There is any number of ways to add a tough, custom look to your truck. Headache racks represent a good way to do that, while adding protection to your truck. Brush guards and grille guards can do that while offering increased off road protection. One very popular option, though, is to install nerf bars. You may be more familiar with them as step bars. Regardless of what you call them, they amount to the same thing; a metal bar with foot pads that mounts just behind the front tire and runs below the door of the truck. Why install these?

First, they make it much easier to get into a tall truck, for many people. Second, they provide protection to the bottom of the doors and front fenders (rocker panels) from tall rocks and other debris. Thirdly, the look that they provide is fantastic, whether you have a truck that really gets used off road, or simply a daily driver in town.

How do you decide which are right for your needs? There are a number of brands available, though many seem similar in appearance at first glance. There are two main styles from which you can choose when looking at nerf bars/step bars.

Short Nerf Bars: These nerf bars terminate just behind the door of the cab. They begin behind the front wheel and extend back only far enough that they can be used to get in and out of the cab. Usually, these are chromed steel, with rubber insets for footpads. Ordinarily, most brands have either a single long footpad or a pair of them, located side by side on the length of the bar.

Long Nerf Bars: These are an option popular with those who need to get into the bed of their trucks on a frequent basis. The mount in the front, just behind the front wheels and terminate just in front of the rear wheels. There are usually two long footpads or two pairs of short ones with this option. This style provides assistance getting into the cab, but also in getting into the bed of the truck.

There are several looks that can be achieved with nerf bars, as well. Straight nerf bars provide a rugged look, but bars that are flared, or curved, offer a dramatic difference. In addition to chrome, you can find powder coated black and stainless steel, as well. Powder coated nerf bars/step bars usually do not have as long a warranty as chrome bars, but they can be more easily painted when they get scratched. Stainless steel nerf bars offer a unique look that is not often seen on the road. The style you choose will ultimately be dictated by the overall look that you want for your truck.

The next thing that you will need to consider is the price of the bars, as well as the installation procedure. While these bars usually simply bolt to the underside of the truck without any need for drilling, some applications (non-brand specific) may require drilling.

About The Author

Hunter Jones is a Ford Truck owner and a sport truck enthusiast. He is also a writer for FlashPaw.com First Stop for Truck Parts and Accessories, an online directory of truck parts, accessories, suspension lift kits and more. Just for visiting get my e-book Free Buy a Car With No Credit or Bad Credit.