I received this product at no cost for review purposes. My opinions are entirely my own and were not influenced by the company. They have no control over the content of this review.
Today, we are adding a much-needed upgrade to the Cybertruck: running boards. If you’ve been following the channel, you know I’m a huge fan of utility and hardware that makes daily life with an EV easier.
After checking out a few options, I decided on the TLYard Running Boards. They have a sleek, low-profile design that perfectly complements the angular aesthetic of the Cybertruck. Even better? The installation is significantly easier than what I experienced with my Rivian R1T. Let’s dive into the technical details and step-by-step process of getting these mounted.
Preparation: Tech and Tools
Before you crawl under the truck, there are two critical technical steps to take within the Tesla UI:
- Ride Height: Set your suspension to “Very High.” This gives you the maximum clearance possible without needing a lift or jack stands.
- Jack Mode: Once the truck is at its highest point, go to Service > Jack Mode. This prevents the air suspension from trying to self-level while you’re working on the brackets.
Tech Specs for Installation:
- Hardware: M8 size bolts and washers (Included).
- Brackets: 5 per side (Total of 10).
- Labeling: Brackets and boards are clearly marked “R” (Right/Passenger) and “L” (Left/Driver).
Installation
The Cybertruck is surprisingly DIY-friendly for this install. Unlike the Rivian, you don’t have to remove any plastic underbody panels—the mounting points are already exposed.
1. Mounting the Brackets
I started on the right side of the truck. You’ll notice holes along the chassis ridge where there are no existing screws. This is normal!
- Line up the bracket (marked “R”) with these factory holes.
- Thread the M8 bolts in loosely at first. This allows for minor adjustments later.
- Repeat this for all five brackets on one side. The front bracket sits closer to the tire, while the rear bracket is positioned further back.
2. Attaching the Boards
Once the brackets are in place, lay the running board onto the mounting points.
- Each board has five mounting channels that align with the brackets.
- Pro Tip: You can adjust how far the boards “poke out” from the side of the truck. I chose to mount mine a bit further out to provide a better step for my kids and Abby.
3. Final Tightening
Go back and torque down the two bolts on each bracket and the single bolt underneath the chassis. The boards feel rock-solid once everything is cinched up.
Real-World Use: Cybertruck vs. Rivian
I’ve had running boards on my Rivian R1T for months, so I immediately noticed a difference in the ergonomics:
- The Step Gap: On the Cybertruck, the distance between the running board and the interior door sill is much smaller than on the Rivian. It’s a tight step, which takes a little getting used to if you’re coming from another truck.
- Entry Mode: With these installed, I’ve found I don’t really need “Entry Mode” (where the truck lowers itself automatically) anymore. The boards provide plenty of leverage to hop in and out, which saves wear and tear on the suspension compressors.
TLYard Running Board Specs
| Metric | Details |
| Material | Heavy-Duty Aluminum Alloy |
| Finish | Matte Black (Matches Cybertruck Trim) |
| Installation Time | ~45 Minutes (with help) |
| Compatibility | Foundation and Non-Foundation Series |
| Jack Point Clearance | Fully compatible; does not block lift points |
Final Verdict
The TLYard running boards are a fantastic, high-quality upgrade. They look factory-original and make the truck much more accessible for passengers. From a technical standpoint, the fact that they don’t impede the official Tesla lift points is a huge win for future maintenance.
Product link – https://bit.ly/4bc3ton
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