Retractable running board step height

Jus Cruisin · January 12, 2023

Those of you with factory power running boards that articulate rear for bed access, can someone measure the height from ground to the step plate you stand on. Reason I ask is my 2021 F150 Platinum 4X4 has a step height of 14 inches which is troublesome for my wife and just plain awkward for me. My previous F150 and Ram had lower steps and this has bugged me from the get go.

So, looking for the height on a 4X4 without any lift and standard tire size. Thanks in advance.

Edited January 14, 2023 by Jus Cruisin

Jus Cruisin · January 14, 2023

I'll reply to myself.... Found a truck at a dealership with it and was somewhat disappointed. 13 3/4" which is virtually the same as my F150 that I've never been happy with. It's an awkward height. Not a deal breaker just disappointing...

Dirk13 · January 14, 2023

Is that too high? I’m not sure it’s much different than any stock step.

I don’t really recommend the the factory retractable anyhow. I wish I hadn’t ordered mine with them. I don’t think they look that good and there are lots of reports of them failing after a few years.

I wish the factory steps were more like the HD or full size SUV retractable.

Look at AMP Research steps. I think they come down a little lower when they fold out.

slimjim2525 · January 14, 2023

My AMP research steps go to 11.25" off the ground. I love them, more importantly the wife loves them.

Jus Cruisin · January 14, 2023

1 hour ago, Dirk13 said:

Is that too high? I’m not sure it’s much different than any stock step.

I don’t really recommend the the factory retractable anyhow. I wish I hadn’t ordered mine with them. I don’t think they look that good and there are lots of reports of them failing after a few years.

I wish the factory steps were more like the HD or full size SUV retractable.

Look at AMP Research steps. I think they come down a little lower when they fold out.

The problem is they are standard and it doesn't make sense to tear them off and replace with AMP Research (thst I've had on a few trucks. The best truck for getting in and out of was my 2019 Ram 1500 Limited. The boards dropped and the truck did, too.

dieselfan1 · January 15, 2023

18 hours ago, Dirk13 said:

Is that too high? I’m not sure it’s much different than any stock step.

I don’t really recommend the the factory retractable anyhow. I wish I hadn’t ordered mine with them. I don’t think they look that good and there are lots of reports of them failing after a few years.

I wish the factory steps were more like the HD or full size SUV retractable.

Look at AMP Research steps. I think they come down a little lower when they fold out.

Where are these reports of failure? Never heard of any failures.

Dirk13 · January 15, 2023

6 hours ago, dieselfan1 said:

Where are these reports of failure? Never heard of any failures.

Yeah I don’t know, I didn’t save any links or anything and don’t care enough to look it up. I have without a doubt read post about motors failing and other general corrosion issues with the moving parts. There are videos on YouTube of people installing grease fittings after replacing worn out parts.

My “lots” quantifier may have been slightly inaccurate but the issues are out there nonetheless. Not saying it’s a significant problem that every user will see, after all I ordered them on my truck. However I do think the amp is a superior product.