Ford Excursion Nerf Bars and Running Boards
Nerf bars and running boards provide a helpful way of letting you board and exit your vehicle with greater ease. Nerf bars and running boards both come in a wide range of widths, lengths, materials, and finishes.
Are running boards and nerf bars the same thing?They both serve a similar function, so theyre often identified interchangeably, but they are different in shape. Generally, nerf bars are bar-shaped or cylindrical, whereas running boards are plank-shaped. Both can range in width or diameter from 3 to 6 inches or more.
You also have a choice of different lengths. The most common lengths are cab length or wheel-to-wheel. Lengths vary in each category. Some cab-length models only span the front drivers and passengers side doors, while others span front and back seats. Wheel-to-wheel lengths typically stretch from the back of the front wheels to the front of the back wheels.
Whats the deal with electric running boards?Electric running boards are either remotely operated or automatic. They extend at the press of a button or automatically when you open your door. Then they retract when you close your door. Self-lubricating bushings provide smooth, year-round action that is low maintenance to boot. Their shape may resemble either a bar or a board. Like other nerf bars and running boards, their capacity varies but easily goes up to 500 or 600 pounds.
Are there other brands that fit Ford?Yes, but the assortment of brands is too vast to list here. Here are a few examples: Westin, N-Fab, Raptor, Lund, Carr, and Amp Research. Of the available brands, there are genuine OEM and aftermarket branded models as well as various fitment types, such as custom, performance, and direct replacement. Any of these brands and fitment types are appropriate, so long as the corresponding products are compatible with your vehicle.
What is the toughest material and finish?Most nerf bars and running boards are made of some form of aluminum or steel. Anodized aluminum, aircraft grade aluminum, stainless steel, and carbon steel are quite common. These commonly used materials share certain key qualities. They are lightweight yet extremely durable, and they are naturally resistant to corrosion.
Most finishes are purely aesthetic, although some also reinforce corrosion resistance and durability. Textured and anodized finishes, for example, resist moisture and bad weather. They also enhance traction, offering more grip and stability. Colored and silvery finishes let you harmonize with your vehicles palette, while rubber and vinyl trim make for slip-resistant surfaces.