best running boards for 3500 4x4 duramax?

If by "open" steps you mean tube steps, I have had a set of Westin Platinum (chrome plated Stainless steel) tube steps since my truck was new in 02. They have held up well but not perfectly. The only small complaint I have is that there are some odd little spots in a few places in the chrome but hey have been that way for at least half their life and it has never blistered, peeled or otherwise failed. The black plastic step have also held up great. I've seen other brands twist and warp.
They are very strong and have not bent at all.

Mine are tublar. Dealer installed them when we bought the truck new as one of those items, add it at no charge or it's a deal breaker. Did it and have never had any problems with them.

by "open" I meant expanded metal or perforated metal as opposed to tubing with flattened indentations covered with plastic tread.

AMP Research PowerStep running boards. We went with them because when folded down, they are 4 inches closer to the ground than either of the Chevy stock boards. They cost more, but they make it much easier for us old folks to get in and out.

CarnationSailor wrote:
AMP Research PowerStep running boards. We went with them because when folded down, they are 4 inches closer to the ground than either of the Chevy stock boards. They cost more, but they make it much easier for us old folks to get in and out.

X2

My CC had the tube steps when I bought it. I didn't care for them as I felt they were too narrow and a foot could easily slip off if it was slick with ice or snow. I found possibly the last set of DEE ZEE diamond plate full length boards by calling DEE ZEE this was in 14



What it looked like when purchased

hornet28 wrote:
My CC had the tube steps when I bought it. I didn't care for them as I felt they were too narrow and a foot could easily slip off if it was slick with ice or snow. I found possibly the last set of DEE ZEE diamond plate full length boards by calling DEE ZEE this was in 14

X2 to the full length when towing a 5er! Makes getting in the bed easy!

obie311 wrote:
by "open" I meant expanded metal or perforated metal as opposed to tubing with flattened indentations covered with plastic tread.

We ran those on our trucks in the oilfields. Very functional and well built.
As far as full length running boards.....Froends don't let friends install running boards. Lol

I'd go individual tube steps or full length rock slider style with with steps built in.

Just installed these on my 2017 duramax:

Ranch Hand StepsRanch Hand Steps

These do a great job of hiding that tumorous looking DEF tank on the passenger side. You can get them with a step for the bed, but I chose not to in order to discourage people from leaning over the truck and scratching it.

They install in the pre-drilled (and sometimes pre-tapped) locations on the underside of the body. So the install effort is super easy.

(And they look awesome)

I am partial to THESE, they have a really clean look.

Add to it that customer service if you ever need it is outstanding.