5 Best Running Boards For Jeep Wrangler Unlimited in 2024

If you own a large Jeep Wrangler without a set of running boards, it is time you thought of getting one. It will make everything incredibly easier for your passengers and you. When you upgrade your vehicle with it, getting in and out of your transport will be like walking on a flat surface, which will not cause any strain on your knees.

Since the market has an abundance of all types of running boards, it necessitates in-depth research to find the best running boards for your Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. That is because they ask for quite an investment, so you want good returns. Keeping that in mind, I reviewed 5 running boards in today’s article and discussed everything you need to know about them.

Best Running Boards For Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Review

1. AMP Research 75122-01A PowerStep Electric Running Boards

The electric running boards from AMP Research have got hyped up in the market due to their sturdiness. Aside from offering myriad configurations, the product is highly resistant to weather and corrosion. It also comes in two versions.

Features and Benefits:

• Convenience: The running boards function automatically, running on electricity. So, when you open the door of your jeep, it will instantly stretch itself out. Again, it will shrink inside when you shut the doors. It provides the utmost comfort in terms of operation. The LED lighting incorporated into its mechanism also backs it up.
• Technologically Advanced: Well, this is no surprise because the boards are entirely automated. The design is well-made with die-cast aluminum alloy with a PTFE and anodized coating. You will also notice its remarkable strength in carrying high weight, owing to the construction, magnified by a military-spec finish to prevent corrosion.
• Sustainable: AMP research did an ample amount of research on its running board to test its strength and prepare it for withstanding weather, dirt, mud, corrosion, and debris. You can use it anywhere and anytime, and it will deliver flawless performance anyway.
• Accommodating: I already talked about the convenience they offer their users. But it demands separate mentioning that the running boards are accommodating for vertically challenged people. The inclusive mindset and thoughtfulness of the company deserve lots of appreciation.
• Weight Capacity: Running boards are supposed to be weighty. This set has a weight of 47 lbs, and it is light in comparison to many others in the present market. However, it can work perfectly under a whooping 600 lbs maximum.
• Powerstep And Powerstep Extreme: There are two versions of the product. I reviewed the ones called Powerstep. The Extreme set is more advanced, involving more settings and systems at a significantly higher price. You can check out both of them via the attached link. If the budget permits you, consider the second one.
• Others: The USA-made running boards have a warranty of 5 years. They include bushings to resist the elements and grit. It will not require any lubrication, saving your maintenance budget.

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2. RBP Stealth Power Running Boards

The RBP running boards are comparatively less pricey than the first one. While they are not the most affordable, they promise to generate great value for your money.

Features and Benefits:

• Built-In Sensors: The brand installed built-in sensors on the running board. They are powerful enough to identify obstructions and prevent destruction to the motors or physical injuries to passengers. Speaking of the motors, there are two of them on each side to ensure seamless performance unfazed by horrendous heat or crazy cold.
• Functions: The boards are completely automated. So they will do what they need to do when you open and close the door. They have LED lights with high brightness to arrange a safe exit and entrance from all sides.
• Resilient Making: If you go to the store to see the board physically, you will see its sleek texture of military-grade aluminum with a black powder coating. The outer build will guarantee you its durability and maximum traction. Plus, the body is easy to maintain, thanks to the texture again. Beginners from experienced users alike will find it satisfying.
• Easy Installation: Customers who bought the running boards expressed high satisfaction with the ease of installation. You will get instructions and can also watch YouTube videos for better understanding. However, the manual asks you to install the brackets and run the board. But it will be more helpful if you run the wire beforehand to check their functions and set them up afterward.
• Delivery: The brand packages the item with good care. So, the risk of getting damaged goods is almost non-existent. You will also get a timely delivery, as promised by the manufacturer.

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3. OEDRO Running Boards

This one stood out to be the best running board for Jeep Wrangler Unlimited in terms of two, not one, criteria – affordability and weight capacity. If the first two do not fit your bill, you can be sure this one will.

Features and Benefits:

• Versatility: OEDRO engineered the running board perfectly with your jeep to back you up by giving you higher control. The product is highly versatile with its three individual styles, enabling you to reach the top of the vehicle without opening its doors.
• Flexible Design: The board features a distinct drop-down design that you could use with any Jeep Wrangler model from 2018 to 2022. The two-stair layout makes way for easy roof functions without creating barriers to affect safety or vision.
• Durable Performance: When equipped with the OEDRO running boards, your jeep can go anywhere without facing an issue, thanks to their robust brackets. They can withstand highly exhausting environments like rough terrains. The powder coating plays a role in its long-lasting performance by preventing corrosion. If you have to drive around airports or construction sites, they are your way to go.
• Simple Assemble: Writing about this part reminded me that I should have mentioned in the intro that it is also a very beginner-friendly running board. Assembling it is a piece of cake since you only need some common tools. That will not even require any drilling or cutting.
• Weight Capacity: Without bending, the board will support a maximum of 550 lbs. That is not the highest capacity, yes. But if you consider the quality, performance, and capability and compare it with the price, it will not take much time to figure out that it is indeed the best deal you could possibly get.

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4. Tyger Auto Star Armor Kit

Have you ever seen a vehicle with running boards on its side instead of its rear? Well, that is not for appearance anymore. Now it involves protection too. Here is the second last review of the day to introduce you to one of the most protective running boards at the moment.

Features and Benefits:

• Maximum Wheel Protection: The Tyger Auto dual girder system will run along the full length of your Jeep Wrangler Unlimited to provide the highest wheel-to-wheel protection. At the same time, it will also keep the vital parts underneath safe.
• Damage Prevention: Rocker panel and underside of both areas will be under the shield of the running board. As a result, it will minimize damage impacts by keeping your vehicle from encountering obstacles.
• Rust Resistance: The brand went the extra mile to ensure superior quality in its product. I have not yet found a running board with higher rust resistance, and I doubt I will. That is because Tyger Auto conducted a rigorous three-step procedure to prevent premature expiry of the product, involving a special E-coat, dual-stage gloss black powder, and pre-treatment to erase impurities.
• Star Armor Design: The signature properties of the running boards entail its laser-cutting technology and thick tubes, boasting long-term durability. They do an amazing job at keeping out dirt and water, further extending the product’s life.
• Easy Installation And Warranty: The bolt-on installation will not need any drilling. Plus, you will get a user guide that describes the setup process in layman’s terms. About the warranty, Tyger Auto offers all its customers a lifetime warranty to cover manufacturing defects.

 

Tyger Auto Star Armor Kit Video Review

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5. KYX Running Boards

KYX running boards are a one-of-a-kind solution to upgrading your vehicle. The brand strives to produce high-quality auto parts to give you more freedom and joy in driving. With the self-claimed latest industry and technology standards, the running board from KYX screams quality with every inch of itself.

Features and Benefits:

• Heavy-Duty Steel: Made of top-quality steel materials, the board can easily carry around 500 pounds. KYX built the product from scratch to ensure you stay safe from potential garage incidents while delivering unparalleled performance.
• Extra Protection: The boards are satisfactory in every aspect. Besides working on enhancing the aesthetics of your Jeep Wrangler, they will give you higher security by smoothening the ways of entry and exit.
• Availability Of Sizes: You will find a variety of sizes available for the KYX running boards to suit plenty of vehicles. Moreover, the installation is more than manageable. It will take you approximately 1 hour to set them up. So you see, you will get as much flexibility as you want.
• Durability: As I said, this piece is an all-in-one package. Featuring a powder-coated surface over a rust- and slip-resistant patented design, you could rely on it to serve you for years without blinking your eye.
• Others: The black running board comes with a detailed instruction manual and a mounting set of items to help you with the bolt-on installation.

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How To Buy The Best Running Boards For Jeep Wrangler?

Here goes a list of things. Make sure your preferred running boards check off most of the boxes, if not all, before purchasing them.

Weight Capacity

The average weight capacity of electric running boards with satisfying quality is nearly 500 pounds. But I suggest you check the user guide to see the weight load your chosen board can support.

For example, some boards can take as much as 300 lbs. And usually, that does it for most users. But if you need boards with a capacity of 500-600 lbs, you want to look further.

Quality Of Materials

Stainless steel and aluminum are industry-grade materials. That means they are the sturdiest materials for running boards. If you want your boards to stay stable and provide service for a long time, you should choose the ones made of aluminum or stainless steel.

Besides, they have a muscly and tough appearance, which perfectly suits Jeep Wranglers. But note that an aluminum board must have a slip-resistant surface. You would not fancy falling off a slippery running board now, would you?

Ease Of Setup

Most of the present-day boards come with readymade mounting positions through brackets. They have the advantage of saving you from spending your time lining them up. You would still have to give it a couple of hours to install, but that is better than getting stuck to it for a whole day. Plus, it will save some money, too.

Remember that you will not need to buy third-party brackets to install your running boards. They are already there with your Jeep.

Let’s talk wires now. How do you work them out? People with a knack for electric stuff will not make a big deal out of it. In fact, they will enjoy the setup process.

But what if you start breaking a sweat in the name of technology? Here is the good part. Since many people are not used to advanced technology, brands manufacture user-friendly and convenient running boards for them.

Make no mistake that it is not like they are traditional analog boards. They are as high-tech as others, but their mechanisms and functions are easier to operate.

So, what you have to do before buying your running boards is to research properly and find out the easy-to-use ones.

Additional Features

According to specialists, you should pick lighted running boards that will accompany your vehicle on each of its sides. They will brighten the way at night, making it easier for you and your passengers.

Furthermore, it will serve you better to purchase retracting running boards. They are the automated kind that opens and closes the moment you open and close your vehicle’s door/s. They will go inactive during your driving so that you keep your side clearance while they stay under your feet to come up when needed.

Tech-savvy users who want advanced gear and gadgets may check out the boards with resistance sensors. Their job is to keep the steps from climbing down deeper upon detecting an obstacle. That will prevent motor damage and protect your passengers from leg injuries.

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What Are The Benefits Of Using Running Boards?

Easy Entry And Exit

Entering in and out of a vehicle becomes hassle-free with running boards, as they provide quick and complete access to your truck bed. That is more important for users suffering from injuries or back pain. You can also get easy access to your jeep without having to go up on its side steps whenever you want something.

Making A Vehicle More Stable And Safe

Your vehicle becomes safer with more stability when you install running boards. They have a sturdy surface for loading or unloading cargo because of their position on your truck bed. The metal layers generate outstanding traction for turning corners and climbing down sharp inclines.

Aside from that, running boards empower your jeep with more control by making it less challenging to operate in any weather conditions.

Saving Time And Fuel Money

It is obvious that you spend a lot of time on the road as a driver. But exactly how much is that? According to the general hours-of-service guidelines, a driver has an 11-hour driving window on average.

Now that you know it, you should be more willing to get running boards because they can shorten the window substantially. They will do so by saving your fuel money. Consequently, you will make fewer stops to get gas for your truck and spend lesser time waiting on the stoppage.

Decreasing Dust Fumes In Your Truck

Running boards will help decrease the fume amount in the cabin of your truck. The dust highways is often responsible for fume-related issues like silicosis and asbestosis. You suffer from them when you breathe in asbestos and silica molecules.

Introducing running boards can solve the problem by keeping the elements from your workplace. That way, you will have a healthier workforce with less vulnerability to diseases and injuries.

Giving Your Truck More Space

Running boards offer you more space as an extension of your truck bed, giving you more room and facilitating the loading and unloading of objects for the better. Anybody with larger loads looking for extra space could really use the boards.

Others

The setup of running boards is not complicated at all. Most do not need additional tools or user expertise, and the rest ask for the basic equipment you have at home. They will be the coolest addition to your vehicle once you get your way around them.

Drivers love using the boards for their protective characteristics during their drive. For example, airbags and seat belts increase safety when you hit the road.

They also save you cargo loading time. You will have no trouble finding them because there are different running boards of various shapes and sizes for everyone.

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FAQs About Jeep Wrangler Running Boards

Can I improve my gas mileage by using running boards?

Yes. You can do it by buying retractable and electric running boards. Fixed boards will not help in this regard.

Will running boards make my vehicle prone to rust?

The ones that require no drilling to set up will not make your vehicle prone to rust. Luckily, as most running boards are installable without drilling, you will not have to worry about it.

Can I install them on my own?

Yes, you can, but having a friend lend you a hand would quicken the process. But it is simple enough because most running boards have instructions clear as a day. If you have to do it on your own, go ahead. It is nothing a person cannot pull off alone.

Does every set of running boards mount to the rocker panels?

You can mount most running boards to the frame or the rocker panels. But sometimes manufacturers specify which one to go for, more when the items come with mounting hardware.

Can I adjust them?

Once you prepare the brackets, you can adjust your running boards forward, backward, inward, and outward. The feature makes them more versatile and suitable for your vehicle.

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How to Install Running Boards For Jeep Wrangler Unlimited ?

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Final Verdict

The most fundamental criteria of running boards are quality of materials, protection, and durability. Based on them, my assessment found the KYX brand to manufacture the best running boards for your Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. They excel in durability and flexibility apart from their core functions. What else would I choose over them?

The secondary concerns are budget and ease of use. In my opinion, the RBP running boards stand higher than the other four products. The only issue with it is the lengthy installation, which will not be an issue if you have someone to help you.

An often underlooked feature is the weight capacity. Many jobs require drivers to work with more loads demanding more capable running boards. The ones from AMP Research could be an ideal option for them.

There goes the summary of my final verdict. I hope, along with the reviews and other information, it helped you with your choice of running boards. Best of luck!