Running boards
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,357
Likes: 250
Running boards
What kind of running boards are you guys running on your trucks? I see the only options Ford offers seem like they hang down pretty far. The molded plastic steps I have on my '13 tuck up pretty close to the body which I like because I get the rock protection of a full running board but they don't hang down too far and get in the way.
I see Westin has some nice molded boards that look like they tuck up close and Aeries has their Commercial series that look good also.
I like the look of no boards but if I go that route the bottom of my vehicles will be covered with rock chips from the gravel roads since mudflaps don't stop everything unless they drag on the ground.
I see Westin has some nice molded boards that look like they tuck up close and Aeries has their Commercial series that look good also.
I like the look of no boards but if I go that route the bottom of my vehicles will be covered with rock chips from the gravel roads since mudflaps don't stop everything unless they drag on the ground.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
What kind of running boards are you guys running on your trucks? I see the only options Ford offers seem like they hang down pretty far. The molded plastic steps I have on my '13 tuck up pretty close to the body which I like because I get the rock protection of a full running board but they don't hang down too far and get in the way.
I see Westin has some nice molded boards that look like they tuck up close and Aeries has their Commercial series that look good also.
I like the look of no boards but if I go that route the bottom of my vehicles will be covered with rock chips from the gravel roads since mudflaps don't stop everything unless they drag on the ground.
I see Westin has some nice molded boards that look like they tuck up close and Aeries has their Commercial series that look good also.
I like the look of no boards but if I go that route the bottom of my vehicles will be covered with rock chips from the gravel roads since mudflaps don't stop everything unless they drag on the ground.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 996
Likes: 193
From: AZ
I would love to get the AMP-like Powersteps offered by Ford (standard on the Platinum). But the likelihood of getting them on a Lariat is slim at best unless I order my truck which I don't plan on doing (I'd order to get the Powersteps and the QuadBeam LED lights if they were really important). Instead I'll buy the "real AMP Powersteps" after I get my truck.
Note: It's my understanding (and a technicality) that the Ford Powersteps are licensed by AMP (LUND) to Magna who actually manufactures the steps and pays a royalty to AMP.
Note: It's my understanding (and a technicality) that the Ford Powersteps are licensed by AMP (LUND) to Magna who actually manufactures the steps and pays a royalty to AMP.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 232
Likes: 0
From: East of LA
That's true for nearly all manufacturer-offered retractables. The amp steps are a good move, and since you are in so-cal, know that their factory is in Orange County and they can do boards longer than the standard boards they offer.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 996
Likes: 193
From: AZ
And you're right. AMP is in Tustin, CA. They're a subsidiary of LUND International (in GA) who owns other companies including Bushwacker, etc. I know AMP well - they're one of our customers as the company I work for makes aluminum components for their PowerSteps.
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 71
Likes: 4
I finally settled on the Luverne Grip Steps. Saw them in another thread from an outfitter in AK, and they were exactly what I was looking for.
They have cab only or wheel to wheel, and one of the only vendors so far that have wheel to wheel for a long bed. They are very solid, and the grip plating is nice and wide, and allows for mud and junk to fall through and easy wash off. The rough surface sure makes it easy to scrape everything off as well, no more banging on the side of the truck.
And the best feature, they don't hang below the frame rail! In fact, they mount quite high, so if you need these because the truck is too high, they might be a bit too high mounted. However, they make a perfect surface to work in the cab or bed since they are so wide. They are more of a max utility focused running board than most everything else.
Let me know if anyone has any questions about them, they are a little harder to get than most brands.
They have cab only or wheel to wheel, and one of the only vendors so far that have wheel to wheel for a long bed. They are very solid, and the grip plating is nice and wide, and allows for mud and junk to fall through and easy wash off. The rough surface sure makes it easy to scrape everything off as well, no more banging on the side of the truck.
And the best feature, they don't hang below the frame rail! In fact, they mount quite high, so if you need these because the truck is too high, they might be a bit too high mounted. However, they make a perfect surface to work in the cab or bed since they are so wide. They are more of a max utility focused running board than most everything else.
Let me know if anyone has any questions about them, they are a little harder to get than most brands.
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More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 538
Likes: 4
From: Quad Cities Illinois
I finally settled on the Luverne Grip Steps. Saw them in another thread from an outfitter in AK, and they were exactly what I was looking for.
They have cab only or wheel to wheel, and one of the only vendors so far that have wheel to wheel for a long bed. They are very solid, and the grip plating is nice and wide, and allows for mud and junk to fall through and easy wash off. The rough surface sure makes it easy to scrape everything off as well, no more banging on the side of the truck.
And the best feature, they don't hang below the frame rail! In fact, they mount quite high, so if you need these because the truck is too high, they might be a bit too high mounted. However, they make a perfect surface to work in the cab or bed since they are so wide. They are more of a max utility focused running board than most everything else.
Let me know if anyone has any questions about them, they are a little harder to get than most brands.
Attachment 177964
They have cab only or wheel to wheel, and one of the only vendors so far that have wheel to wheel for a long bed. They are very solid, and the grip plating is nice and wide, and allows for mud and junk to fall through and easy wash off. The rough surface sure makes it easy to scrape everything off as well, no more banging on the side of the truck.
And the best feature, they don't hang below the frame rail! In fact, they mount quite high, so if you need these because the truck is too high, they might be a bit too high mounted. However, they make a perfect surface to work in the cab or bed since they are so wide. They are more of a max utility focused running board than most everything else.
Let me know if anyone has any questions about them, they are a little harder to get than most brands.
Attachment 177964
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
I know this discussion has taken place before, but it doesn't get much pub around here:
The 2015-16 F150 steps fit the 2017 super duty. And they sit nice and tight to the body.
Even better, there are a TON out there on eBay and Craigslist. For under $300. They look great on the SD. No low hanging like the factory SD boards.
The 2015-16 F150 steps fit the 2017 super duty. And they sit nice and tight to the body.
Even better, there are a TON out there on eBay and Craigslist. For under $300. They look great on the SD. No low hanging like the factory SD boards.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
I know this discussion has taken place before, but it doesn't get much pub around here:
The 2015-16 F150 steps fit the 2017 super duty. And they sit nice and tight to the body.
Even better, there are a TON out there on eBay and Craigslist. For under $300. They look great on the SD. No low hanging like the factory SD boards.
The 2015-16 F150 steps fit the 2017 super duty. And they sit nice and tight to the body.
Even better, there are a TON out there on eBay and Craigslist. For under $300. They look great on the SD. No low hanging like the factory SD boards.
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 453
Likes: 46
Do they offer wheel to wheel retractables? I prefer the look of no boards, but love the functionality. I plan on utilizing an in bed tool box and having a step to reach that would be great. If I can't get wheel to wheel retractable boards, I'll probably go with the N-Fab nerf bars as I think they look better than the factory fixed boards.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,424
Likes: 12
From: BC Canada
Iron Cross makes some nice wheel to wheel bars with steps for each door and the box as well.
I have the 6" bars stock on my lariat and I like them, but I may cut them down to sit up tighter to the cab. I have seen many do this on older F350s and it looks much better.
the other option is Lund boards that are black plastic which is what i did on my 2005. they sit up tight to the cab and provide a lot of protection on our sanding, salty, gravelly roads.
I have the 6" bars stock on my lariat and I like them, but I may cut them down to sit up tighter to the cab. I have seen many do this on older F350s and it looks much better.
the other option is Lund boards that are black plastic which is what i did on my 2005. they sit up tight to the cab and provide a lot of protection on our sanding, salty, gravelly roads.