Fixed running boards V.S. electric running boards. Your choice?

[Wolfbox]

We know choosing the right gear for your ride is a big decision, and running boards are no exception. They're not just about looks; they're about convenience, protection, and enhancing your driving experience. Today, let's talk about two popular options: Fixed Running Boards and Electric Running Boards.

Wolfbox electric running boards:
Wolfbox Gear
Amazon

Your Choice: Style, Function, or Both?
So, which one speaks to you? Are you team Fixed for its rugged reliability and constant presence, or do you lean towards Electric for its dynamic convenience and enhanced aesthetics?

We want to hear from you!

• Fixed Running Boards V.S. Electric Running Boards. Your choice?
• What features do you value most in running boards?
• Why do you prefer one over the other?

Advice for New Buyers:
For those new to the running board game, what should they take into consideration?

No matter your choice, Wolfbox is committed to providing high-quality accessories that enhance your driving experience. Let's discuss in the comments below!

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[RickLightning]

Fixed.

Why? Cost, winter snow freezing power boards.

Edit - I reviewed the info on your website, and your -40F test didn't show a significant buildup of snow and ice, but showed the competitor's boards with it. I also read in a review that you have to route wires to the 12v battery. I'd be concerned directly connecting these that they have a problem and drain the 12v. None of the reviews are for the Lightning, which has a much smaller 12v battery.

 

[badger42]

Fixed. Keep it simple, no gratuitous moving parts or electronics.

 

[Daveo]

Motorized. I don’t have snow, so no issue there. I like the more streamlined look and frankly, the fixed running boards are at the wrong height for me. The motorized running boards move to a more functional step position for me.
I’ve had them on three F150s (one ICE, two Lightnings) with no issues.

 

[Toolmandbq]

I installed the Rough Country running board last year and I really like them. The kit was easy to install and fit the truck perfect. They were a little more money but they were duel motor big advantage over the cheaper ones. Had no problems with them in the winter through the salt and snow. Another advantage over the stock fixed boards is they lower about an inch and a half more. Makes it much easier to get in which my wife really appreciated

 

[RickLightning]

dual...

 

[flyct]

Motorized. I don’t have snow, so no issue there. I like the more streamlined look and frankly, the fixed running boards are at the wrong height for me. The motorized running boards move to a more functional step position for me.
I’ve had them on three F150s (one ICE, two Lightnings) with no issues.

^^^ What @Daveo said.

Same here with me. Had fixed on previous F150s F350s and since 2019 ordered with power running boards on at least 5 Ford Trucks including 2 Lightnings. When I searched to the Lightnings I ruled out any truck that didn't have power running boards.

No snow here in Florida, Wife and I love the way they extend further and lower and the wider foot area that power running boards give.

 

[uofalawgrad]

I'm intrigued with electric running boards, but where I live we get snow and ice at least a few times every winter.

@Wolfbox how do the motors handle the boards being frozen by snow and ice? I'd worry the motors wouldn't hold up to it long term.

 

[Altivec]

I'm intrigued with electric running boards, but where I live we get snow and ice at least a few times every winter.

@Wolfbox how do the motors handle the boards being frozen by snow and ice? I'd worry the motors wouldn't hold up to it long term.

I am in Canada with bad winters. I had a 2010 Harley Davidson F150 with motorized running boards. Worked great for about 5 years. Then the motors stopped working. Probably had to do with winter road salt constantly hitting those little motors situated right behind the front wheels. They were pretty rusty... I just set them in a permanent down position after that. A year or two later the hinge points cracked up until eventually they snapped off while someone stepped on it (wife was not too pleased...oops). I told myself, I would never get those again but my Lightning platinum came with them.... sigh. I really do like them when they work. My hope is that a decade later they learned and improved on them. I also make sure I give them a really good cleaning every spring to make sure I get the salt off those motors and hinge points.

 

[Timeless Epoch]

I had factory powered running boards on my 2017 F150 and was not happy with them. They were great when they worked. I had issues with them being down when they shouldn't be, although admittedly was somewhat rare. I could hear them retract after crossing around 5 MPH, which I assume is a safety feature.

Then about 2.5 years in they were having a hard time retracting. Being within my 3 year B2B warranty, I took the truck in. They charged me around $120 stating it was a maintenance issue. They said you have to lubricate them once a year. This is not mentioned in the manual and its not like they have a grease zerk. Apparently they sprayed the hinges with brake cleaner followed by penetrating oil, which felt like a quick fix considering they were clearly greased during assembly.

It left me feeling it was not a robust design and was actually glad the Lightning I found didn't have them.

 

[Jseis]

The S.O. and I really like our ‘23’s powered running boards. Tuck up high & tight then deploy to the perfect location.

 

[I <3 My Lightning]

@Wolfbox ... 660 lbs you say is the limit... -40F temperature tested.

Is that weight a static load? What the true breaking point?

Are the lights compatible with the trucks electronics that have OEM fixed boards with built in zone lights?

"The high-torque design provides the power needed to crush ice on contact.".... That's kind of scary... What are the fail safes for a foot, or an animal or a someone walking by and not paying attention? How about a bicycle or a basketball or sloped ground next to a curb? Stuff happens, so again fail safes?

Is there a locking pin in case it fails and stays dropped down?

For me I like and hate the OEM fixed boards.

Likes: 1) For the little one and normal sized people, it's helpful getting in and out. Enough meat for their feet.
2) I also like the built in lights.
3) I like the protection for the lower portion of the doors and cab
4) From a looks point of view on the lightning, it covers the side battery valances/battery

Dislikes: 1) That noise of slush and rain... 2) My feet do not fit.

 

[Highpi]

When I was first shopping around, I drove a platinum that had the retracting boards. They are wider and give a more comfortable landing pad, plus give the truck a cleaner look. My Lariat has the fixed boards and they are ok. I'd like to have the retractable, but I'm too cheap and lazy to do anything about it.

 

[Old Aviator]

Platinum with AMP powered boards. Had fixed boards when I bought it but they were at best awkward to use and not low enough. The AMPs work great and tuck up against the body. Luckily I live in South Florida so snow is not an issue for me.

 

[Wolfbox]

Fixed.

Why? Cost, winter snow freezing power boards.

Edit - I reviewed the info on your website, and your -40F test didn't show a significant buildup of snow and ice, but showed the competitor's boards with it. I also read in a review that you have to route wires to the 12v battery. I'd be concerned directly connecting these that they have a problem and drain the 12v. None of the reviews are for the Lightning, which has a much smaller 12v battery.

For those of you who want to see a review:
Wolfbox powered running boards installed.

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