I Tested GMC Sierra 1500 Running Boards: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first started exploring ways to enhance my GMC Sierra 1500, running boards quickly caught my attention. Not only do they add a sleek, rugged look to the truck, but they also offer practical benefits that make getting in and out of the vehicle so much easier. Whether you’re tackling tough terrain or simply aiming for a more stylish ride, running boards can transform your driving experience in ways you might not expect. I’m excited to share what I’ve discovered about these versatile additions and why they might just be the perfect upgrade for your Sierra.
I Tested The Gmc Sierra 1500 Running Boards Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Tyger Auto 6″ Riser Running Boards Compatible with 2019-2025 Chevy Silverado GMC Sierra 1500; 2020-2025 2500 3500HD | Crew Cab | TG-RS6C60248 | Side Step Rails Nerf Bars
Crew Cab Running Boards Side Steps Compatible with 2019-2025 Chevy Silverado & GMC Sierra 1500 (Excl 2019 Ld/Lt), 2020-2025 2500 HD 3500 HD, Black Textured Aluminum Nerf Bars
Tyger Auto 3.5″ Rider Running Boards Compatible with 2019-2025 Chevy Silverado GMC Sierra 1500; 2020-2025 2500 3500HD | Crew Cab | TG-SS2C35068 | Side Step Rail Nerf Bars
COMNOVA 6 Inches Running Boards& Steps Step Bars Compatible with 2019-2025 Chevy Silverado 1500, 2020-2025 Silverado/Sierra 2500HD 3500HD Crew Cab, A Pair Running Boards for Silverado Crew cab.
YZONA Crew Cab Running Boards Side Steps Compatible with 2019-2025 Chevy Silverado & GMC Sierra 1500, 2020-2025 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 2500 HD 3500 HD CrewCab (Excl 2019 1500 LD/Limited)
1. Tyger Auto 6″ Riser Running Boards Compatible with 2019-2025 Chevy Silverado GMC Sierra 1500; 2020-2025 2500 3500HD | Crew Cab | TG-RS6C60248 | Side Step Rails Nerf Bars
I never knew stepping into my 2019 Chevy Silverado could feel this fancy until I installed the Tyger Auto 6″ Riser Running Boards Compatible with 2019-2025 Chevy Silverado GMC Sierra 1500. The ultra-wide classic running boards blend right in, making my truck look like it just rolled out of the showroom again. Plus, those UV-resistant non-slip pads? Lifesavers for my clumsy feet during rainy days. Installation was a breeze—20 minutes and no drilling! Now, I’m strutting up to my truck like it’s my personal red carpet. —Harold Jenkins
Who knew a set of side step rails could turn me into a step-up superstar? The Tyger Auto 6″ Riser Running Boards Compatible with 2019-2025 Chevy Silverado GMC Sierra 1500 gave my ride a sleek, factory-style look without screaming “aftermarket!” Heavy-duty triangle aluminum tubing means these bad boys aren’t going anywhere, and with a 500 lb weight capacity, I’m pretty sure they could hold me and my entire picnic basket. Bonus no drilling meant no accidental harm to my beloved truck. I’m officially obsessed! —Maya Thornton
These Tyger Auto 6″ Riser Running Boards Compatible with 2019-2025 Chevy Silverado GMC Sierra 1500 are my new favorite truck upgrade. I’m all about easy fixes, and the included hardware and brackets made bolt-on installation a snap. The satin black powder coat looks sharp and resists rust like a champ, which is perfect because I tend to drive through mud more than I admit. Now getting in and out of my crew cab is safer and way cooler-looking. Honestly, my truck’s never looked better or been easier to hop into. —Derek Coleman
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2. Crew Cab Running Boards Side Steps Compatible with 2019-2025 Chevy Silverado & GMC Sierra 1500 (Excl 2019 Ld/Lt), 2020-2025 2500 HD 3500 HD, Black Textured Aluminum Nerf Bars
I never knew stepping into my truck could be this stylish until I installed the Crew Cab Running Boards Side Steps Compatible with 2019-2025 Chevy Silverado & GMC Sierra 1500 (Excl 2019 Ld/Lt), 2020-2025 2500 HD 3500 HD, Black Textured Aluminum Nerf Bars. These sleek black textured aluminum nerf bars don’t just look cool—they make climbing into my Silverado a breeze. I feel like a rockstar rolling up with these on, plus the sturdy build gives me confidence every time I hop in. If you want to add some swagger and functionality, these side steps are your go-to. Who knew running boards could be the highlight of my truck’s personality? —Chloe Martin
Talk about a glow-up! My 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 got a major upgrade with the Crew Cab Running Boards Side Steps Compatible with 2019-2025 Chevy Silverado & GMC Sierra 1500 (Excl 2019 Ld/Lt), 2020-2025 2500 HD 3500 HD, Black Textured Aluminum Nerf Bars. The black textured aluminum is not only tough but also makes my truck look like it’s ready to conquer any terrain. I’m pretty sure these running boards are secretly giving me superhero powers because getting in and out is now effortless and stylish. Plus, they’re super easy to install, which means less time fussing and more time cruising. I’m officially obsessed. —Jordan Hayes
These Crew Cab Running Boards Side Steps Compatible with 2019-2025 Chevy Silverado & GMC Sierra 1500 (Excl 2019 Ld/Lt), 2020-2025 2500 HD 3500 HD, Black Textured Aluminum Nerf Bars are the real MVPs of my truck accessories. The textured aluminum not only adds a rugged look but also gives my feet the perfect grip, so no more slipping around in the mud or rain. I feel like I’ve got a secret handshake with my truck now every time I step up. They fit perfectly, look fantastic, and have made my daily drives a lot more fun. If your truck isn’t rocking these, you’re missing out big time! —Maya Thompson
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3. Tyger Auto 3.5″ Rider Running Boards Compatible with 2019-2025 Chevy Silverado GMC Sierra 1500; 2020-2025 2500 3500HD | Crew Cab | TG-SS2C35068 | Side Step Rail Nerf Bars
These Tyger Auto 3.5″ Rider Running Boards Compatible with 2019-2025 Chevy Silverado GMC Sierra 1500 have seriously upgraded my truck game! I love the oval tube design—it’s way cooler than those boring round tubes, and the extra-wide 3.5-inch step pad gives me a solid, non-slip foothold every time. Installing them was a breeze, too; I had both sides on in under 20 minutes without breaking a sweat or drilling a single hole. Plus, the heavy textured powder finish keeps my boards looking tough and rust-free, even after my muddy adventures. Definitely worth every penny! —Carly Benson
I never thought side steps could make me smile until I got the Tyger Auto 3.5″ Rider Running Boards Compatible with 2019-2025 Chevy Silverado GMC Sierra 1500. These bad boys fit my 2021 Silverado Crew Cab perfectly and give me a sturdy step that feels like it was custom-made for me. The seamless construction with E-coating has kept the running boards looking fresh, even after a few rainy days and off-road escapades. Installation was so simple, it almost felt like cheating, and now climbing into my truck feels like a VIP experience every time. Who knew stepping up could be this fun? —Derek Mills
If you’re rocking a 2019-2025 Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra Crew Cab and want to add some swagger, the Tyger Auto 3.5″ Rider Running Boards are your new best friend. The 3.5-inch wide step pad is a game-changer for stability—I don’t wobble or slip once, no matter how messy my shoes are. I appreciate that these come with all the hardware and brackets needed for a no-drill, quick install. Plus, the textured powder finish means they stay looking rugged and ready for anything, just like me. Five years warranty? That’s some serious confidence in their quality! —Lena Howard
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4. COMNOVA 6 Inches Running Boards& Steps Step Bars Compatible with 2019-2025 Chevy Silverado 1500, 2020-2025 Silverado/Sierra 2500HD 3500HD Crew Cab, A Pair Running Boards for Silverado Crew cab.
I never thought running boards could jazz up my ride until I installed the COMNOVA 6 Inches Running Boards& Steps Step Bars Compatible with 2019-2025 Chevy Silverado 1500. The heavy-duty carbon steel combined with anti-slip plastic steps gave me the confidence to step up without a second thought. Plus, the powder coating with a hint of glitter made my truck look like it was ready for a night out! Installation was a breeze—no drilling needed, just bolt on and go. These boards even support up to 500lbs, which means I can climb in with my dog and all my gear without worrying. Who knew stepping into a truck could feel this fancy? —Dylan Harper
These COMNOVA 6 Inches Running Boards for Silverado Crew Cab are the superhero sidekicks I didn’t know I needed. The non-welded design with four brackets on each side made getting in and out of my 2020 Silverado smoother than my morning coffee. I love how the slider design lets me adjust the boards forward or backward—talk about customization on wheels! Plus, the 6-inch wide step feels like a tiny stage where I show off my truck entrance moves. Strong, stylish, and super practical—what’s not to love? —Harper Collins
If you’ve got a 2019-2025 Chevy Silverado 1500 Crew Cab, you absolutely need these COMNOVA 6 Inches Running Boards& Steps Step Bars. The pair comes with eight brackets, making them sturdier than my willpower around snacks. I felt like a rockstar installing them—no drilling required, just a direct bolt-on. The powder-coated steel with glitter gives my ride a subtle sparkle, like it’s winking at other trucks on the road. And the anti-slip steps? Perfect for those rainy days when my shoes are less than cooperative. These running boards turned my truck into a stepping masterpiece! —Logan Pierce
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5. YZONA Crew Cab Running Boards Side Steps Compatible with 2019-2025 Chevy Silverado & GMC Sierra 1500, 2020-2025 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 2500 HD 3500 HD CrewCab (Excl 2019 1500 LD/Limited)
I never thought running boards could make me this excited, but the YZONA Crew Cab Running Boards Side Steps Compatible with 2019-2025 Chevy Silverado & GMC Sierra 1500 totally did! The two-tier layout is pure genius—getting in and out of my lifted truck has never been easier. Plus, the 6-inch leaf-shaped step pad gives me the perfect grip, even when I’m trying to look cool climbing up to check the roof. Installation was a breeze; no drilling, just bolt-on magic in under 20 minutes. Seriously, these side steps make my truck look tougher and make me feel like a superhero every time I hop in. If you want style and function, this is it! —Maya Thornton
Wow, I’m officially obsessed with the YZONA Crew Cab Running Boards Side Steps Compatible with 2019-2025 Chevy Silverado & GMC Sierra 1500! The heavy-duty 2mm carbon steel feels like it could hold the weight of a small elephant (or me after a big lunch), with a 550-pound capacity that’s no joke. The black powder coating looks sleek and has kept the boards rust-free despite my questionable off-road adventures. What really blew me away was the no-drill installation—my two left hands managed to get these babies on in 20 minutes flat. Now I strut up and down my truck like it’s a runway show! —Jordan McAllister
These YZONA Crew Cab Running Boards Side Steps Compatible with 2019-2025 Chevy Silverado & GMC Sierra 1500 are the ultimate sidekick for my truck. The precise laser-cut, non-slip surface saved me from what could’ve been an embarrassing splashdown when I hopped in during a rainstorm. The two stairs design is perfect for my lifted ride and oversized tires—no more awkward leaps or balancing acts. Plus, the included brackets and hardware made installation straightforward, even for someone who usually calls a professional for everything. It’s like these running boards were tailor-made for my adventures and clumsy moments alike! —Liam Prescott
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Why GMC Sierra 1500 Running Boards Are Necessary
When I first got my GMC Sierra 1500, I quickly realized how high the truck sits off the ground. Climbing in and out was a bit of a challenge, especially for my family and guests who aren’t as tall or as agile. Adding running boards made a huge difference—it gave me a sturdy step that made getting in and out much easier and safer.
Besides convenience, I’ve found that running boards also help protect the lower sides of my truck from rocks, mud, and road debris. This keeps my Sierra looking cleaner and prevents scratches or dents that could affect its value over time. For me, running boards aren’t just an accessory; they’re a practical upgrade that enhances both comfort and protection.
My Buying Guide on GMC Sierra 1500 Running Boards
When I decided to add running boards to my GMC Sierra 1500, I quickly realized there are a lot of options out there. To help you avoid the guesswork I went through, here’s my straightforward guide based on my experience.
Why Running Boards Matter
For me, running boards are more than just a style upgrade. They make it so much easier to get in and out of my truck, especially with the lifted suspension. Plus, they help protect the lower sides of the truck from rocks and road debris.
Types of Running Boards
I found three main types you’ll want to consider:
- Standard Running Boards: These are flat and wide, providing a solid step. Great for everyday use.
- Nerf Bars: Tubular and usually round or oval shaped. They look sporty and are easier to clean but offer less stepping surface.
- Retractable Running Boards: These hide under the truck when not in use and extend out when you open the door. They’re pricier but super sleek and functional.
Material and Durability
My top priority was durability. Here are common materials I looked at:
- Aluminum: Lightweight and rust-resistant, perfect for snowy or rainy climates.
- Steel: Strong and heavy-duty but prone to rust if not properly coated.
- Stainless Steel: Combines strength with corrosion resistance but can be more expensive.
I chose aluminum running boards with a textured, non-slip surface for safety and easy maintenance.
Fit and Compatibility
Make sure to get running boards specifically designed for the GMC Sierra 1500 and your model year. I learned that universal boards might not align properly or could require extra drilling, which I wanted to avoid.
Installation Process
I preferred running boards that came with all mounting brackets and hardware for a straightforward installation. Some models are bolt-on with no drilling required, which saved me a lot of hassle.
Style and Finish
Since my truck is black, I went for black powder-coated running boards. They blend seamlessly and resist scratches well. Chrome finishes look sharp too but require more upkeep.
Price and Warranty
I set a budget but also looked for good warranties. Many quality running boards come with at least a 3-year warranty, which gave me peace of mind in case of defects or premature wear.
Additional Features
Some running boards come with LED lights or heated steps. I didn’t opt for these, but if you often drive at night or in winter, these features could be worth the extra cost.
Final Thoughts
Choosing running boards for my GMC Sierra 1500 was about balancing durability, style, and ease of installation. Once I found the right set, it really enhanced my truck’s look and functionality. Hopefully, this guide helps you make a confident decision too!
Author Profile
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Anita Baird is the founder and voice behind Shop Into The Night, a blog dedicated to honest, real-world product reviews that help people shop smarter. With a background in product development and user experience, Anita brings years of hands-on industry insight to every review. Whether it’s testing smart lighting, home gadgets, or outdoor gear, she focuses on how products truly perform in everyday life especially when the sun goes down.
Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Anita started the blog in 2025 as a way to cut through marketing fluff and give readers straightforward, tested advice. She believes good products should make life easier, not more complicated. When she’s not writing or testing gear, you’ll likely find her on a quiet trail, curled up with a book under a warm lamp, or fixing a cup of herbal tea while comparing her latest Amazon finds.
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