Power Running Boards: The Ultimate Accessibility Upgrade for Your Truck

TL;DR Adding power running boards to your truck is one of the easiest ways to improve your overall daily driving experience.

• Automatic deployment improves access for passengers of all ages

• Auto retraction maintains maximum ground clearance

• A reduced gap between the ground and cab sill improves safely in inclement weather

• The retracted profile matches the aesthetics of modern trucks well

• Plus it’s one of the few accessories that can add value for resale
  
  

Anyone with a full-size truck or lifted pickup can easily attest to the challenge - at the very least, the annoyance 😅 - of getting into and out of thier cab. 

Power running boards, unlike stationary side steps or running boards, offer the cleanest and most convenient solution: when you approach the vehicle, the boards extend to greet you; when you close the door, they retract to preserve ground clearance and aerodynamics. 

This seamless interaction not only simplifies daily use, it’s a boon for truck owners with families, who encounter situations that require frequent loading and unloading (like groceries, sports equipment, or the family dog), power running boards are a natural upgrade with a high ROI. 

Below we’ll deep dive the benefits of power running boards, outline the design features to look for when choosing a set for your truck, as well as some installation and maintenance tips to help keep them looking and functioning like new! 

Easy Access and Improved Safety 

Climbing in and out of a truck shouldn’t be a balancing act or a hazard. Power running boards, like our CTA Stealth Steps, lower the clearance gap between the ground and the cab of your pickup, giving you an extra few inches of reach. 

This is especially helpful for drivers or passengers with limited mobility, shorter statures, or for kiddos who need a stable step to get into your pickup. The automatic, sensor-based deployment means you or your passengers won’t have to reach for a grab handle or climb awkwardly into the seat. 

And in wet, icy, or muddy conditions, the stable textured stepping surface provided by the power running boards reduces slips and falls, keeping you and your passengers safer at home or on the job site. 

Enhanced Comfort and Convenience

Getting into a full-size truck or lifted pickup is easier when the step is right there, ready to greet you. Power running boards streamline your daily driving routine - no more ducking to avoid a low-hanging door frame or balancing on a narrow door sill. The running boards are designed to provide a comfortable, non-slip surface for every step into your truck, so that loading and unloading groceries, hunting gear, or tools becomes less of a chore. And if you’re frequently on the go or rushing kids around to school or practice, the convenience factor compounds over time, making every trip just a little smoother and less stressful. 

Durability and Weather Resistance

A quality set of aftermarket power running boards (like ours) are built for the real world: mud, rain, snow, and ice are all part of a truck’s everyday use. Quality construction, corrosion-resistant materials, durable finishes, and high-traction tread surfaces help maintain running board performance in challenging conditions. And those made with aluminum are best suited to survive road salt and coastal climates. This means that when you’re investing in a premium set it’s not just in a convenience feature, but a long-lasting upgrade that will maintain its appearance and function year after year.

Design, Features, and Fitment

Power running boards come in a wide range of styles and designs, but the best choice is a clean, low-profile look, with a fitment that blends well with your trucks body lines. Features like  LED illumination, safety sensors, and subtle non-slip tread also add to the overall utility. Compatibility is also a key consideration: most aftermarket running boards are designed to fit your truck’s specific cab configuration, with tailored mounting options to make fitment as sleek as possible.

Installation, Maintenance, and Aftercare

Installation ease varies by model and vehicle year, but many aftermarket power running boards (including ours here at CTA) are designed for typical DIY installation as well as professional mounting. Look for comprehensive installation instructions, a quality warranty, and compatible mounting hardware. 

While power running boards have thier pros & cons, most downside can be mittigated with simple routine maintenance: periodic cleaning to remove road grime, inspection of sensors and hinges, and checking for loose fasteners after particularly rough road driving or off-road use. Regular care helps maximize long-term performance and lifespan, ensuring your power running boards retract smoothly and deploy reliably every time you approach your truck. If your truck sees regular off-road use or daily job-site grime, factor in a bit more routine cleaning.

Power running boards will make getting in and out of your truck safer and easier, improve daily use and convenience, and add to your truck’s overall resale value and aesthetics. 

If you’re considering adding aftermarket running boards to your truck, check out Chandler Truck Accessories new top-tier line of CTA Stealth Step Power Running Boards that provide a range of features at an incredible value proposition over others on the market.