What is the Difference Between Running Boards and Nerf Bars

John Dillinger's 1930 Ford Model A with running board. Running boards were extremely important accessories for classic trucks and cars and still are for today's modern vehicles.

With bullets flying through the hazy air in downtown Chicago, infamous 1930s gangster, John Dillinger, was hanging out of the side of his legendary 1930 Ford Model A. Because he loved to rob banks, this kind of showdown was not unfamiliar for Dillinger. Dillinger knew that excitement was a part of his daily life, so he had a car that was fully equipped with all of the accessories to make sure the job was done properly.

One of these included the Running Board. His Running Board supported him and his tommy gun during those high speed chases. At 4wheelonline, we offer a choice for our consumers: Running Boards or Nerf bars. Both of these are still important for exuding that exciting lifestyle and making sure the job that needs to get done is done properly. But, how do you know which one is right for you?

Running Boards and Nerf Bars seem to serve the same function of providing drivers and passengers easy access into and out of their trucks, so many people wonder what the difference is between a Nerf bar and a Running Board? Well, it turns out it is pretty simple.

Nerf Bars

Nerf bars, which were originally designed to fend off overly aggressive racers in the early days of professional car racing, are often pipe like fixtures that attach to the side of your vehicle. They can hold up 500 pounds and are great for helping drivers into their truck.

PREMIUM BLACK 4 INCH WHEEL-TO WHEEL NERF BARS

Reasonable Prices

In comparison to Running Boards, Nerf Bars are not as expensive but are still highly functional. Our Nerf bars start at a reasonable price and are perfect for adding a tough and rugged look to a vehicle.

A Helpful Tool

Nerf Bars can prove to be especially helpful when having to wash the roof of the truck or when strapping ladders or other items to the roof. One thing to keep in mind when purchasing Nerf Bars is the vehicle’s ground clearance. If there is a lower clearance on the vehicle, then avoid lower hanging, thicker Nerf Bars that could scrape the ground. If you need help getting life’s toughest duties done or want a rugged look, the Nerf Bar would be right for you.

Running Boards

Strength

Running Boards, in contrast to Nerf Bars, are a sleeker option for a truck or car. Running Boards are often viewed as more stylish and were originally included on many vintage cars. However, don’t underestimate the strength of Running Boards either. They hold more weight (up to 600 pounds) and can be utilized just as much as Nerf Bars, just ask gangster John Dillinger.

Running Boards Come in Different Styles

Modern running boards are sleek and very helpful.

Not only do Running Boards hold a great deal of weight, they also come in many different forms. Some of these include:

Retractable, as seen with the Retractable BESTOP Powerboard NX model.

Lighted Running Boards, as seen with the Accra XL Lighted Running Boards.

Both the retractable and lighted Running Boards are easy to install even if you don’t know your vehicle’s electrical circuitry. Just make sure to stick to the manual! Even though Running Boards are a little more expensive than Nerf Bars, the extra weight that they can hold and the style of Running Boards make them well worth the extra cost.

One thing is for sure, you can’t go wrong with a Nerf Bar or a Running Board. Both are easy to install for anybody willing to put in the time. Running Boards and Nerf Bars come with brackets that secure it to the body, which means no drilling is required. This is great because the vehicle’s warranty will not be voided because there are no alterations being made to its structure.

4wheelonline also offers an instructional manual with the purchase of each product. Additionally, there is a step-by-step guide on our website if there are any additional questions.

By: Tim Snyder
Posted on May 3rd, 2013

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