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When you are shopping for a new set of running boards, you will notice a massive price gap between basic steel steps and premium aluminum options.
Let’s break down exactly what makes aircraft aluminum different and why it has changed the game for aftermarket truck steps.
What is Aircraft-Grade Aluminum?
Not all aluminum is created equal. Soda cans are made of aluminum, but you obviously wouldn't want to step on one to get into your truck.
Aircraft-grade aluminum is blended with magnesium and silicon, then heat-treated to maximize its structural strength. It is the exact same metal used to build commercial airplanes, aerospace components, and high-end bicycle frames because it offers extreme durability without adding unnecessary weight.
3 Reasons Aircraft Aluminum Changes Everything
If you choose a premium setup like the Raptor Series Aluminum Running Boards, you are paying for three distinct engineering advantages over traditional mild steel.
1. Absolute Corrosion Resistance
This is the biggest pain point for truck owners. Traditional mild steel steps will eventually rust. If a road rock chips the outer powder coating of a steel step, moisture and road salt will seep in. Within a single winter, that small chip turns into bubbling paint and structural rust.
The Aircraft Aluminum Difference: Aluminum forms its own natural oxide layer when exposed to air. Even if you scrape a Raptor Series aluminum board against a rock off-road or chip the finish, the exposed metal will never rust. It is completely immune to the structural degradation caused by harsh winter road salts or humid coastal environments.
2. High Strength-to-Weight Ratio
Traditional steel running boards are incredibly heavy. Hanging 80+ pounds of steel off the sides of your vehicle drags down your fuel economy and puts constant, uneven stress on your factory body mounts.
The Aircraft Aluminum Difference: Aircraft-grade aluminum delivers the structural integrity of steel at roughly one-third of the weight. Despite being lightweight, Raptor Series engineers their boards with heavy-duty internal bracing and robust mounting brackets. The result? A step that keeps your truck light on its feet while maintaining a massive 400-pound weight rating per side.
3. Finish Longevity and Warranties
Because mild steel expands and flakes when it rusts beneath the surface, manufacturers rarely offer long warranties on steel finishes.
The Aircraft Aluminum Difference: Because the underlying aluminum remains stable and rust-free, the outer finish adheres flawlessly over the lifespan of the vehicle. Raptor Series backs this up with some of the best warranties in the automotive industry.
The Verdict: Is It Worth It?
If you plan on trading in your truck in 12 months and live in a dry climate, a cheap set of steel steps might get the job done.
However, if you want a modification that outlasts your vehicle, handles heavy daily use, and will never leave ugly rust streaks down your rocker panels, aircraft-grade aluminum is absolutely worth it. Upgrading to a set of Raptor Series Running Boards removes the worry of rust, protects your fuel efficiency, and gives you a rock-solid step every single time you climb into the cab.
