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Vehicle Running Boards and Side Steps
Bring Functionality and Slick Aesthetics to your Ute with a Set of Electric or Fixed Running Board Side Steps
A good set of side steps on their ute or truck really should be a priority for every owner. Aside from the visual appeal, the general convenience they bring to your vehicle cannot be overstated. These running boards have been designed to improve both the functionality and aesthetics of your vehicle.
Whether you drive an SUV, truck, ute, or van, our selection of electric and standard running boards offers the perfect blend of convenience, safety, and style.
What is a Running Board / Vehicle Side Step?
A running board, also known as a vehicle side step, is a flat, narrow platform installed under the side doors of a vehicle. It serves as a step to assist passengers in entering and exiting higher vehicles with ease. Running boards are available in various materials, including metal, plastic, and rubber, and often feature non-slip surfaces for added safety.
Running boards provide a convenient stepping surface, making it easier for passengers, including children, elderly individuals and those of us who are maybe not as tall as we'd like to be, to get in and out of the vehicle. Their non-slip surface enhances safety by reducing the risk of slipping, especially in wet or icy conditions.
Additionally, running boards protect the lower body of your vehicle from road debris, stones, and mud, helping to maintain its appearance and value. Available in various designs and finishes, running boards can also add a touch of elegance and ruggedness to your vehicle, enhancing its overall stylish appearance.
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View full detailsWhy are Running Boards or Vehicle Side Steps Useful?
Running boards/side steps provide several benefits, making them a valuable addition to any vehicle:
- Easy Access: They offer a convenient stepping surface, making it easier for passengers, including children and elderly individuals, to get in and out of the vehicle.
- Enhanced Safety: The non-slip surface reduces the risk of slipping, especially in wet or icy conditions.
- Vehicle Protection: Running boards protect the lower body of your vehicle from road debris, stones, and mud, helping to maintain its appearance and value.
- Stylish Appearance: Available in various designs and finishes, running boards can add a touch of elegance and ruggedness to your vehicle.
Functions of a Running Board/Vehicle Side Step
Running boards serve multiple functions that enhance the overall driving experience:
- Step Assistance: Providing a stable and accessible step for boarding and alighting from the vehicle.
- Aesthetic Enhancement: Adding a sleek and stylish element to the vehicle’s exterior.
- Protection: Shielding the vehicle’s lower body panels from dirt, rocks, and other road debris.
- Convenience: Some models feature integrated lights, providing illumination for safer entry and exit in low-light conditions.
Electric vs. Standard Running Boards
Understanding the differences between electric and standard running boards or side steps can help you choose the right option for your needs:
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Standard Running Boards: These are fixed in place and provide a constant stepping surface. They are robust, require minimal maintenance, and are available in a variety of designs to match your vehicle’s look.
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Electric Running Boards: These innovative models automatically extend when you open the door and retract when the door is closed. They offer a seamless, streamlined appearance when not in use and are perfect for those who want the convenience of a running board without the constant presence. Electric running boards often come with additional features such as built-in lighting for improved visibility and safety.
Choose the Perfect Side Step or Running Board for Your Vehicle
Explore our extensive collection of running boards to find the perfect fit for your vehicle. Whether you prefer the reliability of a standard fixed model or the modern convenience of an electric version, our range ensures you’ll find the ideal solution to upgrade your vehicle. Level up your ute or truck today with our premium running Side Steps and enjoy the perfect combination of functionality and style.
Vehicle Running Boards / Side Steps FAQ
Electric running boards are powered by the vehicle’s electrical system and are equipped with sensors that detect when a door is opened or closed. They automatically extend when a door is opened, providing a step, and retract when the door is closed, creating a streamlined look. Some models also feature built-in lighting for enhanced visibility.
Installing running boards can slightly reduce your vehicle's ground clearance, but this impact is usually minimal. It’s important to choose running boards designed specifically for your vehicle to ensure they fit properly and do not significantly affect clearance.
Yes, many running boards come with special features such as integrated LED lighting for better visibility at night, textured or non-slip surfaces for added safety, and corrosion-resistant coatings for increased durability. Electric running boards offer automatic extension and retraction, adding convenience and a sleek appearance.
Yes, many running boards can be customized or painted to match your vehicle's colour and style. Some manufacturers offer running boards in various finishes and colours, and you can also have them professionally painted to achieve a perfect match.
Yes, most running boards come with installation kits and detailed instructions, making it possible for individuals with basic mechanical skills to install them. However, professional installation is recommended for the best fit and finish.
Running boards are designed to fit specific makes and models of vehicles. It’s important to select running boards that are compatible with your vehicle’s year, make, and model for proper installation and functionality.
Running boards provide a stable and non-slip stepping surface, reducing the risk of slipping, especially in wet or icy conditions. This makes entering and exiting the vehicle safer for all passengers.
Yes, most running boards are designed to support significant weight, often up to several hundred kilograms, making them sturdy enough for all passengers. It’s important to check the manufacturer’s specifications for exact weight limits.
Running boards generally require minimal maintenance. Regular cleaning to remove dirt and debris and periodic checks to ensure they are securely attached are usually sufficient to keep them in good condition.
Yes, running boards can often be used in conjunction with other accessories like mud flaps, splash guards, and body kits. However, it’s important to ensure compatibility to avoid any interference with installation or functionality.
If you have a question or need help finding the perfect set of side steps for your car please don't hesitate to reach out, we'd be happy to help! Click here to contact us.
Real Customer Feedback
Had more than enough attached straps for rooftop cargo. Bag I ordered was 651 litres one and did a long drive from Melbourne to Perth. I installed four eye nuts on ute roller shutter and tied it down with two straps. Overall excellent product.
Item came in great quality and very quickly. Would recommend purchasing from them, they are A+++
Fitment was excellent just what I wanted
Fantastic service from the team.
Grate communication when I had questions.
The winch is Fantastic, love the Bluetooth controller.
Ordered the fridge slide and it arrived at home faster than I did. More importantly, it's a bloody well made slide, no rattles whatsoever and slides in and out so smoothly. Also bought the mushroom fastners that go into the slide and mate with the profile holes in the fridge's feet. Brilliant system and do recommend them for National Luna users.
These folding brackets are brilliantly designed and made, and if you’re a bit handy with tools, they can be customised to suit any type of awning. The stainless hardware is perfect in size and quality, and the two parts of each bracket overlap to give some lateral stability, which should reduce wear of the bolts and pins. The packaging is over the top though, and I’d have been just as happy to receive the brackets in some durable recycled packaging. If you’ve ever bought a new watch or a smartphone, the packaging is something like that.
I came up with idea to install a slimline water tank vertical to replace the backrest of the rear seat of my extra cab ute. It was the perfect fit and is great. The connector for a hose was broken in transit, but they replaced it by the end of the week. The service and delivery speed has been brilliant.
Had been attempting to source this product locally for several months with no success. 4x4 Downunder were recommended as an alternative. Customer service was very impressive. Product on its way in a day and arrived within the week. 4x4 followed up with a courtesy email after delivery. Exceptional service.
winch works well, bought it as a tow bar winch, being it wasnt designed for a tow bar is a minor issue to mount the controller and cable length. besides that its very strong.
The national luna 90L fridge is perfect for what I needed, solid build, great on power the baskets make finding items even if buried deep in the fridge quick and painless. Its the best fridge I have used.
This fridge really lives up to my expectations. . A very sturdy construction and it seems to be very efficient on power. With advice from 4x4 Down Under staff I was able to buy a changeover panel and convert the fridge to Bluetooth which I can control from my phone. I now always know how the fridge is going, even if we are driving down the highway or tucked up in our van. The storage baskets are strong and can store plenty of food. I highly recommend this fridge
Purchased the Saber Offroad 12K Ultimate Recovery Kit from 4x4 Down Under. Dale was very helpful sending me various options for my recovery needs. I went for the more expensive option but well worth the cost. Fast shipping A++ and gear was exactly what I ordered.
Quality winch and components I've been using it to pull a trailer around in a boggy yard where I can't use a car, it's saved my back from alot of pain
I got this on backorder late 2023. Took it Touring Tassie. Great awning for the price, but was over $1k by the time you add some mounting brackets (recommend aussie made racks brax quick release).
I found out the awning comes with a fixed bracket, so if you want it permanently on car, it would be fine.
Awning has lights built in, the orange could be more orange.
Water pools a little during rain, but was great in the sun and the tassie beach wind (with poles and ropes set up). Fits in the bag easily after use.
Thanks to the 4x4 downunder team for recommending the rax bracks and checking the requirements (double set).
Recently purchased a Runva winch and the team did everything they could to keep the price down. Delivery was quick and easy and even managed to answer a few questions I had after delivery on a Saturday.