Jeep Running Boards
A popular accessory for owners of the Jeep Wrangler JL or Jeep Gladiator pickup truck are a set of running boards or side steps aka rock rails or rock sliders. Useful as a practical aide to climb up into rigs that have been modified with suspension lifts and/or bigger tires, this simple bolt-on upgrade is very popular among Wrangler and Gladiator owners. Constructed with top-quality materials and backed by a comprehensive manufacturers warranty, our running boards and side steps offer long-lasting durability and a modern updated look. Perfect for any Jeep owner looking for convenience, safety and good looks.
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Find your Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator running boards, nerf bars and truck steps here at Running Board Central. We offer only the absolute best in top quality Jeep side steps, parts and manufacturers! Is the wife complaining that your truck is too high? Why not make it so much easier to step up in to your Jeep by adding some running boards or steps. Not only we offer a safer and reliable way to enter and exit your Jeep, running boards or truck steps also make your Jeep look great!
The Jeep Wrangler (JL) and Jeep Gladiator (JT) continue to dominate both the trails and the highway. However, with modern Jeeps featuring higher factory ground clearance and more aggressive suspension setups, a set of Jeep running boards or side steps is the first upgrade most owners make.
Here is some helpful information to guide you in your search for more information regarding Running Boards or Side Steps for your Jeep. This guide covers the essentials for outfitting your Jeep.
1. Identify Your Jeep Configuration
Unlike trucks, Jeep fitment is highly sensitive to door count and wheelbase.
- Wrangler 2-Door: Requires compact, cab-length steps.
- Wrangler 4-Door (Unlimited): Requires longer rails (typically around 70-80 inches).
- Gladiator (Truck): Offers Wheel-to-Wheel running board options. Because of the long wheelbase, many Gladiator owners choose boards that extend past the cab to provide a step for accessing the truck bed.
2. Choosing Your Style: Steps vs. Armor
In the Jeep world, you must decide between accessibility and protection.
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Style |
Best For |
Top Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
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Daily Drivers & Families |
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Lifted Jeeps (3"+ lift) |
APS or Raptor Series™ Drop Steps |
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Hardcore Off-Roading |
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Luxury & High-Clearance |
3. Material Standards: Aluminum vs. Steel
- Textured Black Powder-Coat: This remains the "Jeep Look." It provides high-grip traction, is super-tough and hides trail scuffs.
- Military-Grade Aluminum: Essential for the Wranglers and Gladiators that spend a lot of time in the mud and getting wet. Aluminum offers light weight and corrosion resistance. Brands like Raptor™ Series offer aluminum boards that are 100% rust-proof.
- 304 Stainless Steel: Best for Jeeps in the "Salt Belt" regions (e.g., Idaho, Michigan) where road brine can eat through standard steel in a single season.
4. The "No-Drill" Jeep Advantage
Almost all late model Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models feature pre-threaded factory mounting points along the pinch weld and underbody.
- Installation Time: Typically 30–60 minutes.
- Tools: A basic socket set (usually 10mm and 13mm).
- Pro-Tip: If your Jeep came with "Rubicon Rock Rails" from the factory, you will need to remove them before installing most running boards. However, some "Step-Over" boards are designed to bolt on top of the factory rails.
5. Why Running Boards Add Value to Your Jeep
Jeeps are famous for their good resale value as they remain a desirable automobile. Adding side steps protects that value by:
- Saving the Seats: Preventing "seat drag" wear keeps the leather/fabric bolsters from tearing.
- Paint Protection: Blocking gravel and mud from sandblasting the rear door hinges—a common Jeep paint-wear area.
- Family Appeal: Making a high-clearance vehicle accessible to kids and elderly passengers significantly expands your pool of buyers.
Conclusion: Function Meets Trail-Ready Design
For the Jeep owner, the best side step or running board is one that doesn't compromise ground clearance but makes entry easy and safe. If you stay on the pavement, a wide running board is best. If you hit the trails, look for rock-rated sliders with a built-in step.
