I test drove one that had neither power nor fixed running boards. I knew I would be getting them but the test drive confirmed, I wouldn't want to own this truck without running boards. I'm 5'11" which I guess is average. I wonder if some that complain about back pain from the seats aren't actually tweaking their backs climbing up into the cab.
I chose the extended running boards as you mentioned, a cheap option for the added utility and protection.

 

Nice truck and cool pup Dan!!

 

Thanks!! I remember seeing your extended boards in another pic you put online. A Lariat I test drove about 2 weeks ago had 'em. I don't know why the are as inexpensive as they are. They are nice and wide and cover a long way..... who cares. I think they are great for fixed running board.

 

Thanks Tony!

Agree Duke, mine are exactly what I wanted and serve another purpose for me as well. No jumping in or out, too hard on the joints. https://www.chewy.com/solvit-ultrali...-ramp/dp/53683 DO NOT BUY at this price though, $49 is routine.

 

I did end up going with the Luverne grip steps, wheel to wheel, for CCLB. I've had them for a few months now and they are wicked awesome.

You can get your whole foot on them, the protect the rockers extremely well, and are very very solid. The end caps on mine are actually metal, there is 0 plastic anywhere on the boards

Cleaning them is a breeze with the grating. They are ridiculously grippy, even in rain or mud there is 0 chance you will slip off without trying. They stick out just enough that car doors will contact the board before your door which is a plus. Not far enough to have to consider when parking or turning tight though. They also do not hang below the frame rails, so ground clearance isn't affected.

Of note: if you do go this direction, it is definitely a two man job. The rear mount for the boards actually connects to the rear leaf shackle mount! Do not try to do this your self unless you get the cab only model.

They are pretty expensive, but in my experience worth every penny. Just let me know if you have any questions about them.

 

That's nice coverage wheel to wheel 17CCLB250. Saw these on the Alaska thread, great utility.

 

Yep that's where I first saw them too. Took a bit of tracking down to finally get a part number and price. As you can see in my picture, everything is frequently dirty. I am under 6'4" tall so having access to the tool box without having to always get up close and personal with the side of the truck was a must.

Getting in from the side still requires the old side step -> tire -> swing leg over maneuver though.

 

That is awesome. I've had them book marked since the Alaska thread. It's nice to see a better shot of them on a SD. Thanks for getting those up!!

Yep... they are not cheap. I've been checking and you can get them for a little less at a few places but not much off. Thanks again!!

 

I have the DeeZee version of the Grip Step but not wheel to wheel. I lined the front up to the front door seam and they extend just about exactly to the seam between the cab and bed. The DeeZee end closure is just a piece of "C" metal that bolts inside of the step....the Luverne end cap design looks better. Otherwise, I like the design of the steps very much....wife loves them.

 

Could you please tell me how they are mounted,,,

Did you have to drill any holes?

Are they all hard point mounted or are the brackets connected to the sheet metal?

Thank you

 

The steps are a C channel design. The kit comes with flat plates with slotted holes. You lay the plate in the flanges of the step, line it up with the holes in the bracket and bolt it down....basically sandwiching the step in place....if that makes sense. No drilling.

 

Thank you ..that makes sense
My question was how do they attach to the truck itself... Do the brackets attach to the frame?...bodymounts? Or in the case the crew I understand the rear spring shackle

I am trying to confirm you don't have to drill into the cab and use threadserts or sheetmtal screws like many boards mounted historically

Thanks again

 

Nope, no drilling whatsoever. The rearmost mount does attach to the rear leaf shackle, and the other three mounting points use the studs/mounting points that the factory boards use. Even if you didn't get factory boards, you should still have the studs/mounting points there. I believe they are on every truck regardless.

These points are not on the frame, they are on the body however. I asked around when doing my research and nobody made any kind of boards that were frame mount (at least not yet).

The mounting brackets for the boards are ordered as a separate part number, and contain everything you need. There is no drilling/tapping required. All bolt/washer/nut hardware.

 

How considerate for the dog and also benefits the truck-less wear and tear from pup jumping in and out! Although I must say that is quite a leap, these trucks stand tall for sure.

 

Yep, sorry, as the poster above said, the studs are already in place to mount the brackets....that's the easy part. Lining-up the plates/steps onto the brackets was a bit "fussier" classic case of the first side taking about 1.5 hours and the 2nd side taking about 20 minutes once I figured out a system.