More and more vans are coming now with heavier suspensions, all wheel drive options, and higher ground clearance. While these are all excellent features, they also all make accessing your van more difficult. Our Running boards and rear steps make it easier and safer to get in and out of your van each day.
Our van steps and running boards are constructed from sturdy steel and aluminum and designed for years of daily use.
With Advantage, not only do you get access to industry-leading upfitting products and accessories but you gain a partner with the industry knowledge to make sure you are purchasing the right equipment for the job. Learn more about us! If you are a fleet manager, head to our commercial fleet page to learn more about our special fleet services. If you’re wondering how upfitting works, our case studies page will show you how we have helped other customers in the past.
Head to our How to Buy page and let’s get started on your customized, upfitted vehicles.
Not knowing your vehicle – Not all cargo vans have identical designs. They may play a similar role, but each model we work with has its strengths and tradeoffs. To upfit, you need to not only take the size of the cargo areas into account but also consider important attributes like maximum weight capacity, proper balance, and other logistical considerations that are easily overlooked when all you have is a catalog and a vague idea of what you want your vehicle to accomplish. A lopsided cargo area with heavy equipment to one side will result in uneven tire wear and other maintenance issues down the road.
Ignoring input – Commercial van upfits are intended to satisfy the needs of a team, not an individual. Experience is perhaps the best guide when it comes to upfitting a commercial van but this needs to be tempered with consensus. Upfit decisions should be made with efficiency and safety in mind.
Doing it all by yourself – There is no reason you need to go through this process entirely cold. At Advantage Outfitters, our goal is to make sure you get the service vehicle you need without overspending or purchasing equipment that will never be used. Our installers are trained and certified to bring you the most value for every dollar you spend on upfitting.
What are the best running boards or steps for a commercial van?
The best running boards or steps for a commercial van are wide, high-traction steel or aluminum boards that make entering and exiting the vehicle safer and easier. Advantage Outfitters supplies heavy-duty running boards and rear steps designed for daily commercial use, with steel frames, aluminum step plates, and options for Transit, Sprinter, and ProMaster vans. These boards improve accessibility, reduce slip risk, and withstand years of job-site wear.
Do running boards make it easier to get in and out of tall work vans?
Yes—running boards significantly improve accessibility by reducing the step height needed to enter or exit tall commercial vans. As modern vans feature higher ground clearance and AWD options, Advantage Outfitters’ running boards provide a stable, non-slip platform that increases safety and comfort for technicians using the van multiple times per day. They are engineered specifically to withstand heavy commercial use.
What’s the difference between running boards and rear steps on a van?
Running boards provide safe side entry into the driver or passenger area, while rear steps are designed for stable access to the cargo area at the back of the van. Advantage Outfitters offers both types: wide tubular running boards for side access and GripStep or MaxStep rear steps for secure footing when loading tools, parts, or equipment. Many fleets install both to improve overall vehicle safety and ergonomics.
Are running boards and rear steps durable enough for commercial use?
Yes—commercial running boards and rear steps are designed to handle daily work-van use, with steel frames, aluminum step boards, and high-traction surfaces. Advantage Outfitters’ steps are impact-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and built to perform in harsh conditions such as snow, mud, or job-site debris. Their long-term durability makes them ideal for contractors, fleets, and utility vehicles.
Do running boards fit Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, and RAM ProMaster vans?
Yes—running boards and rear steps are available for all major commercial van models, including the Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, and RAM ProMaster. Advantage Outfitters manufactures model-specific designs such as 98” passenger-side boards, shorter driver-side options, and universal rear steps that fit full-size vans. Each step is engineered for perfect alignment and secure installation.
Are running boards worth installing on a work van?
Yes—running boards are worth installing because they reduce strain, prevent slips, and make constant entry and exit safer for technicians. Advantage Outfitters’ boards improve ergonomics, protect the van’s body from repeated foot contact, and speed up daily workflows. For fleets and contractors, these small improvements translate into fewer injuries, less vehicle wear, and better productivity over time.
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Advantage Outfitters, LLC
255 West Street South
Hackensack
NJ 07606
Advantage Outfitters, LLC
Long Island | 107 E. Hawthorne Ave.
Valley Stream, NY 11580
