Best Running Boards for Chevy Silverado
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In this guide (8 sections)
Top picks at a glance
Best overallAMP Research PowerStep XLView on Amazon
Best for off-roadGo Rhino RB20View on Amazon
Best nerf stepWestin Pro-Traxx 5View on Amazon
Best valueDee Zee FXView on Amazon
Budget pickTyger Auto RiserView on Amazon
A lifted or 4x4 Silverado sits high. Running boards make it easier for kids, passengers and anyone wearing work boots to climb in, and they protect the rocker panels from road debris. The right choice depends on your cab size, how you use the truck and how much clearance you need.
Quick answer: our top pick is the AMP Research PowerStep XL, for lifted Silverados: the powered step drops low for easy entry and tucks away for clearance.
Silverado fitment checklist
- Cab style: Regular Cab, Double Cab or Crew Cab. Each uses different board lengths.
- Generation: confirm the model year range on the listing.
- Trim: some trims (like Trail Boss or ZR2) have different rocker shapes or lift.
Quick picks
| Product | Type | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMP Research PowerStep XL | Power step | Lifted trucks, best overall | Check price |
| Go Rhino RB20 | Fixed running board | Off-road clearance | Check price |
| Westin Pro-Traxx 5 | Oval nerf step | Clean, step-friendly look | Check price |
| Dee Zee FX | Fixed board | Value with wide step area | Check price |
| Tyger Auto Riser | Fixed board | Budget pick | Check price |
The best Silverado running boards
AMP Research PowerStep XL
Best for: Lifted Silverados and owners who want a step only when doors open.
- Material
- Aluminum
- Exterior Finish
- Painted
- Item dimensions L x W x H
- 81 x 13 x 8 inches
- Vehicle Service Type
- Truck
- Item Weight
- 59 pounds
- Weight Limit
- 600 pounds
The PowerStep XL deploys a wide step when a door opens and tucks it under the rocker when the doors close, so you keep ground clearance and a clean look. AMP rates the steps for 600 lb. Order the part number for your exact Silverado year and cab.
Pros
- Deploys automatically with the doors
- Folds away for full ground clearance
- 600 lb weight rating
- Rust-proof aluminum construction
Cons
- The most expensive option here
- Wiring into the truck makes install a longer job
Go Rhino RB20
Best for: Owners who drive trails and want sturdy, high-clearance boards.
- Material
- Alloy Steel
- Exterior Finish
- Machined
- Item dimensions L x W x H
- 91.75 x 13 x 9.5 inches
- Vehicle Service Type
- Truck
- Item Weight
- 80.4 pounds
- Automotive Fit Type
- Vehicle Specific Fit
The RB20 is a heavy alloy-steel running board with a machined finish and modular step pads. The listing linked here fits 2014–2018 Silverado/Sierra 1500 Double Cabs, so check the part number for newer trucks. It weighs about 80 lb.
Pros
- Alloy-steel build for trail use
- Modular step pads you can move
- High mounting keeps clearance
- Rugged machined finish
Cons
- Linked fitment is 2014–2018 Double Cab
- newer trucks need another part number
- Heavy at about 80 lb
Westin Pro-Traxx 5
Best for: Drivers who want a sleek oval tube with step pads.
- Material
- Steel
- Exterior Finish
- Painted
- Item dimensions L x W x H
- 87 x 15 x 6 inches
- Vehicle Service Type
- Truck
- Item Weight
- 54 pounds
- Automotive Fit Type
- Vehicle Specific Fit
Pro-Traxx 5 bars use 5-inch oval steel tube with 4-inch-wide molded step pads and welded end caps. This pair fits 2019–2026 Silverado/Sierra 1500 Crew Cabs (except the 2019 LD/Limited) and 2020–2027 2500/3500 Crew Cabs.
Pros
- Direct fit for current Silverado 1500 and HD Crew Cabs
- Protects the rocker panels
- Factory-style 30° bends at the ends
- Step pads at each door
Cons
- 5-inch tube gives a narrower step than flat boards
- Steel will rust if the paint chips
Dee Zee FX
Best for: Families who want a wide step at a fair price.
- Material
- Aluminum
- Item dimensions L x W x H
- 72 x 6 x 6 inches
- Item Weight
- 22 pounds
- Automotive Fit Type
- Vehicle Specific Fit
Dee Zee's aluminum running boards give a wide, textured step at a fair price. They bolt to factory mounting points, and at 22 lb they are the lightest boards here. Match the part number to your cab before ordering.
Pros
- Wide, textured non-slip step
- Bolts to factory mounting points
- Light aluminum build
- Fair price for a full-width board
Cons
- Hangs lower than power steps
- Check fitment for your cab length
Tyger Auto Riser
Best for: Owners who just need a basic step.
- Material
- Aluminum
- Exterior Finish
- Powder E-Coating
- Item dimensions L x W x H
- 84.21 x 6.05 x 2.5 inches
- Vehicle Service Type
- Truck
- Item Weight
- 29.6 pounds
- Weight Limit
- 500 pounds
Tyger's Riser boards use a 6-inch raised step for 2019–2026 Silverado/Sierra 1500 and 2020+ HD trucks. They are the low-cost way to add a step for kids and shorter passengers.
Pros
- Affordable
- Bolt-on install
- 6-inch riser design for a wide step
Cons
- Basic finish compared with premium brands
- Hangs lower than nerf bars or power steps
Fixed boards vs power steps vs nerf bars
- Fixed running boards: affordable and wide, but reduce ground clearance.
- Power steps: best of both worlds for lifted trucks; cost more and need wiring.
- Nerf bars: tubular steps that look sporty; the step area is smaller.
Installation tips
- Most Silverados have factory mounting points, so no drilling is needed.
- Use thread locker on bolts that see road spray.
- Have a helper hold long boards while you tighten brackets.
Silverado running board FAQ
What cab size do I need to know?
Running boards are specific to the Silverado cab: Regular Cab, Double Cab or Crew Cab. The model year also matters because mounting points can change between generations.
Do power running boards work in winter?
They are designed for all-weather use, but ice and road salt can build up. Clean the hinges and motors during winter so the steps keep moving freely.
Do running boards reduce ground clearance?
Fixed boards hang below the rockers and can catch on rocks. Power steps tuck up when the doors close, which keeps more clearance for off-road use.
Bottom line
The AMP Research PowerStep XL is the best upgrade for lifted Silverados. Off-roaders should choose the Go Rhino RB20, while families on a budget will like the Dee Zee FX.
Sources
Official sources for the standards, safety rules and products in this guide. Specifications change between model years, so confirm current specs and fitment on the manufacturer's site before you buy.
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 — official site — current product specifications
- RealTruck (BAKFlip, Extang, Retrax, TruXedo, UnderCover, AMP Research, Go Rhino) — official site — current product specifications
