Are running boards on a Ranger like lipstick on a pig?

[30coupe]

My recently acquired 2022 Lariat has running boards, which I was at first ambivalent about. Now I'm starting to think they are more of a PITA than they are worth. First, I don't need them to get into the truck, unlike my F150 that was enough taller to make it necessary. Second, when I try to get out, I have to either force myself to use the running boards or drag my calf on them getting out. That's all well and good when they are clean, but the spring slop in Iowa will soon eliminate that possibility. That means I'll end up cleaning a small area with the back of my now formerly clean trousers. ?

At this point, I'm seriously considering taking them off and seeing if I like that better. They seem to be more cosmetic than utilitarian on a stock ride-height Ranger, which is what mine will remain...I'm somewhat vertically challenged. What do the rest of you think?

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[k1w1t1m]

I took the running boards off the Tremor when I had because they were abrasive and would take the skin off your calves. Now I have a FX4 I've left them on just to try and protect the paint a little bit.
That said I do think about taking them off for the reasons you state.

 

[Joeiconic]

I frequently have elderly passengers and the steps are necessary.

 

[30coupe]

I took the running boards off the Tremor when I had because they were abrasive and would take the skin off your calves. Now I have a FX4 I've left them on just to try and protect the paint a little bit.
That said I do think about taking them off for the reasons you state.

Yeah, but I'm not sure how much they actually do to protect the paint. I've got mud flaps all around, which probably do the lion's share of the paint protection. Maybe I need to drive through some mud, take them off, and try the mud a second time to see if they indeed offer some protection. Or I could hope someone here posts pictures of their muddy, running-boardless Ranger, lol!

 

[Grumpaw]

Arthritis in both knees, hips, shoulders....I use the boards each and every time I get into Truck. If Truck didn't have them as OE when I bought it, I would have had to get aftermarket.
They are a necessity for me...and my Ranger is stock height...

 

[30coupe]

I frequently have elderly passengers and the steps are necessary.

Unfortunately, my wife and I are in our 70s, so we qualify as elderly passengers even without guests aboard, lol!

 

[30coupe]

Arthritis in both knees, hips, shoulders....I use the boards each and every time I get into Truck. If Truck didn't have them as OE when I bought it, I would have had to get aftermarket.
They are a necessity for me...and my Ranger is stock height...

I suppose it's just a matter of time before that's me too. If I take them off, I certainly won't be throwing them away! At present it's just one artificial knee, arthritis in both feet, shoulders and the other knee. Crap! I guess that's already me! Maybe I'll just have to get used to them. ?

 

[KNI]

They're nice for getting stuff on roof rails. And in the forest/field it nice to have a good solid step to clean your stuff, change trousers and boots before going inside.

Call it a porch. Not many really need it, but it's sure handy if you need one.

 

[RangerPNW]

I have the GoRhino RB20 running boards, i quite like them as they stick out enough that lesser vehicles' doors will hit those before dinging my truck. My wife also appreciates them, as to my vertically challenged friends.

That being said, I don't use them for anything other than washing the top of the truck.

 

[fjwlobo]

I like to think of them as a ding protector when the idiot parking next to me throws their door open

 

[30coupe]

That being said, I don't use them for anything other than washing the top of the truck.

Hmm, I hadn't really thought about that concept. Since I have the topper, I may have to leave them on just for that usage. Glad I made this post. It's kind of making me lean toward just adjusting to the running boards as they are. I guess I'm not to old to adjust.

 

[Muscleford]

They are to close to the body. You kick the rocker panel every time you put your foot on them . I had them on my 2011 Ranger and took them off.

On my 2021 I put Amp Power Steps for two reasons. First I am in my 70's and with the front end lifted to level the truck I need them. Second they are lower than the fixed ones so they are easier to use and you do not kick the rocker panel because they are lower and further away from the body.

 

[Fordup]

My wife didn't like using a step stool so I added a set. Big plus is they use coarse sand on snow up here and they help protect the sides of the truck. Oversized tires are like lipstick on a pig in my eyes.

 

[LaBalbe]

I have them, and while I don't really need them myself, the wife and kids as well as my elderly mother use them all of the time to get up into the truck. They stick out more than the ones I had on my 2nd gen Escape, but I've just gotten used to them. I do occasionally use them when I have to clean snow off of the roof, or if my trick knee is locking up on me, and I can't bend it too well.

 

[TJC]

I second the Amp Research Power Steps. They tuck in perfectly when not in use, and drop to just the right height to allow me to step into the truck without sliding across the seat.

My 2020 Ranger is much easier to get into and out of than my 2005 Ranger with Ford running boards. Those power steps are one of the best additions that I have made to the truck. Wife loves them too. I'm 70 and 5'8". She's 5'5". Both are comfortable once in the seat.

I don't particularly like running boards on trucks unless that have a clear function. Looking cool isn't enough. I want function over form.

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