Running Boards - Your perspective

[Sparky62]

Newbie question. What is the cutoff for Gen5 and Gen6?

'19 - '23 are Gen 5 & '24 - '26 are Gen 6

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[Cyberwiz64]

Is there some measurement that can allow you to determine how far out the running boards will stick out on a specific truck?

 

[BigBassDaddy407]

Newbie question. What is the cutoff for Gen5 and Gen6?

Gen 5 is 2019 to 2023
Gen 6 is 2024 to current

 

[Seymour]

If you plan on doing any driving on gravel then running boards are pretty essential IMO, even with oversized mudflaps. They deflect a considerable amount of gravel from hitting the rocker and door panels, and they definitely will help with seat fabric longevity. I’m pretty happy with the lightly used OEM ones that I picked up on marketplace for $100, they’re functional, suit the truck well and are aluminum so they won’t rust out like the steel versions. But if a pair of Ranger Raptor running boards came up for cheap I’d snag them, looks like they’d add some more door ding protection when parked.

 

[mrmike7189]

I got these installed at the dealer when I got this 2024 STX (they threw them in to make the sale)

Makes climbing in and out easier for my 70 some odd self and my Wife
They are very functional, don't really get in the way and kinda look pretty good IMHO

100% agree. My 2024 STX came with those running boards from the factory and they were around $500-600 extra on the window sticker. I like them a lot. & I wanted a silver ranger, but ended up with Shadow Black(my 2nd choice).

 

[abez66062]

I just purchased a 2026 Ranger XL. The dealer installed running boards. These are obviously not factory running boards and that is not important to me. The running boards are 3" round tube running boards. This is the first truck I have had with running boards.

I am 6' 2" and have size 13 feet. My wife is 5' so the running boards are important to her. These running boards, IMHO, are kind of useless as I feel they don't extend out from the body enough to be useful. My wife mentioned the same thing. They feel more like a ladder than a step. I called back my sales person. While not dismissive he seems to be indicating there really shouldn't be an issue. I plan on replacing them with something wider one way or another.

What is your perspective? I have included pictures of the running boards with a measuring tape. Thanks in advance.

 

[abez66062]

This is what I got on my 2025 ford ranger. I got it from Realtruck.com,.
it is Ionic 41 series, 5" aluminum with adjustable brackets. It is a easy install
with all hardware included. It took me about an hour or so to install it.
It cost $279,95 plus tax. I am very happy with it and feels very sturdy and
solid build. I hope this helps.

 

[$Bill]

I had factory power steps on my 2018 F150 Lariat SE. I liked them so much I put Amp Research power steps on my 2023 Rebel. Both dropped about 1/2 way to the ground making them extremely effective. Then retract up and give the truck a nice clean look.

My wife is 5’ also. She liked them.

 

[Uncle Buck]

Is there some measurement that can allow you to determine how far out the running boards will stick out on a specific truck?

I just went out and measured mine. They are Ford OEM running boards off a 2019 Ranger.
Got them for $100 on FB Marketplace. They definitely tuck in under the rocker panel more than the correct ones for this truck. While I don't use them for getting into or out of the truck they are useful for washing the windshield or washing/waxing the roof, and preventing parking lot dings. Overall about 5" wide and 3" from the edge of the boards to the rocker. Hope this helps.

 

[ryanO]

I'm very happy my the IronBison rocker steps, great ground clearance and wide enough to get good footing entering and exiting.

https://ironbisonauto.com/products/...-bars-step-rails-heavy-texture-black-ibcrs015

I have these exact ones too. They are tucked up out of the way.

 

[ryanO]

I just purchased a 2026 Ranger XL. The dealer installed running boards. These are obviously not factory running boards and that is not important to me. The running boards are 3" round tube running boards. This is the first truck I have had with running boards.

I am 6' 2" and have size 13 feet. My wife is 5' so the running boards are important to her. These running boards, IMHO, are kind of useless as I feel they don't extend out from the body enough to be useful. My wife mentioned the same thing. They feel more like a ladder than a step. I called back my sales person. While not dismissive he seems to be indicating there really shouldn't be an issue. I plan on replacing them with something wider one way or another.

What is your perspective? I have included pictures of the running boards with a measuring tape. Thanks in advance.

It depends on what you're looking for. IMHO those are fine. As the driver, you use your L foot, turn it sideways, and step up and then you basically sit down into the truck. Reverse foot for the pasenger. If you simply want a huge step to step on, I'd go get the power folding ones installed.

 

[Cyberwiz64]

The running boards on my truck are 3" wide and it appears a little more than 1" is tucked under the truck

 

[jmt8706]

The running boards on my truck are 3" wide and it appears a little more than 1" is tucked under the truck

Have you checked the Raptor look-a-likes on Real truck? They have wide options. I get where you're coming from as I have a size 12 wide shoe.

 

[bigb]

I'm also tall and have big feet. The running boards are useless for entering/exiting the truck and they are more of a hindrance than a help. The only reason I keep them is for the rock protection and parking lot door ding protection but I am considering removing them and getting black PPF applied all the way around the lower part of the truck. I removed the ones on my 2 door Jeep and it's much easier getting in and out.

FWIW mine are the Rhinos, the 6" ones. I can step up onto them and duck into the truck but what I usually do is just slide in without using them at all, but I do rub my leg on the side of the running board which, if dirty, is annoying.


Maybe since I don't really use them for a step I should have got narrower ones like yours for the protection.

 

[SLJ]

The originals that came on my '25 STX from the factory I like better than ay aftermarket I've had in the past.

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