pickup truck running board question

jon f mn · Oct 5, 2014

My new to me "stuff getter" is a 2005 F350 and it is very high and hard to get into. There is no lift kit in it, it's just tall, taller than my friends F350 King Ranch of the same year. I'm going to either buy or build running boards for it, but I'm wondering what is the best way. The problem is my wife has severe arthritis and there is no way she can get in unless I lift her in. I don't think regular running boards will be enough for her, so I'm thinking about building some that have 2 steps. My concern is that 2 steps would be clumsy for people who can get around easier. Has anyone ever had a truck with 2 steps and if so how did it work?

MSM · Oct 5, 2014

Might be better off getting the motorized versions. They stow out of the way,and come down and out when the door is opened.
Trouble with a double step is,sooner or later you are going to hook something and tear it off and/or damage the inner rocker or frame depending on how they are mounted. Besides.... a little boost in the missus butt on the way in the truck might give you both a fuzzy warm feeling.lol

JD Seller · Oct 5, 2014

Well you can go old school or buy some good ones. LOL

Old School: A friend was getting up in years and could not get in his pickup easy. He was also tight as a hen in the fence. So he took a small two step stool and tied a rope to it. The other end he tied to the seat where he could reach it. So when he needed to get in he would set the stool on the ground and get in. Then he would pull it into the truck and off he would go. When he got to where he needed out he would set the step down on the ground with the rope and climb out. LOL It actually worked well.

Then for those that want something more modern/attractive. They make a two step one that hooks to the door and the frame of the truck. When you open the door the step pulls out and down. It is all mechanical. There are newer style ones that are electric. They are common on RVs.

I know neither of these is a running board but you need something lower for your wife.

roaddevil49 · Oct 5, 2014

Jon, is there any rv dealers near you or in any of your travels that are truck friendly? Most have units that the bottom step or the whole unit will retract when the door closes.

rustred · Oct 5, 2014

they would need to be built to fold in pull out. kinda the way the box step is on the side of the pickup. just having the second step lower is not good, as it will get torn off and it will stick out.

kj(seil) · Oct 5, 2014

electric RV steps would be the way to go

Janicholson · Oct 5, 2014

Thousands! Google motorized RV steps. Jim

charlie n · Oct 5, 2014

Buddy of mine is a custom fabricator and body man.He had a customer with a f150 and the same issue.He took the stock tubes off and made spacers out of 4 inch channel and mounted them to the hangers and put the stock tubes back on.It only sat them out 2 inches and worked great.Customer and his wife were happy with them.

casecollectorsc · Oct 5, 2014

Got running boards on my 92 Dodge 3/4 ton. I bought a step kit that can be bolted to the running board to help the Mrs. get in the truck. Don't remember if I have the box for them or not. Maybe ask at some parts houses.

Brian Jasper co. Ia · Oct 5, 2014

I have seen aftermarket running boards that come down and go up with the door opening and closing. Check with your local pickup parts/accessories place. In Des Moines it would be Cliff's.

Texasmark1 · Oct 7, 2014

I did and they are too high. They fit up into the home and on the truck they aren't.

Texasmark1 · Oct 7, 2014

Not trying to hijack the thread, but to go along with the boards, where can you find an after market handle that you can attach to the rear door so that the person trying to climb onto these steps has something to grab and assist with the effort?

Thanks,
Mark

pickup truck running board question

jon f mn

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MSM

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JD Seller

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roaddevil49

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rustred

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kj(seil)

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Janicholson

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charlie n

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casecollectorsc

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Brian Jasper co. Ia

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Texasmark1

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Texasmark1

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