Best Running Boards for 2019–2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab: 6 Picks Incl. Wheel-to-Wheel Bars
Six side steps listed for the T1 Sierra 1500 Crew Cab, from Westin's stainless and wheel-to-wheel bars to Go Rhino's galvanized RB20 and $150 aluminum boards. Rule out the 2019 Sierra Limited first; then decide between cab-length and wheel-to-wheel.
Fit-checked means: matched to the maker's fit guide and part number, then checked against owner reports; not installed by us (how we chose). Covers the 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 (5th Gen (T1)); some listings name fewer model years, so check the fit note on each pick.
- Not the 2019 Sierra 1500 Limited. It's the old body.
- Wheel-to-wheel bars are sold by bed length. 5 ft 5 in and 6 ft 5 in versions.
- Silverado and Sierra share boards.
- No drilling on most kits.
- Stainless gets Westin's lifetime warranty.
2019–2026 Sierra 1500: fit checklist
| Variable | Versions | What to buy |
|---|---|---|
| Body | T1 or 2019 Sierra 1500 Limited | All picks T1; Limited needs 2014–2018 parts |
| Cab | Regular, Double, Crew | All picks are Crew Cab |
| Bed (wheel-to-wheel) | Short box or standard box | Westin 21-534680 (5 ft 5 in) / 28-534695 (6 ft 5 in) |
| Trim | Pro, SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4, Denali | Same rocker points |
What to look for in Sierra 1500 running boards
T1 body, not the 2019 Limited
GMC sold a carryover Sierra 1500 Limited in 2019 alongside the new T1 truck, and it uses the older body and rocker. Westin's listings exclude it by name. If your 2019 has the older body, these boards won't fit. From 2020 on, every Sierra 1500 is a T1, and every pick here fits the Crew Cab.
Cab-length or wheel-to-wheel
Cab-length bars and boards run under the doors. Wheel-to-wheel bars extend from the front wheel well to the rear wheel well, adding a step beside the bed that makes it easier to reach into the box or a toolbox. They're sold by bed length, so you need to know yours. Westin's PRO TRAXX 5 21-534680 is listed for the Crew Cab with the 5 ft 5 in bed, and its R5 modular 28-534695 for the 6 ft 5 in bed. Westin's bed names don't match GMC's short-box and standard-box names exactly, so confirm the fit with Westin's fit tool or the seller rather than going by the number alone.
Finish and warranty
Westin offers the PRO TRAXX 5 in polished 304 stainless with a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects, or black powder coat over e-coated steel with a 3-year warranty. RealTruck lists the Go Rhino RB20 as galvanized 16-gauge steel with a textured powder coat, a limited lifetime structural warranty and a 5-year finish warranty. For a Denali or SLT that should look sharp for years, stainless is the premium route; for a work truck, galvanized steel is the durable one.
Mounting and install
The Sierra has factory mounting points on the rocker, and Westin sells a 27-2255 mount kit for 2019–2026 Silverado and Sierra Double and Crew Cab. Westin says its bars are bolt-on with no drilling on most applications; RealTruck says the same for the RB20. Wheel-to-wheel bars add mounting points toward the rear, so they take longer. Use a helper and recheck torque after a week.
Step width and who rides
Oval and rectangular nerf bars give a narrower step than a flat board. RealTruck lists the RB20 at 7.5 in at the front and 6.5 in at the rear, and budget OE-style boards like RHOBRA's are about 6 in. For kids and older passengers, a wide board is easier; for adults who want a clean look, a nerf bar is enough.
| Feature | Look for | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Excludes 2019 Sierra Limited | Listings that don't say |
| Cab | Crew Cab named | Double Cab parts |
| Bed length | Named for wheel-to-wheel bars | Guessing the bed |
| Mounting | Bolt-on to factory points | Drilling kits |
| Finish | Stainless or galvanized | Bare paint in salt states |
| Warranty | Stated terms | None |
Side step types for the 2019–2026 Sierra 1500 Crew Cab
| Type | Example | Length | Finish | Price band | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheel-to-wheel oval bar | Westin 21-534680 | Cab + bed (5 ft 5 in) | Stainless | $450–$650 | Reaching into the bed |
| Cab-length oval bar | Westin 21-54130 | Cab | Polished stainless | $300–$450 | Clean look |
| Galvanized board | Go Rhino RB20 | Cab | Galvanized + powder coat | $450–$600 | Wide step |
| Wheel-to-wheel modular | Westin R5 28-534695 | Cab + bed (6 ft 5 in) | Black | $500–$700 | Standard-bed trucks |
| OE-style board | RHOBRA, 3STONZ, OEDRO | Cab | Aluminum / steel | $150–$230 | Budget |
#1: Westin 21-534680 PRO TRAXX 5 Wheel-to-Wheel Nerf Bars Stainless — Best wheel-to-wheel (short bed)
Westin 21-534680 PRO TRAXX 5 Wheel-to-Wheel Nerf Bars Stainless, 2019-2025 Silverado/Sierra 1500 Crew Cab 5'5" bed (exc 2019 LD/Limited)
Confirm fit on listingShort box; confirm with Westin fit tool.- Runs wheel to wheel for a bed-side step
- Stainless steel
- Lists 2019–2025 Silverado/Sierra 1500 Crew Cab, 5 ft 5 in bed
- 5 in oval with molded pads
- Excludes the 2019 Limited explicitly
- Short-bed trucks only
- Costs more than cab-length bars
- Longer install
Westin's PRO TRAXX 5 21-534680 is a wheel-to-wheel nerf bar for the 2019–2025 Silverado and Sierra 1500 Crew Cab with the 5 ft 5 in bed, excluding the 2019 Silverado LD and Sierra 1500 Limited. It extends past the cab to the rear wheel well, so you get a step beside the bed.
That extra step is the reason to buy it. Reaching into a Sierra's bed from the side is awkward on a tall truck, and a step beside the box makes it easy to grab gear or reach a toolbox. It uses Westin's 5 in oval tube and molded step pads, in stainless steel.
It's cut to the short bed; standard-bed trucks need a different part. It costs more and takes longer to install than a cab-length bar, but it adds a useful step that cab-length bars don't.
Who it's for: Short-bed Crew Cab owners who reach into the bed often.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Part # | Westin 21-534680 |
| Type | Wheel-to-wheel oval nerf bar |
| Tube | 5 in oval |
| Finish | Stainless steel |
| Fits | 2019–2025 Silverado/Sierra 1500 Crew Cab, 5 ft 5 in bed (exc 2019 LD/Limited) |
#2: Westin 21-54130 PRO TRAXX 5 Oval Nerf Bars Polished — Best cab-length nerf bar
Westin 21-54130 PRO TRAXX 5 Oval Nerf Bars Polished, 2019-2025 Silverado/Sierra 1500 & 2020-2025 HD Crew Cab (exc 2019 LD/Limited)
Listed for this truckExcludes 2019 LD / Sierra Limited.- Polished 304 stainless
- Lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects on this finish
- Lists 1500 and 2020–2025 HD Crew Cab
- Bolt-on, no drilling on most applications
- Mount kit included
- Excludes the 2019 Limited
- Narrower step than a board
- Polished costs more than black
Westin's PRO TRAXX 5 21-54130 is the cab-length polished stainless nerf bar for the 2019–2025 Sierra and Silverado 1500 Crew Cab, plus the 2020–2025 heavy-duty Crew Cab, excluding the 2019 Limited. Westin describes a 5 in oval tube with injection-molded step pads, domed ends and 30° factory-style bends.
The polished stainless finish carries Westin's lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects, which suits a Denali or SLT that should still look good in ten years. Westin says it's bolt-on with no drilling on most applications and includes a mount kit.
If you don't need the bed-side step, this is the cleaner, cheaper Westin option. Westin sells the same bar in black powder coat under a different part number if you prefer a darker look and don't need the lifetime finish warranty.
Who it's for: Owners who want a cab-length nerf bar with a lifetime finish warranty.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Part # | Westin 21-54130 |
| Tube | 5 in oval |
| Finish | Polished 304 stainless |
| Fits | 2019–2025 Sierra/Silverado 1500, 2020–2025 HD Crew Cab |
| Warranty | Lifetime (polished stainless) |
#3: Go Rhino RB20 Running Boards & Brackets 69404887PC — Best running board
Go Rhino RB20 Running Boards & Brackets 69404887PC, 2019-2025 Silverado & Sierra Crew Cab
Confirm fit on listingGalvanized; confirm 2026.- Galvanized 16-gauge steel
- Limited lifetime structural, 5-year finish warranty
- Wide flat step
- Bolt-on, no drilling
- Lists Sierra and Silverado Crew Cab
- Costs the most among cab-length options
- Heavier than aluminum
- Confirm 2026
Go Rhino's RB20 69404887PC is listed for 2019–2025 Silverado and Sierra Crew Cab. RealTruck describes galvanized 16-gauge zinc-coated steel, a textured powder coat or bedliner finish, a limited lifetime structural warranty and a 5-year finish warranty, with a step 7.5 in wide at the front and 6.5 in at the rear.
For an AT4 or a family Sierra, the wide, rugged step is the draw. The galvanizing protects the steel where the top coat chips, which matters on a truck that sees salt or gravel roads.
RealTruck lists it as no-drill with a vehicle-specific bracket kit, from $519.99. Go Rhino also sells a bedliner-coated RB20 and a Slim version if you want a tougher top coat or a narrower step.
Who it's for: Owners who want a wide, durable board.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Part # | Go Rhino 69404887PC |
| Width | 7.5 in front / 6.5 in rear (RealTruck) |
| Material | Galvanized 16-ga steel |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime structural, 5-yr finish |
| Fits | 2019–2025 Sierra/Silverado Crew Cab |
#4: Westin 28-534695 R5 Modular Wheel-to-Wheel Nerf Bars Black — Best wheel-to-wheel (standard bed)
Westin 28-534695 R5 Modular Wheel-to-Wheel Nerf Bars Black, 2019-2025 Silverado/Sierra 1500 Crew Cab 6'5" bed
Confirm fit on listingStandard box; confirm with Westin fit tool.- Wheel-to-wheel for the 6 ft 5 in bed
- Westin R5 modular design
- Black finish
- Excludes the 2019 Limited
- Bed-side step
- Standard-bed trucks only
- Most expensive here
- Longer install
Westin's R5 modular 28-534695 is a wheel-to-wheel nerf bar for the 2019–2025 Silverado and Sierra 1500 Crew Cab with the 6 ft 5 in bed, excluding the 2019 Limited. It's the standard-bed counterpart to the short-bed PRO TRAXX wheel-to-wheel bar.
The R5 uses a modular design with step pads along its length. The bed-side step is useful for reaching into a long bed.
It's the most expensive option here and takes the longest to install. For standard-bed trucks that carry tools or gear in the bed, it's worth it.
Who it's for: Standard-bed Crew Cab owners who reach into the bed.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Part # | Westin 28-534695 |
| Series | R5 modular |
| Type | Wheel-to-wheel |
| Finish | Black |
| Fits | 2019–2025 Silverado/Sierra 1500 Crew Cab, 6 ft 5 in bed (exc 2019 LD/Limited) |
#5: RHOBRA 6 in Running Boards — Best budget
RHOBRA 6 in Running Boards, 2019-2026 Silverado/Sierra 1500 Crew Cab
Listed for this truckOE-style.- 6 in OE-style board
- Lists 2019–2026
- Low price
- Flat step
- Covers the newest year
- No published warranty we could check
- Material specs thin
- Lighter-duty than steel
RHOBRA's 6 in running boards are listed for 2019–2026 Silverado and Sierra 1500 Crew Cab. They give an OE-style look and a flat step for a budget price, and the listing covers 2026.
RHOBRA doesn't publish warranty or weight specs we could check. 3STONZ's aluminum boards and OEDRO's boards with paintable step plates, both in our product list, are alternatives.
For a daily-driven Sierra where the goal is easier entry, it's the value pick. Check the listing photos for a textured step surface; on a smooth aluminum or painted top, wet or icy boots slip more easily.
Who it's for: Budget buyers who want an OE-style board.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Width | 6 in |
| Style | OE-style |
| Fits | 2019–2026 Silverado/Sierra 1500 Crew Cab |
| Warranty | Confirm with seller |
| Price band | $150–$220 |
#6: OEDRO 6 in Running Boards — Best paintable board
OEDRO 6 in Running Boards, 2019-2025 Silverado/Sierra 1500 Crew Cab
Listed for this truckPaintable step plates.- 6 in board
- Paintable step plates per listing
- Lists 2019–2025 Crew Cab
- Low price
- OE-style
- No published warranty
- Confirm 2026
- Lighter-duty than galvanized steel
OEDRO's 6 in running boards are listed for 2019–2025 Silverado and Sierra 1500 Crew Cab, with step plates the listing describes as paintable. That's a small but useful detail for owners who want to match body color on a Denali or Elevation.
It's a budget board with little documentation. Confirm a 2026 with the seller.
Who it's for: Owners who want to color-match on a budget.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Width | 6 in |
| Feature | Paintable step plates (per listing) |
| Fits | 2019–2025 Silverado/Sierra 1500 Crew Cab |
| Price band | $150–$220 |
Also fit-checked for the 2019–2026 GMC Sierra 1500
- 3STONZ 6 in Aluminum Running Boards, 2019-2025 Silverado/Sierra 1500 Crew Cab — Amazon price $177.99 (as of 11/08/2026 18:01 UTC · Details) · Amazon
Real-world fit: owner posts and install videos
How these parts look and go on in real Sierra 1500s, from owners and installers. Each is shown through the platform's own embed and stays with its creator; we picked them, we did not make them.
How to install a running board on the Sierra 1500
- Confirm a T1 Crew Cab (not the 2019 Limited) and, for wheel-to-wheel bars, your bed length.
- Locate the factory rocker mounting points; remove plugs if present.
- Bolt brackets on hand-tight.
- With a helper, set the bar or board on the brackets and start all bolts.
- Level it and torque every bolt to spec.
- Recheck torque after a week.
What to avoid
2019 Sierra Limited. Old body; these don't fit.
Wrong bed length. Wheel-to-wheel bars are bed-specific.
Double Cab parts. Shorter cab.
Skipping the recheck. Brackets settle after a week.
Bed, roof, hitch and interior, filtered to the 2019–2026 GMC Sierra 1500.
Open the Sierra 1500 fit hub → See the Sierra 1500 upgrade plan →Frequently asked questions
What are the best running boards for a 2019–2026 GMC Sierra 1500?
It depends on whether you want a step beside the bed. If you reach into the bed often, the pick is a Westin wheel-to-wheel bar for your bed length: the PRO TRAXX 5 21-534680 in stainless for the 5 ft 5 in bed, or the R5 modular 28-534695 for the 6 ft 5 in bed. For a cab-length nerf bar, Westin's polished 304 stainless PRO TRAXX 5 21-54130 carries a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects and bolts on with no drilling on most applications. For the widest step, Go Rhino's RB20 is galvanized steel with a limited lifetime structural warranty. RHOBRA's 6 in OE-style boards are the budget pick. Every pick is a Crew Cab part, and none fits the 2019 Sierra 1500 Limited, which uses the old body.
What is the 2019 Sierra 1500 Limited?
GMC sold a carryover of the previous-generation Sierra in 2019, badged Sierra 1500 Limited, alongside the new T1 truck. It uses the old body and rocker mounting points. Westin's listings exclude it by name. If your 2019 has the older body, buy parts for the 2014–2018 Sierra.
What's the difference between cab-length and wheel-to-wheel nerf bars?
Cab-length bars run under the doors only. Wheel-to-wheel bars run from the front wheel well to the rear wheel well, adding a step alongside the bed that helps you reach into it. Wheel-to-wheel bars are sold by bed length. Westin's 21-534680 is for the Crew Cab with the 5 ft 5 in bed; its R5 28-534695 is for the 6 ft 5 in bed.
How do I know my Sierra's bed length?
Check the window sticker or measure the bed floor. Crew Cab Sierra 1500s come with a short box of about 5 ft 8 in or a standard box of about 6 ft 6 in. Westin's wheel-to-wheel listings name '5 ft 5 in' and '6 ft 5 in' beds for these trucks, so the naming doesn't match GMC's exactly. Confirm your bed with Westin's fit tool or the seller before ordering.
Do Silverado running boards fit the Sierra?
Yes, for the same cab. Every pick here lists both trucks.
Do AT4 and Denali trucks take the same boards?
The rocker mounting points are the same across trims. Some Denali and AT4 trucks come with factory running boards or power steps; aftermarket boards replace them. The AT4X has factory rocker protection, and off-road trucks are better served by rock sliders.
Do I need to drill?
Not usually. Westin says its PRO TRAXX and R5 bars are bolt-on with no drilling on most applications, and RealTruck lists the Go Rhino RB20 as no-drill.
What is Westin's R5 series?
Westin's R5 is a modular nerf bar with a rectangular tube and step pads, sold in cab-length and wheel-to-wheel versions. The listing here is the black wheel-to-wheel version for the Crew Cab with the 6 ft 5 in bed.
Stainless or black?
Westin's polished 304 stainless PRO TRAXX 5 carries a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects; its black powder-coat version is covered for 3 years.
Can I install them myself?
Yes, with a helper and basic tools. Wheel-to-wheel bars are longer and heavier, so a second person is more important. Torque the bolts and recheck after a week.
How much weight do running boards hold?
It depends on the product. RealTruck lists the Go Rhino RB30 at 600 lb per side. Westin doesn't publish a figure for the PRO TRAXX 5 on its page. Ask the seller if the listing doesn't state it.
Do running boards fit a Sierra with the CarbonPro bed?
Yes. The CarbonPro composite bed on some Sierras affects bed accessories, not the cab's rocker mounting points. Cab-length boards and bars bolt to the same points. For wheel-to-wheel bars, which run alongside the bed, confirm the rear bracket mounts with Westin's fit tool, since those brackets attach near the bed.
Are wheel-to-wheel bars worth it over cab-length?
If you reach into the bed or a toolbox several times a week, yes; the extra step beside the box is the only way to get close without climbing on the tire. If the bed mostly carries a tonneau-covered load you open at the tailgate, a cab-length bar or board costs less and installs faster.
Buy a Westin wheel-to-wheel bar for your bed length if you reach into the bed often, Westin's polished PRO TRAXX 5 for a cab-length bar with a lifetime finish warranty, and Go Rhino's RB20 for the widest galvanized step.
Sierra 1500 side steps are shared with the Silverado and bolt to factory points. Rule out the 2019 Limited, then pick between cab-length and wheel-to-wheel. Westin's wheel-to-wheel bars add a bed-side step, its polished cab-length bar has the longest finish warranty, Go Rhino's RB20 gives the widest step, and RHOBRA and OEDRO cover the budget end.
With steps fitted, less mud reaches the sill and your floor liners stay cleaner. A tonneau cover is the usual next upgrade for the bed.
How we chose
We did not install these steps ourselves. We ranked them on the fitment each listing states for the 2019–2026 Sierra 1500 Crew Cab (body, bed length for wheel-to-wheel), on published maker and retailer specs and on listing details. Westin specs come from Westin's product page; Go Rhino specs from RealTruck, read in September 2026. Amazon prices move daily, so the button shows the live price.
SourcesRelated guides
All running boards & steps guides by vehicle → · Everything that fits the 2019–2026 GMC Sierra 1500 →