Nerf Bars

Is it a long way up to the cab, or do your passengers need a secure step at every door? Nerf bars are mounted under the doors of pickups and SUVs and give you solid footing. Here you can choose between round and oval tubes, different lengths and finishes.

What nerf bars do on your vehicle

Nerf bars bolt on under the doors and give you a step when getting in and out of a tall vehicle. Depending on the model, they can also shield the door sills slightly from stones and gravel. The category includes, for example, LUND 3 in. round, bent nerf bars, Westin Premier 4 oval tubes in stainless steel and Dominator Extreme D1 and D6 from Go Rhino in textured black. If you want a wider step surface, running boards or side steps can be an alternative.

How to choose nerf bars

• Profile: Round tubes of, for example, 3 inches and oval tubes of 4 inches give a different step surface and look.
• Length: Must match the cab. Go Rhino D1 and D6 are available, for example, in several lengths between 68 and 87 inches.
• Finish: Stainless steel or textured black. The choice depends on looks and how much salt and stone chips the vehicle is exposed to.
• Brackets: These are typically specific to vehicle model and year, e.g. Westin/HDX Xtreme for Ford F-150 SuperCab 2017-18. If you need brackets, see step mounting kits.

Installation, maintenance and inspection

Many nerf bars can be mounted in existing holes in the frame, but this depends on the product and vehicle. Retighten the bolts after the first few miles and regularly after that, and rinse off salt in winter. Whether the bars can be approved at inspection depends on the product and vehicle, so check the approval for the specific part number. Other solutions for getting in and out can be found under steps and side protection.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between nerf bars and rock rails?

Nerf bars are primarily a step for getting in and out. Rails such as ARB Deluxe Rock Rails have a different construction and typically sit closer to the body. What they can withstand depends on the specific product and the installation.

How do I find the right length?

The length depends on the cab type and vehicle model. Check that the part number matches your vehicle's year and cab, e.g. SuperCab, as both length and brackets are typically specific. Don't go by the length in inches alone.

Can nerf bars cause problems at inspection?

It depends on the product and vehicle, including how far the bars stick out and whether there are sharp edges. Check the approval and documentation for the specific part number before your vehicle goes for inspection.