How to fix loose running boards on a truck without any problems

There are so many ways to make your truck look cool. A truck lover walks into a truck accessories store feeling like a kid in a candy store. There are so many different accessories to choose from!

You can explore window tinting, add fancy grilles or mudguards, install trims, add LED headlights and taillights, and more. How to fix loose running boards on a truck?

Why does it need to install truck running boards

First of all, you should know that not all SUVs, trucks, and jeeps need running boards. Can you easily get into your car without running boards? Can a short person or a child? If you answered “no” to both of these questions, then you need quality running boards.

Did you know that some cars have free running board programs for people with disabilities?

These are not the only reasons to install a running board on your truck or jeep. Did you know that running boards protect your car from stone chips and gravel scratches?

If you own a truck, you are more likely to drive in rough terrain; many truck drivers are off-road enthusiasts. Of course, you can apply a protective film to these surfaces for maximum protection.

If the road is dirt or gravel, you can be sure that stones and road debris will fly up and hit the bottom and sides of your car doors, scratching the coating and peeling off the paint.

The running board also keeps the inside of your truck, jeep, or SUV clean. When you step on the running board, you can clean your shoes or even take them off and change to clean shoes. It’s very handy in dirty places!

What are the most common types of running boards

One thing to keep in mind when exploring a running board is that not all types are available for all makes and models of trucks or jeeps. You should purchase one that is made specifically for your vehicle.

When you buy a running board, you can get them with different step widths, but the length will be determined by the length of the car. This is because the running board run from the front wheel deck to the rear wheel deck.

You have the option to choose different materials. You can purchase fiberglass and plastic running boards. These are cheaper options with less weight capacity – up to 350 pounds.

Better ones, made of aluminum or stainless steel, can carry up to 500 pounds. You should decide what is best for your needs.

The majority of running boards can also be finished in different finishes. You can choose any option – from chrome, or black powder painted to match the color of the car. You can even purchase rubber grips for better traction, or lights for a cool look.

There are also non-traditional running boards, such as retractable running boards. They can have a motor connected to the ignition and move in and out. Another non-traditional running board with a crossbar-style stand that can be stepped on.

How do you attach running boards to a truck

Running board installation depends on the make and model of your vehicle. Most of the requirements and steps for installing a truck, such them running board mounting brackets, are pretty much the same, and we will try to make it as easy as possible.

Step 1: Assemble the equipment

First of all, you should unpack your new running board and make sure you have all the parts. Use the manufacturer’s list and check all parts before starting work. Read the installation instructions. Yes, this is a very important step.

Now you need to collect the following:

• rompers or soft-lined materials;
• safety glasses and gloves;
• socket wrench;
• ratchet and socket set;
• a box with bolts and nuts of different sizes.

The socket wrench is one of the most essential tools for fixing the running board brackets. Real car mechanics always use the socket wrench, not only for fixing the running board.

Some truck models require additional items and tools. For example, a unique bolt for installing running boards properly. Fortunately, this rarely happens.

Step 2: Locate the factory holes in the auto and install the bolt plate

The bolt plate is the piece that holds the mounting brackets in place. Depending on the brand of the car, there may be rubber plugs in the factory openings.

If your car doesn’t have factory holes, you’ll have to drill holes, and the manual will tell you how to do it. The main thing is to make sure that when drilling, the holes coincide with the bolts on the running board for a perfect mounting bracket.

Step 3: Attach the mounting bracket

Depending on the make, model, year, and cab size of your truck, the number of mounting brackets will vary. Start with the front bracket. Attach the mounting bracket tightly, as you may need to make some adjustments later. Make sure you are using the correct bolts, nuts, and washers.

Step 4: Running boards installation process

Install running boards on the mounting brackets with a help of bolts. Be careful to align everything. Make sure the sides are properly centered so that they don’t get in the way or obstruct anything.

Now attach a running board to the mounting brackets using the included hardware. At this point, make any adjustments and alignments. Now is the time to tighten all the bolts on the mounting brackets, once you make sure everything is centered and positioned correctly, so you don’t have to replace the bolts and nuts again later.

Step 5: Finishing touches

If there are headlights on the running board, they now need to be connected using the wiring harness. Connect the wires to your truck’s electrical system. Be sure to read the instruction manual to make sure you are doing everything correctly.

Do running boards stick out

The running board should protrude only a few inches, only as much as is necessary for safe entry or exit from the vehicle. The best way to determine how far they should protrude is to stand upright on them.

If you are comfortable and not tripping, this should be the ideal distance you need. Keep in mind that the shape of the door affects the size of the running board. Others need to be installed deeper under the door using bolts screwed into the hole.

Do running boards affect gas mileage

Mostly, running boards have minimal effect on gas mileage. They increase the weight of your truck, which hurts gas mileage performance. But they can increase wind resistance and streamline your vehicle.

Depending on the model, they can improve or degrade the airflow on the underside and sides of the truck. Overall, the added weight and wind resistance effect will be minimal for a truck weight.

Do running boards affect ground clearance

As a rule, running boards do not reduce ground clearance. Although some larger boards can reduce ground clearance if they require a lower mounting point. They can be joined to the frames with mounting brackets and create a low spot. This can be a good thing, as a lower running board contact spot causes less damage to other, more important parts of the frame.

As a rule, on lowered cars, steps are purely aesthetic, and they are not needed for their operation, since the difference in height between the ground and the deck is minimal. Some running boards mount flush with the large vehicle and may offer a stylish design with minimal functionality.

How do I reset my power board

Some power running boards get stuck (in cold weather) due to a lack of lubrication. However, if your power running boards are stuck up or down after a dead battery or other problems, here’s how to reset them without the dealer or scan tools.

Power running boards are locked from the factory, here’s how to unlock them as part of dealer training. To activate and unlock the articulated running boards for normal operation, follow these procedures:

1. Open all front and rear doors.
2. Set the parking brake.
3. Locate the running board disabled switch located on the center console below the HVAC climate control system.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the RUN position with the engine off, and toggle the shut-off switch three times within 20 seconds to activate the running boards.
5. Close opened door
6. Open the left front or left back door, and a running board on the left side should slide out.
7. Close the left front or left back door and the power running boards should raise.
8. Open the right front or right back door and the power running boards on the right should arch out.
9. Close the right front or right rear door, and the power running boards should articulate inward.

The articulated running boards will now operate when the front or rear door is opened from that side of the truck’s body. When both doors are closed on that side of the truck, running boards will be forcefully retracted.

What is the difference between power running boards and usual running boards

Running boards are flat, wide steps that provide a large platform for support when boarding a truck. The side steps are more compact supports that stow out of the way and provide more minimal padding.

The power running board is usually larger and more massive. The side stand is sometimes almost invisible. Side steps are usually cheaper. The power running board has more options. It’s offered for more vehicles.

If you have a particular preference, you can find side steps or footrests for any trim, and the above is irrelevant. For budget and non-modified aftermarket parts, the differences described above should be taken into account.

What is the running board attached to

Most running boards are joined to the frame of the truck’s body. They come with custom mounting brackets that screw into existing manufacturer-drilled holes, or in some cases require drilling holes.

The running board is attached to the mounting bracket, and the mounting bracket is attached to the frames along the entire length of the truck.

Why are they called “nerf bars”

Nerf bars are the protective bar on the sides of an off-road racing auto to protect against contact with another truck while driving through. Like the side kickstand, nerf bars provide additional protection.

In truck racing such as the Baja 500, when a truck passes another truck and makes contact, this is known as “grabbing”. This is where the nerf bars for clutching are needed. Therefore, to protect the panels, bumpers, and tires of the machine, a protective strip is installed on the sides. These are the so-called “nerf bars”.

Can the running board be removed

Removing the running boards is just as easy as installing running boards. If you are wondering how to fix loose running boards on a truck and can’t find the answer, the best solution is to have no running board on the truck.

Usually, a few nuts and bolts need to be unscrewed to do this, and the running board will fall off. With the help of wrenches or suitable pliers, this can be done quite easily.

Refer to the manual that came with the running board, or check the manufacturer’s website for specific removal instructions. Some of them can be more complex if they also have lights, cameras or sensors installed. In this case, additional steps may be required to prevent damage to electrical cables or exposed parts after removal.

Conclusion

Depending on what you want, you can spend as much as you want on a custom set of running boards that have sensors to extend, connected to airbags that can lower your auto. They are not too hard to attach.

In fact, with the help of several bolts. Just drill a few holes and there are the running boards on your track. You can choose a color and much more, and if you are tired of them or urgently need a replacement, then you can easily replace them with others.

Footrests can be a quick, safe, and stylish addition to your truck. They offer a level of security and style that is not standard on most models.

In the long run, they can be a worthwhile investment for you and your passengers, so you should seriously consider buying running boards. Wonder how to fix a leaking tonneau cover, read the article