Are power running boards good?
Power running boards can be a smart upgrade for some drivers, delivering easier access to tall vehicles, improved safety, and simpler loading. They’re not essential for everyone, though, and they bring cost and maintenance considerations along with them.
What power running boards are and how they work
Power running boards are retractable steps mounted along the underside of a vehicle’s doors. They automatically extend when a door is opened and retract when the door closes or the vehicle exceeds a certain speed. They often include LED lighting for visibility and are offered as OEM options from some manufacturers or as aftermarket kits. Most systems are designed to support the weight of adult passengers and children, with sensors and safeties to prevent pinch injuries or accidental deployment.
Benefits of power running boards
Below is a rundown of the advantages drivers typically associate with power running boards. This list helps prospective buyers weigh how the feature might fit their daily use.
- Easier entry and exit for kids, seniors, and shorter drivers on tall trucks or SUVs.
- Safer footing when stepping onto a raised surface, reducing the risk of slips and falls.
- Better accessibility when loading in cargo, groceries, or gear, especially with lifted aftermarket suspensions.
- Optional integrated lighting that improves visibility around the door sill at night.
- Potentially protective benefits for the vehicle’s door area by reducing scuffing on the sill from frequent stepping.
Taken together, these benefits explain why many owners see power running boards as a meaningful convenience and safety upgrade, particularly on taller or lifted vehicles.
Drawbacks and considerations
Before deciding, it’s important to understand the potential downsides and practical considerations associated with power running boards.
- Cost: Aftermarket kits plus installation can range from roughly $1,000 to $2,500 or more, depending on the vehicle and features.
- Maintenance and reliability: The motors, linkage, sensors, and weather seals require regular care; failures can happen and may be expensive to repair.
- Weight and impact on clearance: The system adds weight and can marginally affect ground clearance, especially on rugged terrain.
- Potential for damage in off-road or extreme conditions: Mud, ice, or debris can interfere with operation or cause wear.
- Installation and warranty considerations: OEM options may integrate more cleanly with the vehicle’s electrical system, while aftermarket kits can affect warranties if not installed by a qualified technician.
- Resale value and buyer sentiment: While some buyers prize them, others may view them as cosmetic or add-on features; market demand varies by region and vehicle model.
Overall, these drawbacks highlight that power running boards are not a universal necessity. They tend to make a meaningful difference for certain users while adding ongoing costs and maintenance.
What to look for when buying power running boards
If you’re considering the upgrade, use this buying guide to compare options and avoid common pitfalls.
- Automation and safety features: Look for automatic deployment with doors, safe retraction thresholds, and pinch/edge protection to prevent injuries or damage.
- Load rating and step dimensions: Ensure the boards can support typical occupants and that the stepping surface is wide and slip-resistant.
- Installation type: Decide between OEM integration (often cleaner and better integrated) and aftermarket kits (usually cheaper but may require more installation work).
- Weather sealing and durability: Choose models with good sealing to resist water, salt, mud, and debris; consider corrosion resistance for longevity in harsh climates.
- Electrical load and wiring: Check compatibility with your vehicle’s electrical system and whether a dedicated fuse/isolated circuit is used.
- Warranty and service: Favor options with solid manufacturer or dealer warranties and accessible service networks for maintenance or repairs.
- Cost of ownership: Factor in initial price, installation, potential repairs, and any anticipated resale value impact.
Choosing wisely means weighing immediate convenience against ongoing costs and potential maintenance needs, particularly if you drive in harsh conditions or plan to keep your vehicle for many years.
Summary
Power running boards can be a practical upgrade for those who regularly enter or load a high vehicle, such as families with kids, elderly drivers, or owners with lifted trucks. They offer clearer benefits in accessibility, safety, and nighttime visibility, but come with upfront costs, maintenance responsibilities, and a few drawbacks in rugged use. Prospective buyers should assess vehicle compatibility, installation quality, warranty implications, and their own daily routines to decide if the investment makes sense. For many, they represent a worthwhile convenience; for others, they’re an optional extra to skip.
