Ever wonder how the idea for the big truck came about? Most likely it had something to do with the horse. Horses provided the early pioneers of the plain with a height advantage, allowing the rider to sit high in the saddle and take in the surrounding scenery. Now imagine a cowboy jumping into the saddle. Laughing, right? That’s why a saddle has stirrups.

Motorsport is one of life’s many joys…or at least it should be. But, when you and your passengers have to get on and off a raised platform, your joy can be seriously diminished. Plus, you risk injury by adding slippery pavement or uneven ground to the mix. Fortunately, convenience and security are literally just a step away.

Side steps, also known as truck steps or steps, are made of durable aluminum or stainless steel and feature ridged pads to provide a non-slip surface for getting in and out of the cab. These tread pads also channel water away from the stepping area, providing confident all-weather traction when the ground below offers anything but.

Truck running boards and step bars provide an added benefit: bodyline protection. Whether you’re off-roading or sitting in the parking lot, everything from rocks and fallen trees to car doors and shopping carts threaten to dent or scratch your finish. A side step or running board provides the first line of defense, stopping the worst before they get to the outside.

A side step and its disguised cousin, the running board, are custom made for your make, model and year. On average, they’re constructed of 3″ metal tubing and come in a polished, chrome, or black powder coat finish, adding a solid look to your vehicle’s exterior. The step bars support up to 300 lbs. and the running boards up to 500 lbs., each providing the dependable durability required for frequent use. Plus, they’re available with add-ons like optional lights for those looking to add a little extra flash.

If these options sound familiar to you, they should. They’re the exact same thing your dealer tried to sell you as part of your “sport” package…your expensive sport package. Aftermarket truck running boards and steps allow the do-it-yourselfer to upgrade their bed with the same factory-style products for a fraction of the cost. They come with all the necessary mounting hardware, and most bolt directly into pre-existing mounting positions on your frame with no drilling required.