Nerf Bars for Trucks
If you've ever seen a truck or SUV with tubular bars on the sides below the door, you're looking at nerf bars. The term nerf bar originally comes from the racing scene. Nerf is the term used to refer to a small, possibly intentional collision between two race cars.
Drivers might bump the other vehicle to force a pass. The nerf bar installed on the side protects the car and keeps the tires of one car from contacting the tires of the other car.
Nerf bars are now in common commercial usage as a step bar for trucks and SUVs, which helps passengers get in and out of the vehicle. Many trucks and SUVs these days are quite tall and some type of step on the side is almost a necessity.
What Are Nerf Bars?
Nerf bars for trucks are tubular bars that install along the side of a vehicle. These bars are usually constructed of stainless steel, powder-coated carbon steel, aluminum, or plastic. You can usually buy nerf bars that come in either cab-length size or ones that stretch from wheel to wheel.
The main purpose of a nerf bar is to provide a step up into the truck. Many trucks and SUVs are bigger than ever and it can be difficult for some people to get into them easily.
Nerf bars also provide a convenient step for reaching the truck bed or roof if you need to load or unload cargo. As nerf bars stick out slightly from the body of your truck or SUV, they can also prevent some types of damage. For example, if someone opens their door next to your truck in a parking lot, it's more likely to hit the nerf bar than your truck.
Nerf Bars vs Running Boards
Nerf bars and running boards do fall into the same category--they provide a side step up into a truck or SUV. However, they are not exactly the same thing. Running boards have a flat surface and profile, and they run along the side of the vehicle cabin just below the doors.
Running boards provide a larger stepping area, and thus can also be a convenient place to set things while loading or unloading your vehicle. Here are some pros and cons of running boards vs nerf bars:
Pros
- Wider and flatter stepping surface for more secure footing
- Can shield doors from debris that gets kicked up
- Provides a convenient place to knock off the dirt from your shoes before entering the vehicle
- Easy to install
Cons
- Can accumulate dirt and snow
- Harder to clean
- Not the best for off-roading
Nerf bars won't accumulate dirt and snow due to their tubular design and are also easier to clean than running boards. Nerf bars are usually better for light off-roading too.
Nerf Bars vs Rock Sliders
Sometimes nerf bars and rock sliders also get put in the same category, but there are some very important differences. Rock sliders are built much stronger than nerf bars and are usually welded to the frame, which means they can support the weight of the truck.
Rock sliders are almost exclusively used by people who go off-road a lot and need some heavy-duty protection. Nerf bars are really mostly for looks and providing a step into the truck. They only provide minimal protection against damage and should not be counted on in heavy off-road situations.
Popular Brands of Nerf Bars
Nerf bars are sometimes called different things--like step bars or truck step rails, so keep that in mind when searching for what to buy. Below are some of the top brands of nerf bars to look for.
N-FAB Nerf Bars
N-FAB nerf bars come in several different styles, including rails for bed access. You can also get cab-length steps as well as steps that go wheel to wheel. The most popular N-FAB bars are in textured or gloss black finishes. If you're browsing for N-FAB nerf bars on H&H Truck Accessories, look for the wrench symbol that shows that we will install them at any of our locations.
Westin Nerf Bars
Westin Automotive is another popular brand that makes a wide variety of nerf bars and similar equipment. You can get stainless drop steps, wheel-to-wheel steps, bed access steps, and more. Westin nerf bars are popular in both chrome finishes and textured black finishes.
Lund Nerf Bars
The selection for Lund nerf bars is pretty straightforward. You can narrow your search by size. For example, 3" round nerf bars, 4" oval curved nerf bars, 5" oval wheel-to-wheel nerf bars, etc. Lund nerf bars come in both textured black and polished chrome finishes.
Rough Country Nerf Bars
Rough Country nerf bars are also pretty straightforward. You have the choice of cab-length nerf steps, oval step bars, and wheel-to-wheel steps. The Rough Country selection is small compared to other brands, but it's a very popular brand for Jeep owners especially.
H&H Truck Accessories offers a wide selection of other top brands for nerf bars, including Big Country, Dee Zee, Rugged Ridge, and Smittybilt among others. Look for the wrench icon on individual product pages for installation at our local stores.
You can count on H&H Truck Accessories for the best quality brands in truck accessories and parts.