Options for removing running boards

[Dave Miller]

I hate the stock running boards, I’m tall so I don’t need them to get in and out. Getting out sucks because if I don’t step on the running boards my leg rubs on the board and dirties my pants. I originally removed one but realized that the battery hangs down and looks like crap. I’m thinking about installing the electric running boards and just not plugging them in, but that seems like an expensive fix, anyone got any ideas or suggestions?

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[21st Century Truck]

FYI - these OEM running boards help protect the truck's body during turns when there are hard-to-see obstacles, especially on the passenger side.

I am thankful for my OEM running boards when I made a right turn two months ago into an open parking lot I know well... I cut the turn a little too sharply and the right side rubbed against, and slightly moved, the freestanding concrete divider marking the entrance gate.

My running board completely protected the truck's body. I stopped as soon as I felt the rubbing, cut my turn a bit wider, and then inspected the damage. There literally was none other than a horizontal mark on the rubber edge of the running board, despite me having moved the concrete divider's end a bit to the inside of the parking lot line.

My running board's rear-facing edge light assembly did pop off and was dangling by its circuit. All I did was grab an (I think) 10mm socket + ratchet, loosen the securing bolt, and pop the running light back on. It now works like it always did.

As wide and tall as these trucks are, I sure became a friend to our OEM running boards after that li'l mishap.

 

[RickLightning]

I hate the stock running boards, I’m tall so I don’t need them to get in and out. Getting out sucks because if I don’t step on the running boards my leg rubs on the board and dirties my pants. I originally removed one but realized that the battery hangs down and looks like crap. I’m thinking about installing the electric running boards and just not plugging them in, but that seems like an expensive fix, anyone got any ideas or suggestions?

So have to ask - you said the running boards get your pants dirty, so you removed one. Why are you wearing two pairs of pants?

Oh, I get it...

 

[WilliamRobert]

Amp Research! I changed mine because they were too high to be useful as a step and with a little ice and snow they were very slippery.

https://realtruck.com/b/amp-research/v/ford/f150-lightning/2022/

 

[watts/up]

The regular AR running boards are nice but I don’t think they hide the battery sufficiently. The XLs would but are even more expensive. For what it’s worth, I have those and would recommend them if you like the “rock slider” look.

 

[WilliamRobert]

FYI - these OEM running boards help protect the truck's body during turns when there are hard-to-see obstacles, especially on the passenger side.

I am thankful for my OEM running boards when I made a right turn two months ago into an open parking lot I know well... I cut the turn a little too sharply and the right side rubbed against, and slightly moved, the freestanding concrete divider marking the entrance gate.

My running board completely protected the truck's body. I stopped as soon as I felt the rubbing, cut my turn a bit wider, and then inspected the damage. There literally was none other than a horizontal mark on the rubber edge of the running board, despite me having moved the concrete divider's end a bit to the inside of the parking lot line.

My running board's rear-facing edge light assembly did pop off and was dangling by its circuit. All I did was grab an (I think) 10mm socket + ratchet, loosen the securing bolt, and pop the running light back on. It now works like it always did.

As wide and tall as these trucks are, I sure became a friend to our OEM running boards after that li'l mishap.

I hate the stock running boards, I’m tall so I don’t need them to get in and out. Getting out sucks because if I don’t step on the running boards my leg rubs on the board and dirties my pants. I originally removed one but realized that the battery hangs down and looks like crap. I’m thinking about installing the electric running boards and just not plugging them in, but that seems like an expensive fix, anyone got any ideas or suggestions?

The regular AR running boards are nice but I don’t think they hide the battery sufficiently. The XLs would but are even more expensive. For what it’s worth, I have those and would recommend them if you like the “rock slider” look.

That’s not actually the battery, it’s a cover to protect components attached to the frame.

 

[watts/up]

You’re correct. I was just simplifying my answer.

 

[WilliamRobert]

You’re correct. I was just simplifying my answer.

I think it’s also shaped like that for aerodynamics, possibly a good candidate for an aftermarket replacement that’s more aesthetic .

 

[Dave Miller]

Whatever it is, it’s ugly and when you take the ugly running boards off, bam there it is!
Maybe I need to have something custom fabbed up like Bill did on the show Texas Metal.

 

[acbarba]

I hate the stock running boards, I’m tall so I don’t need them to get in and out. Getting out sucks because if I don’t step on the running boards my leg rubs on the board and dirties my pants. I originally removed one but realized that the battery hangs down and looks like crap. I’m thinking about installing the electric running boards and just not plugging them in, but that seems like an expensive fix, anyone got any ideas or suggestions?

I’m with you on this one!

 

[Old Aviator]

Amp Research! I changed mine because they were too high to be useful as a step and with a little ice and snow they were very slippery.

https://realtruck.com/b/amp-research/v/ford/f150-lightning/2022/

Love my AMPs. My Platinum was a demo with fixed boards so I replaced them. Seems many fail to mention to also buy the optional AMP 3 way switch! It allows you to lock them up, lock them down, or leave in auto mode. Handy in car wash since the prep guys with power washer can clean them if they are down BUT don't forget the retract them as soon as that's done and you start moving. Left mine down 1 time and the front cap on the drivers side got ripped off. The noise it made was thankfully far more than the actual damage. Luckily you can buy replacement caps and they just snap into place.

 

[RLXXI]

I put Amp Research on my other truck and they'll go on this one as well. Same reason for both trucks, stock boards are too high and tight to be useful. Almost busted my behind so they came off the truck.

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