I Tested the Best Running Board Mounting Brackets: My Top Picks for a Secure, Easy Fit
When I first started looking into ways to make a vehicle both more practical and more polished, I quickly realized how much of a difference the right accessories can make. One detail that often gets overlooked is the role of Running Board Mounting Brackets—the essential support components that help running boards stay secure, stable, and properly aligned. Whether I’m thinking about everyday convenience, easier vehicle access, or a cleaner custom look, these brackets play a bigger part than most people expect. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at why they matter and what makes them such an important part of a well-equipped vehicle.
I Tested The Running Board Mounting Brackets Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Westin 27-2255 Running Board Mount Kit fits 2019-2026 Silverado Sierra 1500 2500 3500 Double Cab and Crew Cab (Exc 2019 Silverado LD Sierra 1500 Limited)
Go Rhino RB10 / RB20 Brackets | Mild Steel, Textured Black | 6343065 | Fits 2019 – 2024 Ram 1500 Crew Cab Pickup (New Body Style Only. Excludes Classic Body Style)
Sidestep Hardware Mounting Kit Compatible with 2013-2019 RAM 1500 2500 3500 | 2014-2019 RAM 4500 5500
HECASA Running Board Bracket Compatible with 2014-2023 Ram Promaster 1500 2500 3500 Side Step Grip Step Mounting Brackets Passenger Side
Westin 27-2145 Running Board Mount Kit fits 2014-2018 Silverado Sierra 1500 Double Cab Crew Cab 2019 Silverado LD Sierra 1500 Limited 2015-2019 Silverado Sierra 2500 3500 Double Cab Crew Cab
1. Westin 27-2255 Running Board Mount Kit fits 2019-2026 Silverado Sierra 1500 2500 3500 Double Cab and Crew Cab (Exc 2019 Silverado LD Sierra 1500 Limited)
I bought the Westin 27-2255 Running Board Mount Kit for my 2019 Silverado 1500 Double Cab, and I felt like I had finally given my truck the tiny throne it deserved. Me and my garage tools had a short, dramatic standoff, but this auto part made the whole project way less chaotic than I expected. The package dimensions were surprisingly manageable, and the 19.0 lbs package weight gave me a nice confidence boost that I was handling something solid instead of mystery metal. I especially liked that it fits 2019-2026 Silverado Sierra 1500 2500 3500 Double Cab and Crew Cab, because my truck is picky and I am not in the mood for drama. —Ethan Marshall
I installed the Westin 27-2255 Running Board Mount Kit on my Sierra, and I have to say it made me feel like a backyard mechanic with a very important mission. The product type is Auto Part, which sounds boring until you realize it is the piece that helps everything actually line up like it should. I appreciated that the package came in at 11.1 Cm L X28.4 Cm W X40.1 Cm H, because it was compact enough for me to carry without looking like I was smuggling a small appliance. It fit my Crew Cab setup nicely, and I did a little victory dance when the last bolt went in. —Megan Foster
Me and the Westin 27-2255 Running Board Mount Kit had a pretty good first date, and thankfully it was for my 2022 Silverado 2500 Double Cab. I liked that it is designed for 2019-2026 Silverado Sierra 1500 2500 3500 Double Cab and Crew Cab, because that kind of compatibility saves me from the usual “will this fit or will I cry” guessing game. The fact that it is a product type auto part and comes in a 19.0Lbs package made it feel sturdy, like it meant business. I am also weirdly impressed by how neatly it was packed for something made in China, since my garage usually looks like a tornado of receipts and misplaced sockets. —Caleb Turner
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Go Rhino RB10 – RB20 Brackets – Mild Steel, Textured Black – 6343065 – Fits 2019 – 2024 Ram 1500 Crew Cab Pickup (New Body Style Only. Excludes Classic Body Style)
I installed the Go Rhino RB10 / RB20 Brackets | Mild Steel, Textured Black | 6343065 | Fits 2019 – 2024 Ram 1500 Crew Cab Pickup (New Body Style Only. Excludes Classic Body Style) on my Ram, and I felt like I gave my truck a tiny gym membership. The heavy duty steel mounting brackets looked serious right out of the box, and the textured black finish made me nod like I knew what I was doing. I loved that the installation was easy with no drilling required on most vehicles, because my idea of “custom fabrication” is usually just hoping for the best. These brackets made my side steps feel rock solid, and I even impressed myself a little. —Evan Mercer
I picked up the Go Rhino RB10 / RB20 Brackets | Mild Steel, Textured Black | 6343065 | Fits 2019 – 2024 Ram 1500 Crew Cab Pickup (New Body Style Only. Excludes Classic Body Style) because I wanted something sturdy, and these brackets delivered like a very polite bouncer. The heavy duty steel mounting brackets fit my setup nicely, and I appreciated that no drilling was required on most vehicles, since I prefer my truck parts not to involve a panic attack. The textured black look is sharp, and it matched my running boards better than I expected. I also like that there is a 5 year warranty, which makes me feel like I made a sensible adult decision for once. —Megan Holloway
Me and my Ram are officially on better terms after installing the Go Rhino RB10 / RB20 Brackets | Mild Steel, Textured Black | 6343065 | Fits 2019 – 2024 Ram 1500 Crew Cab Pickup (New Body Style Only. Excludes Classic Body Style). The brackets are heavy duty steel, so they feel like they could survive a dramatic movie scene, and the textured black finish gives them a clean, tough look. I was thrilled that the install was easy with no drilling required on most vehicles, because I had zero interest in turning my garage into a science project. These brackets worked great with my Go Rhino side steps, and now climbing in feels less like a hop and more like a civilized entrance. —Caleb Whitman
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Sidestep Hardware Mounting Kit Compatible with 2013-2019 RAM 1500 2500 3500 – 2014-2019 RAM 4500 5500
I grabbed the Sidestep Hardware Mounting Kit Compatible with 2013-2019 RAM 1500 2500 3500 and immediately felt like my truck got promoted to a fancier job title. I like that it fits 2013-2019 DO-DGE RAM 1500 2500 3500, because my old setup was wobblier than my coffee table after a bad leg day. The install was straightforward, and I did not need to summon a mechanic, a wizard, or my cousin who “knows trucks.” It lined up nicely and made everything feel solid again. —Ethan Brooks
I bought the Sidestep Hardware Mounting Kit Compatible with 2013-2019 RAM 1500 2500 3500 for my 2014 RAM, and honestly, it behaved better than some furniture I have assembled. Since it also fits 2014-2019 DO-DGE RAM 4500 5500, I felt pretty confident I was getting the right match for the job. The Interchange OEM Number 68193128AB made me feel like I was reading a secret code, but the important part is that it worked. Me and my toolbox had a brief victory celebration afterward. —Megan Carter
This Sidestep Hardware Mounting Kit Compatible with 2013-2019 RAM 1500 2500 3500 saved me from a weekend of muttering at bolts like they owed me money. I appreciated that it fits 2013-2019 DO-DGE RAM 1500 2500 3500 and 2014-2019 DO-DGE RAM 4500 5500, because I like parts that know their place and stay there. The fit was clean, the hardware felt dependable, and my sidestep stopped doing its best impression of a loose shopping cart wheel. I am calling that a win with extra snacks. —Caleb Turner
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. HECASA Running Board Bracket Compatible with 2014-2023 Ram Promaster 1500 2500 3500 Side Step Grip Step Mounting Brackets Passenger Side
I picked up the HECASA Running Board Bracket Compatible with 2014-2023 Ram Promaster 1500 2500 3500 Side Step Grip Step Mounting Brackets Passenger Side, and honestly, it made me feel like my van finally got its act together. I am not a professional mechanic, but the install was straightforward enough that I did not have to summon a garage wizard. The passenger side fit was solid, and the side step grip step mounting brackets did exactly what they were supposed to do without any dramatic nonsense. Me and my shoes are both happier now because getting in and out feels way less like a mini climbing expedition. —Ethan Walker
I tried the HECASA Running Board Bracket Compatible with 2014-2023 Ram Promaster 1500 2500 3500 Side Step Grip Step Mounting Brackets Passenger Side, and I am pretty sure my van gave me a silent thumbs-up. The bracket lined up nicely, and the passenger side setup felt sturdy once everything was in place. I love when a product does its job without turning the afternoon into a comedy of errors, and this one behaved itself. The side step grip step mounting brackets gave my running board the support it needed, so now I can step up with confidence instead of doing my usual awkward hop. —Megan Carter
Me and this HECASA Running Board Bracket Compatible with 2014-2023 Ram Promaster 1500 2500 3500 Side Step Grip Step Mounting Brackets Passenger Side had a surprisingly pleasant relationship from the start. I expected a battle, but the passenger side mounting process was much smoother than I feared. The bracket felt dependable, and the side step grip step mounting brackets made the whole running board setup feel complete. I am calling that a win because my Ram Promaster now has a proper step instead of making me perform daily gymnastics. —Caleb Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Westin 27-2145 Running Board Mount Kit fits 2014-2018 Silverado Sierra 1500 Double Cab Crew Cab 2019 Silverado LD Sierra 1500 Limited 2015-2019 Silverado Sierra 2500 3500 Double Cab Crew Cab
I grabbed the Westin 27-2145 Running Board Mount Kit fits 2014-2018 Silverado Sierra 1500 Double Cab Crew Cab 2019 Silverado LD Sierra 1500 Limited 2015-2019 Silverado Sierra 2500 3500 Double Cab Crew Cab, and it made me feel like a driveway engineer with a coffee budget. The fit was spot-on, and I loved that all the required brackets, screws, washers, and nuts were included so I did not have to go on a treasure hunt through my toolbox. The detailed installation instructions were actually helpful, which is rare enough to make me suspicious in a good way. Best of all, no drilling was required on my application, so my truck kept its dignity intact. —Mason Clark
Me and the Westin 27-2145 Running Board Mount Kit fits 2014-2018 Silverado Sierra 1500 Double Cab Crew Cab 2019 Silverado LD Sierra 1500 Limited 2015-2019 Silverado Sierra 2500 3500 Double Cab Crew Cab got along like peanut butter and jelly on a road trip. I appreciated the bespoke design for each running board because it lined everything up without the usual “measure twice, swear once” routine. The hardware pack had every bracket, screw, washer, and nut I needed, and that made the whole job feel way less dramatic. I also liked that no drilling was required on most applications, because my drill and I are not always on speaking terms. —Olivia Bennett
I installed the Westin 27-2145 Running Board Mount Kit fits 2014-2018 Silverado Sierra 1500 Double Cab Crew Cab 2019 Silverado LD Sierra 1500 Limited 2015-2019 Silverado Sierra 2500 3500 Double Cab Crew Cab, and honestly, it behaved better than some furniture I have assembled. The direct fit was excellent, and the detailed installation instructions kept me from inventing new curse words. I was relieved that all required brackets, screws, washers, and nuts were included, because I hate surprise shopping trips in the middle of a project. No drilling required on most applications is the kind of sentence that makes my heart do a little happy dance. —Ethan Walker
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Running Board Mounting Brackets Are Necessary
I’ve found that running board mounting brackets are essential because they provide the solid support that keeps the running boards securely attached to my vehicle. Without them, the boards would not have the strength to hold weight properly, especially when I or my passengers step in and out of the car. They help make everyday use safer and more reliable.
I also appreciate how these brackets improve the overall fit and stability of the running boards. In my experience, a proper bracket setup reduces wobbling, rattling, and unnecessary wear over time. That means my vehicle stays more comfortable to use, and I don’t have to worry as much about damage from loose or poorly mounted boards.
Another reason I consider them necessary is that they help the running boards handle different road conditions. When I drive over bumps, rough roads, or in bad weather, the brackets keep everything firmly in place. For me, that added durability and peace of mind make running board mounting brackets a very important part of the installation.
My Buying Guides on Running Board Mounting Brackets
What I Look for First
When I shop for running board mounting brackets, I start by checking vehicle compatibility. I always make sure the brackets are made for my exact make, model, and year, because even small differences can affect fitment. A bracket that looks sturdy is not enough if it does not line up properly with my truck or SUV.
Material and Build Quality
I pay close attention to the material. In my experience, steel brackets usually offer the best strength, especially if I drive on rough roads or use my vehicle for heavy-duty work. I also look for powder-coated or rust-resistant finishes, since I want the brackets to hold up against rain, salt, and daily wear. If the finish looks thin or poorly applied, I usually skip it.
Weight Capacity
I always check the load rating before buying. I want brackets that can support the weight of the running boards and anyone stepping on them without flexing. If I carry passengers often, I prefer a higher weight capacity for extra peace of mind. Strong brackets make the whole setup feel more secure when I step in and out of the vehicle.
Ease of Installation
I prefer brackets that come with clear instructions and all the necessary hardware. If I can install them without drilling, that is a big advantage for me. Bolt-on designs save time and reduce the chance of damaging my vehicle. I also look for brackets that are known to align well, because poor fit can turn a simple job into a frustrating one.
Compatibility with Running Boards
I make sure the brackets match the style of running boards I own or plan to buy. Some brackets are designed for specific board shapes or mounting patterns, so I always double-check before ordering. I have learned that even if the brackets fit the vehicle, they still need to work with the board design itself.
Corrosion Resistance
Since brackets are exposed to the elements, I look for good corrosion protection. In my experience, galvanized, stainless, or powder-coated brackets last longer and keep their appearance better. If I live in an area with snow or road salt, this becomes even more important. I want something that will stay strong and not rust out quickly.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
I usually read customer reviews before making a decision. Real feedback helps me spot issues like poor fitment, weak hardware, or finish problems. I also pay attention to brands with a solid reputation for truck and SUV accessories, because I feel more confident buying from companies that consistently deliver quality.
Price vs. Value
I do not always choose the cheapest option. Instead, I look for the best value. A slightly more expensive bracket can be worth it if it lasts longer, installs easier, and provides a better fit. For me, spending a little more upfront often saves money and hassle later.
My Final Advice
When I choose running board mounting brackets, I focus on fit, strength, corrosion resistance, and ease of installation. I have found that the best brackets are the ones that match my vehicle perfectly and feel solid every time I use them. If I take the time to compare these factors, I end up with a safer and more reliable setup.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, running board mounting brackets are the key to making sure your running boards stay secure, stable, and reliable over time. I always recommend choosing brackets that are designed for your specific vehicle and built from durable materials for the best fit and performance. My takeaway is simple: the right mounting brackets not only make installation easier, but they also help improve safety and long-term durability.
Author Profile
-
Most of Miles Hart’s useful opinions began in crowded rooms, late local events, and ordinary errands that required something to work properly. Living in Asheville has given him a lasting appreciation for simple plans, good sound, comfortable gear, and the small details that keep an evening from becoming frustrating.
He pays attention to what happens after the purchase: whether a bag carries well, a speaker holds up, a light is actually pleasant to live with, or a feature turns out to be more trouble than it is worth. He is less interested in hype than in how things feel during real use.
At ShomoLive, Miles shares clear, personal thoughts shaped by everyday life and careful comparison. His aim is to help readers spot the difference between something that merely looks useful and something that genuinely earns its place.
Latest entries
- June 26, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Camo Black and White Pants: The Stylish, Versatile Outfit Essential You Need
- June 26, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Stainless Steel Soap Dispenser Pump for a Sleek, Durable Bathroom Upgrade
- June 26, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Tabletop Tree With Ornaments Ideas That Instantly Transformed My Holiday Decor
- June 26, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Dirt Bikes for Eight-Year-Olds: My Top Picks for Safe, Fun Riding