Subcategory of Side Bars and Side Steps
Find the right side bars for your vehicle
Side bars and side steps are vehicle-specific. The right product depends on your make, model, year, and wheelbase. Browse by vehicle type to see compatible fitments, or use the vehicle finder to narrow the range by make and model.
Van, Pickup Truck, 4x4, SUV
SWB, LWB, Standard
Not sure whether to choose side bars or running boards? Use the guide below.
Products are organised under Side Styling in the main navigation, or you can jump in via Browse by Vehicle.
Browse by vehicle category
Use these quick links to jump straight into popular side bar and side step fitments matched to the type of vehicle you drive.
Side bar buying advice
Last reviewed: 3 June 2026
How to choose the right side bars
The two main decisions are simple. If you want a step into the cab, choose running boards or side steps. If you prefer the cleaner look of a tubular bar without a step surface, choose side bars. From there, the important checks are finish, wheelbase, and year-specific fitment.
Most products are wheelbase-specific, so SWB and LWB versions of the same van need different lengths. Model-year changes can also affect the mounting points on vehicles such as the Ford Transit Custom and Mercedes Sprinter, so it is worth checking the exact fitment before ordering.
| If you want | Best option | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| A usable step into the cab | Running boards or side steps | Door position, wheelbase, and year-specific fitment |
| A clean tubular look with sill protection | Side bars | Vehicle-specific brackets and finish preference |
| A full-length stepping surface | Running boards | Coverage across front and sliding door positions |
| The correct bar length | Match the wheelbase | SWB, LWB, or standard length in the product title |
| The right mounting kit | Vehicle-year specific fitment | Make, model, and year before purchase |
Side bars, running boards and side steps: what is the difference?
The names describe three different products. Side bars are tubular bars that run along the sill and are mainly there for appearance and light bodywork protection. They are not designed to be used as a regular step.
Running boards are a lighter-duty step product that runs the full length of both sides of the vehicle. They are still a styling product first, but they do provide a convenient step up into the cab.
Side steps are shorter steps positioned at a specific door entry point rather than along the whole sill. If you are unsure which type is right for your vehicle, use the fitment assistant or contact DST Automotive before ordering.
Why buy side bars from DST Automotive?
DST Automotive specialises in vehicle-specific side bars, running boards, and side steps for popular UK van, pickup, and 4x4 fitments. The range covers Sportline side bars and a selection of step styles in polished stainless, gloss black, and matt black finishes, with the right brackets, hardware, and instructions supplied for the specific vehicle.
- Vehicle-specific side bars, running boards, and side steps for vans, pickups, and 4x4s
- Sportline side bars and multiple running board or side step styles
- Polished stainless, gloss black, and matt black finishes
- Unless stated otherwise, no drilling required on standard fitments
- Fast UK delivery including next day on eligible orders
- Klarna and PayPal available
- Fitment support before you order if you need help choosing
Side bar finishes: what is the difference?
DST Automotive stocks side bars in polished stainless and black powder-coated finishes. The right option is mostly down to the look you want and how you maintain the vehicle.
Bright, high-gloss finish
Best suited to silver, white, and lighter-coloured vehicles. Stainless steel is corrosion-resistant, but regular cleaning still matters, especially in UK winter conditions where salt and grit can cause surface discolouration.
Sharper, darker styling
A clean blacked-out finish that works well with dark-coloured vans and pickups or with vehicles already fitted with black roof racks and trim.
Subtle powder-coated look
Ideal if you want the stealthier utility look of black accessories without the higher-shine finish of gloss black.
Popular side bar fitments
Browse some of the most common vehicle routes below. Product listings carry the confirmed fitment and specification details for each vehicle-specific option.
Bar diameter specifications still need supplier confirmation. The individual product listings remain the source of truth for confirmed dimensions.
Not sure which side bars fit your vehicle?
Side bars are vehicle-specific and year-specific. If you are not sure whether a product fits your exact van, pickup, or 4x4, or if you need help deciding between side bars, running boards, and side steps, use the fitment assistant or contact the DST Automotive team before ordering.
If you prefer to confirm fitment before ordering, the team can advise on model year, wheelbase, and style choice first.
Side bar FAQs
These are the main questions customers ask before ordering side bars and running boards online.
What is the difference between side bars and running boards?
Side bars are tubular bars that run along the sill and are mainly aesthetic and protective. Running boards run the full length of the vehicle side and provide a broader step surface at multiple door positions. Side steps are shorter, individual steps fitted at a specific door entry point.
Are side bars purely decorative or do they provide a functional step?
Side bars are primarily visual and protective rather than a regular step. Running boards and side steps are also styling products first, but they do offer a convenient step up into the cab as a secondary benefit.
Do side bars require drilling to fit?
Unless the listing or fitting instructions say otherwise, no drilling is required. The majority of the range bolts directly to the vehicle's existing mounting points and comes with the required brackets, hardware, and instructions.
Will side bars affect my van's ground clearance?
They reduce ground clearance slightly because the bar sits below the sill. For normal road use this is usually not an issue, but if the vehicle regularly sees rough terrain, ramps, or high kerbs, it is worth checking the profile before ordering.
Can I get side bars in black finish?
Yes. DST Automotive stocks black powder-coated, matt black, gloss black, and polished stainless options across the range, depending on the vehicle-specific fitment.
What size side bar do I need for my van?
The most important measurement is the bar length, which needs to match your wheelbase and the correct model-year fitment. Product listings carry the confirmed specification details for each vehicle-specific option.
Are side bars suitable for use on a working van?
Yes. They help protect the painted sill from everyday knocks and kerb contact. If you want regular step access into the cab, choose running boards or side steps rather than tubular side bars.