How to Install a Running Board on a Ford F150

When you have a Ford F150 you have a fine truck.  There is a way to make it look even better though and that is to add a running board to it.  This is an inexpensive way that you can add value and style to your truck with a quick and easy install that you can do yourself. 

First you need to decide what type of running board that you would like to install.  There are all different styles and types including powered running boards.  We are going to take the easy way out today and talk about installing a regular running board instead of a powered one.  This is typically done in just a few steps.  Now keep in mind that even though I am telling you to do it, you should always check the installation instructions that came with your particular board as it may differ in one way or another.

Step 1

Be sure that you have everything that you need including your safety glasses.  Put your vehicle in park and engage the emergency brake for safety.  For added safety, I would suggest using chocks on the driver side wheels.

Step 2

Go around to the passenger side of the truck and jack it up in the front.  It is highly recommended that you incorporate the use of a jack stand here in both the front and the rear of the vehicle.  Once you have the jack stand in place, go ahead and lower the truck until it is resting on the jack stand. 

Step 3

This is a repeat of step 2 only in the rear of the truck.

Step 4

Make sure that you have both the running board and the hardware fasteners for the passenger side and lay them out next to the truck. 

Step 5

If you are in possession of a creeper, this would be a good time to use it.  While you are under the vehicle, go ahead and lift your board up to the frame and line up the bolt holes that are in the frame with the holes in the board.  Simply put the bolts through the holes on both ends and make sure that they are all aligned correctly before tightening them. 

Step 6

The bolts in step 5 were the support bolts.  Now do the same thing with all of the remaining nuts and bolts for this side of your truck. 

Step 7

Lower the passenger side of the truck, move the chocks to the passenger wheels and then repeat the entire process for the driver side.

Like I said, this is truly an easy installation and should not even take you that long to do.

What Types of Vehicles Should Have Running Boards

If you are a truck or SUV owner then obviously you fit into the category that we will be talking about here today. 

Honestly we should make it clear that it is possible to put a running board on any vehicle at all.  That is not saying that they are made for every vehicle or that they will look right on every vehicle, but to each his own as they say.  So with that out of the way now we can talk about trucks and SUVs.

Trucks

Some trucks have been lowered closer to the ground.  Now, you can put a running board on these trucks but they will probably not look right.  It is possible though.

Let’s take a quick look at a small truck like maybe a Ford Ranger.  There is no need for a running board on a small truck like this, right?  What if you are the owner of one of these and want one?  That’s fine…go get it.  They still have aesthetic value. 

Now conversely, let’s talk for a minute about a Ford F150.  This is a larger truck and as such it sits higher from the ground than the Ford Ranger.  Some people might have an issue getting into one without a bit of assistance.  Also, because the wheel to wheel length is greater than that of a Ranger, it would look better with a running board.  If you need a running board but you don’t want to have to look at it that is not a problem…just get a powered one that will hide when it is not in use.

If your truck is an off road vehicle, then a running board will come in handy for a few reasons.  One is to aide in getting in the truck; another is for keeping the interior of your vehicle cleaner by serving as a sort of door mat.  You could also take into account the fact that it will protect your truck from road debris and/or rocks.

SUVs

In my opinion there are not too many SUVs out there that a running board would not be either useful or aesthetic on.  I am including Jeeps in this category as well.  These are also very good for SUVs of people who have small children who may have a bit of difficulty getting into the vehicle by themselves.  I have seen a few minivans with running boards for this purpose. 

In all actuality if you want a running board then you can put one on pretty much any vehicle.  There are all different styles and sizes.  They are an accessory and you should accessorize your vehicle in any manner in which you see fit.    

Where to Buy Running Boards Online

So you are finally ready to take the next step in your vehicle upgrades.  Now you just need to know where you can find that running board that will give you the look you want for your truck or SUV.  That is an easy question to answer.  The answer is…anywhere.  There are loads of places where you can buy a running board online.  The thing is which brand and style do you want?

Style

When you are looking at running boards you must know that they come in different styles.  The style that you choose could determine the manufacturer which in turn could determine where you can buy it from online. 

Manufacturers

Different manufacturers are available at different online retailers.  If you know the manufacturer of the running board that you want then you can narrow your search down by this.

Sites

There is a great site where you can get running boards in many styles and sizes made by a plethora of manufacturers.  It is called Running Board Warehouse.  You can search for your board by vehicle type or by manufacturer.  They have all sorts of pictures as well as specs and installation instructions for the boards and they will even ship the running boards you purchase to you for free.

Another place where you can get running boards and Nerf bars is 4 Wheel Parts.  They claim to have the lowest prices and they also offer free shipping.  Their lowest price on Nerf bars right now is $149.99 but that particular style may or may not be what you are looking for.  They do have different specials all of the time so check often for the latest deals and discounts.

Another place you could try is Running Board World.  They also have all types of manufacturers and styles of both running boards and Nerf bars.  Like the other two I told you about, they also offer free shipping.  They also have their boards and bars 40-70% discounted right now.

You could always check out Truck Champ.  They have Nerf bars as well as stainless running boards for great prices.  They start at $127.99 and since everything on their site is in stock, your boards or bars can be shipped within 24 hours. 

There is another site you can find called Real Truck.  They carry over 50 styles of Nerf bars and running boards.  Their styles include chrome, stainless, black and many more.  They offer free shipping on every running board and Nerf bar purchase.

As you can see, I have just listed a few sites where you can find running boards online.  If you go to your favorite search engine you will find many more.  The choices are near endless.  Have fun shopping.

Top 5 Running Board Manufacturers

Just out of curiosity, how many of you reading this think that most people think that the top manufacturers of anything are the first five listed on a search engine?  Odds are that quite a few people do.  While the top five results might include a few of the top manufacturers you have to wonder why they are listed at the top too.  Are they there simply because of name recognition or is it in fact because of the quality and pricing of the running boards that they make?  For that matter, what would qualify a manufacturer as a top manufacturer in your eyes?  No matter what your requirements for top manufacturers are I will take a minute and tell you my top 5.  The manufacturers that made my list did so because of the quality of the boards as well as the value for the price.

Steelcraft

Interestingly enough, different manufacturers call their bars different things.  The Steelcraft company calls theirs Nerf Bars.  In particular, the bars that have landed them on my top p5 list are called Steelcraft 5’’ Wheel to Wheel Oval Nerf Bars.  These are made from stainless steel that is T304 grade.  The install is a no drill one that is quick and easy.  The bars come complete with brackets that are specific to your vehicle.  It also features a step pad made from polyethylene and this bar is covered by a limited lifetime warranty. 

Aries

Aries makes a running board that they call the Aries Stainless Step Bar.  This particular bar that has landed them on my list is for the Ford Ranger 1983 – 1997.  You can get this board for around $260.  This is made from marine grade stainless steel that has been given a polished mirror like finish.  It includes the mounting hardware and is a 3’’ tube.  It is easy to install and has a standard width recessed step pad. 

Lund

The Lund board that made this list is the Lund Original Trail Runner Step Boards.  They are quite stylish and can be acquired for around $400.  There are two step pads on each side.  They come with all of the necessary hardware and are easily installed.

Westin

The Westin Wheel to Wheel Black Step Bars can be found for around $400.  They include all of the hardware that you will need to mount them.  They are made from stainless steel that has been given a black powder coat with a diamond design.  This will add a touch of rugged elegance to your truck.

Ionic

The Ionic brand running boards that made this list are the factory style ones.  You can get them for around $275 depending on where you get them.  As implied from the style they are fashioned to look like OEM boards.  They come together with all of the necessary mounting equipment and are easy to install.  They are constructed from heavy duty plastic that is UV resistant to make the life of the boards longer.  They also come complete with a warranty for the life of the boards.

As stated before, these are my personal top 5.  You will have to look at what is out there and decide which of the manufacturers out there will make your top 5 list.

Why Running Boards Matter

Depending on how you look at it, running boards can matter for a variety of reasons.  These reasons would be the very same reasons that people put them on their vehicles.  Today we will discuss a few of those.

Assistance

A big reason for some people to put running boards on their vehicles or even to buy vehicles with them already installed is because of the assistance that they can provide.  If your rig is jacked up then people may need assistance getting in or out of it.  The same goes for people with SUVs who may have small children. 

They can also be helpful in the area of cleanliness.  This is because running boards are equipped with step pads.  These pads have a surface that will create traction for your shoes which keep your feet from slipping off of the boards.  This pad can also serve as a type of door mat and you can scrape excess dirt and filth off of your feet before you get into the vehicle.

Aesthetics

Aesthetics is a big part of why you purchased your vehicle, right?  The same holds true for anything that you put on it.  If you do not like how it looks then you will not add it to your vehicle.  Some people just like the look of running boards.  It is truly as simple as that.

With a running board you can add to the look of your vehicle.  It will have a totally different look simply with the addition of these bars on the side of your ride.

Protection

People don’t always have protection at the top of their minds when they decide to get running boards.  The fact remains that running boards do offer protection to your vehicle.  This is because they act as a sort of bull bar on the side of your vehicle.  If something is going to hit your vehicle form the side, then it will more than likely hit the running board first depending on the height of whatever it is colliding with you.  The running boards will accept most of the force of impact thereby reducing the force of impact to both your vehicle and you.

Value

Anytime that you add a running board to your vehicle it will raise the value of your vehicle.  That is because they are considered an upgrade.  It is also because they do add protection to it.  Anytime that you can do anything to your vehicle that will add value to it you really should.

As stated before, those were just a few reasons that running boards matter.  Each person will have their own opinion on this as well as their own reasoning.  The fact remains…running boards matter.