I will be buying a new F150 Screw Lariat, in early 04. I've never been a fan of running boards (regardless of the style), but it seems like everyone who buys this truck gets them.

Is there anyone out there who has the new F150, without the running boards, and if so, any major problems with entry/exit?

Any opinions pro or con would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

I think it depends on your height. I don't have them on my truck but I am 6'2" so don't need them.

 

I got the bright tubular ones mainly for passengers to get in, but I find that I use them even though I'm 6'3"
Less wear and tear on the outside panel of the driver's seat and less dirt on the near white leather, less sliding.

 

I think it depends on a lot more than height.
Age and mobility are factors. Women are a factor.
Ask your wife/girlfriend about it.

I have a Lariat 4x4 and without running boards
the truck would be hard to live with.
Everyone is not 20 years old and 6-2.

You should try both with and without .Then pick the
one that fits you.

Mike

 

I have the XL which of course does not have them. I am 6'3" so they just get in my way. I have tube nerf bars style on my Chevy for my wife. I don't like them because they get in my way getting out. My 3 yr old boy uses them, but I usually have the tubes mucked up so I usually lift my boy into the truck rather than he get dirtied up climbing on the nerf bars.

 

It does matter according to application. You might want to check the aftermarket first before ordering the factory boards. I have a very simple looped step on my old F-250 4X4 which has been sufficient and sure doesn't catch all the mud that my 1999's factory boards pile on. I would think you need something - these trucks are so tall now. At anything less than 6 foot tall, you'll wear out the seats sliding in and out without something to step on. But, if you live on bad dirt roads, you might be a lot happier with a simpler step system than the full-scale factory running boards. Plus, I have cringed a few times with my 1999 ORP wondering if that was the time I would rip the running boards off. I'm sure I have gotten very close.

 

My wife has a hard time getting in my 04 Scab Fx4. It sits higher than the XLT or Lariet. I'm getting boards put on tomorrow.

By the way the wife is only 4' 10".


https://www.f150online.com/galleries....cfm?gnum=3599

 

Forget these other posts and remember that the install of RB's will protect your new truck when others try to carelessly open their doors after parking. With the RB's on they will only damage their own vehicle by hitting your boards.

 

I'm 6'1" but I'm getting them with hopes car doors will hit them instead of the door on the truck. I just hate getting those dings on a new ride.

 

At 6'5" I don't have to use mine, but I'm glad I have them especially since I'm not the only one who rides in my truck. I also have to agree with CA4x4Bear & skiultr, if nothing else they should help prevent some impacts from car doors.

 

In my FX4 Screw the bottom of the front door frame has a plastic piece with "F150" embossed on it. Not only does it look cool, but it protects the wide strip of paint before the carpeting on the floors begins. No such thing in the backseat. Guess how I noticed? My sisters ****ing heels made two big old scratches in the paint. When I saw them I made up my mind to get some RB's put on. Hopefully dumbasses getting the backseat will step on them rather than the paint.

 

Also if you do any minor off roading you might want to consider not getting them. Or getting them.....OK, I have them on mine. Sometimes I feel like taking them off because when Im going over big rocks or something (off roading), they are the first things to hit. Then I gotta think, If they are the first thing that hit and I didnt have them on, would the rocks hit the cab?
And someone mentioned mud - wow, those things just get jam packed with mud when you go through it.
I also wonder if the truck would look higher with them off.
Im 5'9". I cant recall ever using them.

 

That is a good advantage to having them, but there are so many SUV's and Minivans today that would still potentially ding the sides. Montana isn't too crowded, so, I can usually find places to park that avoid most of the problem old cars where the bars help.

I agree they can get in the way when four wheeling or back roads with washout ruts. The best thing to have is a sturdy rockerpanel guard. If the bars reduce clearance and when hit they can be shoved into the rockerpanels themselves. Regular old running "boards" are a definite no no in any case.

 

Thanks for all the replys... As Fordabbits said, I believe without the boards, it gives the illusion that the truck is higher, which to me, the aesthetics of this truck is one of the big reasons it's so appealing. Mud buildup, snow/ice are other concerns.

As for my height (6'4") I don't have a problem, also I have tried (at dealer's lot) trucks with/without the boards, and I'm sure I wouldn't use them. However, different story with the wife/kids.

As for parking, that's a good point about stopping the dings, however, with the many other trucks/SUVs, this theory is defeated. My solution, park far away from other vehicles, and walk.

So, no decison yet, but again I appreciate all the different opinions pro/con. However, the consensus does seem to be in favor of them. Keep them coming...

 

I think running boards are ugly and useless for the most part. With the shape of most car doors (stick out more in the center than the bottom/top) - unless your truck is lifted a good 4-6", they're not going to do crap when someone opens their door.

I'm 6'2" and would never use them, but it's not all about height, by girlfriend is 5'6" and wouldn't use 'em either...

A 4x4 with running boardS? Why don't you just lower the entire truck so the entire thing can scrape across the ground or through the mud, assuming you actually USE 4x4...