The Cab Size Trap: Why Your New Running Boards Are Crushing Your Tires
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You just bought a beautiful 2014–2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Double Cab. It has a heavy-duty leveling kit, and jumping in and out is becoming a massive chore. You want to make it easier for your family to get in, so you jump online and order a premium set of heavy-duty steel running boards.
Because your truck has four doors, you blindly assume it’s a Crew Cab. You click the Crew Cab option, wait for the massive, heavy freight boxes to arrive, and carry them out to your driveway. You bolt the steel brackets to the truck, lift the massive running board into place, and your stomach completely drops.
The running board extends a full eight inches past your cab, violently protruding directly into your rear wheel well. If you try to drive the truck, your rear tire will immediately smash into the steel board.
You just fell directly into the Cab Size Trap.
The K2XX Sierra platform features two distinctly different four-door options: the Double Cab (with shorter rear doors) and the Crew Cab (with massive rear doors). Because premium brands like N-FAB and Go Rhino weld their heavy-duty steps to match the exact millimeter of the cab length, there is zero margin for error. If you don't physically verify your cab style, you are guaranteed to be dealing with a frustrating, incredibly heavy return.
You don't have to guess, and you don't have to tear your factory leather sliding out of the truck. You just need to know your exact footprint.
In this guide, we explain exactly how to identify your GMC Sierra's cab size to guarantee a flawless fit. We'll show you why hanging cheap steps ruins your off-road ground clearance, how AMP Research PowerSteps magically tuck away, and how to safely armor your rocker panels.
Compare Premium Running Board Upgrades
Automated Power, Aggressive Drop Steps, or Heavy-Duty Steel?
|
Step Style |
Top Brands |
Tech / Build |
Best For |
|
PowerStep |
AMP Research |
Automated Aluminum. |
The Ultimate Lifted Truck. The absolute gold standard of running boards. They electronically drop down instantly when you open the door to provide a massive, LED-lit step. When the door closes, they retract perfectly flush behind the rocker panels to preserve 100% of your ground clearance. |
|
Nerf / EpYx Steps |
N-FAB |
Welded Tubular Steel. |
The Aggressive Off-Roader. Ditch the boring, flat "grandpa" boards. N-FAB utilizes heavy-duty, welded steel tubing that fits incredibly tight against the body, featuring aggressive, hoop-style drop steps precisely located under each door. |
|
RB20 / RB10 |
Go Rhino |
Galvanized Steel Armor. |
The Raptor Aesthetic. Modeled after aggressive Baja pre-runner boards. These massive, wide steel planks are coated in a heavy-duty bed liner texture. Not only do they provide incredible traction, but they act as a bulletproof shield against rocks thrown by your front tires. |
Frequently Asked Questions (Running Boards)
Do I have to drill into my GMC Sierra to install running boards?
No, they utilize factory mounting points.
General Motors pre-drilled and threaded the rocker panels on the 2014–2018 Sierra specifically for running boards. Premium kits from N-FAB and Go Rhino include heavy-duty steel brackets that bolt directly into these factory holes. Installation takes about an hour in your driveway with basic hand tools. (Note: AMP PowerSteps require minor wiring to the battery and OBDII port for the motors).
Will AMP Research PowerSteps freeze and break in the winter?
No, they are built with military-grade, weatherproof motors.
This is the most common fear with automated steps. AMP Research rigorously tests their OEM-quality electric motors in extreme environments. They are completely sealed against snow, ice, mud, and road salt. If the step does encounter a massive obstruction (like a solid block of ice), the anti-pinch safety mechanism simply stops the motor to prevent damage.
Do running boards protect my truck from door dings?
Yes, they act as a massive steel shield.
If you buy wide, heavy-duty boards like the Go Rhino RB20, they stick out slightly further than the widest part of your doors. When a careless driver in a parking lot swings their door open, it will violently smash into your heavy-duty steel running board instead of denting your expensive factory sheet metal.
Armor the rockers. Save the leather.
Ditch the ripped seats and safely step up into your lifted truck. Upgrade to aggressive tubular drop steps or automated, retracting PowerSteps. Shop our verified collection of premium 2014–2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Running Boards.