Power vs Standard Running Boards

[ScottK]

I am interested in ordering power running boards based on the assumption (and looks at videos) that the power running boards drop lower to the ground (so a smaller step) than the fixed version. Is that true? What is the height difference?

 

[Tx-Tremor6.7]

I asked the same question 1.5 months ago and here is the thread:

https://www.fordtremor.com/threads/...d-power-running-boards.1882/page-2#post-31893

“The factory Tremor boards are 22.5" to the top, so that makes them 5.5" higher than the power running boards which are 17" to the top.”

 

[ICT Tremor]

I am interested in ordering power running boards based on the assumption (and looks at videos) that the power running boards drop lower to the ground (so a smaller step) than the fixed version. Is that true? What is the height difference?

I believe it’s 17” versus 21”. That’s what I recall being posted earlier on here.

I put them on my order. Lower height for short wife and parents that aren’t getting any younger. I like the look better as well. Though I worry about another thing on a vehicle with a small electric motor. Those always take a s*** eventually. Always.

Edit: Looks like I was beat to it in posting order.

 

[Tx-Tremor6.7]

The main reason I did not order the power running boards is they provide no protection from road debris and parking lot door dings. The Tremor’s “Raptor Style” running boards do a great job at both! My wife is only 5’ nothing, so she will need all the help she can get with the height. If required, I will add the Go Rhino step below the running board on her side, like another member did for his wife.

https://www.fordtremor.com/threads/machers-f-250-lariat-tremor-build-thread.1757/

 

[ScottK]

I believe it’s 17” versus 21”. That’s what I recall being posted earlier on here.

I put them on my order. Lower height for short wife and parents that aren’t getting any younger. I like the look better as well. Though I worry about another thing on a vehicle with a small electric motor. Those always take a s*** eventually. Always.

Edit: Looks like I was beat to it in posting order.

Thank you. I did search all the forums but could not find the answer.

 

[ScottK]

The main reason I did not order the power running boards is they provide no protection from road debris and parking lot door dings. The Tremor’s “Raptor Style” running boards do a great job at both! My wife is only 5’ nothing, so she will need all the help she can get with the height. If required, I will add the Go Rhino step below the running board on her side, like another member did for his wife.

https://www.fordtremor.com/threads/machers-f-250-lariat-tremor-build-thread.1757/

That is a good point, but I'm thinking about getting older, and I have no plans to ever buy another one of these. I'm definitely going to check out that Go Rhino step. Never heard of those before. Is road debris a common problem with power running boards? I am definitely going to add the wheel flaps. Would they not prevent problems? I have a Yukon XL and the wheel flaps make a huge difference in keeping the truck clean.

 

[Tx-Tremor6.7]

That is a good point, but I'm thinking about getting older, and I have no plans to ever buy another one of these. I'm definitely going to check out that Go Rhino step. Never heard of those before. Is road debris a common problem with power running boards? I am definitely going to add the wheel flaps. Would they not prevent problems? I have a Yukon XL and the wheel flaps make a huge difference in keeping the truck clean.

The power running boards on the Super Duty tuck up very tight against the body, so they do not keep anything from hitting the truck, especially if you go with wider tires or lower offset wheels. The wheel flaps will help somewhat, but the Tremor running boards are like a really long rock protector between the wheels.

 

[texmudder]

Go to a dealer and get in one with the tremor running boards. That made the decision for me to get the power ones like my 17 platinum had. Love the power running boards on my 2021 Tremor.

 

[FatDog]

I have the standard board (non powered) for a few reasons, some of which have been mentioned.

The standard fixed step actually provides more protection, which is a huge plus in my book. Personally, I think they did a great job with these steps too, they tuck up higher then a normal step and they just blend with the truck better. There not hanging way down and stand out when you look at the truck.

I'm personally not a huge fan of the powered boards. My wife has them on her Denali and our local dealership has told us....turn them of come winter to avoid issues. With our winters, snow, ice and all the other crap on our winter roads they get packed up with crap. Next thing you know you have one of the stuck in the down position.

 

[Churo10]

The main reason I did not order the power running boards is they provide no protection from road debris and parking lot door dings. The Tremor’s “Raptor Style” running boards do a great job at both! My wife is only 5’ nothing, so she will need all the help she can get with the height. If required, I will add the Go Rhino step below the running board on her side, like another member did for his wife.

https://www.fordtremor.com/threads/machers-f-250-lariat-tremor-build-thread.1757/

Do you think the Go Rhino step will be an issue if you go off roading nothing crazy

 

[Apparition]

I have the standard board (non powered) for a few reasons, some of which have been mentioned.

The standard fixed step actually provides more protection, which is a huge plus in my book. Personally, I think they did a great job with these steps too, they tuck up higher then a normal step and they just blend with the truck better. There not hanging way down and stand out when you look at the truck.

I'm personally not a huge fan of the powered boards. My wife has them on her Denali and our local dealership has told us....turn them of come winter to avoid issues. With our winters, snow, ice and all the other crap on our winter roads they get packed up with crap. Next thing you know you have one of the stuck in the down position.

I didn’t get deployables because of salt, snow and ice.

I like the grip of the tremor boards.

 

[TxTremor]

I skipped the power steps as well. I have them on my expedition, they are nice but we have had a few issues. The passenger side would work when it wanted to, opening and closing. The dealer worked on them a few times with no success, but now for whatever reason it has been working fine. It was one less thing to go out on the truck, so I kept it simple.

 

[inthegap18]

Go to a dealer and get in one with the tremor running boards. That made the decision for me to get the power ones like my 17 platinum had. Love the power running boards on my 2021 Tremor.

I agree with this....there were no tremors in my area and I knew I was gonna order so I took a road trip to try the boards out. Glad I did cause with my age and shorter legs, the power boards are the ticket.
Raptor style look the best and im sure prevents door rash but the power boards look great on my truck too. And im running the ford mud flaps.

 

[Vermonster]

Bringing the old thread up from the past. Like to hear more opinions.

 

[Apparition]

Bringing the old thread up from the past. Like to hear more opinions.

Very happy with my fixed boards

 

[Loshad]

Power To The People! Especially the lazy or height challenged.

 

[LT75]

Depends where you live as well. I know people that have the power ones here in Chicago and they get stuck closed every winter.

 

[Loshad]

You can tell the truck to leave them deployed.
Then they will help prevent door dings and you
can get in in winter in Chicago.

 

[Vermonster]

Depends where you live as well. I know people that have the power ones here in Chicago and they get stuck closed every winter.

That’s my concern. I go for long drives in snow and slush. Every time I get close to changing my mind and gong power I stop. My wife is 5’8” without her crazy heels. So I think I’ll be ok. The kids….well… jump, babies!

 

[ccw]

Here’s a great video showing how to protect the power running board hinges:

I don’t live in salt country, but I plan on doing this every year or two to keep them protected. Seems like it’s not overly tough to do and, if it works, means the power running boards should work fine in salt country.