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Nerf Bars

Nerf bars, from tucked 4 inch tubes to 6 inch steps

A nerf bar is a tube side step with a textured pad at each door. It sits tighter to the rocker panel than a running board, which keeps ground clearance and gives the truck a leaner profile, while still cutting the climb into the cab down to something manageable.

The main decision is width. A 4 inch bar is the most tucked and the lightest. A 5 inch bar is the middle ground and the most popular. A 6 inch bar gets close to running board coverage while keeping the tube look. Go Rhino builds all three, in both the 1000 Series and the O.E. Xtreme lines.

Material is the second call. Every Go Rhino step line is steel except the V-Series V3, which uses extruded aluminum. Aluminum does not rust, which is worth paying for in salt states and on the coast. Steel takes heavier abuse and costs less.

Choosing a nerf bar

  • Most tuckedA 4 inch bar keeps the tightest profile against the rocker.
  • Best all aroundA 5 inch bar balances step width against clearance.
  • Widest tube stepA 6 inch O.E. Xtreme approaches running board coverage.
  • Rust proofThe V-Series V3 is the only aluminum line Go Rhino builds.
  • Lowest costThe 4000 Series is the value entry in the range.

Key capabilities

  • Widths from 4 to 6 inchesPick the balance of step area against ground clearance.
  • Steel or aluminumAluminum will not rust; steel absorbs heavier abuse.
  • No drill installationBolts to existing rocker panel holes on listed applications.
  • Textured step padsGrip at each door in rain, snow, and mud.
  • Fitment verifiedWe confirm the exact part number before it ships.

Ideal for

  • Owners who want a step without a full width board
  • Lifted trucks that still need ground clearance kept
  • Salt state and coastal drivers who want aluminum
  • Anyone matching a leaner look to the truck

Compare the lineup

ProductStyleMaterialLockingStand-out
Go Rhino V-Series V3 Nerf Bar Side Steps Nerf bar Aluminum No drill bolt on Only aluminum line, will not rust
Go Rhino 6" O.E. Xtreme Nerf Bar Side Steps Nerf bar Steel No drill bolt on Widest tube step at 6 inches
Go Rhino 5" O.E. Xtreme Low Profile Nerf Bar Side Steps Nerf bar Steel No drill bolt on Tucked low profile look
Go Rhino 5" 1000 Series Nerf Bar Side Steps Nerf bar Steel No drill bolt on The popular middle width
Go Rhino 4" 1000 Series Nerf Bar Side Steps Nerf bar Steel No drill bolt on Tightest tucked profile
Go Rhino 4" O.E. Xtreme Nerf Bar Side Steps Nerf bar Steel No drill bolt on O.E. styling in a 4 inch tube
Go Rhino 4000 Series Nerf Bar Side Steps Nerf bar Steel No drill bolt on Value entry in the range

Related collections

Why shop with Truck Bed Barn

  • Free shippingOn every truck accessory in the catalog.
  • Free fitment checkText or call before you buy. We verify fitment to your exact truck.
  • Fast shipping1 to 7 business days from manufacturer warehouses across the US.
  • Real person on the phoneCall or text and reach someone who works on these trucks, not a call center.
  • Full manufacturer warrantyBacked by each brand's factory warranty, honored through Truck Bed Barn.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a nerf bar and a running board?
A nerf bar is a tube with a step pad at each door. A running board is a continuous flat platform along most of the cab. Nerf bars keep more ground clearance and look leaner. Running boards give a wider, more forgiving place to put your foot. Both usually bolt to the same mounting points.
What width nerf bar should I get?
A 5 inch bar is the most common choice and balances step area against clearance. Go 4 inch if you want the most tucked look or run a narrower truck. Go 6 inch if you want close to running board coverage while keeping the tube profile.
Are aluminum nerf bars better than steel?
They are better in one specific way: aluminum does not develop red rust, so it holds up better on salted winter roads and near the coast. It is also lighter. Steel is stronger against impact and costs less. The Go Rhino V-Series V3 is the only aluminum line they build; everything else in the range is steel.
Do nerf bars need drilling?
No on listed applications. Kits include vehicle specific brackets that bolt to existing rocker panel or frame holes, so there is no cutting or drilling. Budget about an hour with hand tools.
How much weight will a nerf bar hold?
It varies by line, and the rating is on each product page. As an example, the V-Series V3 is rated to 300 pounds per step pad, or 600 pounds per side. We can confirm the rating for whichever line you are considering.