Top 10 Running Boards & Nerf Bars for the 2017–2022 Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty (6th Gen)
With a lifted stance and tall cab height, the 6th-gen Super Duty benefits significantly from running boards or nerf bars — both for easier entry/exit and for protecting rocker panels. Here are ten of the best options across power-retractable, fixed tube, and traditional flat-step styles.
1. AMP Research PowerStep
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8/5) — Badge: Best Overall
“Power-deploying steps that tuck away for clearance and drop down automatically at the door — genuinely changes how the truck feels to use.”
The PowerStep retracts flush against the frame when not in use, then extends automatically when a door opens, giving the truck a clean profile while driving and a proper step when parked. It’s built with a weatherproof motor housing rated for off-road use.
For Super Duty owners who lifted their truck or run larger tires, this is one of the only step solutions that doesn’t sacrifice ground clearance while still providing a real step surface at the door. Spec Detail Type Power retractable Material Aluminum with anti-slip surface Fitment 2017–2022 F-250/F-350 SuperCab/Crew Cab Weight Rating 400+ lbs per step
Pros
- Doesn’t reduce ground clearance when retracted
- Automatic deployment
- High weight rating
Cons
- Highest price point in this category
- Motorized system adds a maintenance item
Price Range: $1,000–$1,300
2. Westin HDX Drop Nerf Step Bars
⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5) — Badge: Best Heavy-Duty Fixed Bar
“Nearly indestructible tube steps that also add real rocker panel protection.”
The HDX Drop line uses heavy-gauge steel tubing dropped below the rocker panel, giving both a step surface and a physical barrier against rock and curb strikes. The textured step pads stay grippy even when wet or muddy.
This is a favorite among Super Duty owners who use their trucks off-road or on job sites, where the added protection matters as much as the step function itself. Spec Detail Type Fixed tube step bar Material Heavy-gauge steel Fitment 2017–2022 F-250/F-350 SuperCab/Crew Cab Weight Rating 350 lbs per step
Pros
- Strong rocker panel protection
- Very durable steel construction
- Aggressive, functional look
Cons
- Heavy — reduces ground clearance
- Wider stance can affect narrow parking
Price Range: $350–$450
3. N-Fab Wheel-to-Wheel Nerf Steps
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.4/5) — Badge: Best Wheel-to-Wheel Coverage
“Full-length coverage from wheel to wheel means step access no matter where you enter the cab.”
N-Fab’s design extends the step bar the full length between the front and rear wheel wells, providing consistent footing whether entering from the front or rear doors — a detail some shorter step bars miss.
The textured step pads and gloss-black finish hold up well to UV exposure and road grime, and the mounting brackets are designed for a tight, rattle-free fit. Spec Detail Type Fixed wheel-to-wheel step Material Steel tube with step pads Fitment 2017–2022 F-250/F-350 Crew Cab Weight Rating 300 lbs per step
Pros
- Full wheel-to-wheel step access
- Rattle-free mounting design
- UV-resistant finish
Cons
- Heavier than shorter nerf bars
- Not retractable, reduces some ground clearance
Price Range: $400–$500
4. Go Rhino RB20 Running Boards
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.2/5) — Badge: Best Value
“A low-profile flat step that gets the job done without breaking the budget.”
Go Rhino’s RB20 uses a wide, flat aluminum board rather than a round tube, giving a broader step surface that some owners find more comfortable, especially for kids or older passengers entering the cab.
The board mounts with minimal drilling using factory-location brackets, and the anodized finish resists corrosion better than painted alternatives at this price point. Spec Detail Type Flat running board Material Anodized aluminum Fitment 2017–2022 F-250/F-350 SuperCab/Crew Cab Weight Rating 300 lbs per step
Pros
- Wide, comfortable step surface
- Budget-friendly pricing
- Corrosion-resistant finish
Cons
- Less rugged look than tube-style bars
- No rocker panel protection
Price Range: $250–$330
5. Lund Terrain HX Step Bars
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.1/5) — Badge: Best Textured Grip
“The step pad texture is genuinely better than most competitors in wet or icy conditions.”
Lund’s Terrain HX line focuses on step pad grip, using a coarser textured surface than many competitors. For owners in snow or rain-heavy regions, this is a meaningful safety detail that’s easy to overlook when comparing step bars.
Construction is a stamped steel tube with a black powder-coat finish, offering solid durability at a mid-range price point. Spec Detail Type Fixed tube step bar Material Stamped steel Fitment 2017–2022 F-250/F-350 SuperCab/Crew Cab Weight Rating 300 lbs per step
Pros
- Excellent wet/icy traction
- Durable powder-coat finish
- Reasonable pricing
Cons
- Adds some weight to the truck
- Standard tube profile, less distinctive look
Price Range: $280–$360
6. Raptor Series OE Style Running Boards
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.3/5) — Badge: Best OEM-Style Look
“Close enough to a factory running board that most people won’t clock it as aftermarket.”
Raptor Series designed this board to mimic the factory-style running board look while offering a slightly wider step surface and more robust mounting brackets than typical OEM parts.
It’s a solid pick for owners who want the utility of a running board without the visual bulk of a tube nerf bar, keeping a cleaner factory aesthetic. Spec Detail Type OE-style running board Material Aluminum Fitment 2017–2022 F-250/F-350 SuperCab/Crew Cab Weight Rating 300 lbs per step
Pros
- Clean, factory-like appearance
- Solid mounting hardware
- Good step width
Cons
- Less rugged than tube-style bars
- Minimal rocker protection
Price Range: $270–$350
7. Iron Cross Automotive HD Step Bars
⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5) — Badge: Best Heavy-Duty Steel Construction
“Overbuilt steel construction that reads as work-truck tough rather than cosmetic.”
Iron Cross’s step bars use thick-wall steel tubing and a raw or black finish aimed at commercial and work-truck applications. They’re designed to take real abuse from job site use, not just light daily driving.
The mounting system bolts directly to factory frame points with no drilling, and the step pads are replaceable if worn down over years of heavy use. Spec Detail Type Heavy-duty steel step bar Material Thick-wall steel Fitment 2017–2022 F-250/F-350 SuperCab/Crew Cab Weight Rating 400 lbs per step
Pros
- Extremely durable for work use
- Replaceable step pads
- No-drill installation
Cons
- Heavier and bulkier than aluminum options
- Higher price for the fixed-bar category
Price Range: $450–$550
8. Bully Black Series Running Boards
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.0/5) — Badge: Best Budget Entry
“The most affordable way to add a functional step without going aftermarket-premium.”
Bully’s Black Series is a budget-focused running board line using a simpler stamped steel construction. It won’t match the fit-and-finish of pricier boards, but it accomplishes the core function reliably.
For owners primarily concerned with helping kids or short-statured passengers get in and out of a tall cab, this is a cost-effective solution that gets the job done. Spec Detail Type Stamped steel running board Material Steel Fitment 2017–2022 F-250/F-350 SuperCab/Crew Cab Weight Rating 250 lbs per step
Pros
- Lowest price point in this list
- Simple, functional design
- Easy bolt-on installation
Cons
- Basic finish quality
- Lower weight rating than premium options
Price Range: $180–$240
9. ARIES AdvantEDGE Side Bars
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.2/5) — Badge: Best Balance of Style and Protection
“Angular tube design that looks aggressive while still offering solid rocker panel coverage.”
ARIES’ AdvantEDGE bars combine a stylized tube shape with a wide step pad, splitting the difference between a purely cosmetic running board and a full rock-guard nerf bar. The semi-gloss black finish resists chipping better than standard powder coat in testing.
It’s a good middle-ground pick for owners who want some visual aggression without going full heavy-duty steel tube. Spec Detail Type Tube-style side bar Material Steel with textured coating Fitment 2017–2022 F-250/F-350 SuperCab/Crew Cab Weight Rating 300 lbs per step
Pros
- Distinctive styling
- Good rocker coverage
- Durable coating
Cons
- Mid-range pricing
- Slightly narrower step surface than flat boards
Price Range: $320–$400
10. Rugged Ridge TrailFX Running Boards
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.1/5) — Badge: Best for Off-Road Look
“Aggressive step design that matches trucks running larger tires and lift kits.”
Rugged Ridge’s TrailFX boards use a raised, diamond-plate-style step surface that pairs visually well with lifted Super Duty trucks running 35″+ tires. The higher step profile helps compensate for added ride height from a leveling kit or lift.
Mounting hardware is designed to clear larger tire and wheel setups without requiring extended brackets, a detail that matters for owners who’ve already modified their suspension. Spec Detail Type Off-road style tube step Material Steel with diamond-plate step Fitment 2017–2022 F-250/F-350 SuperCab/Crew Cab Weight Rating 300 lbs per step
Pros
- Works well with lifted trucks
- Aggressive step design
- Diamond-plate grip surface
Cons
- Not ideal for stock-height trucks visually
- Mid-tier pricing
Price Range: $340–$420
Buying Guide: How to Choose Running Boards for Your Super Duty
1. Fixed vs. Power Retractable
Power-retractable steps like the AMP PowerStep preserve ground clearance and off-road capability at a significant price premium. Fixed tube or flat boards are cheaper and simpler but permanently reduce clearance somewhat.
2. Step Width and Surface
Flat running boards typically offer a wider, more comfortable step surface for frequent passengers. Round tube nerf bars offer better rocker panel protection but a narrower footing.
3. Cab Configuration
Confirm your board is sized correctly for SuperCab vs. Crew Cab — door spacing and step-well positioning differ between configurations on the Super Duty.
4. Ground Clearance Considerations
If you’ve lifted your truck or run larger tires, look for boards specifically rated for lifted applications, or consider retractable steps that don’t compromise off-road clearance.
5. Material and Climate
Aluminum resists corrosion better in salt-belt or coastal climates, while steel tube designs typically offer more raw durability against impacts on rougher terrain or job sites.
Disclaimer: Prices and availability are accurate as of publication but may change. TruckBench earns a commission on qualifying purchases via the Amazon links above. Always verify cab configuration and fitment before purchasing.
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