Running Boards - Your perspective

[Cyberwiz64]

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.

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[BigBassDaddy407]

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.

I have the same issue with running boards I bought off of amazon. Gen 5 running boards technically fit on our gen 6 because the bolt spacing is the same, BUT the brackets are not long enough for them to be really functional. Half my running boards are under the truck. I'll take pictures of mine if I remember. I may try to extend the brackets somehow.

 

[Sharpie223]

My perspective is go for rock sliders even if you don't offroad. The parking lot protection alone... But then I have the fabrication skills to do so cheaply.

For running boards where they are needed for climbing in, I would look for those with a built in drop down step. Those in theory have been designed to provide a more functional step. I think many are made more for decoration than utility.

 

[dpAtlanta]

The Raptor running boards are wider and the Ford Parts site indicate it will fit a Ranger... it does not say Raptor only.

The site does say "Currently Unavailable" however.

***EDIT***

I clicked on the PayPal link and it indicated the cost was $1485.65... for just the one side!!!

Unless you enjoy hemorrhaging money, these would set you back $2971.30.

Who knew...????

 

[Sparky62]

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

 

[superj]

Find someone selling their take off raptor boards. I love mine on my XL and my son has them on his lariat too. Bolt on with zero issues and definitely better for the wife to get in and out, and me too

 

[BoostCreep]

I HATED these, they always hit my shins. Rocker Armor https://www.americantrucks.com/ranger-rocker-armor-side-step-bars-matte-black-ia06sbc9b.html

On my truck

I really like these. Westin Pro Traxx : https://www.americantrucks.com/ranger-pro-traxx-4-inch-oval-side-step-bars-black-21-24155.html

on my truck The wheels in that pic are Bronco Iridium from Roush.

 

[Muffin1]

If you have a good welder willing to take on the task you can add a 1 or 2 inch extension material on each of the brackets to push out the tube step from the rocker area where i agree that they tuck in to far.
While i didn't do this mod to my current Ranger i did on a previous one.

 

[Onceaneagle]

At 6'4", fixed running boards are mounted too high. I step on them and hover over the truck, then duck to enter. My foot catches in the gap between board and frame. So I went with AMP Research e-boards since I do not off road. They are wide, retract flush, are lighted for night entry, and are the right height. Open the door and they deploy. Put your foot on them when you close the door and they stay deployed so you can stand up and wash the truck roof. Reset when open and close the door. Wife is 5'4" and has no trouble getting in or out. Had them professionally installed in both my previous F150 and now the Ranger. Zero issues in all weather. No rock chips, either, as I had some PPF put on from the cab to the rear wheel well up to the bottom of the gas tank level, both sides. PPF was $150 installed.

 

[pablo94sc]

Find someone selling their take off raptor boards. I love mine on my XL and my son has them on his lariat too. Bolt on with zero issues and definitely better for the wife to get in and out, and me too

I have a Raptor, and I second this. I think they are pretty darn good.

 

[Bigsack]

The running boards on my 26' are useless to me. I am too tall and don't need them. If you are tall try using them and see how hard it is to take a seat in the truck. For me, the only thing they are good for is door ding protection from other vehicles, but I will be removing them.

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