Well, size is your choice but if it were me I'd go with stainless. I don't care what magical powder coat finish a manufacturer applies, all it takes is one scrape or rock chip in the powder coat to start the rust. Once powder coat starts rusting under the coating things get ugly quickly. Particularly if you live in an area where they salt the roads.

 

IMHO...go with a minimum of 5in. They seem to fit the f150 better. If I am not mistaken both OEM offerings are either 5in or 6in. So, the 4in or 3in would just look off...


biz

 

 

Actually, I think a lot of people confuse steps with rock sliders designed to protect the rocker panels off road. They don't. A true rock slider uses brackets either welded or bolted to the frame that are actually stronger than the tube so they're not the point of failure. These steps will fold up like a beer can if you drag the 4,000 pound truck they're attached to over a boulder.

But hey, if you like the look, it's your truck. Go for it. How many people spend thousands on lift kits, big tires, and outrageously expensive phony bead lock wheels and would never dream of going off road and scraping up those expensive wheels.

You should do whatever makes you happy. It's your truck.

 

 

I was thinking the same thing, I think of nerf bars as front tube bumpers to gently let the person know you're behind them

We tried to explain that to our sales team



Haha itt's not a generational thing (I'm 26), I'd never call those nerf bars

 

I have these on my 2001, have been on for over ten years and look great still
https://www.realtruck.com/nerf-bars-...er1=4294965152

 

 

3 inch nerf bars are popular for an aftermarket choice but usually only because of the low cost. For those who care about appearance, I would stick with a 5" wide option like many above said. These are much more "fitting" for a full size truck. In regards to the finish, Stainless steel is definitely going to be the most resistant to rust and corrosion. If you're really wanting to go with a black option, I would look at Steelcraft's BlackOut Series. Those have proven themselves to hold up well in climates that experience snow and ice on the roads.

Good luck!

 

3" seems way too small to me. I'd have to agree with above and go with 5". Also, you don't want to go too small or you run the risk of getting your foot between the bar and the truck. Not a good thing.