I tried the search function and could not find an answer there, so I'll make a new post.

I have a 2001 F250 4WD Standard Cab with a Service body. I installed factory crew cab running boards which extend back almost to the rear wheel wells. I did this to get better access to the tall truck for my wife and kids, but also to help deflect the muck from gravel roads that I travel on a lot.

My running boards are very slippery, especially when wet. The texture has worn down in the area where you step. I am trying to find a way to get more grip for your feet. My wife and a friend have both slipped off the board on the passenger side, and the friend threw out his back doing it. I have slipped on my side a few times, but not seriously, yet.

First, does anyone know what plastic the boards are made of? I am thinking of softening them with solvent and sprinkling an anti-skid abrasive onto the softened plastic.

Has anyone done this? Have you been successful?

My backup plan is to soften the plastic with solvent and "texture" the surface again with a rough tool, preferably a roller, that would create an new rough surface. Again, I'm looking for someone who has tried this.

I'll bet this isn't a rare problem, especially with the trucks advancing age.

Thanks, Jock

 

i have no idea if this would actually work, i have never tried it or even heard of anyone trying it... but it's the first thing that came to mind when i read your problem

 

 

my first thought was anti skid tape/ skate board tape

What about bed liner? you could probibly have both of them done relatively cheap at a shop and it would probably look good and last forever.

 

maybe some self applied Herculiner? I did the whole inside of my bronco with this stuff, it does provide pretty good traction and lasts forever like Steve says.
Herculiner HCL0B7-01 Brush-on Bed Liner Quart : Amazon.com : Automotive

 

I'd use 3M anti-slip tape, purchased at Grainger. You get rolls, or stair-tread shaped sheets.

I have slipped on my running boards and determined that all the boards were bent downwards from hefty people standing on them. I used a floor jack and a block of wood and jacked up and bent each bracket (starting at one end and working toward the other), and this changed the angle of the running board and made it harder to slip off of them. The only thing worse than a slippery running board is one tilted downward!

 

I never thought about it being bent, good point. I have nothing on mine and there is almost no "texture" left. The only time I slip on them is when they are covered in ice.

 

I straightened mine with the floor jack and block of wood. I think the brackets give a little every time someone "sturdy" uses them, and it adds up over the years. Mine are level, and the reported problems occurred with them level.

Thanks for the ideas so far. Anyone else have experience in making the running boards less slippery?

 

what do y'all mean by sturdy? I'm 265-280 lbs give or take a meal. my steps are pretty hefty and haven't bent yet

I'd get the small can of DIY Hurculiner for the steps. You scuff the plastic up, then apply. once dry, that stuff will last for quite some time. if it gets damaged/wears off, you can easily re-apply

 

I'm having the same problem. Lol. It can defiantly be dangerous. I was thinking about taking my truck to the local line x shop and have them line x on the side steps.