Realtruck Ionic 3" Black Nerf Bars

[Dad]

Hey -

Relative noob here, have not posted much but have been enjoying my 2024 Maverick Lariat 2.0 w/ Blackout package.

I've seen many posts regarding these nerf bars and how they (at least previously) did not fit the hybrid models. What I'd like to know is how well they fit my Maverick? I'm not terribly handy so am looking for easy bolt on gear like this. A few questions I have are:

- Is it as easy to install as Realtruck describes?
- How's the look? Would the 4 inch be a better look? I wil say I like the more pronounced curve at both ends on the 3 inch.
- Do these support a fair amount of weight? I'm about 210 and the only real world use I can imagine is when I'm washing and drying the truck.
- Will these nerfs help deflect road debris, etc?

Any info is greatly appreciated and thank you in advance. This is a really informative and well run site!

Thanks
'duder

You're talking about the step up bars along the length of the truck, correct?
I had them on my Chevy Colorado (came installed) and to be honest, they were more of a handicap than a help. Always bumping into them. The Maverick sits much lower than the cab of other trucks, so I don't see a need for them other than you like the look and that's good enough.

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[rk06382]

Hey -

Relative noob here, have not posted much but have been enjoying my 2024 Maverick Lariat 2.0 w/ Blackout package.

I've seen many posts regarding these nerf bars and how they (at least previously) did not fit the hybrid models. What I'd like to know is how well they fit my Maverick? I'm not terribly handy so am looking for easy bolt on gear like this. A few questions I have are:

- Is it as easy to install as Realtruck describes?
- How's the look? Would the 4 inch be a better look? I wil say I like the more pronounced curve at both ends on the 3 inch.
- Do these support a fair amount of weight? I'm about 210 and the only real world use I can imagine is when I'm washing and drying the truck.
- Will these nerfs help deflect road debris, etc?

Any info is greatly appreciated and thank you in advance. This is a really informative and well run site!

Thanks
'duder

I had A4 Step Bars installed to help my wife get into our Maverick. We are both over 70. You do not mention what Realtruck model you are looking at. The Realtruck nerf bars I looked at were steel. The A4 Step Bars are Aluminum. I could not install them without a hoist to get under the Maverick.

I have also since installed my BAKFLIP MX4 TS. See below (8/4/25):

The jack points are not blocked. I just use a rubber pad on the floor jack.

I picked up my A4 Step Bars For Ford Maverick.

My wife needs a little help to get in our Maverick. I will install today and post photos: before, during, & after. Stay tuned for more.

P.S. I also received my BAKFLIP MX4 TS. After the steps are done, I will start a new thread on the BAKFLIP MX4 TS install.

EDIT:
Finial install pics:
TrailFX A4 Step Bars left side:

TrailFX A4 Step Bars right side:

At home:

I could not install these in my driveway. MatSu Customs only charged 2 hours labor to install. ($185)
END EDIT

 

[notfast]

You're talking about the step up bars along the length of the truck, correct?
I had them on my Chevy Colorado (came installed) and to be honest, they were more of a handicap than a help. Always bumping into them. The Maverick sits much lower than the cab of other trucks, so I don't see a need for them other than you like the look and that's good enough.

Similar experience here. I had a rental Nissan Frontier with the factory sidesteps. I found it inconvenient at best. I had to either take two tiny steps into the cab because the sidesteps were only about 3" lower than the cab floor, or take one awkward step over and around the sidesteps, directly into the cab.

The factory running boards on my F-250 were tremendously helpful, but that's largely because the cab floor was 33" from the ground, and the factory side steps were 11" lower than the cab floor.

If you're mobility-limited, then maybe sidesteps would help, especially since the footwells of the Maverick are lower than the doorsills, so you could step on the sidestep and then step over the doorsill and into the footwell.

 

[AbnRgr]

Hey -

Relative noob here, have not posted much but have been enjoying my 2024 Maverick Lariat 2.0 w/ Blackout package.

I've seen many posts regarding these nerf bars and how they (at least previously) did not fit the hybrid models. What I'd like to know is how well they fit my Maverick? I'm not terribly handy so am looking for easy bolt on gear like this. A few questions I have are:

- Is it as easy to install as Realtruck describes?
- How's the look? Would the 4 inch be a better look? I wil say I like the more pronounced curve at both ends on the 3 inch.
- Do these support a fair amount of weight? I'm about 210 and the only real world use I can imagine is when I'm washing and drying the truck.
- Will these nerfs help deflect road debris, etc?

Any info is greatly appreciated and thank you in advance. This is a really informative and well run site!

Thanks
'duder

I was one of the early purchasers of RealTuck’s nerf bars attempting to mount them to a hybrid. My lack of success in mounting them contributed to identifying the problem with interference with the high voltage battery’s location. Just recently after talking with RealTruck’s rep, I decided to give them another try, motivated by a lack of range of motion post a hip replacement.. I chose to use an auto shop where I have my tinting done who also does custom and 4x4 work do the install. The techs were surprised by how time consuming and tricky the install was. They were expecting a simple bolt on as found with most box frame trucks. I ended up with two hours of labor for two men.

I have the 4” curved end oval nerf bars in black. I like the look, but value the aid in getting into my truck. Months after the surgery, I still find I need to use my hands to assist in lifting my operative leg.

Supporting your weight is no problem. They are solidly mounted and I have another 40-50 lb on you. I can’t speak one way or the other about offering protection from road debris.

Go with what you want, it‘s your truck.

 

[dhaskit]

It's always fun to see someone I've blocked arguing with someone in a manner that totally legitimizes my blocking.

haha. Same here, Wilkersticks.
I blocked the same person that you did a long time ago and I think a lot of other people have. No one wants to hear what they have to say.
They are probably 13 yrs old and typing on their Mommy’s computer without her permission anyway.

 

[Wilklersticks]

haha. Same here, Wilkersticks.
I blocked the same person that you did a long time ago and I think a lot of other people have. No one wants to hear what they have to say.
They are probably 13 yrs old and typing on their Mommy’s computer without her permission anyway.

Know what's sad? I bet they AREN'T a 13 year old behind their mommy's computer... What a world, right? xD

 

[dhaskit]

Know what's sad? I bet they AREN'T a 13 year old behind their mommy's computer... What a world, right? xD

You got that right, man. Too many people want to act a fool on a forum thinking it will give them street cred. In actuality, it makes others hit the ignore button on them and Poof they are gone.

 

[Cherokee]

When did they start calling them nerf bars ?
I think they look great but calling them nerf bars makes no sense.

 

[elduderino]

I was one of the early purchasers of RealTuck’s nerf bars attempting to mount them to a hybrid. My lack of success in mounting them contributed to identifying the problem with interference with the high voltage battery’s location. Just recently after talking with RealTruck’s rep, I decided to give them another try, motivated by a lack of range of motion post a hip replacement.. I chose to use an auto shop where I have my tinting done who also does custom and 4x4 work do the install. The techs were surprised by how time consuming and tricky the install was. They were expecting a simple bolt on as found with most box frame trucks. I ended up with two hours of labor for two men.

I have the 4” curved end oval nerf bars in black. I like the look, but value the aid in getting into my truck. Months after the surgery, I still find I need to use my hands to assist in lifting my operative leg.

Supporting your weight is no problem. They are solidly mounted and I have another 40-50 lb on you. I can’t speak one way or the other about offering protection from road debris.

Go with what you want, it‘s your truck.

Thanks for your input, very helpful. You have a very good looking truck. Can you tell me about that hood guard (not sure what it's called)? That looks useful and very smart. Where's it from and did you install yourself?

-duder

 

[AbnRgr]

The hood protector is a Maxzina product sold through Amazon. I believe the cost is about $50, but Maxzina often offers discounts. Keep a watch on their FB site. It is made of rubber-like TPE installed with double-sided tapes. The hood guard is intended to assist in deflecting stones and debris.

 

[Dad]

Similar experience here. I had a rental Nissan Frontier with the factory sidesteps. I found it inconvenient at best. I had to either take two tiny steps into the cab because the sidesteps were only about 3" lower than the cab floor, or take one awkward step over and around the sidesteps, directly into the cab.

The factory running boards on my F-250 were tremendously helpful, but that's largely because the cab floor was 33" from the ground, and the factory side steps were 11" lower than the cab floor.

If you're mobility-limited, then maybe sidesteps would help, especially since the footwells of the Maverick are lower than the doorsills, so you could step on the sidestep and then step over the doorsill and into the footwell.

Same experience having to decide whether to take two small steps to get into the cab or one widespread big step. Having said that, I realize there are folks who have trouble with mobility and taking two small steps is much easier for them. Plus, it's not a bad look for the Maverick.

 

[Marcusgtzg81]

My opinion is no to nerf bars on any vehicle. Rock sliders? Yes. Those improve off-road ability by protecting rocker panels, while maintaining as much ground clearance as possible. But nerf bars are weak in the protection department and horrible in the ground clearance department.

And if the vehicle is lifted enough that I need assistance to get in, I’d rather have a hand strap overhead, to lift myself up and in rather than a foot step that is going to kill ground clearance.

Hi, what is the exact black horse model that you installed? Regards

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