Powered Running Boards

[Wilson]

Good morning everyone,
New to the forum. Just bought a 2026 250 King Ranch 7.3L Tremor. Windows tinted and a Peragon bed cover on the way. Unfortunately, the truck did not come with the powered running boards. Apparently, they aren’t as popular up North with all of the snow and ice they get. After a couple of weeks with the truck I’m realizing that they are a must have for the wife and kids. Dad looks like he’s melting as he slides down out of the truck and Mom won’t even try to get in with a bad shoulder. So, it seems I’m in a pickle. I don’t want to do anything to potentially cause warranty problems, but I need to do something. Boost Auto Lumastep M2 and the Amp Research are my top two choices. My top choice is the Boost auto having the turn signal option but it looks like you have to splice wires during the install. The dealership said that is a slippery slope to be on and cautioned against it.
So, for you seasoned SuperDuty veterans what are your thoughts, tips, regrets, or advice? Anything you could give me is much appreciated. Thank you in advance for the responses!

 

[ACL]

Great looking rig! I have had Amps on a few. They are nice.

But I prefer the looks of the factory units if you can order those is my recommendation. Just look cleaner. Little quieter.

I do not have experience with any others.

 

[SNKETR]

I had AMPs on my last truck, other than the price they were fine. Have intermittent problems with the motor on the driver side.

I've been looking at rough country for the current truck. I like that it doesn't use the OBD port, i dont like that the magnets look like an afterthought once installed though.

Wolfbox just came out with a set that are probably just as good as the rest, they have been advertising it through influencers heavily it seems like. Their looks like it splices under the dash, avoiding both the OBD port and magnets. But then you run into splicing/tapping into the factory harness...

 

[NEOHIO]

Good looking truck!
I wouldn't be too scared about splicing wires. If you go with Boost and can extend the wires to the battery at the pass front. I have a harness that is plug and play that will offer signal, headlights, parking lights etc. I hope to have it listed by 10/9 for the 23+ trucks.

 

[Wilson]

I agree. I had a 2011 F150 Platinum for 14 years and loved the powered running boards. Never had one problem with them. I didn’t quite understand this but yesterday the dealership said they couldn’t order running boards and install them because the trucks VIN shows it doesn’t have them. They would have to use the truck VIN to order them but because it didn’t come with them originally they wouldn’t be able to do it. I asked for clarification and got the same answer which left me baffled so I need to ask someone else.
Amp steps:
Are you able to find a color that matches the factory orange running lights?
Any app connection problems?
Do they deploy low enough to help?

Thanks for your time!

 

[Wilson]

Good looking truck!
I wouldn't be too scared about splicing wires. If you go with Boost and can extend the wires to the battery at the pass front. I have a harness that is plug and play that will offer signal, headlights, parking lights etc. I hope to have it listed by 10/9 for the 23+ trucks.

If you have a harness that would make the boost auto plug and play then that would solve all my concerns. I’m definitely interested; please let us know when that’s available. I’m sure there are more like me waiting on something like that.

 

[NEOHIO]

If you have a harness that would make the boost auto plug and play then that would solve all my concerns. I’m definitely interested; please let us know when that’s available. I’m sure there are more like me waiting on something like that.

I am not familiar with the installation requirements. I will have the harness available shortly.

 

[BarryGedman]

Hold on.. Your dealership told you adding electronic running boards could void your warranty? That’s the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. That’s like saying a spray in bed liner will void your warranty. Some of these dealership service departments are smoking crack.

 

[Wilson]

Hold on.. Your dealership told you adding electronic running boards could void your warranty? That’s the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. That’s like saying a spray in bed liner will void your warranty. Some of these dealership service departments are smoking crack.

No, let me clarify. They said if something happens and they determine that the running boards or their installation caused the problem then they would not honor the warranty. The confusion for me was why they couldn’t order and install their own Ford powered boards. The guy said some of these wires that get spliced can cause issues

 

[NEOHIO]

No, let me clarify. They said if something happens and they determine that the running boards or their installation caused the problem then they would not honor the warranty. The confusion for me was why they couldn’t order and install their own Ford powered boards. The guy said some of these wires that get spliced can cause issues

That's such a cop-out. Was this from the sales rep? Service advisor? Service manager?
My service manager has sent a bunch of local guys to me for my wiring accessories.

 

[The Evil Twin]

For aftermarket, I recommend the AMP XL boards. Had them in my old truck for 8 years. The XL step is a little lower when deployed. It was really helpful for the wife and kid.
I don’t know much about the turn signal option you mention. I do know there should be a customer access point for the turn signals under the hood. IIRC it is under the airbox on or near the front fender liner. It’s normally used for snow plow lights.

 

[mrmag00]

Welcome to the club.

 

[Itsthelaw]

Great looking truck and welcome. I had them with 2 Expeditions (2016 and 2021). I had constant problems with mine. One had a piece break off where it connects to the board and the other motor only worked intermittently, so I was rolling with one down often. Maybe they have improved them. I know it doesn't help with your step need, but they do require attention. Maybe AMP is the better solution.

 

[Hog_Johnson]

The confusion for me was why they couldn’t order and install their own Ford powered boards.

They can do it, but it's not plug-n-play. The power boards run through the driver seat module, so you'd need a new DSM and wiring harness plus make necessary Forscan changes. Looks like Infotainment offers them now.

 

[VB!]

Good morning everyone,
New to the forum. Just bought a 2026 250 King Ranch 7.3L Tremor. Windows tinted and a Peragon bed cover on the way. Unfortunately, the truck did not come with the powered running boards. Apparently, they aren’t as popular up North with all of the snow and ice they get. After a couple of weeks with the truck I’m realizing that they are a must have for the wife and kids. Dad looks like he’s melting as he slides down out of the truck and Mom won’t even try to get in with a bad shoulder. So, it seems I’m in a pickle. I don’t want to do anything to potentially cause warranty problems, but I need to do something. Boost Auto Lumastep M2 and the Amp Research are my top two choices. My top choice is the Boost auto having the turn signal option but it looks like you have to splice wires during the install. The dealership said that is a slippery slope to be on and cautioned against it.
So, for you seasoned SuperDuty veterans what are your thoughts, tips, regrets, or advice? Anything you could give me is much appreciated. Thank you in advance for the responses!

I consider the fixed boards a must have on my Tremors. Everyone has their preferences. My elderly passengers think otherwise.

When my mom found out I specifically got the fixed boards on my second Tremor and not the powered ones for the same cost she was not happy. She wanted the lower step to the ground and let me know it. The problem is the increased height of the upper step with the lowered boards becomes a problem. The solution? Add a second step with a step stool. Its fast, easy, and low cost.

When my father-in-law saw it he despised it. Then he got use to it and appreciated the extra middle step. Kids think it's fun. My mom now sees it as a game, especially after church when it is hot or raining. I'll get the truck and bring it to the front steps where everyone can see so she does not need to walk across the parking lot. I'll fold it out with fan fair and she'll climb up with style. Her friends giggle. They're all in their 80's and 90's. Old men and my friends get mad because they get asked why they don't do that. Getting out is easy as it is an easy stand on the running board and then two small steps to the ground.

It's simple and stores between the front seat and B pillar so it can be used front or back. Try it even if you get the powered boards.

 

[SWFLGuy]

I have factory powered boards and use this still for my mother when I have to take her somewhere

 

[jjfred2112]

Been seeing a lot of folks on Facebook recommend these:

https://gears.wolfbox.com/products/power-running-boards-ford-f150-lightning-super-duty-21-26?c=power-running-boards

 

[Wilson]

That's such a cop-out. Was this from the sales rep? Service advisor? Service manager?
My service manager has sent a bunch of local guys to me for my wiring accessories.

Service Advisor told me that. Younger guy. Seemed knowledgeable but I’m not so sure I got the right answer.

 

[Wilson]

I consider the fixed boards a must have on my Tremors. Everyone has their preferences. My elderly passengers think otherwise.

When my mom found out I specifically got the fixed boards on my second Tremor and not the powered ones for the same cost she was not happy. She wanted the lower step to the ground and let me know it. The problem is the increased height of the upper step with the lowered boards becomes a problem. The solution? Add a second step with a step stool. Its fast, easy, and low cost.

When my father-in-law saw it he despised it. Then he got use to it and appreciated the extra middle step. Kids think it's fun. My mom now sees it as a game, especially after church when it is hot or raining. I'll get the truck and bring it to the front steps where everyone can see so she does not need to walk across the parking lot. I'll fold it out with fan fair and she'll climb up with style. Her friends giggle. They're all in their 80's and 90's. Old men and my friends get mad because they get asked why they don't do that. Getting out is easy as it is an easy stand on the running board and then two small steps to the ground.

It's simple and stores between the front seat and B pillar so it can be used front or back. Try it even if you get the powered boards.

View attachment 271491

I’ve got that exact step. That might be a temporary solution. Thanks!

 

[Wilson]

They can do it, but it's not plug-n-play. The power boards run through the driver seat module, so you'd need a new DSM and wiring harness plus make necessary Forscan changes. Looks like Infotainment offers them now.

Thanks for the info. It doesn’t seem like a big deal like the service rep made it seem.