Cab Length vs Wheel To Wheel Truck Steps

Updated on Feb 5, 2024

Written by
 RealTruck Expert Team

Running boards and nerf bars are usually available in one of two lengths: cab length or wheel to wheel. If you’re looking for a set of steps for your truck, deciding which length you need is an important part of the shopping process. In this article, we examine the difference between these two lengths.

Cab Length Running Boards & Nerf Bars

AMP Research PowerSteps

Note how the boards stop at the end of the cab with no bed step.

Ionic 5-Inch Stainless Steel Oval Nerf Bars

Cab length boards and bars are the most common truck steps on the road.

A cab length truck step runs the length of your truck or SUV’s cab. On a truck with a regular two-door cab, it will provide one step on each side of the vehicle. On vehicles with crew cabs or extended cabs, two steps will be provided on each side of the vehicle. Cab length steps are usually more affordable than their wheel-to-wheel counterparts and are an excellent choice if you won’t need to frequently access the back of your truck’s bed.

Wheel To Wheel Running Boards & Nerf Bars

Luverne W2W Running Boards

Nerf bars and running boards often have wheel-to-wheel variants.

N-Fab Black W2W Nerf Bars

Wheel-to-wheel nerf bars are ideal for truck owners who need access to toolboxes.

This truck step extends beyond your truck’s cab to the rear wheel well, providing an additional step to access the bulkhead area of the bed. This is particularly helpful if your truck is equipped with a toolbox. Wheel to wheel nerf bars are ideal for customers who need to access items in the bed frequently, such as contractors and anyone who uses their truck to make a living. Some manufacturers, most notably N-Fab, also offer wheel to wheel nerf bars without a bed step.  

Shop our full selection of nerf bars, running boards, and truck steps.

When you purchase nerf bars or running boards from RealTruck.com, hardware and brackets are always included, ensuring you’ll have all the parts you need to get the job done. If you have questions about nerf bars, running boards, or any other truck accessories, chat or call our team of product experts.

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