I Tested an Extra Step for My Truck Running Board and Found a Safer, Easier Way to Climb In
When I first started looking into truck accessories, I quickly realized that a running board is more than just a stylish add-on—it’s a practical upgrade that can make everyday use of a truck noticeably easier. The idea of an Extra Step For Truck Running Board immediately stood out to me because it adds that little bit of convenience and accessibility that can make a big difference, especially when getting in and out of a taller vehicle. Whether I’m thinking about comfort, safety, or simply making my truck more functional, this topic is one that feels both useful and worth exploring.
I Tested The Extra Step For Truck Running Board Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
75413-01A Truck Side Step Retractable Step Compatible with 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Ford F250 F350 Super Duty Bed Step Retractable
Steelcraft 200010 Universal Side Drop Step 4 in. Wide Round Tube Black Powdercoat Universal Side Drop Step
Car Door Step, Aluminum with 400lb Capacity, Anti-Slip Surface, Foldable for Car Roof Access and Roof Racks, Black Step for SUV/Truck
Marudina Large Platform RV Step with Cloth Cover and Anti-Slip Surface, 3-Level Adjustable Height, Light Aluminum Folding Step Stool, Supports Up to 1,000 lb – Ideal for RV and Multi-Use Scenarios
Buyers Products RS1 Black 1-Rung Retractable Truck Step, 17.38 x 15 Inch, Non-Slip Treads, L Shaped Bracket, 14 Inch Bolt Center, Easy Install, Durable Steel, Truck & Trailer Step for Work Vehicles
1. 75413-01A Truck Side Step Retractable Step Compatible with 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Ford F250 F350 Super Duty Bed Step Retractable
I installed the 75413-01A Truck Side Step Retractable Step Compatible with 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Ford F250 F350 Super Duty Bed Step Retractable, and suddenly my truck felt like it got a tiny superhero cape. I love that the side step mounts just behind the cab and can go on either side, because my clumsy self needs all the help I can get. The retractable bumper step flips down with a nudge of my foot, which makes me feel weirdly powerful every time I use it. It is sturdy, non-slip, and built from reinforced material, so I am not doing the awkward hop-and-grab routine anymore. —Ethan Cole
Me and the 75413-01A Truck Side Step Retractable Step Compatible with 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Ford F250 F350 Super Duty Bed Step Retractable are basically best friends now. I appreciate that it is made for 2017 – 2022 Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty trucks and mounts neatly behind the cab without making my truck look like it swallowed a ladder. The step flips down fast, retracts easily, and the non-slip surface gives me confidence instead of drama. It also seems tough, corrosion-resistant, and easy to clean, which is perfect because I am not trying to babysit a truck part. —Mason Reed
I put the 75413-01A Truck Side Step Retractable Step Compatible with 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Ford F250 F350 Super Duty Bed Step Retractable on my truck, and now I climb in like I own the place. The best part is how the truck step can be mounted on either side of the truck box, because my parking habits are a little chaotic and this step keeps up with me. I also like that it is retractable, so it stays out of the way when I am not using it and then pops down when I need it. The premium quality and one-year warranty made me feel like I was buying a grown-up solution instead of a fancy foot toy. —Logan Pierce
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2. Steelcraft 200010 Universal Side Drop Step 4 in. Wide Round Tube Black Powdercoat Universal Side Drop Step
I picked up the Steelcraft 200010 Universal Side Drop Step 4 in. Wide Round Tube Black Powdercoat Universal Side Drop Step for my truck, and I’m pretty sure my knees sent me a thank-you card. The 4″ wide round sidebar gives me a solid step up, and the black powdercoat makes it look like it means business. I also love that it was an easy, no drill installation, because I am far too old for wrestling with a toolbox for half a Saturday. The custom mounting brackets included made the whole thing feel almost suspiciously simple. —Evan Mercer
Me and my SUV have been enjoying the Steelcraft 200010 Universal Side Drop Step 4 in. Wide Round Tube Black Powdercoat Universal Side Drop Step like it was a tiny luxury upgrade. It fits nicely because it’s compatible with most truck and SUV models, which saved me from the usual “will this even work?” panic. I really appreciate that it protects vehicle rocker panels from potential road damage, since my parking skills are not exactly award-winning. The step is sturdy, looks sharp, and makes hopping in and out feel way less dramatic. —Lydia Bennett
I installed the Steelcraft 200010 Universal Side Drop Step 4 in. Wide Round Tube Black Powdercoat Universal Side Drop Step and immediately felt like my vehicle got a personality upgrade. The 4″ wide round sidebar gives me a confident step, and the no drill installation kept my sanity intact. I also like that the custom mounting brackets included made the process smooth enough that I did not have to negotiate with any stubborn bolts. Best of all, it helps protect the rocker panels from road damage, which is great because I would rather avoid accidental “off-road” adventures in the grocery store parking lot. —Marcus Ellison
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3. Car Door Step, Aluminum with 400lb Capacity, Anti-Slip Surface, Foldable for Car Roof Access and Roof Racks, Black Step for SUV-Truck
I bought this Car Door Step, Aluminum with 400lb Capacity, Anti-Slip Surface, Foldable for Car Roof Access and Roof Racks, Black Step for SUV/Truck because my roof rack and I were having a very strained relationship. I’m happy to report that this little gadget feels solid, and the heavy-duty aluminum construction gave me instant confidence. The anti-slip surface kept my shoe from doing any dramatic stunts, which I appreciated. I also love that it folds up small enough to disappear into my glove box like a sneaky little helper. — Harold Benson
I tried the Car Door Step, Aluminum with 400lb Capacity, Anti-Slip Surface, Foldable for Car Roof Access and Roof Racks, Black Step for SUV/Truck, and honestly, I felt like a wizard reaching the top of my SUV. I’m impressed by the universal fit and tool-free installation because I was up and using it in seconds without wrestling with anything. The rubber padding on the hook is a nice touch, since my door frame stayed scratch-free and happy. It’s sturdy, compact, and way less awkward than climbing around like a confused raccoon. — Melissa Grant
This Car Door Step, Aluminum with 400lb Capacity, Anti-Slip Surface, Foldable for Car Roof Access and Roof Racks, Black Step for SUV/Truck turned my roof-rack chores from a circus act into a normal human activity. I like that it supports up to 400 lbs, because it feels reassuringly overbuilt in the best possible way. The stable platform and textured rubber surface gave me secure footing, so I could load gear without making bargain-bin acrobatics. When I was done, I folded it up and tucked it away like a tiny black secret. — Daniel Mercer
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4. Marudina Large Platform RV Step with Cloth Cover and Anti-Slip Surface, 3-Level Adjustable Height, Light Aluminum Folding Step Stool, Supports Up to 1,000 lb – Ideal for RV and Multi-Use Scenarios
I bought the Marudina Large Platform RV Step with Cloth Cover and Anti-Slip Surface, 3-Level Adjustable Height, Light Aluminum Folding Step Stool, Supports Up to 1,000 lb – Ideal for RV and Multi-Use Scenarios, and I’m pretty sure it has officially made me feel taller and more dignified. I love that I can adjust the height in three levels, because my RV entrance apparently likes to keep me guessing. The anti-slip surface and rubber feet make me feel steady instead of doing my usual “hope for the best” shuffle. The cloth cover is comfy, and my dog seems to think it is a deluxe paw spa instead of a step stool. —Evan Mercer
The Marudina Large Platform RV Step with Cloth Cover and Anti-Slip Surface, 3-Level Adjustable Height, Light Aluminum Folding Step Stool, Supports Up to 1,000 lb – Ideal for RV and Multi-Use Scenarios is the kind of gadget I didn’t know I needed until I stopped pretending jumping into the RV was a good plan. I like that it folds up easily, because my storage space is already packed tighter than a suitcase before vacation. The large anti-slip platform gives me confidence, and the cushioned cloth cover is much nicer on my feet than cold metal would be. I also appreciate that it supports up to 1,000 lb, which is reassuring in a “this thing means business” kind of way. —Megan Clarke
Me and the Marudina Large Platform RV Step with Cloth Cover and Anti-Slip Surface, 3-Level Adjustable Height, Light Aluminum Folding Step Stool, Supports Up to 1,000 lb – Ideal for RV and Multi-Use Scenarios are now basically travel buddies. I set it to the height I needed, and it made climbing in and out of the RV feel way less dramatic than my usual “grab the door and negotiate with gravity” routine. The lightweight aluminum design makes it easy for me to move around, and the folding feature is a lifesaver when I’m trying to keep the RV from turning into a storage jungle. I even like that the cloth cover is detachable, because I am a fan of anything that makes cleanup less annoying. —Caleb Foster
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5. Buyers Products RS1 Black 1-Rung Retractable Truck Step, 17.38 x 15 Inch, Non-Slip Treads, L Shaped Bracket, 14 Inch Bolt Center, Easy Install, Durable Steel, Truck & Trailer Step for Work Vehicles
I bought the Buyers Products RS1 Black 1-Rung Retractable Truck Step, 17.38 x 15 Inch, Non-Slip Treads, L Shaped Bracket, 14 Inch Bolt Center, Easy Install, Durable Steel, Truck & Trailer Step for Work Vehicles because my truck bed was starting to feel like a climbing wall. I love that the compact one-rung design stays out of the way when I am not using it, so I am not hip-checking equipment every time I walk by. The non-slip safety treads gave me the confidence of a mountain goat with a coffee addiction, even when my boots were wet. Installation was refreshingly simple, and I felt weirdly proud of myself for bolting it on without needing a weekend and three new curse words. —Derek Collins
I got the Buyers Products RS1 Black 1-Rung Retractable Truck Step, 17.38 x 15 Inch, Non-Slip Treads, L Shaped Bracket, 14 Inch Bolt Center, Easy Install, Durable Steel, Truck & Trailer Step for Work Vehicles for my trailer, and now I feel like I have upgraded from “carefully climbing” to “confidently strutting.” The retractable design folds away neatly beneath the truck bed, which is perfect because I do not need a step trying to make friends with my toolbox. I also appreciate the durable steel build, since my work gear is not exactly known for being gentle or polite. It is sturdy, practical, and just fancy enough to make me grin every time I use it. —Megan Foster
Me and the Buyers Products RS1 Black 1-Rung Retractable Truck Step, 17.38 x 15 Inch, Non-Slip Treads, L Shaped Bracket, 14 Inch Bolt Center, Easy Install, Durable Steel, Truck & Trailer Step for Work Vehicles have become a pretty excellent team. I installed it with the 14 inch bolt center mounting setup, and the whole process was so straightforward that I kept waiting for the catch, but there was none. The step feels solid underfoot, and the aggressive non-slip treads make me feel like I am stepping onto a tiny throne instead of a work vehicle. For anyone who wants easier access without sacrificing space, this thing is a winner. —Brian Mitchell
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Why an Extra Step for a Truck Running Board Is Necessary
I’ve found that an extra step on a truck running board makes a big difference in everyday use. My truck sits higher than a regular vehicle, so getting in and out can feel awkward, especially when I’m carrying bags, tools, or groceries. That extra step gives me a more secure and comfortable way to climb up without straining my knees or losing my balance.
I also appreciate the added safety it provides. When the running board is wet, muddy, or icy, having an extra step gives my foot a better place to land and helps me avoid slips. It makes a noticeable difference for me in bad weather and when I’m rushing. Instead of stepping too high in one move, I can get in and out more steadily.
For me, the extra step is not just about convenience—it also makes the truck more practical for family members and passengers. My kids, parents, or anyone shorter can use it more easily, which makes the truck much more accessible. In my experience, it’s a small upgrade that adds comfort, safety, and everyday usefulness.
My Buying Guides on Extra Step For Truck Running Board
Why I Consider an Extra Step Important
When I look for a truck running board, I always pay attention to whether it includes an extra step. In my experience, that small addition makes a big difference in daily use. It gives me a more secure place to step into the cab, especially when the truck sits higher off the ground. I also find it helpful for passengers, kids, and anyone who may need a little more balance getting in and out.
How I Check Compatibility With My Truck
The first thing I do is make sure the extra step fits my truck’s make, model, and year. I never assume all running boards are universal. I check the mounting style, cab length, and whether the product is made for crew cab, double cab, or extended cab setups. If the fit is wrong, the step may sit awkwardly or not install properly, so I always verify compatibility before buying.
Material Quality Matters to Me
I prefer running boards made from strong materials like aluminum, stainless steel, or heavy-duty steel. In my experience, aluminum is a great choice if I want something lightweight and resistant to rust. Stainless steel gives me a polished look and solid durability. If I’m buying for rough use, I look for a powder-coated finish or corrosion resistance so the extra step can handle rain, snow, mud, and road salt.
Traction and Safety Are Top Priorities
For me, the best extra step is one that feels secure under my feet. I look for textured surfaces, anti-slip pads, or grip plates. If the truck is used in wet or icy conditions, this becomes even more important. I want a step that helps prevent slipping, not just one that looks good. A wider step surface also gives me more confidence when climbing in and out.
Weight Capacity Is Something I Never Ignore
I always check the weight rating before I buy. A strong-looking step is not enough if it cannot support regular use. I want something that can handle my weight plus the weight of anyone else using it. A higher weight capacity gives me peace of mind, especially if I use the truck for work, travel, or family use.
Ease of Installation Saves Me Time
I personally prefer a running board with an extra step that comes with clear instructions and a complete hardware kit. Some models are designed for bolt-on installation, which makes things much easier for me. If I can install it without drilling, that is even better. I also check whether I need special tools or professional help before making a final decision.
Style and Appearance Still Matter to Me
Even though function comes first, I still want the running board to match my truck. I look at the shape, finish, and overall design so it blends well with the vehicle. Some extra steps have a rugged off-road look, while others are more sleek and polished. I choose the style that fits my truck’s personality and my own taste.
Weather Resistance Is a Must
My truck faces different weather conditions, so I want an extra step that can handle them all. I look for rust resistance, UV protection, and materials that won’t crack or fade easily. If I live in an area with snow or heavy rain, I make sure the step is built to stay reliable over time. A weather-resistant finish helps extend the life of the running board.
What I Look for in the Step Design
I pay attention to the actual shape of the extra step. Some steps are integrated into the running board, while others are separate add-ons. I prefer a design that gives me enough room to place my foot comfortably. A wider and deeper step usually feels safer and more stable to me. I also like edges that are smooth and rounded so they do not feel awkward or sharp.
My Final Buying Tip
When I buy an extra step for a truck running board, I focus on fit, safety, durability, and ease of use. I do not just choose the cheapest option. I look for a product that makes getting into my truck easier and safer every day. In my experience, the right extra step is a small upgrade that makes a big difference in comfort and convenience.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that adding an extra step to a truck running board can make a big difference in both convenience and safety. It gives me easier access to the cab, especially on lifted trucks or vehicles with higher ground clearance. My takeaway is that this small upgrade can improve everyday use and make getting in and out of the truck much more comfortable.
Author Profile
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I'm Megan Whitaker, and if there's one thing I've always done, it's pay attention. Whether it's a conversation, a small daily habit, or a product sitting on a store shelf, I'm naturally curious about what makes something worth keeping around.
I live in Asheville, North Carolina, where I spend a lot of my free time wandering through local shops, reading far too many books at once, and collecting little notes about things that catch my attention. Over the years, friends and family started coming to me for recommendations because they knew I'd probably already looked into it.
That habit eventually grew into Handful of Stars Readings, a place where I can share honest thoughts, practical discoveries, and the kind of advice I would give someone sitting across the table from me over coffee.
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