Sidebars, Steps & Running Boards in Shrewsbury, MA
Professional running board and step installation for trucks, SUVs & lifted vehicles. Flat boards, nerf bars, power retractable steps, and fleet solutions — all backed by our 3-year / 36,000-mile warranty.
3-Year / 36K Warranty
On Every Installation
4 MA & NH Locations
Find Your Nearest Shop
Same-Week Scheduling
Most Jobs Same Day
All Trucks, SUVs & Vans
Any Make, Model & Lift Level
Get a Free Quote
🔒 No spam. We’ll reply within 1 business hour.
Shrewsbury Location
Business Hours
| Monday: | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday: | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday: | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday: | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday: | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday: | Closed |
| Sunday: | Closed |
Services at This Location
Running Boards & Steps
Nerf Bars & Sidebars
Power Retractable Steps
Lift Kits & Leveling
Bed Covers & Tonneau
Headache Racks
Commercial Van Upfitting
Fleet Programs
Also Serving Nearby Cities
3-Year / 36,000-Mile Warranty
Every running board and step installation at Micorp is backed by our full 3-year / 36,000-mile labor and product warranty.
Sidebars, Steps & Running Boards · Shrewsbury, MA
Safe, Clean Entry & Exit for Every Truck and SUV
Modern full-size trucks and SUVs sit higher than they did a decade ago — and getting in and out of them, safely, dozens of times a day takes a toll. For workers who step in and out of a service truck all day long, that repeated high step is a knee and back injury waiting to happen. For families with young children or older passengers, a factory step notch simply isn’t enough. For lifted vehicles, it can be a genuine hazard.
Sidebars, running boards, and truck steps solve an access problem that most truck owners don’t think about until someone gets hurt — or until a customer or passenger struggles awkwardly to climb in. At Micorp Custom Auto & Truck in Shrewsbury, we install running boards and step systems that make every entry and exit cleaner, safer, and easier, on every truck and SUV that comes through our shop at 697 Hartford Turnpike.
Every installation includes our 3-year / 36,000-mile warranty and a fit check on your specific vehicle. See all services at this location on our Shrewsbury van and truck upfitting page →
Product Guide
Running Boards & Step Styles: Which One Fits Your Vehicle
Running boards and sidebar steps come in more configurations than most truck owners realize. The right style depends on your vehicle’s cab size and body type, how much ground clearance you need to preserve, and whether you want a clean integrated look or maximum usable step surface.
| Step Style | Surface Width | Profile | Best For | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flat Running Board | 5–7 in. | Low, close to body | Daily drivers, families | Best entry comfort; reduces clearance slightly |
| Oval Tube Nerf Bar | 2–3 in. | Round, minimal profile | Lifted trucks, off-road | Preserves clearance; less surface area than boards |
| Square / Oval Sidebar | 3–5 in. | Angular, aggressive | Work trucks, contractor fleets | Durable; clean professional appearance |
| Cab-Length Step Bar | 3–4 in. | Crew cab door to door | Crew cabs, 4-door SUVs | Single bar covers all 4 doors; consistent look |
| Wheel-to-Wheel Board | 6–8 in. | Wide, full-length | Families, accessibility priority | Widest step surface; excellent for kids and seniors |
| Powered Retractable Step | 6–8 in. | Flush when retracted | Premium trucks, daily drivers | Extends on door open; clean look; higher cost |
| Hoop Step / Bed Step | 3–4 in. | Over rear wheel well | Anyone accessing truck bed | Reaches bed without climbing tire; separate from running board |
Lifted Truck Note
If you've raised your truck more than 4 inches, a factory running board or standard nerf bar may not bridge the gap adequately. We carry extended drop steps and custom-offset boards designed specifically for lifted applications. Bring your truck in — we'll measure the entry height and spec the right step depth.
Entry Height Guide
How High Is Your Truck? A Practical Step Guide
Entry height varies dramatically between vehicle types, trims, and lift levels. Here’s a practical guide to what you’re working with and what we typically recommend:
| Vehicle / Lift Height | Approx. Step Height | Recommended Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Standard mid-size truck / SUV (stock) | 18–22 in. | Flat running board or cab-length step bar |
| Full-size truck, stock ride height | 22–26 in. | Flat running board; wheel-to-wheel for families |
| Full-size truck, 2–3 in. leveling kit | 24–28 in. | Oval nerf bar or extended sidebar |
| Truck with 4–6 in. lift kit | 28–34 in. | Drop step / offset board; powered retractable step |
| Truck with 6+ in. lift, larger tires | 34 in.+ | Custom drop steps or power retractable — nerf bar alone insufficient |
| Full-size SUV (Expedition, Suburban, stock) | 20–24 in. | Wheel-to-wheel board; powered retractable for premium trim |
These are reference ranges — actual entry heights vary by specific make, model, year, and trim. Our Shrewsbury technicians measure your actual vehicle before recommending any product.
Finish & Material Guide
Finish Options: Built for New England Roads
Massachusetts road salt is among the most corrosive environments any vehicle accessory faces. Finish choice on running boards and sidebars matters more here than in most states. Here’s how common finish options hold up on Worcester County roads:
| Finish | Appearance | Durability in MA | Best Pairing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Powder Coat | Matte black, modern | Excellent — hides salt residue; resists corrosion | Dark or matte truck colors; work trucks |
| Brushed Aluminum | Silver, clean, modern | Very Good — naturally corrosion-proof | Silver, white, or gray vehicle colors |
| Polished Stainless | Chrome-like, bright | Good — resists rust; shows salt more visibly | Chrome-detailed or premium trims |
| Black Texture Plastic | OEM-style, integrated | Very Good — UV-stable; lightweight | Factory color-matched; SUV and CUV fitments |
| Chrome Plated Steel | High-gloss chrome | Fair — pitting common in high-salt exposure | Show trucks; low-winter-use vehicles |
Our Recommendation for Shrewsbury Customers
For most Shrewsbury customers, we recommend black powder coat or brushed aluminum — both hold up well through Massachusetts winters without requiring the maintenance that polished chrome demands.
Fleet & Commercial
Fleet Safety: Why Running Boards Are a Worker's Compensation Issue
For businesses with service trucks, utility vehicles, and work fleets, running boards and truck steps aren’t just a comfort upgrade — they’re a workplace safety investment. Step-related slip, trip, and fall incidents from vehicle entry and exit are among the most common worker’s compensation claims in industries where employees use trucks daily.
Repetitive High-Step Strain
Crew members stepping in and out of tall trucks multiple times daily accumulate knee and hip strain even without a single incident. Proper step height reduces the extension required on every entry.
OSHA Step Height Guidelines
OSHA 1910.23 covers fixed industrial stairs, but the ergonomic principle applies: steps above 12 inches in height increase slip-and-fall risk significantly. Many lifted work trucks exceed this without proper steps.
Slip Hazards in Winter
Wet boots, icy steps, and rushed entries are a liability exposure. We install grip-pad running boards and anti-slip step inserts rated for wet and icy conditions.
Standardized Fleet Specs
We work with fleet managers to spec consistent running board solutions across all vehicles — same height, same grip surface, same mount — so crews can safely transition between vehicles without adjustment.
Fleet & Commercial
Multi-vehicle pricing, standardized product specs, and scheduled service coordination to upfit your entire service fleet in a single project.
Who We Serve
Who We Install Running Boards & Steps For in Shrewsbury
Families with Young Children or Elderly Passengers
A running board that makes it possible for kids, grandparents, and shorter passengers to enter and exit without assistance or struggling.
Service & Trades Fleets
Businesses with multiple service trucks whose crews step in and out all day, where step ergonomics directly affect workplace injury rates.
Dealerships & Pre-Delivery Outfitters
Micorp works with dealer accounts to upfit new inventory with running boards before vehicles are delivered to buyers.
Lifted Truck & SUV Owners
Owners who raised their vehicle for clearance or appearance and now need a step solution that bridges the increased entry height.
New Vehicle Owners
Factory running boards on many modern trucks are narrow, slippery, or poorly positioned — upgrading at delivery is the cleanest time to do it.
Commercial Van Operators
Cargo van and Sprinter van drivers who make repeated deliveries and need a step system that reduces daily wear on their knees and back. See our van upfitting page →
Frequently Asked Questions
Running Board & Step FAQs
What's the difference between running boards and nerf bars?
Running boards are flat, wide platforms that run the length of the cab — typically 5 to 8 inches of flat standing surface. Nerf bars (also called tube steps or sidebars) are round or oval tubes mounted at step height that provide a narrower step point. Running boards offer more surface area and are better for families and accessibility. Nerf bars preserve more ground clearance and suit off-road and lifted trucks where a full board would take hits on trails. We carry both and will help you pick the right style for your use case.
Will running boards lower my ground clearance?
Standard running boards typically drop 2 to 4 inches below the rocker panel, which can reduce effective ground clearance on off-road terrain. For off-road use on lifted trucks, we recommend oval tube nerf bars or rock-slider-style sidebars that sit higher and offer side body protection without projecting as far below the frame. We measure clearance before recommending any product for lifted or off-road vehicles.
Do power retractable steps work reliably in Massachusetts winters?
Quality power retractable steps from brands like AMP Research are rated for cold-weather operation and include drain channels designed to prevent ice binding. That said, any powered mechanism in a high-salt, freeze-thaw environment benefits from seasonal lubrication and occasional inspection — a service we provide as part of our annual vehicle accessory check-up. In very severe icing conditions, power steps can occasionally freeze in position; manual override features are standard on quality units.
Can I add running boards to any cab configuration?
Yes — we carry running boards and step systems for regular cab, extended cab (SuperCab, Double Cab), crew cab, and mega cab configurations across all major truck brands. Cab-length step bars for crew cabs cover all four door openings in a single piece. For extended cabs with smaller rear access doors, we evaluate door-position clearance before specifying the board length.
My truck came with factory running boards. Should I replace them?
It depends on your needs. OEM boards are often narrower, have less grip surface, and sit higher than aftermarket options. If you’re finding that passengers struggle, that the surface feels slick in rain or snow, or that the boards have corroded or cracked, a replacement upgrade makes sense. We’ll compare your factory boards to aftermarket options in the same price range so you can decide with full information.
Do you install running boards on cargo vans and Sprinter vans?
Service Area
Running Board & Step Installation Near Shrewsbury, MA
Our Shrewsbury shop at 697 Hartford Turnpike serves vehicle owners throughout central Massachusetts. Customers regularly come to us from:
Micorp has four locations in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Find your nearest Micorp location → or call us at 508-832-9816.
Make Every Entry and Exit Safer
Whether it’s a grandmother who can’t step up into your F-250 or a service crew making their fiftieth vehicle exit of the day, the right running board or step system makes a measurable difference. Call ahead and we can usually get you scheduled within the week. Most installations are completed same day.
697 Hartford Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 | micorpcustom.com