Best Running Boards for Ford F-150, Ram 1500 & Chevy Silverado 1500 in Canada

Table of contents

Introduction

Choosing the running boards for the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, or Chevy Silverado 1500 may look like an easy access accessory but it is not. Buying widest or durable running boards isn't the wise choice if they don't fit your vehicle.

A wrong set can result in poor fitment, an inconvenient step height, insufficient stepping space, or a style that does not match how the truck is used.

For Canadian truck owners, the decision should also consider conditions such as snow, rain, mud, moisture, and road salt exposure.

LAX also features one of the top-notch running boards but you should specifically verify the specs and make sure it fits your vehicles. Today we will discuss the running boards for Ford F-150 , Ram 1500 , and Chevrolet Silverado 1500.

Quick Comparison: Which Running Board Style Is Best for Your Truck?

What to Look for When Buying Running Boards in Canada

When buying running boards in Canada, you should look at the several tips and features we have listed below.

1. Start With Exact Vehicle Fitment

Fitment comes before everything else. You should verify the following aspects regarding your vehicle.

• Model year
• Make and model
• Cab configuration
• Vehicle generation where relevant
• Mounting compatibility

Don't make assumptions that a running board labelled “F-150” or “Ram 1500” fits every version of that truck.

Instead, you should manually verify the fitment and check whether it fits or not.

2. Flat Running Boards vs. Drop Steps

There are two most common types of running boards famous among the buyers.

Flat running boards

Flat running boards are the ideal solutions for the buyers looking for:

• A continuous stepping surface
• Everyday entry and exit
• Family use
• A cleaner or lower-profile appearance

Drop steps

On the other hand, drop steps are the best choice in:

• A clearly defined step position
• Easier access to a taller truck
• A more rugged appearance

When choosing, you should verify their features and understand which one is the best for your needs.

3. Consider Step Width

Most people think wider means better. To some extent, we can say so but the wider one doesn't offer the best safety unless it is compatible and suitable for your vehicles.

LAX offers a wide range of running boards with a different width. For instance:

• Around 3.8 inches: Compact stepping design.
• Around 4.5 inches: Middle-ground option for everyday access.
• Around 6 inches: Larger stepping surface.

4. Pay Attention to Grip in Canadian Weather

Canadian environmental conditions are more challenging for the vehicles. Here are a few factors.

• Rain
• Snow
• Slush
• Mud
• Wet footwear
• Road salt and moisture exposure

You should look at the stepping surface grip and finishes in addition to the appearance. Though snow can cause slippery surfaces, your running board should still be better.

5. Steel vs. Aluminum

Steel and aluminum are two famous materials used in the construction of the running boards. But you must know no material is universally better unless you trace and look at the other features.

Carbon steel has a solid construction and delivers exceptional durability to the users. It also has a good corrosion resistance.

On the other hand, aluminum is lighter and offers reduced weight in the same design as the steel. Moreover, it is also durable for the running boards.

Best Running Boards for Ford F-150 Owners

Confirm Your F-150 Cab First

Before you choose the products, always look for the fitment before the selection.

The current dedicated LAX F-150 running board prominently lists products for 2015–2026 Ford F-150 SuperCrew Cab.

It doesn't mean it fits all the models in this range. You should check and manually verify.

Option 1 — 4.5-Inch Flex Style for Balanced Everyday Use

StepXpert 2015–2026 Ford F-150 SuperCrew Cab 4.5-inch Flex Style Running Boards are the practical solutions here.

4.5-inch style is suitable for:

• Moderate stepping space
• Everyday entry and exit
• Family and passenger access
• A conventional flat running-board design
• A balance between compact and extra-wide styling

Option 2 — 6-Inch Urban Style for a Wider Step

StepXpert 2015–2026 Ford F-150 SuperCrew Cab 6-inch Urban Style Running Boards provide a wide stepping surface and is often suitable for:

• Family trucks
• Frequent passengers
• Daily commuters
• Owners who prefer more room for foot placement
• Buyers who like a wider side profile

Best Running Boards for Ram 1500 Owners

Ram 1500 New Body vs. Ram 1500 Classic

RAM 1500 running boards vary by model year and body style, so fitment is not the same across all Ram 1500 trucks.

LAX currently separates fitment including:

• 2019–2026 Ram 1500 New Body Crew Cab
• 2007–2018 Ram 1500
• 2019–2024 Ram 1500 Classic

You must confirm whether you have a Ram 1500 New Body or Ram 1500 Classic before ordering.

Option 1 — 4.5-Inch Flex Style for Ram 1500 New Body

StepXpert 2019–2026 Ram 1500 New Body Crew Cab 4.5-inch Flex Style Running Boards are suited for installation over the new body crew cab.

They are best options for:

• Everyday driving
• Family use
• Work trucks
• Passenger access
• Owners wanting a balanced step size

Option 2 — 6-Inch Urban Style for Ram 1500 New Body

StepXpert 2019–2026 Ram 1500 New Body Crew Cab 6-inch Urban Style Running Boards offer a wider stepping pattern. They are suitable for:

• More stepping space
• Frequent passenger use
• Family access
• A wider running-board appearance

What About Ram 1500 Classic?

LAX also currently lists a 6-inch Urban-style product covering:

• 2007–2018 Ram 1500
• 2019–2024 Ram 1500 Classic
• Crew Cab configuration

You should not consider it as a fitment for the new body RAM 1500.

Best Running Boards for Chevy Silverado 1500 Owners

Confirm Silverado 1500 Year and Cab Style

When choosing the running boards for Silverado 1500, you should know that every model has different features and specifications for the fitment of the running boards.

Do not imply that the recommended products fit:

• Every Silverado model Year
• Silverado 2500
• Silverado 3500
• Double Cab
• Regular Cab

Option 1 — 3.8-Inch Edge Style Drop Steps

StepXpert 2019–2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 / GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab 3.8-inch Edge Style Drop Steps offers a more defined position than a flat running board.

It is suitable for:

• A compact stepping design
• Clearly defined foot placement
• A rugged side profile
• A drop-step appearance

Option 2 — 4.5-Inch Flex Style for Everyday Use

StepXpert 2019–2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 / GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab 4.5-inch Flex Style Running Boards offers a flat step alternative and is ideal for:

• Everyday access
• Family use
• Frequent passengers
• A flat stepping surface
• A balance between width and overall size

A Note for GMC Sierra 1500 Owners

The Silverado 1500 running boards discussed above are also listed by LAX Parts for compatible 2019–2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab applications. Always verify the exact product fitment before ordering.

Ford F-150 vs. Ram 1500 vs. Silverado 1500 Running Boards: What Actually Changes?

Which Running Board Should You Choose?

If you have learned about our tips on the running boards and are still confused about which one you should choose, look no further. We have added a few tips here.

Choose a wider flat running board if:

• You want more stepping space
• Your truck is used frequently by passengers
• Daily convenience is the priority
• You prefer a full-length flat-step appearance

Consider a medium-width flat board if:

• You want a balance between stepping area and overall size
• The truck is mainly used for commuting, work, or general everyday driving

Consider a drop-step design if:

• You want a more defined step position
• Your truck sits relatively high
• You prefer a more rugged visual style

Remember, the fitment is the most critical thing and it comes before everything else. When choosing and ordering, don't look at appearance or general fitment but look for specific fitment for your vehicles.

Final Verdict

No matter which vehicle you have, you should compare and learn the following aspects.

• For F-150, you should compare 4.5-inch Flex and 6-inch urban styles for compatible SuperCrew models.
• In Ram 1500, identify and know New Body vs. Classic when comparing available styles.
• Silverado 1500 compatible 2019–2026 Crew Cab owners can compare flat Flex-style boards with Edge-style drop steps.

You should not assume the compatibility of the running boards until you have verified it manually. Not all the running boards are suitable for your vehicles. You should confirm the model year, cab configuration, generation, mounting compatibility, step width, material, and current product specifications.

LAX Parts offers running boards designed for a range of popular pickup trucks in Canada. You can find a wide range of the functional running boards and ensure the stable performance under different conditions. Our durable boards always perform under Canadian environmental conditions.

FAQ Section

• What size running boards are best for a Ford F-150?

There is no universal width of the running boards best for the Ford F-150. You should compare moderate-width versus extra-wide options and verify cab fitment before buying any running board.

• Do running boards fit every Ram 1500?

Not necessarily. Running boards vary according to model year and crew cab configuration. Moreover, new body vs. classic distinction also matters for the running boards.

• What running boards fit a 2019–2026 Chevy Silverado 1500?

LAX offers a wide range of products for 2019–2026 Silverado 1500 Crew Cab models. But as a shopper, you must verify the exact truck configuration before ordering.

• Are wider running boards better?

Wider boards provide more stepping area, but you choose the width of the running boards based on your use case and appearance preferences.

• Are running boards useful in Canadian winters?

Running boards can provide a defined stepping surface, while snow, ice, slush and road salt make surface grip, cleaning and maintenance important considerations. Remember, it doesn't mean that running boards eliminate slipping risk.

• Are flat running boards or drop steps better?

It depends on your choice and applications. For example, Flat boards emphasize continuous stepping space and work for everyday use. On the other hand, drop steps provide a more defined step position and different appearance.

• Will Silverado 1500 running boards also fit a GMC Sierra 1500 ?

Not genetically. You should check the specific fitment for the specific models. Certain LAX products are suitable for 2019–2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab models. You should thoroughly check when buying.