Any thoughts or opinions for the best (meaning function and sturdy) running boards or side steps for a '16 Chevy crewcab 4x4 DRW?Is it better to have open ones to drain ice and mud or just a rubber tread of some sort?

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

best running boards for 3500 4x4 duramax? | Good Sam Community

Ron3rd
Explorer III
Jan 04, 2018
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.

I agree, those are very nice boards and several friends have them.

I went with a stainless steel board by Lund because I like the extra protection on the doors, meaning when that little Honda Civic opens its door into your door, they hit the running board first and dent their door, not yours.
ACZL
Explorer
Jan 04, 2018
Tho not on a GM, I've used DEE ZEE full length diamond plate running boards on every truck I've owned. Newest one came w/ tube steps that the dealer wouldn't take off and give me credit for (still in shed). Reasons I go w/ them are: More area to step on, better protection to rocker panels from salt/stones, protect side of truck better from sand, snow and such and IMO better stability as fas as attachment. Just wish they still made box boards.
kmac7800
Explorer
Jan 04, 2018
I have a set that came originally on my 2016 GMC 2500HD Sierra Denali Duramax that I replaced with AMP, if you are interested in a more OEM look. They are the "square" flat ones with plastic/rubber where the feet go when you enter the rig. If you are nearby (SE WA State), I can let them go real cheap as they are just getting dusty in my storage room.

//KMac
Huntindog
Explorer
Jan 04, 2018
rhagfo wrote:
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!
I have some running boards that are 3" stainless steel tubes around the outside, with SS ribbed top. Similar to your pic. They do not make them anymore, so I actually removed them from my 2001 dually to install on my 2011 dually.
Do that along with nice mudflaps and the paint won't take a beating on dirt gravel roads etc.

These trucks are too expensive to beat on them unnecessarily.
NMDriver
Explorer
Jan 04, 2018
corvettekent wrote:
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

X4 the smaller the first step the more useful they are.
hornet28
Explorer
Jan 04, 2018

As far as full length running boards.....Froends don't let friends install running boards. Lol

All a matter of personal preference
ford_truck_guy
Nomad
Jan 04, 2018
corvettekent wrote:
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

X3
Ralph_Cramden
Explorer II
Jan 04, 2018
I am partial to THESE, they have a really clean look.

Add to it that customer service if you ever need it is outstanding.
WTP-GC
Explorer
Jan 04, 2018
Just installed these on my 2017 duramax:

Ranch Hand Steps Ranch 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)
Grit_dog
Navigator
Jan 04, 2018
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.