I have a 2009 Silverado with the factory 6" running boards. The first thing I noticed when getting in to a 2011 F150 was that Ford's running boards were tucked in more than the Chevrolet's. I have to use the steps and the extra width makes a difference in the winter.

 

I have no problems at all with them... actually the only time they've caused me any issue is after spending an hour at the carwash and trying to get back in the truck without leaving a footprint on them

PS - my one and six-year old daughters have no trouble using them or getting in and out of the truck...

 

Love my 2012. Not crazy about the running boards either. I thought I was the only one.

 

Like I said earlier, go look at a Platinum. You will be very very happy with those power running boards from Ford. I looked at the pic that was on Going going gone website and those don't extend out past the tires. Mine extend out completely letting you step totally on them. The only thing is they are aluminum painted black and are slick when wet. Also the paint wears off fairly rapidly. I solved both problems by taking them off. Held on by only 4 screws per side. I taped them off and hand sprayed them with the aerosol can of spray in bed liner sold at Walmart. I used one can per running board. Now they are not slick at all and show absolutely no signs of wearing off.

 

I didn't use mine until i put on a 2" level kit, now they come in handy very nicely. But i defintanly agree that they are tucked way to close to the truck. Some one could make some money by fabricating some brackets to extend the steps.

 

I could Live with the tight bars if they kept the driver's grab handle, but the combination of marginal footing and no handles is a recipe for disaster.

I forgot to add that with the bars so close, you are guaranteed to kick, scuff and eventually pull loose the gasket around the door (happened on my 2007 s-crew with Westin bars)

 

Measured mine today the step part of the bar is 4" there is only 2 1/2 " that you can get you foot on. This is a very bad . If they are worried about someone sticking their foot thru and breaking a ankle how come they are not worried about some one getting out slipping and breaking their back.

 

I have a '10 STX with the factory steps and I have no problem with them.

 

After a week of ice without my steps I had a passenger about bust their head and I did the same myself ...guess close steps are better than no steps.

I ended up putting them back on today, I'm going to have to see some AMP electric steps in person and I'll likely pull the plug on a set.

 

When I first took a close look at them on my F-150 SCAB (bought mine on Dec. 21st), I decided to ask the sales guy, "What good are they?" In my mind, I had already decided they were there mostly "for looks". And that's pretty much what he said (I had said nothing to influence his answer). I've had the truck for a exactly a month now and I'm still trying to figure out how (or, if) to use them. They're too high to be of any real benefit getting into the truck and too close in to help in getting out. Very frustrating; darn things could be of help but not the way they are now! And why on this God's green earth Ford didn't put a hand hold on the driver's side, like what's on the passenger's side...I'll never know! If they had done that, it may have helped in being able to use the side step rail. Very poor design in my estimation.

 

did some measuring on my step bars out of 5" wide step bar you only have 2 1/2 inches that you can put your foot on so they need to move out about 2 -- 2 1/2 inches and down about 1 to 2 inches. to able to use them safely.

 

I have them on my FX4 and think they're in a good position..until they get wet. I think the material sucks on that particular model more than the placement.

I feel like an old person making sure I have my foot firmly planted on the board when it's wet and always reach for the wheel or use the door handle for support. Not sure what they were thinking with the material choice..particularly on an "off-road" package.

 

So you can pull on the steering wheel, then they can sell steering column parts.