Many 2019-2023 Silverado 1500 crew cab owners consider adding running boards to increase the truck’s practicality. A Silverado with an altered ride height due to oversized tires or a lift kit nearly always requires running boards for eased entry or exit. AmericanTrucks recently released a 6-inch-wide, wheel-to-wheel, full-length running board kit to fill the need.
The running boards come in matte black with contoured ends for a finished appearance. At each door, the running boards have a treaded design stepping pad to provide extra traction in wet conditions. Also, the running boards offer rocker panel protection from debris thrown from the tires and protect the truck’s doors from dings from crowded parking lots.
The running boards are aluminum but can support up to 500 pounds. Both stepping pads and all the end caps are durable, heavy-duty ABS plastic that will provide years of trouble-free operation. The running board kit has two boards, eight brackets, 32 bolts, and related hardware.
Installation is straightforward, and only 13mm and 14mm sockets, an extension, and a ratchet are needed. No drilling or cutting is required. The first step is to install four brackets to the frame on the driver’s side. There are threaded holes in the frame in which two bolts and washers will hold each bracket.
Once the brackets are fastened, eight bolts slip into the two tracks on the back side of the running board. Two bolts are aligned to engage with each bracket. Securing nuts thread onto each bolt. After tightening all the nuts, the same installation procedure is performed on the passenger’s side of the truck.
And with that, the truck’s usefulness, protection, and appearance have been enhanced. For more information about the running boards or any Silverado products, visit AmericanTrucks or contact its representatives.
For the last twenty-five years, Chris has been an automotive college professor. Since 2003, he has taught at Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, PA. Chris instructs automotive electrical & electronics, HVAC, and various high-performance classes, which include the usage of a Mustang chassis dyno, flow benches, and various machining equipment. Recently, he had a vintage vehicle upholstery class added to his teaching assignments. Chris owns a ’67 273 Dart, a ’75 Slant-Six Dart, an ’06 5.7L Hemi Police Pursuit Charger, and a ’12 Cummins turbo diesel Ram, and he is a multi-time track champion (drag racing) with his ’69 340 Dart, which he has owned since 1989.
