The quick answer: choose running boards if your priority is easy, clean step access and a sharper side profile for daily and family use, and choose rock sliders if you go for real heavy duty off-roading and need heavy-duty protection for your sills against rocks and river crossings. Many owners want both jobs done at once, which is why our heavy-gauge steel side steps are built to step on and protect. Here is the difference, so you fit the right thing for how you actually drive.
What is the difference between running boards and rock sliders?
They both run along the sill under your doors, but they are designed for different jobs:
- Running boards (side steps) are primarily a step. They make getting in and out easier (handy for kids, shorter drivers and lifted utes), keep your sills cleaner, and sharpen the side profile.
- Rock sliders are primarily protection. Made from heavy-gauge steel and mounted to the chassis, they shield the vulnerable sill area from rocks, ruts and river crossings when you are off-road, and can take the vehicle's weight on an obstacle.
| Running boards | Rock sliders | |
|---|---|---|
| Main job | Step access & style | Sill protection off-road |
| Best for | Daily driving, family utes | Serious off-roading, touring |
| Build | Steel or alloy step | Heavy-gauge steel, chassis-mounted |
| Takes vehicle weight | No | Yes |
Which do you need?
Match it to how you use the ute:
- Mostly town, highway and family duties? Running boards are all you need: easier entry, cleaner sills, a sharper look.
- Regular gravel, tracks and river crossings? Go heavy-duty. You want steel side steps that both step and protect the sill from rock strikes.
- Want one solution for both? Our heavy-gauge steel running boards are built to do the everyday step job and shrug off the rough stuff, which is why they are our most popular side step.
Heavy-gauge steel sill protection that makes entry easy. Shields from rocks and river crossings. Precision-fit 2015-2025.
How are they fitted?
Our heavy-duty steel running boards bolt on to factory or chassis mounting points, so there is no cutting or welding for a standard fit. They come with the brackets and hardware. It is a solid afternoon job for a confident DIYer, or we can arrange fitting. Once on, they carry your weight and take the hits so your paint and sills do not.
Heavy-gauge steel sill protection, bolt-on fit. Built for NZ off-road conditions. Fits N70 2005-2015.
How much do they cost in NZ?
Our heavy-duty steel running boards are $599, precision-fit per model, and ship from our Auckland warehouse ( with free installation for a limited time at our workshop ) with our quality guarantee and 30-day returns. Browse the full range in our running boards and side steps collection.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between running boards and rock sliders?
Running boards are mainly a step for easy entry and style. Rock sliders are heavy-duty, chassis-mounted steel designed to protect the sills off-road and take the vehicle's weight on obstacles. Heavy-gauge steel side steps can do both jobs.
Do I need rock sliders if I do not go off-road?
No. If you stick to town and highway, running boards for easy access and a clean look are all you need. Rock sliders come into their own on rocky tracks and river crossings.
Can running boards take my weight?
Heavy-gauge steel running boards like ours are built to be stepped on and mount to strong points. Lightweight decorative steps are less suited to heavy loads, so check the build before you rely on it.
Are running boards hard to fit?
No. Ours bolt on to factory or chassis mounting points with the supplied brackets, so there is no cutting for a standard fit. It is an afternoon DIY job, or we can arrange fitting.
Do you ship running boards NZ-wide?
Yes. All side steps ship from our Auckland warehouse with fast NZ delivery and 30-day returns.
Step up and protect your sills
Heavy-duty steel running boards, precision-fit per model. $599, fast NZ shipping.
Shop running boards & side steps →NZ stock · Ships from Auckland · 30-day returns
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