If you are planning to improve the look of your pickup truck or SUV, there are several accessories on the market that you can use. One of the most sought-after accessories for pickups and sport utility vehicles is the nerf bar. You can make quite a lot of improvement on your vehicle using this amazing accessory.

But, are you wondering what are nerf bars? Actually, nerf bar is a fancy term for running boards or side steps. Basically, it is a piece of metal tube that can be attached to the side of your truck. This simple exterior accessory is also known for having several names like step bars, sport bars and tube steps.

Available in different finishes including chrome, polished stainless, black power coat and aluminum, nerf bars are designed to improve the outer appearance of your ride. They are also available in various styles including cab-length nerf bars, wheel-to-wheel, oval nerf bars and retractable side steps. The diversity of constructions of nerf bar is intended to meet your particular needs. Not to mention all nerf bars are made to provide you a safe stepping platform when going in and out of your truck.

Nerf bars also provide other amazing features and functionalities. Installing a running board makes it convenient for you to access your truck’s bed. It offers a third step for loading your cargo in the roof or utility rack. A nerf bar can also be your ladder when you have to wash the deck of your vehicle. And it helps keep the grime out and dents off your truck and assist the children or elderly from entering your vehicle. For firm and secured steeping surface, it comes with all-weather, threaded rubber pads.

If you would like to improve the look of your vehicle, installing nerf bars is one great option. However, the ground clearance of your truck might be affected. The multitude of side steps varies greatly in thickness. If you have a lifted rig, there will be no problem. But if you have a lowered truck or sport utility vehicle, you may have clearance issues. And always remember that only full-size trucks can accommodate the huge 4-inches nerf bars.

All running boards today are manufactured to fit a specific model, year and body type of a truck or SUV. This makes installation easy and hassle-free. They require no drilling, but simple mounting on the existing holes in your vehicle’s body or frame. Installation can only take less an hour and requires only simple hand tools such as screwdrivers and a good rachet set. However, intricate side steps like retractable step bars may need minor drilling in order to work.

Before buying a nerf bar for your ride, you should know your primary purpose. If you just want to add new style to your rig, sport tubes will work great. For enhancement and functionality, running boards with wide tubing diameter should be given some consideration.

Just remember, get the one that fits your ride and satisfies your needs in order to save time and money in accessorizing your favorite ride.