A running board is a must for your vehicle. It may cost a bit but it saves you from spending a lot more, to be honest. So, installing a running board on your vehicle is a must.
If you own a 2020 Silverado Crew Cab and looking for a running board, worry no more about getting the best one. Here I’m going to talk about some of the best running boards for the 2020 Silverado Crew Cab.
As an auto enthusiast, I love to explore things related to vehicles. My garage helps me to do so. While searching for some recommendations for my clients, I’ve seen some awesome running boards. From those, I picked a few and made a list of the top ten best running boards.
The list is made depending on hands-on checking, expert opinions, user reviews (both face-to-face and online reviews), manufacturer’s websites, and many other sources. So, you can depend on my expert intuition and choose one from these.
No board I’m going to talk about will disappoint you. I’ve discussed the features and talked about the pros and cons. So, you can assess properly before making a selection. Also, I’ve added a buying guide that can help you to make a selection.
Let’s stop talking much and jump to the section for which you’re here.
Top 10 Best Running Boards for 2020 Silverado Crew Cab
Tyger Auto is a dependable manufacturer of different auto parts. They have a number of running boards in the market. This one is the best one for your 2020 Silverado Crew Cab if you like to maintain a low-profile look. This running board is strong and durable because of its unibody structure. The one-piece carbon steel tube body is covered with heavy E-coating and textured black powder which offers a rugged look. Besides, the coating ensures protection from rust, dirt, and other elements. 3.5-inch wide step pads offer non-slip wide surfaces to step on. So, you’re free from the risk of losing your balance or slipping while coming out or getting in the vehicle. The small texture on the pad provides your shoes with a firm grip even on rainy days. The pad is UV-resistant so that the color doesn’t fade away. Each board in this kit can hold around 400 lbs. easily. You can install it within a few minutes because it comes with a bolt-on installation process. There is an installation guide too.
1. Tyger Auto TG-SS2C35068 Running Boards
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2. Tyger Auto TG-AM2C20248 Star Armor Kit
This is another one from Tyger Auto but this time it is not as low profile as the previous one. If you’re looking for a bit more aggressive and unique look, you should go for the star armor kit from Tyger Auto.
The structure is made with three 2-inch diameter main tubes and some additional tubes. These heavy-duty metal tubes are coated with E-coating and textured black powder for maximum protection against rust and elements. You might be tensed about the joints but seamless robotic welding leaves no weak spot here. The ends are covered with end caps.
For stepping, you’ll see star armor step pads with dual-stage textured black powder protection. These pads offer strong and firm stepping while going in or coming out of the vehicle. Each board is able to carry and hold 300 lbs. weight with no issues.
With the help of the included installation guide, you can install it easily. You won’t have to cut or drill. Just use the bolts to install it.
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3. TAC Side Steps Bending Bar Running Boards
This is another running board with a unibody structure like the very first one I’ve talked about, but this time it is from TAC. TAC has made it wide to ensure more space for stepping. Let’s see what else TAC has offered in these side steps.
Ultra-strong and heavy-duty oval steel tube is used to make these boards. The ends are bent to ensure a better look and reduce accidents. The bent is done preciously so that there is no practically weak point.
You’ll find two variants of this- gloss black and stainless steel. The gloss black one is coated with gloss black powder and the stainless steel one is coated with a mirror polish finish.
For stepping comfort, you’ll find wide 5-inch non-slip stepping pads. These offer a strong and safe stepping while coming out of going it. Pads are UV resistant. So, the color remains the same for a long time, no matter how tough the weather is.
Each bar can hold around 350 lbs. without any issues.
The hassle-free installation process allows you to get the job done within a few minutes.
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4. Tyger Auto TG-RS5C50247 Riser Running Board
If you want a simple yet strong running board for your 2020 Silverado Crew Cab, you can try this one from Tyger Auto. This is a pair of boards that maintains a low profile and simple look but ensures the maximum firmness you need while getting in or out of the cab.
To me, the best thing about these boards is their simplicity. A one-piece triangular tube of marine-grade T304 steel is used to construct its main body of it. End caps are rectangular so that your vehicle gets the OE look. The top surface is 5 inches wide to ensure maximum stepping area.
T304 steel is excellent against corrosion. An added E-coating over it ensures better protection against corrosion, water, and other elements.
The step pads are also 5 inches wide. Tiny texture and non-slip material ensure a firm grip. To maintain the look for a long time, the pads are coated and made to be UV resistant.
Each bar is able to carry around 350 lbs. weight at a time which is sufficient in maximum cases.
Installation brackets and other necessities are included in the package. Installation is easy but may need a bit of time. To maintain the look, the brackets are also featured with a molded trim cover.
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5. APS iBoard 6in Aluminum Black Flat Style Running Boards
This is the board that doesn’t come with any specific stepping pad, which means you can step anywhere you want. If you’re in a hurry in most cases, this Nerf bar is the perfect one for you. This is the best thing about this one from APS.
It is a simple board made with one-piece T6061 aluminum. This aircraft-grade aluminum ensures excellent resistance to rust. The aluminum construction has made it lightweight compared to its size. As a result, this kit is easy on your fuel consumption. The matte black finish enhances the look and ensures protection against rust and abrasion.
The stepping surface is 6 inches wide. A comfortable non-slip rubber pad covers the whole surface so that you can step firmly anywhere you want. The texture of the cover is simple but looks sturdy.
Up to 300 lbs. weight can easily be handled by each of the boards.
Simple DIY installation doesn’t take a long time or a huge effort. After you install it, your vehicle will get a simple and OE look with a pair of more dependable running boards. This is for you if you love simplicity and are always in a hurry.
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APS iBoard 6in Aluminum Running Board Video Review
6. YITAMOTOR 6.5 Inches Running Boards
If you require a wide running board, Yitamotor has the exact thing you need. This pair comes with a simple yet catchy design and a wide surface for better stepping. Check what else it has.
The first thing I love about this board is the step pad. Unlike others, the step pad is made of stainless steel. The gaskets on the pad ensure a firm grip on the surface. But if you wear footwear with a soft sole, the sole might be damaged.
The step pads are placed on a straight one-piece premium aluminum alloy tube. Matte black e-coating finish ensures rust resistance. Besides, it is resistant to elements too. The boards are tested multiple times with salt-spray tests and other tests to prove zero discoloration and rust attack.
Each board of the kit can carry around 350 lbs. weight easily.
Installing it is not a big deal. The slide mounting option ensures better stability. The bolts are also made of stainless steel to ensure less rust attack. You’ll find installation details in the included installation guide.
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YITAMOTOR 6.5 Inches Running Boards Video Review
7. Tyger Auto TG-BL8C7158 Blade Running Boards
This is another wide running board for your 2020 Silverado crew cab, but this time it is from Tyger Auto. You’ll love this thin and low-profile pair of running boards just as I do.
This one-piece construction of forged carbon steel can be a perfect one if you want your vehicle to look sleek. The black texture powder coating over it ensures maximum protection from rust and weather elements besides giving a stylish look.
It doesn’t come with any step pad. In place of step pads, it comes with a slightly down stepping area where you can step firmly. The thin openings on the surface make sure that mud or other things like this can’t sit on the board. Thus it keeps the stepping area secured.
Though the boards are thin, each of these can carry 300 lbs. which is enough if your gang doesn’t have any overweight people.
Easy bolt-on installation allows you to install it within half an hour if you’re a regular in it. Overall, this is a set of quality running boards with a stylish yet low-profile look.
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8. APS Drop Steps Running Boards
The drops step running boards from APC come with a unique and patented design that ensures a classy appearance of your vehicle. It is made to be light on your fuel consumption even after maximum functionality.
Aluminum square tubes are used to build the core frame of this running board. As a result, it is light, strong, and rust-resistant. Three layers of black powder coating improve the rust resistance ability and give it a simple yet tough look.
The joints are fillet welded and come with a nice and clean appearance as a sign of wonderful workmanship.
The drop steps are removable which you can install with the core frame with the help of bolts. The step areas are featured with non-skid threads with raised edges. These allow you to step firmly without slipping.
With the ability to carry 300 lbs. each of these boards is an example of a perfect on-road running board.
Everything that is needed to install it comes with the package. All you need to do is following the instruction book and you’ll get it installed within a short time.
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9. AMP Research 77254-01A Electric Running Boards
You might prefer a running board closer to the ground but don’t want to compromise the ground clearance while driving. AMP Research has designed this running board for you. It maintains the low profile look yet helps you with a board closer to the ground for easier stepping.
It works as a running board when the door is open. On the other hand, when the door is closed, the board tucks up and works as a rock guard to save your vehicle paint from rock chips. As a result, you get full ground clearance when needed.
Pressure-sensitive and pinch-proof technology with an OE-quality motor, harness, and driving system has made it a great option for choosing.
Aircraft-grade aluminum is used to build this board. Black-anodize coating and PTFE coating ensures maximum protection from sun rays, corrosion, and weather elements. It is proven to perform without any issues in any driving condition, including dirt, mud, rain, and snow.
The upper surface comes with a powder-coated and high-textured finish. This ensures a sturdy look and firm stepping. To make getting in or coming out easier at night, it comes with an integrated LED light that improves visibility.
The installation and bracket components are made to be strong. As a result, each of these boards can carry around 600 lbs. weight without any issues. Installation may take a bit of time but is easy. Follow the instruction guide and you won’t have to run to the mechanic.
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10. YITAMOTOR 6 Inches Running Boards
The last one in my suggestion is also Yitamotor again. The 6-inch running board that Yitamotor offers comes with a simple and low-profile appearance. If you’re a fan of low-profile looks, I guess you should try this.
The rectangle-shaped body is made from one-piece stainless steel rectangular tubes. The tubes are made rust-resistant at first using per-treatment. This one-piece construction ensures a simple look and great performance.
It has a weight capacity of around 450 lbs. As a result, you can even jump on it. It is made strong to withstand harsh weather conditions without any major issues.
For safe stepping, and maybe jumping too, it comes with a wide 6-inch step pad. These non-slip step pads with smooth cuts ensure firm stepping with comfort. UV protection ensures durable color and smoothness.
Just like most other running boards, this is not tough to install at all. Brackets and other hardware come in the package. All you need to do is following the instructions while installing. Everything is designed to match the factory holes. So, you won’t face problems while installing.
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Buying Guide About Best Running Boards for Silverado Crew Cab
While going through the best Silverado running boards for choosing the perfect one, a number of things should be considered. Here in this buying guide, I’m going to talk about those considerations. It will make the decision-making process easier.
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Compatibility
Compatibility is a must. When you’re buying a running board for a Crew Cab, you should pick one that is made for it. Otherwise, your money and valuable time will be wasted.
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Material
The common materials used to build running boards are stainless steel, aluminum, and ABS plastic. Each has its pros and cons.
If strength and scratch resistance are your priority, stainless steel boards are the best pick for you. Aluminum comes in the second position and plastic is the last. On the other hand, if your focus is on a reasonable price tag and lightweight, plastic is your first pick. Aluminum comes in the second and then comes stainless steel.
If you’re looking for a balance between these two, go for aluminum boards.
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Step Pads
Two common materials used for building step pads are plastic and rubber. Both ensure firm stepping and durability. But in some cases like wet weather, plastic pads become slippery which may make getting in or coming out tougher.
Rubber doesn’t have such problems. So, I suggest going for rubber pads.
Also, make sure that the step pads don’t allow mud or dirt to build up.
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Width
The wider the board is, the more space to step on. But wider boards may hamper the look of your vehicle.
In such a case, I suggest having a board that is around 5-inch wide. These come with ample space for stepping without hampering the look.
If you want to ensure better safety for kids or old people, you should pick wider boards.
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Weight Capacity
I suggest picking one with the highest weight capacity if there is no other issue. But if you can’t pick that for any reason, calculate your expected weight capacity.
Your expected weight capacity should be determined depending on the heaviest person in your gang. Add a few more pounds to his/her weight and you’ll get the weight capacity you should go for. The more capacity you extend, the better.
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Durability
Running Board is a one-time investment for a long service time. So, the board should be durable. Rust resistance is the main factor that ensures durability. If the board is not rust-resistant, a rust attack will destroy it within a year.
Also, protection from weather elements and UV rays ensures durable service. While checking the features, you should focus on the factors that ensure durability.
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Installation Process
When you pick a compatible running board, the installation process won’t be a big issue. Also, maximum running boards come with easy installation. Still, you should check the installation process as there are some exceptions too.
Pick one that you can easily install. Going to a mechanic to get it installed will cost you some more bucks.
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Price
Price should be a consideration factor. You should pick one within your budget. But you shouldn’t consider quality for the price. If you have to spend a bit more to get the quality one, I think you should go for that.
Top Rated Silverado Crew Cab Running Boards Review
Types of Running Boards
Depending on the available features and modifications, there are different types of running boards you’ll find in the market. Here I’m going to talk about a few types of running boards.
1. Common Running Boards
Common running boards are wide boards with separate step pads on each. This is the most available form of running boards you’ll see.
2. Full Running Boards
Full running boards are the boards that come with a top surface covered with a step pad. Here, the whole board is the stepping surface. It makes stepping easier as there is no specific stepping area and you can step anywhere.
These are the simplest forms of running boards in my opinion.
3. Drop-step Running Boards
These are the boards where the stepping surfaces are a bit lower than the main frame. As a result, these boards look great on your vehicle.
But these have a huge impact on ground clearance. Also, for off-roading, these boards are not good at all.
4. Retracting Running Boards
Retracting running boards are the boards that are tucked up when the door is closed. When you open the door, the board comes down and works as a running board. The whole thing is controlled by an automated process.
These boards are good because they neither hamper the ground clearance nor affect the look of your vehicle that much. But these are expensive.
5. Lightened Running Boards
These boards come with automatic light on and off features. The light is turned on when you open the door. Closing the door turns the lights off. You might have manual control over the lights too.
These boards are mainly for the ease of entering or getting off at night.
These boards are a bit expensive too.
Reasons You Should Pick a Running Board for Silverado
As you’re here to buy a running board, you already have a reason I guess. But here, you’ll find many other advantages you’ll get from your running board. So, keep reading.
The very first benefit that a running board provides is the comfort and safety of getting in or off the vehicle. When people find it tough to enter the vehicle, a running board gives a lower platform where you can put your step first while entering or coming out of the vehicle. Especially children and old people find it very comfortable. Also, if the vehicle is lifted, a running board is the saver here.
It is needless to say by reducing the effort needed to enter the vehicle, running boards keep your knee and back free from injuries.
You can’t deny how a running board improves the look of your vehicle. Simple to rough- you’ll find running boards for all types of looks for your vehicle. Depending on your preference, you can pick a running board that enhances the appearance of your vehicle and makes it look better.
While stepping on the board at the time of entering the vehicle, don’t forget to wipe the dirt, mud, or snow from your shoes. Running boards work as a doormat where you can clean your shoes. As a result, the inside of your vehicle remains clean.
Besides keeping the interior clean, a running board saves the exterior of your vehicle. While driving, the wheels kick small chips or rocks, dirt, or nails from the road. These can hit your vehicle and scratch the color or break the glasses. Running boards protect the exterior of your vehicle from these elements and save you bucks.
Some Cons of Running Boards
The very first issue with a running board is it reduces the ground clearance. When installed, it stays below the lowest point of your vehicle to ensure a good stepping platform. As a result, your ground clearance decreases a lot.
As a result of this, running boards make it difficult for you to crawl under the vehicle if needed.
But if you can spend a good amount, you can pick retractable ones that won’t hamper your ground clearance.
Another issue is you need to clean it daily. When you step in, dirt from your shoes gets accumulated on it. So it should be cleaned frequently. But I think cleaning the running board regularly is better than regularly cleaning the inside of your vehicle.
Nerf Bars vs. Running Boards: Which is Better?
The invention of the Nerf bar is inspired by high-speed racing. On the other hand, there are a few theories about the invention of running boards. None of those is related to high-speed racing.
In my eyes, this is the only dissimilarity between Nerf bars and running boards.
The shape can be counted as another difference. But nowadays, the shape also doesn’t matter much.
If you check the purpose for which these are being used nowadays, you’ll see that Nerf bar and running board are doing almost similar things.
Both are mainly used for helping people to get in or off the vehicle. Besides, both can be used to wipe out dirt from shoes before entering the vehicle. Also, both protect the color from the rock chips thrown by the wheels. Nerf bar and running board are also used to enhance the look of your vehicle.
So, you can see that there is no big difference between Nerf bars and running boards.
How to Install Running Boards on Silverado
Final Verdict
To me, a pair of running boards is never a luxury, it is an absolute necessity. It comes with a handful of benefits and it can be helpful at any time. So, I think you must pick a running board for your vehicle. I know you’re here for this purpose, still reminding you a bit.
However, in my opinion, the best running board for the 2020 Silverado Crew Cab should be the Blade from Tyger Auto. It is sleek and low-profile, looks great, and can hold a moderate amount of weight.
But if I don’t have any budget constrain, I would definitely go for the electric running board from AMP Research. It has everything I want.
But it is your time to pick one for you. So, take some time, think a bit, and make a worthy choice for yourself.
References:
- https://youtube.com/watch?v=0ny0LrMBnF0
- https://realtruck.com/c/exterior-accessories/nerf-bars-running-boards
- https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/best-running-boards-for-trucks/
- https://www.autoanything.com/resources/how-to-install-running-boards/
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