Automatic Retractable Electric Running Boards

[Word77]

I think an option for Automatic Running Boards would be great!

 

[Chaz26]

I'm in two minds, I definitely want running boards (my wife has short legs), but not sure I'd prefer automatic or just fixed. Automatic can fold away and likely help to a small degree with efficiency, but fixed have nothing to go wrong with them.

 

[International Bulldog]

If I recall correctly, I think it comes with air suspension so I think you can adjust the step in height (I could be wrong though).

 

[Logan]

I have nothing against them, but I'd be worried about damaging running boards of any sort, and especially electric ones.

If they were somehow dual purpose as rock sliders, or somehow tucked behind some rock sliders, perhaps.

Other than the above, the remaining worry is simply about money (I don't have as much as I'd like, and might not be able to afford it ).

 

[sjdev]

My first experience with retracting running boards was amazing in the Lincoln Navigator and Ford expedition. My spouse is short and it greatly helped in her experience. Moreover with older people like my parents, it was a huge help when we took those on long rides. Especially with my mom having knee issues it greatly helped. I would like to see that as in option at least.

 

[ohvrider]

Shorter people like my wife at 5'2" would love this. She has trouble getting in my Bronco with 35's so I had to buy a step/running board.

 

[pwrofgrayskull]

I have nothing against them, but I'd be worried about damaging running boards of any sort, and especially electric ones.

If they were somehow dual purpose as rock sliders, or somehow tucked behind some rock sliders, perhaps.

Other than the above, the remaining worry is simply about money (I don't have as much as I'd like, and might not be able to afford it ).

I’m basically in the same boat here with all of your thoughts and this applies to any sort of low hanging fruit within the wheelbase that aids with ingress/egress, not just a retractable version.

A. First and foremost I likely would not be willing (or able, depending how high the base vehicle price continues to creep up) to fork out the extra cash for this option. They are not cheap by any stretch of the imagination.
B. They would have to double as solid rock sliders when retracted otherwise I would not be able to use the vehicle as I intend to.
C. If I did decide to bite the bullet on something like these and they were indeed designed to double as sliders, unfortunately very rarely does an OEM offer better/tougher options than the aftermarket when it comes to how I use my trucks.

Although SM has my attention because I’ve seen tidbits here and there indicating they may intend to make their vehicles aftermarket friendly and that they are also already having conversations with aftermarket companies.

 

[International Bulldog]

My concern is not only the cost but keeping them working well in the snow/salt belt.

 

[04Ram2500Hemi]

I know more people who have had issues with electric steps than not. I’d rather see something like the rock rails on my truck, but with a slightly bigger step.

 

[Logan]

I know more people who have had issues with electric steps than not. I’d rather see something like the rock rails on my truck, but with a slightly bigger step.
View attachment 4971

I'd be totally down with a set of rock rails that had a small step like that.

I'd just be warry of any "protuberances" (bulbous extra bits sticking out) that would cause problems while wheeling. Sometimes I've seen ones like that, but with bigger "landing pads" for the front/back doors, which works to make a larger foot position, but then also gets caught on stuff making them less effective as sliders.

I also have this problem where I often don't even use the step, as I don't think about it (and I'm taller, with long legs), so the steps sometimes become things that I have to step OVER, which actually makes it harder to get into the vehicle. But... thats probably a "me problem" :/.

 

[J Alynn]

The vertical approach with 35’s will definitely be a challenge for many average height women. I’m hoping for just simple hoop steps because I won’t be hardcore off roading. But even when we had the Bronco with standard wheels my wife definitely needed the grab bars to get in even with the running boards.
I’d like a continuous running board if profiles aren’t crazy wide but wife can get reasonable footing to get in.
I found on her Acura MDX the running boards were more of a nuisance getting in but height wasn’t an issue-just a bad option purchase.

 

[04Ram2500Hemi]

I'd be totally down with a set of rock rails that had a small step like that.

I'd just be warry of any "protuberances" (bulbous extra bits sticking out) that would cause problems while wheeling. Sometimes I've seen ones like that, but with bigger "landing pads" for the front/back doors, which works to make a larger foot position, but then also gets caught on stuff making them less effective as sliders.

I also have this problem where I often don't even use the step, as I don't think about it (and I'm taller, with long legs), so the steps sometimes become things that I have to step OVER, which actually makes it harder to get into the vehicle. But... thats probably a "me problem" :/.

White Knuckle makes my favorite rock sliders. Slightly bigger step than the factory rock rails on my TRX, but not something that gets in the way. At 6’8” I rarely need a step for a vehicle, so I get the long leg thing too.

 

[Logan]

White Knuckle makes my favorite rock sliders. Slightly bigger step than the factory rock rails on my TRX, but not something that gets in the way. At 6’8” I rarely need a step for a vehicle, so I get the long leg thing too.

Fwiw, I’m nowhere near as tall as you (6’1” on the dot barefoot, 6’2” or thereabouts in shoes), but my inseam is longer relative to my torso than a lot of guys my size (a buddy an inch or two taller than me needs to drop my bikes seat to ride it if we swap). But tall enough that I can just step/slide into most non-modified vehicles.

I think it’s somewhat related to the fact that as a teenager I was into some rock crawling. And running boards, or the sort of “styrup” steps, were just fodder for any rocks, and were always the first things to be ripped off (either by the rocks, or my buddies or I).

like I said, a me problem. I’m just not used to them, that’s all.

And I totally understand why others want some sort of step. And as there are so many preferences, it probably makes sense to offer multiple versions (running boards, steps, rock rails, rock rails with steps?).

 

[illspirit]

White Knuckle makes my favorite rock sliders. Slightly bigger step than the factory rock rails on my TRX, but not something that gets in the way. At 6’8” I rarely need a step for a vehicle, so I get the long leg thing too.

White knuckle make my favorite sliders as well, hope to see a similar factory option. Or hope White Knuckle makes sliders for the Scouts lol

 

[pwrofgrayskull]

I know more people who have had issues with electric steps than not. I’d rather see something like the rock rails on my truck, but with a slightly bigger step.
View attachment 4971

I’d definitely be on board with what you describe. Rock rails with a bigger step would serve several purposes as I’ve said before; they’re good off road without the low hanging bits that could get ripped off or bent on obstacles, they function as sliders, function as a step, and depending how big the step is they’ll also keep more crud off the sides and protect the paint.

 

[Mousehunter]

Not really interested personally. I have one on my truck, I use it all the time. But my truck is somewhat taller than the Scout. I don't have on on my LJ, and it is still taller than my truck - so I really don't need it. They can be convenient I guess, but it is just another cost and point of failure. Don't have one on my wife's Rubicon either, and she has no issues getting into it either.

Would rather have functional sliders, but I don't think there has ever been an OEM version of those. My old truck had fixed nerf bars - my wife managed to break the passenger side one off my truck.

 

[cyure]

Not really interested personally. I have one on my truck, I use it all the time. But my truck is somewhat taller than the Scout. I don't have on on my LJ, and it is still taller than my truck - so I really don't need it. They can be convenient I guess, but it is just another cost and point of failure. Don't have one on my wife's Rubicon either, and she has no issues getting into it either.

Would rather have functional sliders, but I don't think there has ever been an OEM version of those. My old truck had fixed nerf bars - my wife managed to break the passenger side one off my truck.

Same, not really interested. If they do offer them please just make them an option so we can purchase without them.

 

[Scout4x4]

The option would be great.
I dont like most fixed running boards as they seem to be more of a hinder than a help, I have long legs and I usually just step up/down from trucks without using them, then they only serve to make my pants legs dirty. But retractable ones come down lower and further out which makes them more convenient. I also understand the concern that they may not strong enough off road if you high-center on them.

Give us multiple options please: no running boards, standard fixed ones, powered ones, and rock rails.

 

[Tyler88]

I think an option for Automatic Running Boards would be great!

It would be cool, but I tend to stay away from auto running boards myself because I aways think they are going to break, so I usually stick with fixed running boards for that reason. Though what I prefer the most is I like the look of the fixed running boards/rock rail combo side steps, I currently have rhino ones on my Jeep and I do really like the look of them.

 

[Latrant]

I know more people who have had issues with electric steps than not. I’d rather see something like the rock rails on my truck, but with a slightly bigger step.
View attachment 4971

Agree. I like the pic but need a bigger step.