Running boards are quite popular nowadays, and rightfully so. They add a step for you to easily enter or exit the vehicle, making it easier to step down from trucks or other heavy-duty vehicles.
For jeeps or SUVs, a running board can add quite the appeal. Most boards today are now electric and are fitted with lights, sensors, and detectors.
This makes rip-offs more likely, which could hurt your investment. While everyone claims to have the best electric running boards, we will show where you will find one.
Our review will cover the top 5 brands out there and present their key features in a compact way. So, for now, let us bring the search to you.
Best Electric Running Boards Reviews 2022
Now we will discuss the top 5 brands of electric running boards. Hopefully, you will find your pick here. By highlighting the key features of each product, we hope to make the selection process easier for you. So let us begin!
1. AMP Research 76254-01A PowerStep Electric Running Boards
Highlighted Features
- Can be used with different truck models
- Is very stable and is reinforced
- Requires practically no maintenance
- Can be installed easily
To kick off our reviews, the first product on our list is the 76254-01A Power Step from AMP stores. This electric running board will add a whole new spring to your step and will justify why it is one of AMP’s best power running boards.
It is compatible with a large number of truck models. These include the GMC Sierra 1500 Crew, 2019/2020 Chevrolet Silverado, 2020 GMC Sierra 2500/3500 HD Crew, and much more. Being compatible with so many different truck models serves as a huge advantage in the market.
In order to boost stability, this product is equipped with stainless steel pivots and bushing. Furthermore, the bushing does not require any lubrication at all and can be used in all weather conditions.
While using this product, you will observe how neatly it extends once the door is opened, and once the door is closed, it moves back to its position and retracts.
At 600 pounds (on both sides), this product can sustain a fair share of weight, making it useful for large, heavy-duty SUVs and a premium choice for truckers.
With all the necessary information provided, installing it is a piece of cake and can be done with relative ease.
2. AMP Research 75138-01A-B PowerStep Electric Running Boards
Highlighted Features
- High load-bearing capacity
- Made of high strength aluminum
- Coated to resist corrosion and wear
- LED light system in place for a better appeal.
The second product on our list is another item from AMP stores, and this time it is the 75138-01A-B. With an eye-catching finish, it stands out from the rest in terms of looks and quality.
Made with very high strength and durable aluminum, the structure of the entire product has been specially coated and anodized to prevent any type of corrosion, abrasion, or wear.
This makes the product more likely to last a long time and also prevents breaking down during prolonged wet weather conditions.
The stainless steel pivots maintain the balance of the structure and ensure that it is always well positioned and sturdy.
Furthermore, to enhance grip and durability, the aluminum steps are extended and textured with a coating. This greatly increases the grip and longevity of the product.
With a load-bearing capacity of 600 pounds on each side, this product will seldom fracture or give in, and you can use it with the utmost assurance.
3. AMP Research 76154-01A Running Boards Plug N' Play System
Highlighted Features
- Highly stable due to steel pins
- Bushings can maintain themselves
- Made of aluminum, which is good for durability
- Resistant to wear and tear
A low profile, lightweight electric running board from AMP stores, the 76154-01A is everything you could possibly want when looking for the best.
This automatic electric board is always in tune and sync with your cars’ door. That is, when the doors open, the board extends smoothly and evenly on both sides.
Once you close the doors, the product retracts just as smoothly and is safely tucked away. The LED lights systems make the entire board glow up, turning all heads in your direction.
Engineered from the finest, high-quality die-cast aluminum, the product has been made for durability, endurance, and quality. To make things even better, it is coated with PTFE, and this layer of coating blocks out corrosion and wear.
To ensure that the product is always stable and less prone to vibrations, the steel pivot pins or joints maintain the overall shape of the structure.
With its high-quality bushings, this product is also easy to maintain. As a matter of fact, the bushings can lubricate without manual support and perform exceedingly well even in adverse weather conditions.
Equipped with state of the art motors, a drive system, and a top-notch wiring system, this product has pressure sensors to detect even the slightest changes in weight.
The 600 pound capacity on each side is also more than adequate, is quite easily supported.
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4. ARIES 3036571 ActionTrac 65-Inch Retractable
Highlighted Features
- Installation does not require drilling
- Is resistant to rusting
- LED lights are added for visibility
- The outer casing protects the delicate electronics inside.
The two-step retractable electric board from ARIES is the perfect addition to your vehicle. This board performs unlike any other and is a trademark of quality.
Once the door opens, the 3-inch steps extend, and doing so; they provide 4 inch top step for you to step on. This makes stepping down much easier.
This product has been built for all road and terrain conditions. It is well protected by an outer cover that shields the delicate electronic wiring and circuitry inside.
Since it is made from aluminum, it is highly resistant to any type of corrosion and wear. In fact, it can be used in all weather conditions, including heavy downpours of rain that would otherwise cause rusting in conventional boards.
The steps are equipped with LED lights for appeal. But their use is not limited to appeal only. They aim to make the board visible during nighttime or when visibility is low.
For maximum security and safety of the passenger and the product, the board comes with a control module. This control module can expertly coordinate board extension and retraction. It also makes the entire process quite and quick in order to not cause delays.
5. SnailAuto Electric Running Boards Power Step Nerf Bar
Highlighted Features
- Won’t be affected by water
- Does not make noise during operation
- Advanced safety features in place
- Durable and tough.
The final product on our list today is the electric running board from Snail Auto. This board has been specially built for a number of Volvo cars and is therefore highly compatible with the renowned brand.
Capable of being paired with the Volvo XC90 2015, 2016, 2017, or 2018, this board is a primary choice for several hundred Volvo enthusiasts all over the world.
The steps deploy and extend as soon as the doors open, and there is an added timeout feature to retract the product in just about 2 seconds after the doors are closed. This time has been optimized with door switching by different customers.
The entire product is crafted from very high quality, durable aluminum alloy. This has all the beneficial qualities of aluminum but with added strength.
This product has been extensively and assiduously tested in a laboratory. The tests primarily concerned safety fine-tuning, and the steps have been tuned to not retract if an obstacle is present.
Operating in pin-drop silence, you will not even notice it is there until you step on it. Even then, you will be struck by its fine finish and intelligent design.
Being impervious to water, this product has been made to survive the elements. Wherever you use it, and under whatever circumstances, it will perform equally well in all situations.
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Buying Guide for Electric Running Boards
Now that you are done with the reviews, you will no doubt have quite a few different brands on your mind.
But, before you can go in and make the purchase, there are some pointers we would like to share. These would make buying easier and also enlighten you regarding what you should focus on.
So, without further ado, here we go!
Type of Material
The two most common electric board materials out there are undoubtedly steel and aluminum. Both have their advantages and are equally suited to the task.
Aluminum is lightweight and highly resistant to corrosion. It, therefore, performs better under adverse weather conditions. If you travel around a lot and encounter different weathers, aluminum might be a good choice.
Steel is sturdy and strong. It measures more than most materials in these two departments. However, it is slightly on the heavier side and can be prone to rust.
But, if you are always driving around in sunny areas or weather, then steel is not a bad option.
Weight Limits
Most electric boards have a specific weight limit or allowance. Above that limit, they are more prone to fatigue, fracture, and ultimately failure.
Standard boards can sustain 350-400 pounds of weight quite readily. However, if you want more, then larger sized boards will support up to 700 pounds.
Depending on usage, you should carefully consider which one to get.
Adequate Safety Features
A product for your car should have at least the minimum safety features. Without basic safety features, your life could be in jeopardy or even the life and well-being of your passengers.
Most boards nowadays come with sensors or automatic power options. This allows the board to extend as soon as the doors are opened and retract safely afterward.
After installing an electric board, observe how long it takes for the board to extend or retract. If the times are too far apart or too quick, then this could become a safety hazard, as they may end up retracting or extending at the wrong time.
High Grip Foothold
When stepping on the board, you will want your feet to be firmly rooted in the board and not slip.
This is especially important if there are senior passengers in the car or a pregnant woman. For them, slippery or faulty footing could prove to be disastrous.
Most good footings are lined up with rubber or plastic. Try to check out the grip of the board's foothold before making the final purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Time for the FAQ section of this article. Here, we will proceed to answer some of your most common questions and clarify queries regarding electric running boards in general.
Give this part a good read to be enlightened!
1. Are electric running boards easy to install?
Yes, they are. Your purchase will very likely come with a full set of instructions and also essential components. Following the instructions closely, you should be able to assemble the board in no time.
2. How much maintenance do electric running boards need?
Not much at all! In fact, their bearings are actually self-maintaining, which means they can lubricate automatically.
But, if you want to check things up for yourself, you could consider giving the board a good wipe from time to time whenever you wash your car.
3. Won’t the running board be damaged from debris that comes into contact with it when I drive?
Usually, no. The board is quite strong by itself, and dust or debris hitting it will cause no real damage. However, if it takes large hits from bigger objects, then it could be damaged.
4. Will installing a running board add extra weight to my car?
Running boards do not weigh a great deal, and installing one will add almost negligible weight to the car.
5. Is there any ideal weight carrying capacity for an electric running board?
The weight-bearing capacity of the board can vary from 300 pounds to 600 pounds and sometimes more. There is no ideal capacity, and it depends on how much load your truck or car is carrying.
Conclusion
So that concludes yet another article from us. Now that you know where to look for the best electric running boards, we believe you can make the right investment. If you are still not sure or just want to know more, do not hesitate to reach out.