DIY Install: How To Install Running Boards On Trucks and SUVs (Tools, Steps, Time Estimate)

This article is part of our Running Boards Guide.

Installing running boards is one of the most DIY-friendly upgrades you can make to a truck or SUV. In most cases, the job uses factory mounting points already built into the rocker area, which means no drilling is required on many modern vehicles. With basic hand tools, a little patience, and the correct hardware, most owners can complete the install in an afternoon.

Beyond appearance, running boards make daily use easier for kids, shorter passengers, and anyone climbing into a lifted vehicle. They can also help protect lower body panels from road debris and make roof access more convenient. The key to a clean install is confirming fitment first, organizing your hardware, and tightening everything in the right order.

What to Know Before You Start

Before opening the hardware bags, confirm that your running boards are designed for your exact year, make, model, cab configuration, and bed length if applicable. A crew cab, extended cab, and regular cab often use different board lengths and bracket locations. If your vehicle has factory rock rails, splash guards, or underbody trim near the mounting points, review the instructions to see whether those parts must be removed or trimmed.

Also decide whether you are installing a cab-length board or a wheel-to-wheel design. Cab-length boards generally mount more simply and stop near the rear door. Wheel-to-wheel styles are longer and often help with bed access on pickups, but they may use additional brackets and take slightly more time to line up.

• Check that the box includes left and right boards, all brackets, bolts, washers, and spacers.
• Verify the instruction sheet matches your vehicle platform and body style.
• Inspect the rocker panel area for factory threaded holes, rubber plugs, or shipping tape covering the mount points.
• If you live in a rust-prone area, spray penetrant on exposed threads and clean debris before starting.

Tools and Supplies You Will Need

Most running board kits can be installed with common garage tools. Exact socket sizes vary by brand, but the list below covers what DIY owners use most often.

• Ratchet and socket set, commonly including 10mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, and 15mm
• Torque wrench for final tightening
• Combination wrenches
• Trim tool or flat screwdriver for removing plastic plugs
• Extension bar for hard-to-reach bolts
• Work light
• Mechanic gloves and safety glasses
• Penetrating oil for stubborn hardware or dirty factory threads
• Shop towels
• Anti-seize compound if recommended by the manufacturer

You may also want a helper. While many boards are light enough for one person, having someone hold the board in place while you start the bolts makes alignment easier and reduces the risk of scratching the finish.

Typical Install Time

For most trucks and SUVs, expect the installation to take 1 to 3 hours. If the vehicle uses factory threaded mounting points and the hardware matches cleanly, experienced DIYers can often finish closer to one hour. First-time installers should plan extra time for identifying brackets, cleaning threads, and making final adjustments so both sides sit evenly.

• Simple no-drill install with factory mounting holes: about 60 to 90 minutes
• Longer wheel-to-wheel boards or kits with more brackets: about 90 minutes to 2.5 hours
• Vehicles with rust, undercoating, or obstructed mounting points: up to 3 hours or more

How to Install Running Boards Step by Step

Park Safely and Lay Out the Parts

Park on a level surface, set the parking brake, and give yourself enough room to work along both sides of the vehicle. Open the box and separate the driver-side and passenger-side boards, then group the brackets and hardware by position if the instructions identify front, middle, and rear mounts. This saves time later and prevents installing a bracket backward.

Locate the Factory Mounting Points

Look under the rocker panels or pinch weld area for threaded holes, studs, or plastic plugs. Many vehicles have mount points hidden by rubber caps or tape from the factory. Remove those plugs carefully and clean the threads if dirt or corrosion is present. If a supplied bolt does not thread in smoothly by hand, stop and clean the hole before forcing it.

Install the Brackets Loosely

Attach each bracket to the vehicle using the supplied bolts, washers, and any spacers listed in the instructions. Leave all hardware loose enough to allow movement. This is important because you will need a little play to line up the running board itself. On some kits, brackets attach first to the body and then to the board; on others, the board and brackets are partially assembled before being lifted into place.

Attach the Running Board to the Brackets

Lift the board into position and start all mounting bolts by hand. Do not fully tighten one end first. Instead, get every bolt started a few threads so the board can shift as needed. Make sure the step pads are facing upward and that the tapered or capped end is oriented correctly for the front or rear, depending on the design.

Align for Clearance and Appearance

Stand back and check the board from the side of the vehicle. Adjust it so the gap between the board and body looks even, the board sits level, and the ends line up consistently with the cab. Also check door clearance by opening each door fully. If mud flaps or lower trim pieces are close to the board, verify nothing rubs when the vehicle moves or flexes.

Tighten in Stages

Once the position looks right, tighten the hardware in stages. Start with the bracket-to-vehicle bolts, then the board-to-bracket fasteners, alternating from front to rear to keep the board evenly seated. Use a torque wrench if the manufacturer provides specifications. Avoid overtightening, especially on aluminum boards or nut plates, since stripped threads can turn an easy install into a frustrating repair.

Repeat on the Other Side and Do a Final Check

Install the second side using the same method, then compare both boards visually. The height, angle, and fore-aft placement should match as closely as possible. Step on each board carefully to confirm stability, then recheck all hardware after a short test drive.

Common Fitment and Installation Issues

Most problems during running board installation are not major mechanical issues. They usually come down to hardware order, bracket orientation, or confusion about which board goes on which side.

• The board will not line up with the brackets: loosen all bracket bolts and start over with every fastener only finger-tight.
• A bolt will not thread into the body mount: clean the threads, confirm the correct bolt size, and never force it with a ratchet first.
• The board sits too close to the body: check whether spacers or bracket arms were installed in the correct position.
• The driver and passenger boards seem swapped: compare the front and rear taper, mounting channels, and pad layout.
• There is vibration or movement when stepped on: retorque all hardware and confirm every bracket is mounted to the proper location.

If your kit requires drilling, measure carefully before making any holes. Many DIY owners are comfortable with no-drill kits but prefer professional help when drilling into the body or pinch weld is required.

Safety Tips for a Better DIY Install

Running boards seem simple, but they support body weight every time someone gets in or out. A careful installation matters for both safety and durability.

• Wear eye protection when working under the vehicle, especially when removing plugs or cleaning threads.
• Do not crawl under a vehicle that is unsupported or parked on an incline.
• Start every bolt by hand to avoid cross-threading.
• Torque fasteners to spec when provided by the manufacturer.
• Recheck all hardware after 50 to 100 miles of driving.
• Keep the step surface clean after installation so wet shoes do not slip.

Maintenance After Installation

Once installed, running boards need only basic upkeep. Wash them regularly to remove road salt, mud, and grime, especially in winter climates. If the boards have textured pads, use a soft brush to clean trapped debris so the stepping surface stays grippy.

It is also smart to inspect the brackets and hardware a few times per year. Look for loose bolts, chipped coating, rust around steel brackets, or any movement where the board meets the mount. Catching these issues early helps preserve both the finish and the secure feel underfoot.

When DIY Makes Sense and when to Get Help

DIY installation makes sense for most owners when the kit is vehicle-specific, uses factory mounting points, and includes clear instructions. If you are comfortable with sockets, basic torque procedures, and working close to the ground, this is usually a manageable weekend project.

Consider professional installation if the vehicle has heavy rust, previous accident damage near the rocker area, missing factory threads, power deployable step wiring, or a kit that requires drilling. Paying for help can be worth it when fitment is unusual or when you want the assurance of proper alignment the first time.

Related Buying Guides

Check out the Running Boards Buying Guides

FAQ

Do Running Boards Usually Require Drilling?

Many modern running board kits for trucks and SUVs are designed to use factory mounting points, so drilling is often not required. Always verify the specific fitment notes for your vehicle and kit.

Can I Install Running Boards by Myself?

Yes, many DIY owners can install them alone, but having a second person helps hold the board in place while you start the bolts and fine-tune alignment.

How Long Does It Take to Install Running Boards?

Most installs take about 1 to 3 hours depending on vehicle design, hardware access, and whether the mounting points are clean and easy to reach.

Do I Need a Torque Wrench?

It is strongly recommended. A torque wrench helps you tighten hardware correctly without leaving bolts too loose or damaging threads by overtightening.

Will Running Boards Reduce Ground Clearance?

Yes, they can slightly reduce side clearance because they hang below the rocker panel. On stock daily drivers this is usually minor, but off-road drivers should choose a design with clearance in mind.

How Do I Know Which Board Goes on the Driver Side?

Most kits label the boards, but if yours does not, compare the bracket channel locations, end shape, and step pad layout with the instruction sheet before installing.

Should I Retighten the Bolts After Installation?

Yes. Recheck and retorque the hardware after the first 50 to 100 miles, then inspect it periodically as part of routine maintenance.