I wouldn't own a truck without running boards. Here is a pic of my Colorado with factory installed boards.

I have had them on my 12 F150 and my 18 F150. Problem free and love them. I find the power ones fold out farther than the fixed ones I had on my 05 and are easier to use, especially for kids and older folks.

Bassamatic, I like the look of your model.

Can you identify the mfg? They look like good balance between "not too low
and "not too high".

 
I used to never need them with my Tacoma (Prerunner model with 4WD suspension, thus higher). As time passed, the sciatica in my left leg deteriorated, forcing me to use a cane, and I needed something to ease getting into the Taco. I forget the brand, but I bought a set of running boards that bolt directly to the frame, using existing holes in the frame. They are flat with ribbed rubber-like tops, and extend far enough back so I can stand on one end and access the front of my bed (I have an Access Cab model, so you might not get bed access with a Double Cab model). They are a godsend for me. One step up with my good leg, then hoist myself into the seat.
 
 
ETA, this is what I have, just a simple step to aid in getting in the truck. It was a very easy installation, using existing threaded and through holes already in the frame. They have some in and out adjustment.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: henryaz,

Factory running boards on my Tahoe. Wouldn’t be without them.

quote:

Originally posted by signewt:
Bassamatic, I like the look of your model.

Can you identify the mfg? They look like good balance between "not too low
and "not too high".

Well, I went out to the garage with a flashlight and looked all over and could see no name stamped on them. As they are factory installed it should not be hard to track them down. A local dealer might be able to help or even a call to GM. Come to think of it, the parts department guy at a dealer might help as well.

Yeah, these are a good height from the ground up. I like them.

We have had a number of 4WD GMC pickups and never needed or wanted running boards. However both my wife and I have gotten older (funny how that works), so we ordered factory installed running boards on our current truck. We both love them.
Rod

I will preface my comment with what I drive: 2015 Crew Cab Chevy 4WD with 2" "leveling" kit and 34" tires.

My wife (5'6") and parents have a hard time getting in and out of the truck without the step for assistance. I installed the steps solely for that purpose, since I like the look of trucks without the step.

If I would have found a reasonable option for them, I'd have sprung for the steps that retract back up to the rockers and drop when the door is opened. Alas, too expensive for me...

To answer your question, yes. Absolutely useful. My wife can easily get in and out now.
I went with something a little different. They’re called rock sliders. They’re tucked up a little closer to the truck, but you can still use them as a step.
They are strong enough that it will hold the weight of the truck if you come down on a rock, and if you catch one on the side, it’ll push the truck out of the way as you slide the rock.
Much better than some hollow, flimsy running board.

I had tube type steps mounted on my last truck. After a couple years I removed them because they kept getting fallen branches stuck between them and the rocker panels. The "driveway" into our camp is a mile of narrow 2-track in the forest with new fallen "tree trash" just about every day. I suppose, when it becomes too much work for my wife to pull herself up into the cab, I will have to install some sort of step.

I have them on my Expedition, but they came with the vehicle. They fold up into the body of the truck when the doors are shut, so they don't create much drag while driving. I don't use them, but they are good for my wife (5'4"), my daughter(5'6") and my mother-in-law. They were also very helpful to my father after his first stroke, even though he didn't need the step from a height standpoint.

I am not big on aftermarket products, even though some o them might be better than factory-installed, but I like having the running boards and they are probably a good idea for anyone who's maybe 5'9" or less, or is older and needs that extra step.

EDIT: I do use them when washing the top of my vehicle or when putting something on top (like a Christmas tree) for transport. they are very handy then.



.

Beancooker, mfg on those sliders?

I had Smittybilt Suresteps on my Ford F-150 and have N-Fab Nerf Steps on my Toyota Trunda.

While I like both, I have to admit that my N-Fabs aren’t aging as well. They have developed a bit of rust and I see myself switching them out in the future.

The other issue with the N-Fabs Is that it took me a little to get used to the design. The step wasn’t where I was used to, so I did stumble a few times.

I want to change them to something similar to Beancooker’s setup or get electronic ones. While I have no problem installing the standard steps, but tying into the electrical system intimidates me.

I have real rock sliders on my Tacoma. They double as running boards. They can be used as jacking points anywhere on the tube. Solidly bolted to the truck in 8 places per side. Made by a reputable fab shop in the Bay Area. They are heavy as hell though about 50 pounds per side

We've had oem and aftermarket on SUV and truck vehicles. We didn't like them so I removed them and never missed them. They were the fixed design, maybe the powered design would work better.

I bought a new GMC back in 2017 which had a Rocky Ridge package on it including AMP deployable running boards. I had factory boards on my prior truck and liked them. I didn't expect to like the deployable boards but they are now one of my favorite options on the truck. Being 5'8" they really do make it easier to get in the truck as the drop down about 1.5"-2" lower than the factory boards on my prior truck.

Michael

quote:

Originally posted by signewt:
Bassamatic, I like the look of your model.

Can you identify the mfg? They look like good balance between "not too low
and "not too high".

N-fab RS steps are very close to his

I was wondering if beancooker was going to chime in! He is one who actually uses his off-road vehicle off-road. I actually thought about digging up one of his earlier threads about his truck.

My sliders are made by Bud-Built in Hudson NC. Although they were well regarded in my research, one deciding factor was that they were close enough to me that I didn't have to pay shipping. As ElToro noted, "real" rock sliders are heavy (by necessity).