Tom McMahon on 20th Jul 2026
Side Bars for Vehicles: The Complete Buying Guide
Side bars are one of the most common vehicle accessories in the UK. They make entering and exiting a high-sided vehicle easier, help protect the sill from kerb and boot damage, and add a clean, finished look. On vehicles with a high step height, a well-fitted side bar can also make a real difference to safety. They can greatly reduce the risk of slips and strains when getting in and out repeatedly throughout the day.
But not all side bars are the same. There are differences in tube diameter, profile, finish, and fitment that are worth understanding before you order, especially because side bars are vehicle-specific products. Getting the wrong length or bracket spec means the product will not fit correctly.
This guide covers everything you need to know to choose the right side bars for your vehicle.
More than one in four UK van drivers (28%) sustained a loading or access-related injury in 2023 - and of those injured, 88% required time off work, at an average of 5.79 days per incident. Source: Business Vans: Van driver injury downtime on the increase
Side Bars vs Side Steps: What’s the Difference?
Both side bars and side steps offer a step up into the vehicle, but they are different products designed for different needs.
Side bars run the full length of the vehicle’s sill and provide a step point at each door opening, including the sliding side door and rear doors. They are the more prominent option, both in terms of practicality and visual finish.
Side steps are shorter products fitted below a single door. They suit vehicles where only one door entry point needs support, or where a more compact and budget-conscious solution is preferred.
For vehicles with multiple frequently used doors - such as a sliding door and rear doors - side bars are usually the more practical choice.
| Feature | Side Bars | Side Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Full-length sill | Below single door only |
| Step points | Multiple doors | Single entry point |
| Visual impact | More prominent styling | Compact, discreet |
| Typical price | Higher | Lower |
| Typical use | Vehicles with multiple door access points | Single-door entry, budget-focused |
Step 1: Choose Your Bar Diameter and Profile
Side bars are available in different tube diameters. The diameter affects both the visual weight of the bar and the height of the step surface.
- 60mm: Standard profile. This diameter provides a balanced look that suits smaller and medium-sized vehicles. It’s usually one of the most common fitments.
- 76mm: Heavy-duty profile. This diameter offers a more visual presence, and it’s suited to larger vehicles such as the Transit, Sprinter, or VW Transporter.
- Oval / flat: Low-profile option. The oval and flat bars are styling-focused fitments with a lower step height and a cleaner sill line.
| Bar Diameter | Profile | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 60mm | Standard | Most vehicle fitments. Balanced look for smaller and medium-sized vehicles. |
| 76mm | Heavy-duty | Larger vehicles, more visual presence. Popular on Transit, Sprinter, Transporter. |
| Oval / Flat | Low-profile | Styling-focused fitments, lower step height, cleaner sill line. |
76mm bars are popular on larger vehicles such as the VW Transporter, Mercedes Vito, and Citroën Dispatch. 60mm options tend to suit smaller and medium-sized vehicles where a lighter profile is preferred.
Step 2: Choose Your Finish
Side bars are available in three main finishes. The right choice depends on the look you want and how much maintenance you are prepared to do.
Polished stainless is the most popular choice. It holds up well in daily use, requires minimal maintenance, and works across a wide range of vehicle colours and styles. Black powder coat has grown in popularity, particularly on newer vehicles where a more modern or understated look is preferred - it suits darker colours especially well and is chip-resistant and easy to wipe clean.
The global automotive running boards market is projected to grow from $3.67 billion in 2021 to $6.62 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 5.04% - driven primarily by the growing popularity of SUVs, pickup trucks, and commercial vans where side access accessories are a standard fitment. Source: Cognitive Market Research: Auto Running Boards Market Report
Chrome is less common on working vehicles. It offers a high-shine, warm-tone finish but requires more upkeep and can pit or tarnish over time with age and road salt exposure.
| Finish | Appearance | Maintenance | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polished Stainless | Mirror shine, silver | Occasionally wipe clean | High. Rust-resistant, holds up in daily use. |
| Black Powder Coat | Matte or semi-gloss black | Wipe clean | Good. Chip-resistant, suits modern aesthetics. |
| Chrome | High shine, warm tone | Higher maintenance | Moderate. Can pit or tarnish with age and road salt. |
Step 3: Confirm the Fitment for Your Vehicle
This is the most important step. Side bar length, mounting bracket position, and tube diameter all vary by vehicle. For example, a side bar for a VW Transporter SWB will not fit a Ford Transit Custom. Always select by make, model, year, and wheelbase, and bear in mind that SWB and LWB are always listed as separate products.
One thing worth checking before you order: side bars cannot be fitted to vehicles with factory or aftermarket side skirts. If your vehicle has them, you will need to remove them first or choose a different product.
Use the vehicle selector on the product pages at dstonline.co.uk to confirm the right product for your vehicle before ordering.
Popular Fitments at DST Automotive
The table below shows common vehicle fitments available at DST Automotive. Use the vehicle selector on the site to confirm the exact product for your vehicle.
| Vehicle | Bar Type | Available Finish | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| VW Transporter T5 / T6 (SWB) | 76mm Sports Side Bars | Stainless or Black | Fits 2003 onwards. Mounts to factory points, no drilling required. |
| VW Transporter T5 / T6 (LWB) | 76mm Sports Side Bars LWB | Stainless or Black | Longer bar for extended wheelbase, same bracket specification. |
| Ford Transit Custom | 60mm Side Bars | Black | SWB and LWB are listed separately. |
| Mercedes Vito / Viano | Side Bars | Stainless or Black | Compact, Long, and Extra-Long wheelbases are listed separately. Does not fit vehicles with factory or aftermarket side skirts. |
| Citroën Dispatch | Side Bars | Stainless or Black | Standard/Medium and Long/XL wheelbase variants available, 2016 onwards. |
| VW Caddy | Side Bars / Side Steps | Stainless or Black | Check the product page for the year and body variant. SWB fitment most common. |
DST Automotive products come with a full fitting kit, mounting brackets, and fitting instructions. Most are designed to fit existing factory mounting points - no drilling or cutting required in the majority of cases.
What to Check Before You Buy
Before placing your order, run through the following checklist.
| What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Diameter: 60mm or 76mm | Affects visual weight and step height. Match to vehicle size and preference. |
| Finish: stainless, black, or chrome | Stainless is most popular. Black suits newer vehicles and modern aesthetics. |
| Wheelbase: SWB or LWB | SWB and LWB are separate products. The wrong length will mean incorrect bracket alignment. |
| Side skirts: factory or aftermarket | Side bars cannot be fitted to vehicles with side skirts. Check before ordering. |
| Step surface: textured or smooth | Some bars include a rubberised or textured tread section for grip. Worth checking if daily stepping use is expected. |
| Fitting hardware included | DST products come with a full fitting kit, mounting brackets, and instructions. |
| Load rating | Confirm the bar is rated for stepping use, not just decorative fitting only. |
Not Sure Which Side Bars Fit Your Vehicle?
If you are not certain which product suits your vehicle - whether that is the wheelbase, tube diameter, or finish - get in touch with DST Automotive before you order. It is always easier to confirm fitment before purchasing than to deal with a return afterwards.
The team will typically ask for your make, model, wheelbase, and a clear side-on image of the vehicle to confirm everything properly.
You can also use the vehicle selector on the product pages to narrow down the correct product before getting in touch.
Shop all side bars →
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are side bars and running boards the same thing?
Yes, in most contexts. “Running boards” is the US market term for the same product type sold as “side bars” in the UK. Both refer to a full-length step accessory that runs along the vehicle’s sill beneath the door openings.
Do side bars come pre-fitted with brackets?
DST Automotive side bars come with all fitting hardware, including vehicle-specific brackets and fixings. No additional parts are needed for standard fitments. Installation takes approximately 30-60 minutes using basic hand tools.
Can side bars be fitted to vehicles with factory side steps already on them?
If your vehicle has factory-fitted steps or sill covers, you may need to remove them before fitting aftermarket side bars. The mounting points are typically the same. If you’re unsure whether your vehicle has factory steps, contact DST Automotive before ordering.
What is the tread section on a side bar?
The tread section is a textured or anti-slip surface on the top of the side bar where you place your foot. Most side bars include a ribbed or rubber-coated section in the centre of the bar to improve grip, particularly in wet conditions.
How much weight can side bars hold?
Load ratings vary by product. Check the individual product page for the rated capacity. Most standard side bars are rated for stepping use, typically 100-150kg static load. If heavy-duty or frequent stepping use is required, confirm the load rating before purchasing.