Running Boards ???
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 643
Likes: 38
From: LA = Louisiana
Running Boards ???
It seems you need something to help get in and out of these even at stock stance.
I was thinking about a fixed board to double as a rock guard and help protect the lower panels. Some have mentioned some of these also help protect from parking lot door dings, etc. I actually like the 6" extended board which is just a $230 option. An extended boards would be great for help with bed access.
I know many like the auto OEM and AMP boards. I also know AMP has an XL that includes a Rock guard that helps protect the very bottom (but not the sides at all).
Anyway.... just thought I would see what some opinions are on why you use what you use for cab steps / running boards.
Thanks!!!!!!!
EDIT: I actually like these Luverne Grip Steps..... they make an extended model and someone posted a set on a truck a few months back.
I was thinking about a fixed board to double as a rock guard and help protect the lower panels. Some have mentioned some of these also help protect from parking lot door dings, etc. I actually like the 6" extended board which is just a $230 option. An extended boards would be great for help with bed access.
I know many like the auto OEM and AMP boards. I also know AMP has an XL that includes a Rock guard that helps protect the very bottom (but not the sides at all).
Anyway.... just thought I would see what some opinions are on why you use what you use for cab steps / running boards.
Thanks!!!!!!!
EDIT: I actually like these Luverne Grip Steps..... they make an extended model and someone posted a set on a truck a few months back.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 328
Likes: 10
From: Outside of Austin
I went with the factory installed power steps. They seemed to come down more and further out which made it easier to get in and out. My wife is also a little shorter so it definitely helps her out more. Plus the platform just seemed like it had more room for my big feet. Just my $.02
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 685
Likes: 4
Duke, I went with the factory extended running board on my Lariat. I'm hoping that I'll be able to utilize the extended portion to access a toolbox in the bed, if not I think it will help provide some underbody protection. I like the fixed step on my 2012.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,027
Likes: 7
From: 46th State
My truck came with power steps. I wouldn't have anything else. The only concern I had when I first got my truck was the rear-end was significantly higher off the ground. This made the built-in tailgate steps impossible for me to reach and I'm 6 feet tall. I lowered the rear-end by only 1.5" and it also lowering the power steps a little as well. I can just barely get my foot on the tailgate step but at least I can get into the bed now. I didn't notice much of an improvement on the power steps although I didn't have an issue with them being too high from the beginning.
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 643
Likes: 38
From: LA = Louisiana
This is exactly what I'm thinking. And at $230 aren't out much if you want to change 1-2 years down the road.
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
I went with the extended running boards as well. I like the idea of them acting as a rock guard and I have a 5th wheel so it will be much easier to hitch and unhitch using the step. I do think the automatic steps are cool and are much "cleaner" looking.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 685
Likes: 4
My wife had the retractable running boards on her Denali. They were nice until the salt and other elements got to them. $2500 or so later, they both worked fine again. I promised myself to avoid those like the plague.
Trending Topics
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 393
Likes: 18
From: Irving
I went with the factory installed power steps. They seemed to come down more and further out which made it easier to get in and out. My wife is also a little shorter so it definitely helps her out more. Plus the platform just seemed like it had more room for my big feet. Just my $.02
Ditto. I likes the fact that since they retracted they wouldn't collect mud and the rare slush down here. Never occurred to me that they'd be lower and thus more accessable to the women-folk in my household.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 643
Likes: 38
From: LA = Louisiana
Looks like me and 'maps' and 'tony m' are thinking alike. And I think the extended OEM board or Luverne's would protect from dings etc. as much or more than the NFabs.
Oh well....... I am going to continue to look and consider options.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 6,841
Likes: 4,132
From: Jacksonville
I too wish I had the extended OEM ones. I have the standard ones but that doesn't do me any good when I have to haul my old decrepit **** over the side to hook up the gooseneck. The tires are really tall and aggravating for me to step up on. I am going in via the tail gate now but over the side would be much easier.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,760
Likes: 388
From: Oregon
Had I known you could raise them up like that Blue6.2, I would have done the factory ones as well... I didn't like how low they were either. I like that look. I got some Magnum RT's for something which are in the garage waiting.
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 643
Likes: 38
From: LA = Louisiana
I agree and think they look better mounted closer to the cab. Are you saying you used a different bracket (for F150) to mount them?? rather than using the brackets provided for F250??
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,655
Likes: 21
From: Western MA
I went with the basic black plastic fixed running boards. I personally love them for the look and functionality. Parking lot door dings, flying rock protection and of course as steps. I like the look of black over the chrome. I also don't like the electric boards as you lose 2 of the protection items and its another electronic thing that could break (being on the outside and underside of the truck).
Really at the end of the day I like the look and needed some type of step for the wife and kids.
Really at the end of the day I like the look and needed some type of step for the wife and kids.