There’s nothing quite like the feeling of owning a robust truck, but getting in and out, especially for shorter passengers or when carrying gear, can be a real hassle. I remember struggling with this myself, wishing for a simpler way to access my truck’s cabin. Without a proper solution, every entry and exit would become an awkward climb, potentially leading to slips or putting undue strain on knees and backs. This persistent inconvenience highlighted the crucial need for a reliable and sturdy accessory to improve daily usability, and running boards would have been a game-changer for me.
Key Considerations Before Investing in Truck Steps
When you own a truck, especially a lifted or larger model like a Silverado or Sierra, the ground clearance is fantastic for off-roading or hauling, but it can make daily access a genuine challenge. This is precisely why truck steps or step bars become indispensable. They bridge the gap between the ground and your truck’s cabin, providing a safe and easy entry/exit point. The ideal customer for these types of products is anyone who frequently uses their truck for work, family transport, or simply wants enhanced convenience and safety. This includes individuals who might find the standard step height too high, those with mobility concerns, or even pet owners whose furry friends need assistance getting into the vehicle.
However, if you rarely use your truck or prefer a minimalist aesthetic without any side accessories, then perhaps this category isn’t for you. You might consider retractable steps if you want the functionality but only when needed, or simply stick with the factory setup. Before purchasing running boards, it’s vital to consider several factors: material durability (will it withstand weather and heavy use?), weight capacity (can it support multiple users or heavy loads?), ease of installation (do you need professional help?), vehicle fitment (is it specific to your truck’s make, model, and cab style?), and, of course, the overall aesthetic appeal. A good set should offer a secure footing and blend seamlessly with your truck’s design.
Introducing the COMNOVA 6 Inches Running Boards
The COMNOVA 6 Inches Running Boards are designed to provide a robust and stylish solution for easier access to your truck. This product promises enhanced convenience and safety for truck owners, specifically those with 2019-2025 Chevy Silverado 1500 Crew Cab and 2020-2025 Silverado/Sierra 2500HD 3500HD Crew Cab models. Upon purchase, you receive a pair of these running boards (one for the passenger side, one for the driver side), eight mounting brackets, and all necessary mounting accessories, ensuring a complete setup right out of the box. While not explicitly compared to a market leader or previous versions in its description, the COMNOVA set stands out for its 8-bracket design, aiming for superior strength and durability compared to standard 6-bracket options often found in the aftermarket.
This particular product is ideal for truck owners seeking a direct bolt-on solution that offers significant value without the premium price tag of OEM accessories. It’s for those who prioritize sturdy construction, a wide stepping area, and a sleek, OE-style appearance. It is not suitable for trucks outside its specified fitment (e.g., 2019 Silverado/Sierra 2500/3500, or 2019 Silverado & Sierra 1500 LD & Limited), nor for those who prefer a completely hidden or retractable step solution.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Heavy-duty carbon steel construction with anti-slip steps.
- 6-inch wide step provides a secure and comfortable footing.
- Easy, direct bolt-on installation with no drilling required.
- Innovative slider design allows for adjustable positioning.
- 8-bracket mounting system offers exceptional strength and durability, supporting up to 500 lbs per bar.
Cons:
- Mounting brackets are not explicitly marked for left/right sides, requiring careful identification during install.
- Some users reported difficulties with removing factory plastic clips from the frame, needing a separate pry tool.
- Instructions, while clear, have slightly misaligned pictures due to foreign origin.
- A few users experienced minor fitment issues with brackets needing slight modification.
- Supplied hardware (bolts) might be prone to stripping if overtightened, suggesting potential upgrade to grade 8 bolts for maximum peace of mind.
Unpacking the Benefits: Features and Performance
Diving deeper into the COMNOVA 6 Inches Running Boards reveals a thoughtfully engineered product designed to meet the demands of modern truck ownership. Each feature contributes significantly to both the functionality and the overall user experience.
Precision Fitment for Your Truck
One of the most critical aspects of any truck accessory is its fitment, and COMNOVA has prioritized this with specific compatibility. These running boards are precisely engineered for 2019-2025 Chevy Silverado 1500 Crew Cab and 2020-2025 Silverado/Sierra 2500HD 3500HD Crew Cab models (new body style, with four full-size doors). This specific design means you’re getting a product that’s not a one-size-fits-all compromise, but rather a custom solution for your vehicle. The benefit here is a seamless integration with your truck’s existing frame and mounting points, which translates directly into a more secure attachment and an aesthetically pleasing, factory-like appearance. It eliminates the guesswork and potential headaches of universal systems, ensuring a snug and secure installation that feels like it was always meant to be there. Just be mindful of the excluded models like the 2019 Silverado/Sierra 2500/3500 or the 2019 Silverado & Sierra 1500 LD & Limited, as fitment for these is not guaranteed.
Robust Construction: Carbon Steel & Powder Coating
Durability is paramount for truck step bars, and the COMNOVA boards deliver with heavy-duty carbon steel construction. This material choice provides exceptional strength and rigidity, ensuring the boards can withstand daily use, diverse weather conditions, and the repeated impact of stepping on and off. But it’s not just about raw strength; the boards are also powder-coated with a subtle glitter finish. This isn’t merely for aesthetics; the powder coating acts as a crucial barrier against rust and corrosion, extending the lifespan of the product significantly, especially in harsh climates where salt or moisture are prevalent. The glitter aspect adds a touch of style, making your running boards look more premium and custom, standing out from the usual matte black finishes. Paired with anti-slip plastic steps, this combination ensures both a long-lasting product and a safe, secure footing every time you use them, preventing slips even in wet conditions.
Optimized Design for Comfort and Aesthetics
The design of these COMNOVA 6 Inches Running Boards marries form and function beautifully. With a 6-inch wide step, they offer a generous platform that provides ample space for secure footing, accommodating various shoe sizes and making entry and exit feel much more stable and confident. This wide stance reduces the feeling of having to balance on a narrow bar, enhancing safety for all passengers, including children and older adults. Furthermore, the boards boast an OE (Original Equipment) style, meaning they are designed to mimic the appearance of factory-installed running boards. This non-welded design contributes to a cleaner, more integrated look, avoiding the industrial aesthetic sometimes associated with aftermarket accessories. It ensures that your truck maintains its rugged appeal while gaining practical functionality. The thoughtful design means you get a product that looks like it came straight from the dealership, adding to your truck’s overall appeal and value.
Innovative Slider Adjustability
A stand-out feature of the COMNOVA running boards is their innovative slider design, which has even earned a US patent. This unique mechanism allows you to adjust the position of the boards forward or backward on the vehicle. This might seem like a minor detail, but it offers significant customization potential. Different users have different preferences for where their step should be positioned relative to the door opening. Whether you want the step closer to the front door for easier driver access, or slightly further back to accommodate rear passengers, this adjustability ensures optimal placement for your specific needs and comfort. This level of customization is rarely found in bolt-on aftermarket step bars and greatly enhances the user experience, making the product truly adaptable to individual preferences and vehicle configurations.
Uncompromised Strength and Security
Strength and weight capacity are non-negotiable for running boards. Each bar of the COMNOVA set is rated to support an impressive 500 pounds, making them incredibly robust and reliable for heavy use. This high weight limit ensures that multiple occupants can use the boards safely, or that you can confidently step on them while loading or unloading gear. What truly reinforces this strength is the inclusion of eight mounting brackets per pair of boards. While many aftermarket options might come with only six, the 8-bracket system provides superior support and distribution of weight across the truck’s frame. This means less flex, greater stability, and enhanced durability over time, particularly under heavy loads or during off-road excursions where structural integrity is tested. This robust mounting ensures that your investment remains secure and functional for years to come, providing peace of mind every time you step on it.
Effortless Installation: Direct Bolt-On Convenience
For many truck owners, the thought of complex installations involving drilling or specialized tools can be a deterrent. The COMNOVA 6 Inches Running Boards eliminate this concern with their direct bolt-on design. This means no drilling is required, making the installation process significantly simpler and faster. The boards are designed to align perfectly with your truck’s existing mounting points, allowing for a straightforward attachment using the included hardware. While some users mentioned minor issues like tricky plastic clips in the frame or needing to slightly trim a bracket, the overall consensus is that the installation is manageable for a DIY enthusiast, often taking less than an hour for both sides. The clear instructions, though sometimes with slightly misaligned pictures, guide you through the process effectively. This ease of installation saves time and money, as you won’t need to pay for professional help, getting your truck upgraded and ready to go quickly.
What Other Users Are Saying
Having explored the features in depth, it’s always reassuring to hear from other real-world users. A quick survey of online reviews reveals a strong positive sentiment for the COMNOVA 6 Inches Running Boards. Many customers praise the excellent quality and sturdiness, often noting how surprisingly robust they are given the competitive price point. Users frequently commend the precise fitment on various Silverado and Sierra crew cab models, highlighting their sleek appearance and how well they integrate with the truck’s design. The ease of installation, often completed in under an hour, is a recurring theme, making them a popular choice for DIY enthusiasts. Despite minor quirks like un-labeled brackets or tight factory clips, the consensus is that these running boards offer exceptional value, rivaling more expensive OEM options in terms of durability and aesthetic appeal.
Conclusion: Step Up Your Truck’s Accessibility
The common challenge of truck ownership—difficulty accessing the cab—is not just an inconvenience; it can pose safety risks and limit the vehicle’s utility for certain passengers. The right set of truck step bars becomes an essential upgrade to solve this problem, ensuring safe and easy entry for everyone.
The COMNOVA 6 Inches Running Boards are an outstanding choice for tackling this issue. Firstly, their heavy-duty carbon steel construction and 8-bracket mounting system provide unparalleled strength and durability, promising longevity. Secondly, the 6-inch wide, anti-slip step combined with the innovative slider design offers exceptional comfort and customizable accessibility. Lastly, the direct bolt-on installation makes them a convenient and cost-effective solution for truck owners. For a significant enhancement to your truck’s functionality and aesthetics, Click here to check them out !