Are there really no aftermarket side step options?

[alrashid2]

Hey guys. Just put an order in for a new 2026 Ford Ranger, that I was told would be here by July. Woohoo!

Unfortunately, despite going over the build list a million times and the salesman confirming with me too, we completely missed the integrated side steps. I was thinking they came standard but apparently not. After doing some reading, installing them after the fact is out of the question due to the price just being way too high. Bummer!

Anyway, I saw a bunch of videos online about retractable side steps and thought that would be the simple solution: companies like AMP, Rough Country, and Bestop seemed to have solid ones. But after following through, I've found none of them offer one for the Ford Ranger...

Am I missing something here? Why no support anywhere in the aftermarket for bed side steps? This will be my first pickup truck so confused what I am missing. I'll need to step up into the bed often and I can't be the only one. Is it that Rangers are low enough that stepping onto the bumper, then the lowered tailgate is easy enough?

Thanks yall!

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[Dave8311]

Maybe this would be an option to consider?

https://realtruck.com/p/traxion-tailgate-ladder/

 

[alrashid2]

Maybe this would be an option to consider?

https://realtruck.com/p/traxion-tailgate-ladder/

Thanks for sharing, but not really what I am looking for.

Maybe I'm just missing something, but it seems odd to me there aren't any steps anywhere. Not even from Ford, when other Ford truck models can have various versions of steps and hand rails and such installed as upgrades.

 

[ryanO]

Hey guys. Just put an order in for a new 2026 Ford Ranger, that I was told would be here by July. Woohoo!

Unfortunately, despite going over the build list a million times and the salesman confirming with me too, we completely missed the integrated side steps. I was thinking they came standard but apparently not. After doing some reading, installing them after the fact is out of the question due to the price just being way too high. Bummer!

Anyway, I saw a bunch of videos online about retractable side steps and thought that would be the simple solution: companies like AMP, Rough Country, and Bestop seemed to have solid ones. But after following through, I've found none of them offer one for the Ford Ranger...

Am I missing something here? Why no support anywhere in the aftermarket for bed side steps? This will be my first pickup truck so confused what I am missing. I'll need to step up into the bed often and I can't be the only one. Is it that Rangers are low enough that stepping onto the bumper, then the lowered tailgate is easy enough?

Thanks yall!

What do you mean by side steps? If you mean steps to get in and out of the truck there are TONS of them. The '24 - '26 trucks are exactly the same for this. Go to Realtruck and say you habe a '25 Ranger, you'll find a ton and they all fit.

 

[alrashid2]

I didn't see a single one. I'm not talking about running boards, I'm talking about stepping up into the truck bed with the tailgate down. Sorry if I wasn't clear

 

[ryanO]

I didn't see a single one. I'm not talking about running boards, I'm talking about stepping up into the truck bed with the tailgate down. Sorry if I wasn't clear

Ohhh.....you can add the steps in the rear corners. They aren't easy to do, but there are posts here about ppl that have done it. Search for bed steps here and you'll find the details.

 

[alrashid2]

Thanks Ryan. I did see that but the cost was just too much to justify. Wish I had ordered them!

Again, just kind of confused why there aren't any aftermarket options when the other model trucks from Ford and even Toyota Tacomas have many to choose from... just seemed weird.

 

[ryanO]

Thanks Ryan. I did see that but the cost was just too much to justify. Wish I had ordered them!

Again, just kind of confused why there aren't any aftermarket options when the other model trucks from Ford and even Toyota Tacomas have many to choose from... just seemed weird.

There aren't enough Rangers and ppl wanting to modify them to justify the R&D and certifications necessary to make a business case for them. Do some research on Auatralian companies that may make something. The Ranger is huge in Australia

 

[alrashid2]

Wow, didn't realize. Thought they were about on par with Tacomas. I'll see what I can find, thanks!

 

[ryanO]

Wow, didn't realize. Thought they were about on par with Tacomas. I'll see what I can find, thanks!

Or, just place another order with them and dont pick up the first order.
I ordered a Ranger and then found one 99% the same a month later and grabbed it while never picking up my original order.

 

[Jason B]

Check this thread:
(1) Installing bed side steps on Ranger XL / XLT - DIY instructions | Ranger6G - 2024+ Ranger & Raptor Forum, News, Owners, Community (6th Gen)

And here:
(1) New Ranger; need some suggestions | Ranger6G - 2024+ Ranger & Raptor Forum, News, Owners, Community (6th Gen)

 

[alrashid2]

Or, just place another order with them and dont pick up the first order.
I ordered a Ranger and then found one 99% the same a month later and grabbed it while never picking up my original order.

Unfortunately I put a $500 deposit down that is non refundable and we locked down a solid deal so I rather not jump ship.

And now that I'm thinking about it, I don't think those steps would help getting into the bed anyway. They look to help reach into the bed from the side, but wouldn't work for stepping over the side into the bed. Also I could see myself tripping on the tailgate cables trying to step over from that angle!

Check this thread:
(1) Installing bed side steps on Ranger XL / XLT - DIY instructions | Ranger6G - 2024+ Ranger & Raptor Forum, News, Owners, Community (6th Gen)

And here:
(1) New Ranger; need some suggestions | Ranger6G - 2024+ Ranger & Raptor Forum, News, Owners, Community (6th Gen)

Cancel or amend the order. Also add locking rear diff for 420 if your not getting FX4. That cheap upgrade alone will make a huge difference.

Thanks for sharing. At this point I'm looking more for the retractable steps like from Rough Country. See pic.

 

[HighDesertRanger]

Have they started building your truck yet? If not, your dealer can still make the change. If they won't, find another dealer and order what you want. Personally I wouldn't want a Ranger without the step.

And I'm unfamiliar with Pennsylvania law, but every state I've worked in deposits are refundable in spite of what the dealer may be telling you.

 

[alrashid2]

We already agreed to numbers and I rather not give a chance for recognitions. At first I was bummed but after thinking about it I realized I'd never use that side step anyhow. My gear will either be pushed to the very back (below rear window) or I'd need to jump up into the bed, which would actually be harder from the integrated step than just using the rear tire.

 

[Loudpa]

Perhaps just put a folding step stool in bed for use when needed.

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