When styling a truck, one of the best additions is that of a nerf bar. It’s an addition that will add both style and function to your rig. Also, nerf bars are extremely helpful in climbing up and down a truck.
Made out of steel and aluminum, nerf bars can quickly enhance the looks of your truck while providing you a platform to step on. Moreover, they can protect your truck from accidentally getting scratched as they protrude out of the body.
So, without wasting time, let’s step on one to give the best nerf bars out there a look!
Contents
Best Nerf Bars Comparison Table
| Products | Features | Color | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
Features Affordable Excellent Price to quality ratio DIY easy installation Anti-slip For extended and double cab models 5-year limited warranty | Color Black Stainless Steel |  (4.7 / 5) |
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Features DIY Installation 4-inches large foot space Toyota 4Runner, SR5, and TRD specific | Color Black | (4.7 / 5) |
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Features Universal Design 5-inches landing - safe to stand on Rated for up to 350 lbs. | Color Black |  (5 / 5) |
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Features Superior Build Quality Durable No-drill necessary installation 5-year finish warranty Stepping loops | Color Black |  (4 / 5) |
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Features High rust and corrosion resistance UV light protection coating Affordable Crew Cab length Heavy-duty rubber pads for grippy standing | Color Stainless Steel with Rubber Rests |  (4.5 / 5) |
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Also Great Westin 21-53720 Pro Traxx 5  View Price | Features Corrosion Protected ends 5-inches landing for easy standing Excellent build quality No drill design | Color Stainless Steel | (4.5 / 5) |
Top 6 Best Nerf Bars In 2023 Reviews
1 Tyger Auto TG-RS2C40038 Black Riser 4″
Tyger Auto Black Riser is ranked among the best nerf bars because of its affordability. Forged with carbon steel, these can give your car that rugged look that will complement your truck.
The Tyger risers are 4” wide and are highly durable because of their triangulated tube design. The design also keeps the ground clearance and rust resistance in mind. Moreover, the bar is pre-treated to remove impurities before applying the e-coat both on the outside and the inside.
A dual-stage gloss black powder adds to the rust and corrosion resistance. In addition to this, the footrests have a rubberized material for a better grip.
The whole design is simple to install, but the instructions in the manual do not help. It fits Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra from 2007 till 2018. However, only the extended/double cab versions are supported. If you try to fix this product on the crew cab model, then it will be 6 inches short.
Because of the low price and durability, we do not recommend standing on the bar for extended periods. Furthermore, the bar is mostly for aesthetic purposes and can only handle lightweight tasks for a short time, like helping you mount your truck.
Thread sealant or anti-seize should be used to avoid rusting and corrosion of connecting bolts.
(4.7 / 5)Pros
- Affordable.
- Easy installation.
- 2-color options.
- Anti-slip rubberized footrest.
Cons
- Included instructions are not helpful.
- Quality could have been better.
2 Westin Pro Traxx 4 Oval Nerf Step Bars
If you own a Toyota 4Runner, SRS, or a TRD, then Westin Pro Traxx is the best nerf bar for you. The size is a perfect fit for all 4Runners models from 2014. Furthermore, it can even fit the trail version of 4Runner from 2010-2017.
The Westin Pro Traxx also features a DIY design, so apart from a few wrenches, you just need two hours to give your truck a shiny new look. The bars are sturdy and add to the rugged feel of Toyota trucks.
The foot resting bar is 4-inch wide, so it is quite safe to stand on and offers a good grip. The mild steel builds on the Westin Pro Traxx are powder-coated to make it suitable for all weathers.
This nerf bar has unique OE-style bends that give your truck an aggressive look while making it all the more attractive.
The only let-off on the Oval Nerf Bars from Westin is the included bolts. The bolts are not threaded properly and are weak. They might even snap while tightening. Thankfully, there is a rather simple workaround. Users have used the original bolts that come off the factory installed bar, which sits nicely through the nerf bar into the body.
If you have some stuck bolts, a good penetrating oil can take care of that.
(4.7 / 5)Pros
- DIY installation.
- A 4-inch platform for standing.
- Polymer coated surface.
- Detailed instruction manual.
Cons
- Bolts are not fully threaded.
- Included bolts are not durable.
3 Lund 23884295 Oval Curved Steel Nerf Bar
The Lund Oval Curved Steel Nerf Bar is another prominent mention on the list of best nerf bars, mostly due to its universal build.
Whatever make your vehicle is, and whatever year it is from, Lund has got you covered. The 5-inch solid steel build is sturdy and tough. It has a great feel to it and provides ample foot room to stand on the bar. Not to mention, it can withstand a weight capacity of up to 350 lbs with ease.
The standing surface is anti-slip, so if you are taking your truck out on an adventure, you won’t have to worry. The bar can take a beating and will support your outdoor excursions. If it does get scratched somehow, some wax and buffing pads can take care of that.
The nerf bar may be durable, but the design is not fully waterproof, so you may want to rustproof it. For the price, rustproofing should have been included in the first place.
The design is fairly simple to install; just slide on a pair of good gloves and follow the instructions. You will have it up within two hours.
(5 / 5)Pros
- Universal design.
- Huge 5-inch foot-rest surface.
- Long-life steel build
- It can support up to 350 lbs.
Cons
- Prone to rust.
- High price tag.
4 N-FAB D0984CC-TX Textured Black Nerf Step
Based on build quality alone, the N-FAB textured Nerf Step is one of the best nerf bars on the market. The N-FAB textured is manufactured using high-grade steel with a thick sheet that makes it super-durable.
The nerf bar from N-FAB has its holes drilled out, so will fit all Dodge Ram models from 2009 through 2015. The bar is rust and corrosion-resistant and will offer superior protection in all weather conditions.
The weather protection is made possible because of the 4-stage powder coating process. Moreover, N-FAB offers a 5-year warranty for the finish.
The three-inch footrest is not the biggest offering on the market. Although the sturdiness makes up for it, it is hardly enough to justify the high price. The nerf bar has two protruded footrests on the nerf bar that make standing easy, even with the thin bar width.
Users recommend drilling an additional hole down the middle, but it still has a secure mounting even without it. Installation is fairly simple but can be irritating as no manual is included. The front of the bar does not have a cap, which is a downside for the otherwise rust-resistant bar.
(4 / 5)Pros
- Excellent build quality.
- Sturdy.
- DIY installation.
Cons
- Three-inch pipe size.
- Extremely high price.
5 MaxMate Crew Cab Stainless Steel 3″ Side Step Rails Nerf Bars
MaxMate is a renowned automobile accessory brand, and rightly so. Their stainless-steel side step nerf bar is one of the best nerf bars on the list. Having a sturdy stainless steel build, the offering from MaxMate will fit most Crew Cab models of the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra from 2001-2019.
In addition, most mounting hardware comes out of the box and can be installed in under an hour. The whole process can be performed by a simple person with no prior experience.
The bar is both strong and sturdy. This is because of the 3-inch round tubing used in its casting. Also, MaxMate has a high gloss finish on top. Moreover, the instructions manual is very detailed and helps a lot in the installation process, which only takes about an hour.
The stainless steel frame is both UV light, and corrosion-resistant. The resting place of the feet also has heavy-duty rubber pads to support the 350 lbs weight that the MaxMate bars can hold.
Although they are rated for high weight, the 3-inch size is very comfortable to stand on for longer periods. Moreover, the bar is a bit far away from the body of the vehicle, which can cause your foot or leg to get caught in.
(4.5 / 5)Pros
- UV light-resistant.
- Rust and corrosion-resistant.
- Anti-slip rubber rests.
- Affordable.
Cons
- The small 3-inches size is highly uncomfortable for extended periods.
6 Westin 21-53720 Pro Traxx 5″ Oval Step Bar
Westin Pro Traxx for both the GMC Sierra and the Chevy Silverado carries over the same durability and sturdiness as its Toyota compatible sibling.
The Westin Oval Nerf Bar is sealed on both ends to keep the weather elements and corrosion out. Because of this, the bar stays clean and makes sure no moisture or debris make their way into the bar.
The stainless steel build gives the bar its sturdiness. The sturdy build, coupled with the 5-inch platform, makes standing on it a treat. The nerf bar is extremely capable of handling your excursions and can also keep the body safe from accidental side damage.
The design is pre-drilled and comes with a mounting kit that makes fitting it a short DIY project. Also, the material is durable and long-lasting. Moreover, if it does catch any dirt, a good stainless steel cleaner can always take care of that.
One particularly important thing to keep in mind is that this product will only fit the crew cab models of the GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado. Moreover, the price tag on the Westin Pro Traxx is hefty and may not be for everyone.
(4.5 / 5)Pros
- 5-inch secure rubberized fitting.
- Durable and sturdy.
- Rust and corrosion-resistant.
- No-drill DIY design.
Cons
- Expensive.
- For Crew Cab models only.
Best Nerf Bars Buying Guide
Nerf bars come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and features. Some of the things you should consider when making the decision include:
Vehicle Fit
The most important aspect while getting a nerf bar, needless to say, is to check whether it will fit your truck or not.
One of our best nerf bars is universal, so that can solve this dilemma, but if you opt for a specific one, you will have to check if it fits your car or not. Moreover, even if it does fit your truck, aesthetics should be considered as well.
Types of Nerf Bars
Nerf bars come in numerous types. The most common ones include:
- Round shape: A round nerf bar is safer than other types but is not sturdy. So, it cannot bear a lot of weight for an extended period.
- Oval: An oval nerf bar is flatter and has a wide stepping area, which provides a better grip.
- Step: The step nerf bar, as the name suggests, is for stepping and will assist you in getting into and out of the vehicle. Moreover, it can help people with short height, or if you go for huge tires for your rig.
- Cab Length: Cab-length nerf bars run around the length of the cabin in a discreet fashion. Cab length ones have stepping pads for getting in and out.
- Wheel to Wheel: Simply, the most popular nerf bar is the wheel to wheel one. It is very easy to install and pleases the eye. Not to mention, it is highly functional. Moreover, it has separate stepping pads for the front and rear doors.
Size
The larger the nerf bar, the stronger it will be. But you don’t want to hurt the people driving around you because of unruly protrusions on the sides.
So, choosing something that serves the purpose while also adding to the looks of your truck would be the best bet.
Conclusion
To conclude, the basic function of a nerf bar is to assist you in getting in and out of your truck. So, the aesthetics and side protection are all added features.
We recommend the Lund 23884295 Oval Curved Steel Nerf Bar. It checks all the boxes, and with some added rust resistance, it can last a long time on any vehicle.
It has a large stepping area as compared to most other options and is sturdy enough to hold up to 350 lbs. The best part is that it’s not specific to any manufacturer or model, so you’re sure to have the right fit.