Styles and Specifications of Nerf Bars

Nerf Bars come in a variety of different materials, finishes, sizes and styles.  Choosing the best fit for your pickup truck or SUV depends upon the look and functionality you require.  Most brands cater to your make and model by providing a custom fit, but some unique styles are universal.

Nerf Bars, also known as side steps, can be the truck accessory that makes the difference between a truck that is easy to use and get into and a truck that needs a step ladder to climb down from. With many new options on the market, nerf bars make are the up-fit accessory that can make a vehicle look new for a small investment.

Chrome, Stainless Steel & Black Nerf Bars

Materials & Finishes

Nerfs are made of either steel or stainless steel. Finishes are generally black powder coated, chrome or polished stainless steel.

Nerf Sizes

• Traditional Round 3” Tube
• Traditional Round 4” Tube
• Oval 4” Tube
• Oval 5” Tube
• Oval 6” Tube
• Specialty Hooped Style

Types of Nerf Bars

• Sports Bars – the length of the truck cab.
• Wheel to Wheel – the full length of the pickup cab to the rear wheel.
• Bed Access – the full length of the truck cab to the rear wheel with support step room for bed access.

Sports Bars (Cab Length)

These nerf bars are the traditional short version. Generally, sports bars extend from just behind the front wheel well to just behind the door on both the driver or passenger sides (some are only on the driver side). These cab length nerf bars are very good at protecting the vehicle from rocks and helping drivers and passengers enter and exit the vehicle. Usually, sports bars will have a combination of urethane step pads installed as foot pads to help with grip when getting in and out.

Wheel to Wheel (Full Length)

Wheel to wheel nerf bars extend from just behind the front wheel well to just before the rear wheel well. Unlike sports bars, these are rarely installed as single item. The main purpose for this type of nerf bar is to allow easier access to the bed of the truck, as well as to help driver and passenger enter and exit the vehicle. These will have a combination of urethane inserts for foot pads, usually one or two near the door and a single large on at the bed of the truck, though some will have a pair (or even 3) at the rear of the bar.

Bed Access

While these run the full length of the cab of the truck to the rear wheel, the added benefit of these is the extra step added for those who wish to have access to the bed of their truck. This style of type is generally offered in the hooped style to ensure stability with the step and step pad.

Nerf bars and traditional oval tube steps are not just a good idea for help getting into the truck; they can make your truck more unique, as well. They offer a rugged appearance that many consumers find desirable for their trucks. Whether you own a domestic vehicle like a Chevy, GMC, Ford or Dodge or an import truck like a Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Mazda or Isuzu you can find several different styles of nerf bars that will fit your needs.