Running boards make it easier to get in and out of a tall truck, SUV, or other vehicle by providing a secure stepping surface below the doors. They can also help children and pets enter and exit more easily while adding some protection along the lower sides of the vehicle.
A running board that is mounted incorrectly may sit unevenly, interfere with the vehicle body, or fail to provide stable footing.
The exact process for how to install running boards varies by vehicle and running board design. Before starting, confirm that your boards fit your application and review the instructions supplied with the product.
Owens Products offers running boards and steps for work trucks, fleet vehicles, vans, SUVs, and consumer trucks.
What Tools Do You Need to Install Running Boards?
Most running board installation projects can be completed with common hand tools, although exact requirements vary by application.
Typical tools may include:
- Ratchet and socket set
- Combination wrenches
- Torque wrench
- Flashlight or work light
- Safety glasses
- Work gloves
- Any application-specific tools identified in the instructions
Before starting, inventory the running boards, mounting brackets, bolt plates, fasteners, and other supplied hardware. Some kits contain driver-side, passenger-side, front, center, or rear components that must be installed in specific positions.
Owens Products provides an Installation Help & Instructions resource where you can locate instructions using your product part number.
Prepare Your Vehicle for Running Board Installation
Park the vehicle on a flat, stable surface and engage the parking brake. Wear safety glasses when working underneath the truck, since dirt and debris may fall from the underside. Review the installation instructions before removing any plugs, covers, or other components.
Confirm Vehicle and Running Board Fitment
Before installing anything, double-check the vehicle year, make, model, cab configuration, and running board part number.
Similar truck models may use different mounting systems depending on generation, cab length, or body design. That can affect bracket placement and the hardware required for installation. Taking a few minutes to confirm fitment before starting can help prevent alignment problems later and reduces the chance of installing the wrong bracket in the wrong location.
Inspect the Mounting Area
Locate the factory mounting holes, body-mount areas, or other attachment points identified in the instructions.
If a mounting area is damaged, heavily corroded, or does not match the installation diagram, stop and confirm the application before continuing.
What Do Running Boards Mount To?
Running boards generally attach to structural mounting locations along the side of the vehicle using brackets.
Depending on the application, those brackets may attach to factory mounting provisions, body-mount locations, or other manufacturer-specified points. The running board is then secured to those brackets.
Bracket design and placement vary by vehicle, which is why using the correct mounting hardware is important.
Install the Running Board Brackets
Start on one side of the vehicle and identify the mounting locations shown in the instructions. Where the application uses bolt plates or similar hardware, position them through the correct factory openings. Hand-start the hardware so the components remain in place.
Attach the running board brackets, but do not fully tighten them yet.
Leave the Brackets Loose for Adjustment
Keeping the brackets finger-tight or slightly loose gives you room to align the board after it is installed.
Fully tightening the brackets too early can make it difficult to achieve even positioning.
Attach the Running Board to the Brackets
Position the running board on the installed brackets. Having another person help support the board can make this step easier.
Install the supplied hardware and start each fastener by hand before using a ratchet. Some running boards are side-specific or have a defined front and rear orientation. Confirm the board is facing the correct direction before tightening the hardware.
Align and Tighten the Running Boards
Adjust the running board until it sits evenly along the cab and provides a convenient stepping surface.
Check the overhang at each end and make sure the board does not contact doors, rocker panels, fenders, or other vehicle components.
Step back and look at the board from the side before final tightening. An uneven board may be easier to spot from a few feet away than while you are working directly underneath the vehicle.
Once the board is aligned, tighten the mounting hardware in a controlled sequence. Use a torque wrench where required and follow the torque specifications listed in the instructions for your running board application. Do not substitute a generic torque value.
Repeat the Installation on the Opposite Side
Repeat the same process for the second running board.
After both sides are installed, compare their position and verify that each board sits securely on its mounting brackets.
Carefully apply gradual pressure to the stepping surface before putting the boards into regular use.
Inspect Your Running Boards After Installation
A final inspection helps confirm that every bracket and fastener is seated correctly before the vehicle returns to regular use.
Look along the full length of each board and confirm that it remains evenly positioned. Check that mounting hardware is secure and that no bracket contacts an unintended part of the vehicle.
Pay particular attention to vehicles used on jobsites, farms, unpaved roads, or other demanding environments. Regular vibration, dirt, moisture, and debris can place additional stress on exterior accessories over time.
Periodically inspect the running boards, brackets, and fasteners for looseness, damage, or corrosion. Follow any maintenance or reinspection guidance included with your specific running board system.
Common Running Board Installation Mistakes
Many running board installation problems can be avoided by taking extra time during setup and alignment.
Common mistakes include:
- Ordering an incorrect vehicle application
- Mixing up side-specific brackets or boards
- Installing brackets in the wrong positions
- Tightening hardware before alignment
- Ignoring supplied torque specifications
- Assuming every running board installs the same way
Vehicle and mounting designs vary, even between generations of the same truck. Always follow the instructions for the exact product and vehicle you are working with.
Are Running Boards Hard to Install?
For someone comfortable using basic automotive hand tools, many running board installations are manageable DIY projects.
A straightforward running board installation may take under two hours, although vehicle design, bracket configuration, tools, experience, and drilling requirements can affect the timeline.
If the mounting system is unfamiliar, damaged, or more complex than you are comfortable working with, consult a qualified automotive professional.
Fleet installations may also benefit from professional installation when multiple vehicles need consistent placement and mounting.
Do You Have to Drill Holes to Install Running Boards?
Not always.
Some running board applications use existing factory mounting holes, allowing the supplied brackets or bolt plates to attach without drilling.
Other applications may have different requirements. Never drill simply because a mounting point is not immediately visible. Confirm the part number, vehicle fitment, and installation instructions first.
If drilling is required, follow the location and procedure provided for that specific vehicle and mounting system.
Are You Supposed to Step on Running Boards?
Yes. Running boards are designed to provide a stable stepping surface for getting in and out of the vehicle.
They are especially useful on taller trucks and vehicles used by people who enter and exit frequently throughout the day.
For tradespeople, service technicians, fleet operators, and other users who rely on their vehicles throughout the workday, easier entry and exit can be a practical benefit rather than just a convenience.
Correct fitment and installation help ensure that the board performs as intended.
Choosing the Right Running Boards
Installation starts with selecting the correct boards for the vehicle.
Owens Products manufactures aluminum, fiberglass, and molded running board options for different vehicle configurations and uses. The lineup includes universal and application-specific designs.
For work trucks, fleet vehicles, and other daily-use applications, consider fitment, traction, durability, mounting strength, and step placement.
The ClassicPro Series includes vehicle-specific configurations for multiple cab sizes and running board drops.
Consider How the Vehicle Is Used
A truck that spends most of its time on jobsites may have different running board needs than a family SUV or fleet vehicle.
Consider how often people enter and exit, whether the vehicle operates in mud, snow, rain, or gravel, and whether passengers regularly carry tools or equipment.
Owens Products focuses on purpose-built vehicle accessories designed for real-world use, so selecting a board that matches the vehicle and its day-to-day work is just as important as installing it correctly.
Running Board Installation FAQs
Can You Install Running Boards Yourself?
Often, yes. Many vehicle owners with basic mechanical experience and the correct tools can complete a straightforward running board installation. Follow the product-specific instructions and seek professional help when the mounting procedure exceeds your experience.
How Long Does It Take to Install Running Boards?
Many straightforward installations can be completed in under two hours. The exact time depends on the vehicle, running board system, mounting design, available tools, and installer experience.
How Do You Install Running Board Brackets and Align the Boards?
Locate the specified mounting points and install the brackets loosely. Position the running board and adjust it until it sits evenly along the cab. After checking clearance and alignment, tighten the brackets and board hardware according to the supplied torque specifications.
Install Running Boards with the Right Fit and Hardware
Learning how to install running boards comes down to correct fitment, careful bracket positioning, proper alignment, and secure mounting.
Confirm your part number, organize the hardware, and follow the instructions for your exact running board and vehicle combination.
Owens Products has manufactured purpose-built vehicle accessories in Sturgis, Michigan, since 1965. Properly installed running boards provide dependable access for work trucks, fleet vehicles, consumer vehicles, and other real-world applications.