Power-Deployable Running Boards
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 221
Likes: 8
Power-Deployable Running Boards
I'm in the process of building a 2027 Lariat with premium package. Also adding the chrome package. Then I see the option for these Power-deployable running boards. I got mixed feelings. I like the way the truck looks with them tucked away BUT just yesterday I saw an F150 with driver side down and passenger side up. I've read about how you just have to keep them clean and lubed... but this F150 looked pretty clean. Am I just looking for trouble? Local dealers didn't have any trucks with the chrome package so haven't seen the 6" Angular Bright Anodized step bars that come with the Chrome package. Thoughts? My brother got a 2024 Platinum and he really likes the power-deployable. Says they come down lower than his fixed 2017 F250 boards. IDK.. Leaning towards the 6" Angular Bright Anodized but thought to kick it around here first. Thanks
4wd Low
Joined: Sep 2025
Posts: 10
Likes: 4
From: Texas
I have power deployeable running boards on my F350 and Expedition. They do come down further than standard tubes, etc. Every 2nd or 3rd oil change I spray some grease around the motors moving parts and havent had any issues.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 221
Likes: 8
I watched a video on installing them. Looked real easy. The only part I didn’t like was wiring it to the Trucks OBD2 port.
5th Wheeling
Joined: Apr 2026
Posts: 49
Likes: 14
First time with them. I'm not sure yet how I feel about them. They are cleaner looking, and undoubtedly improve fuel economy a smidgen. I also feel like it's probably a REALLY REALLY good idea to put splash guards/mud-flaps up front if you have them...to keep gunk away from the mechanicals.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 113
Likes: 47
From: WA
I’ve got the chrome package and power boards on my ‘23 lariat in antimatter blue. No issues yet. I like how they looked tucked up. Not sure if they changed on newer models, but the chrome strip on the edge of the boards isn’t that noticeable compared to chrome everywhere else. And they do come down lower than fixed boards, I’m 5’6” so it’s handy. I also added the the weather tech mud flaps to keep as much debris off the mechanisms.
The only thing I don’t like about them is that both sides deploy regardless of which door gets opened. I think it wa prior to ‘23 models, they only deployed on the open door side
The only thing I don’t like about them is that both sides deploy regardless of which door gets opened. I think it wa prior to ‘23 models, they only deployed on the open door side
5th Wheeling
Joined: Apr 2026
Posts: 49
Likes: 14
Chrome strip on the boards is one thing I'd love to get rid of. Would look better black or paint matched.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 787
Likes: 250
Get them.
Put the ford molded splash guards on the front to keep the spray to a minimum and they aren’t hard to keep clean. I pressure wash mine fairly regularly and keep the hinges and motors covered with fluid film.
Put the ford molded splash guards on the front to keep the spray to a minimum and they aren’t hard to keep clean. I pressure wash mine fairly regularly and keep the hinges and motors covered with fluid film.
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4wd Low
Joined: May 2026
Posts: 11
Likes: 2
I have the brand new 2026 truck for about 6 weeks.
I found if I wanted certain options, they only came with the power running boards. AFIK, if you want certain options, no way around getting the retracting running boards.
I can adjust it so they don’t go up and down when I approach, only when I open the doors, but I can’t keep
it in the always down position. There was an option for stay down, but that’s only until you drive again.
My only complaint is the running boards do open with some force and I hope not on a tight area.
I found if I wanted certain options, they only came with the power running boards. AFIK, if you want certain options, no way around getting the retracting running boards.
I can adjust it so they don’t go up and down when I approach, only when I open the doors, but I can’t keep
it in the always down position. There was an option for stay down, but that’s only until you drive again.
My only complaint is the running boards do open with some force and I hope not on a tight area.
Last edited by Ford6.7ski; May 15, 2026 at 05:38 AM.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 127
Likes: 55
What part of the country are you in? If northeast absolutely positively do not get them.
If not in the northeast buy them and enjoy. Thick ice is their nemesis, besides that they seem to last fine down south. Up here the last thing I want is to babysit those stupid running boards.
Here in Buffalo you even have to disable your auto fold mirrors in winter I’ve learned. They will ice over so hard the motors will struggle and then give up trying to fold open. I keep them off after November
If not in the northeast buy them and enjoy. Thick ice is their nemesis, besides that they seem to last fine down south. Up here the last thing I want is to babysit those stupid running boards.
Here in Buffalo you even have to disable your auto fold mirrors in winter I’ve learned. They will ice over so hard the motors will struggle and then give up trying to fold open. I keep them off after November
Last edited by FordExpy486; May 15, 2026 at 06:29 AM.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,787
Likes: 658
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 221
Likes: 8
What part of the country are you in? If northeast absolutely positively do not get them.
If not in the northeast buy them and enjoy. Thick ice is their nemesis, besides that they seem to last fine down south. Up here the last thing I want is to babysit those stupid running boards.
Here in Buffalo you even have to disable your auto fold mirrors in winter. They will ice over so hard the motors will struggle and then give up trying to fold.
If not in the northeast buy them and enjoy. Thick ice is their nemesis, besides that they seem to last fine down south. Up here the last thing I want is to babysit those stupid running boards.
Here in Buffalo you even have to disable your auto fold mirrors in winter. They will ice over so hard the motors will struggle and then give up trying to fold.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,787
Likes: 658
I live in the north east. Was thinking about those 1/4" ice storm that covers the truck but since they are tucked under the truck they wouldn't get a coating so "should" open? How about snow on boots? I stand on my boards now and kick off as much snow as I can before getting in. Snow will sit on the running boards. Will that be enough to stop the boards from staying retracted? Nothing takes away from a nice truck like seeing one board down while heading down the highway...AND you don't even know it's down. Thought about adding a button plunger and some lights in the cab to let me know if the landing gear has fully retracted... :-)
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 221
Likes: 8
Wiring in general never bothered me. I just installed tankless air horns which was fun. I can understand it plug's into the board motors on both sides. What's it plug into on the truck? You'll need power supply plus wires to know when the doors have been opened and closed. Video showed one wire to the battery and two to the OBD2 but said you'll need to figure out which 2 wires on your truck since it may be different. I'm running into problems with the new ARE Z series cap. My current cap lock operates with the truck locks. Dealer just told me they can't use the truck locks anymore because the extra draw of power to trigger the cap lock causes a code fault with the truck computer. Also said the wires have become so thin that splicing into them is difficult. Manufacturers haven't added a plug in port for this feature. Did they add a plug in port for power running boards just in case someone added them during their build?
Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 127
Likes: 55
I live in the north east. Was thinking about those 1/4" ice storm that covers the truck but since they are tucked under the truck they wouldn't get a coating so "should" open? How about snow on boots? I stand on my boards now and kick off as much snow as I can before getting in. Snow will sit on the running boards. Will that be enough to stop the boards from staying retracted? Nothing takes away from a nice truck like seeing one board down while heading down the highway...AND you don't even know it's down. Thought about adding a button plunger and some lights in the cab to let me know if the landing gear has fully retracted... :-)
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