The Ford F150 is consistently ranked as one of America’s most popular trucks. It’s not hard to see why! With everything this behemoth can do, it’s perfect for blue-collar workers and off-road enthusiasts alike.
While the stock build is great, there’s one accessory that can take the truck to a new level. The best running boards for Ford F150 enhance the look of the truck while making it much easier to access the cab.
F150s are no small investment, so it’s important to put some careful thought into choosing running boards that are safe and functional. The last thing you want to do is ruin your truck’s finish or make it dangerous for passengers!
To help you find some suitable options for your ride, here are some of the best running boards for the Ford F150. Take a peek at our comparison table and buying guide below!
Top 5 Running Boards for Ford F150
| PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 | Editor's Choice 1. Tyger Auto TG-RS2F40118 |
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 | Best for Stability 2. APS iBoard Running Boards 5-Inch |
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 | Best for Under-Body Protection 3. Tyger Auto TG-AM2F20548 |
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 | Best for Maintaining Ground Clearance 4. AMP Research 76151-01A PowerStep |
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 | Best for All-Weather Protection 5. APS iBoard Running Boards 4-Inch |
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Contents
- Top 5 Running Boards for Ford F150
- 1. Tyger Auto TG-RS2F40118 – Best All-Around Choice
- 2. APS iBoard Running Boards 5-Inch – Best for Stability
- 3. Tyger Auto TG-AM2F20548 – Best for Under-Body Protection
- 4. AMP Research 76151-01A PowerStep – Best for Maintaining Ground Clearance
- 5. APS iBoard Running Boards 4-Inch – Best for All-Weather Protection
- How Do Running Boards Work?
- Why Invest in Running Boards for the Ford F150?
- Special Considerations When Choosing Running Boards for the Ford F150
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
1. Tyger Auto TG-RS2F40118 – Best All-Around Choice
While they look simple, the running boards are anything but. The attention to detail is impressive. The main material of choice is heavy-duty steel tubing. Tyger Auto uses a square tube to provide extra stability when you step inside the cabin. Both the interior and exterior of the boards are treated for protection. On the exposed exterior, the smooth black powder-coated finish prevents rust, UV damage, and light abrasive damage.
You can’t go wrong with these running boards! They are solidly-built accessories that can hold up well to all the wear and tear your truck experiences.
- Wide step pad
- UV-resistant coating
- Protected from the weather inside and out
- Universal design
- Durable build quality
- Only fits SuperCrew cabs
- Plastic endcaps
2. APS iBoard Running Boards 5-Inch – Best for Stability
The best part of the APS running boards is the stability you’re going to get. The boards are five inches wide from end to end. Not only that, but the entire length of the board is covered in rubber treads! This is in stark contrast to other boards that only have dedicated stepping pads. You can use any part of the running board to access the cab and feel confident with your step.
Overall, these running boards are one of the best options on the market if safety is your top priority.
- Made out of lightweight aluminum
- Low-profile design
- Integrated rubber treads
- Easy to install
- Resists corrosive damage
- Lower-quality mounting hardware
3. Tyger Auto TG-AM2F20548 – Best for Under-Body Protection
These aren’t like your average running boards. Rather than a simple tube or metal slab design, you’re getting a specially engineered accessory. Thinner 2-inch metal tubes are welded together to create a girder system. The angled design provides optimal protection. It’ll keep your truck safe from rocks, door dings, and more.
If you need the most protection possible, this model is worth considering. It’s one of the most durable options on the market, so you can rest easy knowing that your truck is well-protected.
- Ultra-durable build
- Sealed against water leaks
- Protects against road debris
- Multiple protective treatments
- Adds considerable weight to the truck
- Affects ground clearance
4. AMP Research 76151-01A PowerStep – Best for Maintaining Ground Clearance
This is a fully powered system. When you open the door to your truck, the electric motor will push the running board out for you to use! It’s entirely automated. Because the boards retract, they don’t have a major effect on ground clearance on the road. You can continue to go off-roading without having to worry about damaging the system.
The only major downside of this running board is the installation process. For the most part, it’s a plug-and-play system. But, you may have to drill additional holes on the frame of your truck to run wires and mount the motor.
If that’s not a deal-breaker for you, the final results are well worth the trouble!
- Durable aluminum construction
- Fully automatic operation
- Low-profile design
- Provides good traction
- Built-in lighting system
- Difficult installation process
- May require additional drilling
5. APS iBoard Running Boards 4-Inch – Best for All-Weather Protection
The running boards are made out of aircraft-grade aluminum. As a result, they’re naturally resistant to corrosion. On top of that, the material is treated to prevent UV damage. APS puts the boards through heavy testing to ensure that you’re getting a solid product. This includes exposing the boards to sea salt spray, stress tests, accelerated weather tests, and more.
Rain or shine, these running boards have you covered! Thanks to the quality construction and efficient treatments, the accessories will serve you well no matter where your adventures take you.
- Made of heavy-duty aluminum
- Naturally resistant to corrosion
- Weather tested
- Slip-resistant treads
- Not the best for under-body protection
How Do Running Boards Work?
Installing running boards are far less complicated than most people think! While installing upgrades on an expensive truck can be daunting, running boards are one that’s worth considering. They are simple accessories that can make a world of difference when it comes to safety and protection.
They install onto the frame of the truck. Most manufacturers, including Ford, have pre-drilled threaded holes on the rocker panel. Thus, getting these accessories is a pretty simple process. If you have any DIY experience, you can do it in a free afternoon with some simple tools!
It might seem like running boards are a newer trend, but they’ve been around for a long time! At its core, a running board is nothing more than a durable and protective step. The boards are meant to help you get in and out of your truck’s cabin without having to worry about strain or injury. They offer a few other benefits, but we’ll get into that later!
Back in the early days of automobiles, nearly every car had a running board! But, the design went out of fashion when vehicles became a bit more streamlined and aerodynamic.
Now that the market is flooded with SUVs, trucks, and crossovers, the need for running boards has returned. With higher cabs, better ground clearance, more off-road capabilities, running boards are in higher demand than ever!
Why Invest in Running Boards for the Ford F150?
If you’re not familiar with the world of aftermarket truck accessories, you might be wondering if running boards are even necessary. A lot of people have strong opinions on running boards. Some view them as nothing more than a cosmetic upgrade, while others see them as a necessary aftermarket accessory.
The truth is that running boards have a lot more to offer than just good looks. These are practical upgrades that can change the way you use your truck! Here are some notable benefits to consider.
Safe Access to the Cabin
Did you know that the latest iteration of the F150 has a ground clearance of about 9.4 inches? If you’re lucky enough to pick up one of the Raptor models, it’s even higher at 11.5 inches!
That might not seem too high at first. But continually climbing into the cabin can take a real toll on your body! This is especially true if you already have health issues or limited mobility. Running boards help to bridge that gap a bit so that you can access the cab without any issues.
Protection
Have you ever considered how much damage your truck is taking on a daily basis? If you’re driving down dirt roads or traveling on poorly-maintained streets, you could be kicking up all kinds of debris. Even small rocks can cause some serious damage to your truck’s finish.
Running boards act as a barrier against that. Thanks to the installation point, they do an excellent job of keeping all that potentially damaging debris away from your precious ride.
Interior Maintenance
Finally, running boards are great for keeping the cab looking pristine! Most running boards have textured grips. It’s the perfect place to kick off some dirt before stepping in. You’ll be glad you made the upgrade when the cleaning day comes!
Special Considerations When Choosing Running Boards for the Ford F150
There’s no shortage of options when you’re shopping for running boards. You can choose from a wide array of materials, styles, and finishes. While all of those parameters are important, none are as crucial as the size of the running boards.
You see, Ford F150s are available in a few cab configurations. Because running boards are meant to cover the entire cab, you need to choose a model that’s built to fit the exact parameters of your truck.
The Standard Cab for the F150 is your average two-door model. The length of the cab’s exterior is approximately 121.5 inches. Meanwhile, the SuperCab on newer F150s has four doors. It measures roughly 144 inches long. Finally, there’s the SuperCrew. The biggest cab of them all offers a roomy interior. Thus, the exterior is much longer at almost 156 inches.
Keep those measurements in mind to ensure that you’re getting running boards with optimal safety and protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are running boards for F150 easy to install?
Attaching running boards onto your truck couldn’t be easier. Ford implements pre-drilled holes into newer F150 models. All you have to do is use the included mounting brackets, and you’re good to go!
2. How much weight can running boards for Ford F150 hold?
This depends entirely on the design of the running boards. Most can hold in the neighborhood of 300 to 500 pounds. Stronger steel running boards with extra reinforcements can handle weights on the higher end of the scale.
3. Will Ford F150 running boards affect gas mileage?
Running boards have the potential to reduce gas mileage. However, the reduction is minimal at best! Modern running board manufacturers go to great lengths to reduce drag. But, that added weight will put a bit of additional strain on your engine.
4. Do running boards for F150 reduce ground clearance?
Some running board models will affect ground clearance. Depending on the design, they may reduce it by a few inches. That said, you can easily find retractable options that won’t affect ground clearance as you drive.
Conclusion
These days, running boards are a must-have for the Ford F150. No matter where you live, you’d be hard-pressed to see a heavy-duty truck like the F150 without one! They’re a relatively simple upgrade that can make a world of difference in how you use your ride.
No more straining to get in and no more worrying about rocks damaging that precious paint job!
While running boards have experienced a bit of a renaissance in recent years, we don’t expect popularity to wane any time soon. Trucks like the F150 are getting more advanced than ever. Electronically powered running boards are already a growing segment of the market. As technology becomes more accessible, we wouldn’t be surprised if companies like Ford started implementing retractable models as a standard option!