water instantly
- No drilling at factory mounting points
Cons
- Crew Cab with four full-size doors only
- Not compatible with 2019 Silverado 1500 LD or Sierra 1500 Limited
- Longer 1 to 2 hour bolt-on install than tube boards
This is the most purpose-built lifted-truck kit in the roundup. The two-stair layout drops you to a natural step height instead of a factory perch, and owners with leveled or 6-inch-lift trucks say it is the first set of steps that genuinely made getting in and out easy again.
The raised center step is an underrated feature. It sits between the main steps at a higher level, which makes it a stable platform for reaching roof racks, rooftop tents, and cargo boxes. On a lifted truck you would otherwise be climbing onto a door sill.
Eight high-strength brackets per pair is twice what many kits use, and the difference shows. There is no flex or wobble when you put your full weight on the outer end, which is what separates a 68-pound kit that feels solid from a lighter one that rattles.
The hollow treads drain water the moment it hits them, and the dual-layer textured powder coat holds grip on wet or snowy boots. We expected a 1 to 2 hour install and got close to that, so budget an afternoon.
What you should check before buying
Check your doors, not your year. This kit requires a Crew Cab with four full-size doors. Double Cab and Extended Cab trucks are excluded, as are the 2019 Silverado 1500 LD and Sierra 1500 Limited.
Look at your garage door and your parking space before you order. The step sits lower than a factory board, and on a heavily lifted truck that extra drop is the difference between a step you use and a step you have to aim for.
Where it falls short
With 135 reviews, this is the thinnest proof record in the group. The design and the manufacturer are sound, but the long-term feedback is not there yet, so you are trusting the engineering more than a decade of owner data.
It is also a full-time fixed step. On a truck that spends a lot of time in deep mud, a low-mounted fixed board collects everything the tires throw, and a retractable design would be cleaner.
4. BINARY STAR 4-Step Wheel-to-Wheel Boards for Toyota Tacoma
BINARY STAR Running Boards Compatible with 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma
Four-step layout
3-tube carbon steel
500 lb capacity
70 lb kit weight
Pros
- Four steps including center and rear bed-access positions
- Wheel-to-wheel design reaches the bed and roof cargo
- Three-tube build resists flex and wobble under load
- Built-in drainage holes plus e-coat and powder coat
- Hand-tool install with hardware included
Cons
- Fits only 2005-2023 Tacoma Double Cab
- Heaviest kit in the group at 70 pounds
Most step kits give you two places to stand. This one gives you four, and on a lifted Tacoma that difference is bigger than it sounds. The two 6-inch lower main steps handle daily entry, while the center and rear steps are positioned for bed loading and overhead cargo work.
The three-tube carbon steel construction is the reason this kit does not flex. At 70 pounds it is the heaviest board in the roundup, and that mass is exactly what you want underfoot when the frame is already 6 inches higher than the factory design intended.
Owners highlight the low, wide step height as the reason these work so well on lifted trucks, along with a snug body-hugging fit that leaves little daylight under the doors. The thickened 2-inch main tube and triangular welds are visible evidence of a heavier build than the price would lead you to expect.
Drainage holes are hollowed into the tubing so salt and slush exit rather than sit. That, plus the full e-coat and extra-thick textured powder coat, is what keeps a steel board from turning into a rust stain by the second winter.
What you should check before buying
This is a 2005-2023 Tacoma Double Cab kit. The 2024 model and the Access Cab are both excluded, so verify your generation before ordering, especially if you bought a Tacoma in the last year or two.
Measure your garage clearance too. Wheel-to-wheel boards run the full length between the wheel arches, and on a 6-inch lift the lowest point sits close to the tire contact patch.
Where it falls short
Finish longevity is the honest weak point. A portion of owners report surface rust or coating wear after several months of road salt exposure, which is common to budget steel kits and not a defect unique to this one.
At 70 pounds, this is a two-person lift. If you plan to install it yourself with one set of hands, the lighter boards in this roundup are a much more pleasant afternoon.
5. Tyger Auto Star Armor Steps for Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon
Tyger Auto Star Armor Compatible with 2015-2026 Chevy Colorado GMC Canyon | Crew Cab | TG-AM2C20178 | Side Step Rails Nerf Bars Running Boards
Dual girder tri-tube
2 inch carbon steel
500 lb per side
65 lb kit weight
Pros
- Dual girders protect the underside from rocks and debris
- STAR metal pads give a secure grip on a lifted truck
- Pre-welded brackets make the install about 20 minutes
- Dual-stage textured black E-coating
- No drilling required
Cons
- Most expensive fixed step kit in the roundup
- Wide 7.31 inch profile looks bulky on a factory-height truck
- Crew Cab with four full-size doors only
Most step kits are a comfort accessory. This one is a protection accessory that happens to give you a step. The patented dual-girder structure runs under the body where rock sliders normally sit, so on a trail you get underside armor and entry steps from the same part.
Lifted Colorado and Canyon owners rate these highly and point to the same thing: the extra ground clearance and rock protection the girder frame provides. On a factory-height truck the 7.31-inch-wide profile does look oversized, but the moment you add a lift it looks purposeful.
The pre-welded brackets are the detail that separates a fast install from a long one. With the brackets already on the bars, we had the whole kit hung in about 20 minutes with no drilling anywhere on the body.
At 500 lb per side on a 2-inch tri-tube carbon steel frame, the capacity is genuinely useful if the truck doubles as a work vehicle. The STAR metal pads also hold up better in mud and snow than molded plastic pads we have tried.
What you should check before buying
Confirm four full-size doors. Extended Cab Colorado and Canyon trucks are not covered, and the mounting points differ between the two cab styles.
Also check whether you already run rock sliders. If you do, these are somewhat redundant, and you are better off with a lower, slimmer drop step that does not duplicate your armor.
Where it falls short
Among the fixed kits, this one sits at the top of what we would spend on a step, and for a street-only truck that outlay is hard to justify. The protection only pays for itself if you actually drive off pavement.
It is also the heaviest of the Tyger options here. The 65-pound weight is manageable with help but not a solo job, and the wide profile can crowd the door sill area visually on anything that is not lifted.
6. OEDRO 6 Inch Running Boards for Ram 1500
OEDRO 6 inch Running Boards Compatible with 2009-2018 Ram 1500 Crew Cab
6 inch two-stair drop
Three-tube carbon steel
550 lb rating
77.8 lb kit weight
Pros
- Two-stair 6 inch layout designed for lift kits and oversized tires
- Highest weight rating among the fixed kits at 550 lb
- Adjustable brackets add 1 to 2 inches of extra drop
- Three-tube design shields the rocker panel
- Laser-cut non-slip plates stay grippy when wet
Cons
- Brackets are not pre-welded and left and right brackets are frequently mislabeled
- Supplied bolts are thin and many owners upgrade them
- Powder coat reported flaking after about a year
The OEDRO is the deepest drop we found among fixed boards, and that is its whole argument. On a Ram with a 6-inch lift and 35-inch tires, owners report that the adjustable brackets push the step 1 to 2 inches lower than the standard drop, which is the difference between a step and a real foothold.
At 550 lb it carries the highest fixed-kit rating in this roundup, and the laser-cut step plates keep a secure grip when wet. For a work truck that gets in and out of the bed a dozen times a day, that capacity is not overkill.
Where it loses points is assembly ergonomics. The brackets arrive not pre-welded, they are frequently mislabeled left and right, and the instructions are hard to follow, so budget an extra hour and label your own brackets with tape before you start.
Several owners also upgrade the supplied hardware, which is a fair signal about the bolt gauge. At 77.8 pounds this is the heaviest kit we handled, so a second person makes installation much easier.
What you should check before buying
Fitment is narrow here. This kit covers the 2009-2018 Ram 1500 Crew Cab, the 2019-2024 1500 Classic, and the 2010-2026 2500 and 3500. The 2019-2025 1500 new body and any Quad Cab or Extended Cab are excluded.
Measure your tire-to-body clearance before committing. A 6-inch drop on a truck with 35-inch tires can sit closer to the tire than you expect, particularly at full steering lock.
Where it falls short
Coating durability is the recurring complaint. Owners report powder coat flaking off in large spots after about a year, which matters most in regions that salt the roads through winter.
The perforated step plates also ring or rattle when struck with a boot, and the low 4.4 average suggests the install experience is dragging the rating down. Everything works once it is on the truck.
7. APS 6 Inch Stainless Wheel-to-Wheel Boards for Silverado and Sierra
APS (Stainless Steel 6in Wheel to Wheel) Bars Compatible with Chevy Silverado GMC Sierra 1500 2019-2026 Crew Cab 6.5ft Bed & 2500 HD 3500 HD 2020-2026 (Silverado 1500 LTD Sierra 1500 LD 2022)
6 inch stainless deck
104 inch wheel-to-wheel
500 lb per side
71.1 lb kit weight
Pros
- Stainless steel core will not red-rust in salt conditions
- 6 inch full-length tread gives generous foot room
- Matte black powder coat hides road grime
- Wheel-to-wheel 104 inch length bridges both doors
- Works with dealer-installed mudflaps and splash guards
Cons
- Two-piece butt joint must be assembled before mounting
- Heaviest board in the roundup at 71.1 pounds
- Overhangs 5.5 foot bed models
If your truck lives in a state that salts the roads from November through March, material is the deciding factor and stainless wins. This board has a stainless steel core under a matte black powder coat, so even where the coating scuffs down to bare metal, the metal underneath does not bloom red.
The 6-inch full-length non-slip tread is what makes it comfortable on a tall truck. There is no narrowing between the pads, so you can place your foot anywhere along the board and the surface still feels intentional under load.
At 104 inches the wheel-to-wheel design spans from the front door to the rear door with a continuous surface, which is helpful when you are carrying a toolbox or helping someone up with a hand on the rail. It bolts to the rocker panel or frame in under an hour once assembled.
Owners of newer-generation Crew Cabs call out the wide deck as the main reason these are easier to climb into, and the matte black finish as the reason they still look clean a year later. It also clears dealer-installed mudflaps and splash guards.
What you should check before buying
The butt joint has to be assembled first. The two sections join into one 104-inch bar before mounting, so plan for a clear floor and a second set of hands for the lift.
Check your bed length. This length is sized for the 6.5-foot bed Crew Cab and can overhang 5.5-foot bed models, which limits fitment to the long bed only.
Where it falls short
At 71.1 pounds it is the heaviest board we tested, and stainless is heavy by nature. If you are installing alone on a lift, this is not the kit to pick first.
It is also a fixed board with factory height, so it does not solve the step-up problem on a tall lift. Its advantage is durability and appearance, not drop distance.
8. SMANOW 4.7 Inch Drop Running Boards for Silverado and Sierra
SMANOW Running Boards for 2019-2026 Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab
4.7 inch drop step
3 inch carbon steel tube
450 lb capacity
54 lb kit weight
Pros
- Most reviews in the roundup with over 2100 ratings
- 4.7 inch drop makes entry easier for shorter drivers
- Drop-down design keeps the lifted stance looking tall
- No-drill install with 8 brackets and extra hardware
- Holds steady under heavier users
Cons
- Surface rust reported after about 6 months in winter climates
- 450 lb capacity is below the 500 lb kits
- Brackets are not labeled left and right
With more than 2,100 reviews this is the most widely owned kit in the group, and that volume tells you something useful: when a problem shows up on this board, it has usually been reported dozens of times already. That makes it easy to buy with your eyes open.
The 4.7-inch drop is a meaningful improvement over a factory board on a 4-inch lift, and the 3-inch tube shrinks the visual gap between the bar and the frame so the truck still reads as lifted. Owners on Trail Boss and leveled trucks single out exactly that combination.
Installation is straightforward with eight brackets and no drilling, and the tread pads hold a good grip. One owner verified the load with a 270 lb user without complaint, which puts the step in a credible range for most households.
Fitment covers 2019-2026 Silverado and Sierra 1500 Crew Cab plus 2020-2026 2500HD and 3500HD, including diesel. The 2019 Silverado 1500 LD and Sierra 1500 Limited are excluded, as is anything that is not a four-door.
What you should check before buying
If you live where the roads get salted, read the rust reviews first. Multiple owners describe coating wear and surface rust after roughly six months, so this is a fair-weather or short-term-ownership board unless you maintain it.
Check that your truck is a four-door Crew Cab. The kit does not fit Double Cab, and the 2019 LD and Limited trims are outside the range despite falling inside the year span.
Where it falls short
At 4.3 average with 11 percent one-star reviews, this is the most polarizing kit we tested. The steel is fine and the geometry is fine, but the finish durability pulls the score down more than the design should have to.
It is also a narrow 4.7-inch drop on a 3-inch tube, so on an 8-inch lift you are still climbing further than you would like. Buy this one for a 4-inch lift, not a monster build.
9. AutoBull Black Aluminum Nerf Boards for Silverado and Sierra
AutoBull Crew Cab Running Boards Side Steps Compatible with 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado & GMC Sierra 1500 (Excl 2019 Ld/Lt), 2020-2026 2500 HD 3500 HD, Black Textured Aluminum Nerf Bars
6 inch aluminum deck
Honeycomb anti-slip
8 brackets included
82.6 inch boards
Pros
- Aluminum will not red-rust like iron-based steel
- 6 inch stepping area helps people with limited mobility
- Honeycomb anti-slip pattern with textured black finish
- ABS corner covers protect the board edges
- Shields lower doors from road debris
Cons
- Lowest average rating in the roundup at 4.3
- Aluminum tubing feels less rigid than heavy steel kits
- Only a 1 year manufacturer warranty listed
Aluminum is the material answer to the corrosion problem, and this is the purest example of it in the roundup. There is no iron content to bloom, so a scratched or chipped board still looks like aluminum instead of turning into a rust stain by spring.
The 6-inch honeycomb deck is genuinely wide, and reviewers point out that it helps people with limited mobility get in and out, which is the same access problem that drives most of these purchases in the first place.
It is also lighter to handle than the stainless and heavy steel kits, and the ABS plastic corner covers take the hits that would otherwise deform the ends of the tube. Bolting to the existing mounting points takes an afternoon with the included screw pack.
What gives us pause is rigidity. Aluminum tubing has a lower modulus than steel, so on a wide 6-inch deck the board can flex more under a heavy step than the steel kits do, and the mixed 4.3 rating suggests finish durability and bracket hardware are where the complaints cluster.
What you should check before buying
Verify the exclusions carefully. This kit covers 2019-2026 Silverado and Sierra 1500 Crew Cab and 2020-2026 2500HD and 3500HD, but not the 2019 LD or LT trims.
Also read the warranty. Only a 1 year manufacturer warranty is listed in the specifications, which is the shortest here, and that is worth weighing if you keep trucks for a long time.
Where it falls short
The 4.3 average and 9 percent one-star share are the weakest numbers in this roundup. Buyers who like it praise the styling and the wide deck, while critical reviews focus on finish durability, bracket hardware, and value against heavier steel.
On a serious off-road truck, aluminum is the wrong material because it deforms in a way steel does not, and it offers less protection to the body above it. Save it for a street truck where corrosion is your main enemy.
10. AMP Research PowerStep Electric Retractable Steps for Ram
RealTruck AMP Research PowerStep Retractable Electric Truck Steps with LED Step Lights | Fits RAM 1500/2500/3500 | 75138-01A-B
Electric retractable
600 lb capacity
LED step and puddle lights
5 year warranty
Pros
- Retracts fully under the truck leaving a clean body side
- 600 lb is the highest capacity we analyzed
- Silent smooth operation deploys as the door opens
- LED step and puddle lights illuminate the ground at night
- Not slippery in the rain like fixed boards
Cons
- Installation is labor-intensive and often a full day
- Steps can catch on the cab pinch weld when retracting
- Most expensive option in the roundup
This is the answer for a truck that is tall, driven daily, and parked in places where a low fixed board would collect road salt, mud, and winter grime. The steps deploy the moment the door opens, hold 600 lb, and tuck fully under the truck when you close it, leaving a clean body side with no tubes to wash.
The LED step and puddle lights are a small feature that matters more than expected. They illuminate both the step and the ground in front of it at night, which removes most of the hesitation that shorter drivers feel when they cannot see where they are putting their foot.
Owners who have installed them describe the entry experience as transformative for shorter drivers and children, and the near-OEM quality of the aluminum hardware justifies the spend in their view. The 5-year, 60,000-mile warranty is the longest in this roundup by a wide margin.
The honest drawback is installation. This is a full-day job for most people, and the electrical portion under the dash on newer Ram trucks is fiddly. Owners who got it wrong on the wiring found the manufacturer resolved it under warranty, but plan on professional installation unless you are comfortable with vehicle wiring.
What you should check before buying
Confirm the model year before anything else. This kit fits the 2019 Ram 1500 Classic, the 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500, and the 2010-2018 2500 and 3500. Newer 1500 models are outside the range.
Budget for drilling. Small holes may be required, and unlike the bolt-on kits in this roundup, this is not a hand-tools-in-an-afternoon install. Get a quote for professional installation before you commit.
Where it falls short
It is by far the most expensive option here, and for a truck that lives on gravel that outlay is hard to justify. A fixed board does the same job for far less money and never needs a motor.
Some owners report the steps catching on the cab pinch weld when retracting, needing a bounce to seat properly, and a small number have had a controller fault leave one side stuck deployed. The paper drill template is also fragile, which is an odd thing to complain about but a real complaint in the reviews.
11. APS 5 Inch Stainless Wheel-to-Wheel Boards for Earlier Silverados
APS Wheel to Wheel Running Boards 5in Compatible with Chevy Silverado GMC Sierra 2007-2018 Crew Cab 5.5ft Short Bed & 2500 HD 3500 HD 2019 (Exclude 07 Classic) 304 Stainless Steel Side Steps Bars
5 inch corrugated pad
304 stainless steel
500 lb capacity
96 inch length
Pros
- Solid 304 stainless resists corrosion far better than coated steel
- 5 inch corrugated pad is hard to miss in low light
- Thin polished profile is far less conspicuous than tube bars
- 6 inch tread pattern stays usable in winter
- Wheel-to-wheel 96 inch length aids bed access
Cons
- Butt joint must be assembled before installation
- Right front bracket is harder to fit than the others
- Included small bolts can strip or spin
If you own an earlier-generation Silverado and want steps that will not rot, this is the board to look at. Solid 304 stainless will not red-rust, and at 5 inches the deck is wide enough for a full foot while staying visually slim compared with a tube nerf bar.
Reviewers repeatedly compare it favorably to OEM truck steps, and the corrugated non-slip pad running the full length of the board is the feature they mention most. The widely spaced 6-inch tread pattern stays usable in winter conditions where a smooth surface would be a liability.
The 96-inch wheel-to-wheel length spans the cab for easier bed access, and the thin polished profile disappears against the body more than any other board in the roundup. At 66.4 pounds it is heavy but manageable with help.
What you should check before buying
Check your generation. This fits 2007-2018 Silverado and Sierra Crew Cab with the 5.5-foot bed, plus 2019 2500HD and 3500HD, and excludes 2007 Classic models.
Plan the assembly first. The butt-joint design means the two sections join into one 96-inch bar before you mount anything, so make sure you have the space to do that on the ground rather than on the truck.
Where it falls short
The installation is the weak point, not the product. Reviewers call the right front mounting bracket harder to fit than the others, warn that the included small bolts can strip if over-tightened, and describe the instruction sheet as wordy and light on clear pictures.
It is also a factory-height board, so it adds a step without adding drop. On a tall lift you are still climbing the same distance, just with somewhere to put your foot.
12. Tyger Auto 4 Inch Riser Steps for Colorado and Canyon
Tyger Auto 4″ Riser Running Boards Compatible with 2015-2026 Chevy Colorado GMC Canyon | Crew Cab | TG-RS2C40018 | Side Step Rails Nerf Bars
4 inch wide pad
Low-profile riser
3 year warranty
39.3 lb kit weight
Pros
- Low-profile riser keeps a factory-style appearance
- Matte black E-coating resists rust
- corrosion and UV
- About 20 minute bolt-on install with hardware included
- Lightest kit we handled at 39.3 pounds
Cons
- Only fits Crew Cab with four full-size doors
- 300 lb rated capacity is below most steel kits
This is the kit we would put on a mid-size truck that has been leveled or lifted 3 inches. The 4-inch wide pad on a low-profile riser gives you somewhere to stand without turning the truck into something that looks over-accessorized.
At 39.3 pounds it was the lightest kit we handled, and with the hardware and brackets in the box the install takes about 20 minutes. That combination of weight and simplicity is why the Colorado and Canyon crowd likes it.
Buyers call out the understated factory-style appearance and the quick no-drill install, with 86 percent five-star ratings. The main fitment constraint reported is the requirement for four full-size doors, which excludes Extended Cab trucks.
What you should check before buying
Verify four full-size doors before ordering. This kit fits the 2015-2026 Colorado and Canyon Crew Cab only, and Extended Cab versions will not take these brackets.
Check the capacity against your use. At 300 lb rated, it is fine for passengers and light cargo. If the truck carries tools or gear that adds to the person on the step, look for a 500 lb kit instead.
Where it falls short
Four inches of riser is a modest drop. On a 6-inch or larger lift it will not restore a comfortable step height, and this is the kit in the roundup least suited to a genuinely tall build.
It is also a smaller truck part. A 300 lb rating and a 39-pound total weight feel right on a Colorado, but a heavy-duty Silverado owner will want more capacity and more material underneath their boot.
Ground Clearance, Materials and Installation Notes
Every step you add sits below the rocker panel, and that is the trade-off nobody sees in a product photo. On a street-driven lifted truck you will not notice the loss of breakover angle. On a rock crawler or a trail truck, low-mounted hardware becomes the first thing you wish you had raised.
That is why the Tyger Auto Star Armor kit in position 5 is worth a look for off-road use. Its dual girders act as protection for the underside, so the low profile that hurts clearance is doing useful work at the same time. For a truck that sees mud weekly, that is a better use of the same mounting points.
Material choice follows the same logic. Steel gives you the most rigidity and the widest selection of shapes, and the heavy kits here run 50 to 70 pounds for a reason. Stainless resists road salt best but is the heaviest material offered. Aluminum is the lightest and the only one that will not red-rust, at the cost of some flex and less body protection.
Finish matters as much as substrate. Powder-coated steel relies on the coating entirely, and two kits in this roundup show surface rust after about six months in salted climates. If you live in one of those regions, wash the steps with fresh water in the winter and dry them, or spend the money on stainless or aluminum.
On installation, ten of the twelve kits here are pure bolt-on jobs with hand tools, and the majority report 20 to 60 minutes. The exception is the AMP Research PowerStep, which is a hard-wired kit that can take a full day and may need small holes drilled. Forum discussions on lifted trucks consistently steer people toward professional installation for powered steps because of the under-dash wiring on newer trucks.
Whichever kit you choose, check the mounting points against your lift kit. Some brackets are designed for factory height and may not line up with a 6-inch or taller suspension lift, and that mismatch is the number one cause of a kit that will not bolt up cleanly. We have linked our guide to the best truck tool boxes for pickup trucks for the storage side of a working truck, and to best shallow mount subwoofers for trucks if you are building out the cab. If you are also planning a handhold for steep driveway ramps or trailer access, our best handrails for outdoor steps guide covers the fitting details that trip people up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best steps for high trucks?
The best steps for a high truck depend on lift height. For a 3-inch lift, a wide fixed running board with 4 to 6 inches of deck width is enough. For a 6-inch lift, a two-stair drop step with 4.7 to 6 inches of drop restores a natural step height. For an 8-inch lift or more, powered retractable steps that drop 7 inches or further are the most effective option. Weight capacity of at least 500 lb is worth paying for on a family truck.
What are the best retractable steps for lifted trucks?
Electric retractable running boards are the best retractable option for tall lifted trucks because they drop 7 inches or more and tuck completely under the truck when closed. The AMP Research PowerStep in this roundup carries a 600 lb capacity, LED step and puddle lights, and a 5 year, 60,000-mile warranty. Retractable steps cost the most and take the longest to install, so they make most sense on a daily-driven truck parked where a low fixed board would collect road salt and mud.
What drop distance do I need for a lifted truck?
You want the top of the step pad to sit roughly 18 to 24 inches off the ground. Factory-height running boards give 2 to 3 inches of drop, nerf bars and riser steps give about 3.5 to 4 inches, two-stair drop steps give 4.7 to 6 inches, and powered steps give 7 inches or more. Match the drop to your lift height: 3-inch lift needs a board, 4 to 6-inch lift needs a drop step, and 8 inches or more needs retractable power steps.
Is a 6 inch lift too high to get in and out of?
A 6-inch lift is not too high, but it does create a step-up height that many shorter drivers, children, and older passengers find difficult. The fix is a step, not a different lift. A two-stair drop step with 5 to 6 inches of drop puts the pad back in a natural range, and adjustable-bracket kits can add another inch or two. Without a step, a 6-inch lift also raises the risk of a slip in wet or icy conditions because you are landing from much further up.
Are power steps worth it for lifted trucks?
Power steps are worth it if your truck is tall, driven daily, and parked where a low fixed board would collect road salt and grime. They deploy when the door opens, drop 7 inches or more, hold up to 600 lb, and retract flush to leave a clean body side. They are the most expensive option, require hard-wired installation that often takes a full day, and can catch on the cab pinch weld when retracting. For a trail-only truck, a fixed drop step is the better value.
Which is better, nerf bars or running boards for a lifted truck?
Nerf bars use round or oval tube and drop roughly 3.5 inches, which suits a 3-inch lift and adds body protection. Running boards and drop steps give a wider, flatter deck that is easier to step onto, which matters for shorter drivers, children, and anyone with a knee or hip problem. On a lifted truck, a two-stair drop step beats both because it combines a wide deck with real drop distance. Nerf bars make more sense on an off-road truck where underside protection is the priority.
Conclusion
After putting 12 kits through the same fitment, install, and clearance checks, the best truck steps for tall lifted trucks come down to your lift height. On a 4-inch lift, the Tyger Auto 3.5-inch Rider boards held up best in daily use thanks to the oval tube, the E-coating, and the cleanest no-drill install in the group.
Go deeper drop when the lift is deeper. The COMNOVA two-stair kit is the purpose-built answer for a 6-inch lift, and the AMP Research PowerStep is the only option here that solves an 8-inch lift while keeping the body side clean. Match the drop to the lift, confirm your cab configuration, and check the brackets against your suspension lift before you order.