Mon–Fri 8AM–6PM | Sat 9AM–3PM

Steps & Running Boards

Make getting in and out of your truck easier, safer, and better looking. CTA carries the full range — from classic running boards and nerf bars to powered AMP Research steps and drop steps. All professionally installed at our Reno and Carson City locations.

Whether you need a clean OEM-look running board, a heavy-duty nerf bar for trail protection, or a powered retractable step that deploys when you open your door — our team will help you find the right fit for your truck, your use case, and your budget.

Brands We Carry
AMP Research · N-FAB · Westin · Go Rhino

Steps & Running Boards Options

Running Boards
Classic profiles in textured black, polished stainless, and aluminum. Cab-length and extended options.
Hoop & Drop
Motorized running boards that deploy automatically when you open your door and retract flush when you close it. CTA is an authorized AMP dealer.
Nerf Bars
Round tube, oval step bars, and hoop step designs in black or stainless. Side protection and entry assistance.
Drop Steps
Lower-profile steps that sit below the rocker panel for a clean, tucked look with easy access.
AMP BedStep & BumpStep
Flip-down bed access steps and hitch-mounted bump steps for tailgate access.

Types of Steps and Protection

Running Boards

Flat, wide platforms that run the length of the cab and mount close to the truck's body. They give you the most stepping surface and the cleanest integrated look. The right choice if you want ease of entry for passengers, protection for your rocker panels, or a finish that looks close to factory. Available in aluminum, steel, and composite in a range of finishes.

Nerf Bars

Round or oval tube-style steps that extend from the side of the truck. Lighter than running boards, and on a lifted truck the tube profile often works better visually and functionally. Available in cab-length (just under the doors) or wheel-to-wheel (front to rear wheel), which is the more popular configuration right now. Good choice for trucks with a more aggressive stance.

Electric Retractable Steps

Electric steps deploy automatically when you open the door and retract flush when you close it. When they're tucked away, your ground clearance is fully intact. AMP Research PowerStep is the dominant product in this category, and we're an authorized dealer. It's a more involved install at around four hours, but for owners who want the function without permanently changing the truck's stance profile, it's the premium solution.

Rock Sliders

Rock sliders are heavy-duty steel rails that mount to the frame and protect the most vulnerable part of your truck body when you're off-road: the rocker panels. They're not just a step, they're a structural protection point. When the terrain tips the truck or drags it against a ledge, rock sliders take the hit instead of the body. If you're building a truck for serious off-road use, rock sliders belong in the conversation early.

We carry and install rock sliders for most popular off-road truck platforms. Come in and we'll spec the right setup for your build.

Bed Steps and Tailgate Steps

Getting into a lifted truck bed is its own challenge. We carry hitch-mounted step options and tailgate-integrated steps that make bed access practical without requiring a running start.

Brands We Carry

AMP Research — Authorized Dealer

AMP Research makes the PowerStep, the most popular electric retractable step on the market. We're an authorized dealer, which means genuine product, full warranty support, and an installation team that knows the system. If you're looking at electric running boards, this is the brand to start with.

Westin

One of the broadest running board and nerf bar lineups available, from the practical Sure-Grip boards to the premium R7 oval bars. Good quality across the range and a style for most truck builds.

N-Fab

Known for their wheel-to-wheel nerf bars and step bars. Popular on lifted trucks and off-road builds where the full-length look works well. The finish holds up in Nevada weather.

Go Rhino

Go Rhino makes boards and side bars with a more aggressive, off-road-ready profile. Their RB series is a popular choice for owners building a truck that looks and performs the part.

TrailFX

Reliable everyday running boards and nerf bars at a sensible price point. Good fit, clean finish, straightforward install.

Rough Country

Strong value option, popular with owners who are already lifting with Rough Country and want matching accessories from a brand they trust.

Installation

We install everything we sell at both the Reno and Carson City shops. Standard running boards and nerf bars are typically done in an hour or two, same-day. AMP Research PowerStep electric boards run about four hours due to the wiring involved. Rock slider installs vary by product and truck. Call ahead and we'll give you a realistic timeframe and get you on the schedule.

Truck Fitment

We carry and can order steps and sliders for all major makes: Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, Toyota Tacoma, Tundra, Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra, Ram 1500, 2500, Nissan Frontier, Titan, and more. Give us your year, make, model, and cab configuration and we'll confirm what fits before you come in.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between running boards and rock sliders?

Running boards are primarily about access and aesthetics. Rock sliders are frame-mounted steel protection for your rocker panels, built for off-road use. Many off-road builds use sliders in place of or alongside steps depending on how the truck is being used.

Will electric steps affect my ground clearance off-road?

When retracted, AMP Research PowerSteps sit up flush and out of the way. Most customers who run them off-road say clearance impact is minimal in the retracted position. It's still worth discussing your specific use case with us before buying.

How long does installation take?

Standard boards and nerf bars: about an hour or two, usually same-day. AMP Research PowerStep: around four hours. Rock sliders: varies by product and truck. Call ahead and we'll give you a real answer for your specific setup.

Can I add rock sliders to my daily driver?

Absolutely. They're most common on dedicated off-road builds but there's nothing wrong with running them on a truck that sees mixed use. They protect the truck either way.

Do you install parts I bought elsewhere?

In most cases, yes. Call us with what you have and we'll let you know. Labor rates apply.

Interested in Steps & Running Boards?

Fill out the form and our team will follow up with pricing, availability, and recommendations.

Prefer to Talk to an Expert?

Our team will help you find the right product for your truck, budget, and use case.

Reno
(775) 329-5111 · Mon–Fri 8–6 · Sat 9–3
Carson City — Accessories
(775) 885-8111 · Mon–Fri 8–6 · Sat 9–3
Carson City — Camper Center
(775) 461-3464 · Mon–Fri 8:30–6:30 · Sat 9–3