I've never been a fan of running boards on a truck.  I've owned 3 trucks since I was 16 and the one truck that had them, I took off.  I think they are an eyesore and they reduce ground clearance.  Are you a running boards guy or not on your truck?

I like to have them. Keeps me from having to hop up into my truck. My wife and kids both have much easier times getting into my truck. 

3 minutes ago, gimruis said:

I've never been a fan of running boards on a truck.  I've owned 3 trucks since I was 16 and the one truck that had them, I took off.  I think they are an eyesore and they reduce ground clearance.  Are you a running boards guy or not on your truck?

Yes - 

But they are an 'Off Road" and somewhat smaller version that was an aftermarket option.

Also my rig as a 2 inch factory lift.

Which obviously isn't a ton, but is a noticeable difference over stock.

I like these and really do need something to get my old feeble carcass up into that beast.

A-Jay

2 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

old feeble carcass

 

My F150 platinum has the power steps that are awesome. I liked them so much I bought the AMP aftermarket power steps for my F350.

2 minutes ago, gimruis said:

 

LOL ~

Yup - That's me.

Especially without running boards.

A-Jay

There’s 2 kinds.  First the ones that protect the side rails of your truck from rocks when you go off road also known a nerf bars.  Second are the ones we all have that are step assists to get in the truck.  Even though my truck is not lifted, the side steps help from sliding across the leather seats and prematurely wearing them out.  They for sure would offer no protection off road as they are nothing more than chromed plastic with metal braces.  If you don’t like the looks you can get the retractable ones that extend when you open the doors.  The most worthless are the solid tube style with the steps that are on solid drop down from both the front and side doors.  They are designed for off-road but they would be the first thing that gets ripped off if you ever took them there. 

I have nerf bars on my ‘05 Dodge Ram 1500. They help getting in and out (especially for my wife, although she does not like it when we take the truck somewhere lol). They’re knock-off Bullys but have lasted well for the 12 years they’ve been on. 

My little short legged girl uses them everytime she rides with me. I had them Line - Xed to match the truck.

My current truck has em, they automatically extend out when the door is open and is a nice feature to have getting in and out of the truck.

I just have to jump a little . One day that will get old 

2 hours ago, A-Jay said:

I like these and really do need something to get my old feeble carcass up into that beast.

You're only a couple months older than me - and in much better shape.

 

Mine doesn't have them, I do have to shift my butt a bit once I'm in as I can't sit right into position on initial entry...but I wouldn't have them...one friend's truck I keep barking my shin on when I'm trying to get into.

 

I like the clean lines without those 'things' sticking out the sides.

Nurf bars on my F-150. 

I’ve had them on my last 5 trucks.  I won’t have a truck without them.

 

2 minutes ago, Jig Man said:

I’ve had them on my last 5 trucks.  I won’t have a truck without them.

May I ask why?
 

As far as I can tell based on the responses, it primarily seems to be an age-related thing.

I’m still young enough that I can hop in the truck fairly easy, and up here in snow/salt country, they are just one more thing to catch and hold slush, dirt and road salt that never does a truck any good. Bad enough having to sweep a foot or two of snow off the hood and windshield in the morning, don’t need another thing to have to constantly clean off. 

F250 with the FX4 suspension. Yes I have them. Didn't have them on my Tundra and didn't need them. The Super Duty sits a lot taller. I also have a 2 step aluminum ladder so I can get in and out of the bed with little effort. (Effort=arthritic pain)

7 hours ago, gimruis said:

 

reminds me of joe

full sided running boards in the winter pack with snow in the corners, great for rust.

9 hours ago, throttleplate said:

full sided running boards in the winter pack with snow in the corners, great for rust.

I never really thought of that part even though I've lived here for many years now.  I could see why something that close to the ground in the winter would rust quicker.

I used to have a Ford F-150 and a Chevrolet Suburban, both 4WD. They both had really nice, painted factory running boards. I was a lot younger then and didn't really need them. Fast forward to my 60's, I have a 4WD Dodge with big tires, lifted, etc. I still don't "need" them, my wife wants me to get them for her.

 

I'm looking at a 2WD Toyota Tacoma, it will pull my 16' aluminum just fine. It's flat where I live and with these crazy fuel prices, I'll get better mileage. I won't need running boards with it!

6 minutes ago, volzfan59 said:

with these crazy fuel prices, I'll get better mileage.

I want my old '98 WT-1500 back. V-6, 2WD, 5-speed manual...sucker got 27mpg highway...ya, that was the stated rating and a trip from MN to MA proved it to me.

7 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

2WD

2WD trucks are a bad idea here.  Actually anything rear wheel drive is a bad idea if its you're primary vehicle.  Sandbags and wheels spinning...been there done that.

8 minutes ago, gimruis said:

2WD trucks are a bad idea here.  Actually anything rear wheel drive is a bad idea if its you're primary vehicle.  Sandbags and wheels spinning...been there done that.

Buddy - I had that truck for 18 years living in the same place I am now. Other than a couple times I had to rock it to get out of the driveway, never had a problem.

 

Course, I took my behind-the-wheel training in Bemidji, middle of winter, in a 76 Ford LTD. Strange feeling when you come to a complete stop at a stop sign...then the car starts sliding towards the curb...that's the conditions I learned in.

 

Also - other than a '84 Jeep Cherokee that I had for 3 years, and the current Silverado I've had for 6 years...all my vehicles were RWD...and other than the 4 years in the Air Force that I was in Omaha, I've driven in MN since 1976.

 

It's all depending on what you're experienced with.

 

Oh - and in the six years I've had the Silverado - I think I've dropped it into 4WD maybe half a dozen times.

My running boards are pretty subtle...They look like they're pretty much installed for protection.

Not a fan of running boards, but generally get them so the wife and kids can get in and out. 

 

OEM boards look pretty good on the 3/4 ton diesel.