Stepping up to get into your vehicle is a common thing, but what if your truck is lifted?
In this article, we discuss with you the role that running boards play in giving you an extra boost, as well as help you determine the ones that’s meant for your rig.
- 1 WHAT ARE RUNNING BOARDS FOR?
- 2 WHAT ARE OTHER BENEFITS OF USING RUNNING BOARDS FOR TRUCKS?
- 3 ARE TRUCKS PRE-DRILLED FOR RUNNING BOARDS?
- 4 HOW WILL I KNOW IF THE RUNNING BOARDS ARE COMPATIBLE WITH MY TRUCK?
- 5 WHAT KIND OF RUNNING BOARDS SHOULD I GET?
- 6 HOW DO I MOUNT MY RUNNING BOARDS?
- 7 CONCLUSION
WHAT ARE RUNNING BOARDS FOR?
Running boards are believed to have been used in the first carriages in as early as the 17th century. Their main function is to help passengers conveniently get in and out of rides. Today, the same function still applies, with some changes in the former designs for stability’s sake.
At a glance, they are platforms with even surfaces, that passengers could step onto, when the ground clearance of their vehicles is above the normal height. Bear in mind though, they are a bit different from side steps. Below is a list of normal ground clearances for certain vehicle types, that could further increase after the modification process.
| Vehicle Type | SUVs | Jeeps | Pickup Trucks |
| Normal Ground Clearance (Inches) | 6-8 inches | 8-11 inches | 8-10 inches |
WHAT ARE OTHER BENEFITS OF USING RUNNING BOARDS FOR TRUCKS?
Aside from the obvious improvement in mobility and safety, running boards have also become a vital part of many trucks because of the following reasons:
- They serve as shields for the sides of your pickups to prevent the possibility of scratches and heavy damages.
- They collect a certain amount of dirt, dust, mud, etc., so not too much will enter your truck’s interior.
- Some running boards are retractable which give additional ground clearance, when going over obstacles.
ARE TRUCKS PRE-DRILLED FOR RUNNING BOARDS?
The short answer is yes. Many trucks come with pre-drilled holes for running boards. This means you could easily mount the running boards, provided the position of the bolts and other hardware, are properly aligned and in place. If you have a truck without pre-drilled holes, it’s better to create some with an expert’s supervision.
HOW WILL I KNOW IF THE RUNNING BOARDS ARE COMPATIBLE WITH MY TRUCK?
Measuring running boards for trucks shouldn’t require too much effort. The only thing you need to remember is they start where the front wheels end. As they go along your truck’s side, they should reach (but not touch) your rear wheels.
The general rule is there should be at least 1-2 inches distance between your running boards and rear wheels. This is because simple logic dictates, this is the edge of your truck’s body. Therefore, the running boards should never be too close to your rear wheels, but can still give you sufficient platform to step on, when reaching for your truck bed. You could do this using a measuring tape. Usual running board width is along 4-7 inches.
WHAT KIND OF RUNNING BOARDS SHOULD I GET?
In terms of composition, running boards are made from 5 common materials. Of course, the strength of the running boards lay in the material that eventually determines the longevity, including other features, and cost.
- Plastic – the most affordable.
- Aluminum – lightweight.
- Stainless Steel – rust-resistant.
- Fiberglass – electrically non-conductive.
- Chrome – strengthening additive to other materials.
| Running Board Type | Plastic | Aluminum | Stainless Steel | Fiberglass | Chrome |
| Est. Price | $80-$100 | $100-$200 | $100-$200 | $100-$400 | $100-$300 |
HOW DO I MOUNT MY RUNNING BOARDS?
Running board installation varies by truck brand, year, and model. But generally, the recurring steps that are common across all of them are:
CONCLUSION
Running boards are more than just truck accessories. They serve various purposes that go beyond safety. But to fully maximize what they can provide you with, you need to have a clear vision of the type of running boards you’re after, why you’re after them in the first place, and if they’re worth your every penny. Comment below and let’s talk more about your truck’s running boards.
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