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Posted by Paul Cook in Kempner, TX [71.54.97.143] on Thursday, February 24, 2011 at 12:05:21 :
In Reply to: Step up... posted by rick pacholski [98.26.211.168] on Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at 19:45:58 :
As of Feb 28th, I will have had my Power Wagon six years. Before I took delivery, I had the dealer install power retractable running boards. They are a Dodge accessory.
I have just ordered a new DODGE 1500 2WD to be my everyday driver. The retractable boards will be installed before I leave the dealer's lot. All of the step height issues of the 4x4 apply to the 4x2.
There are many rigid mount steps and running boards available. On every one I have used, the distance from the ground is too great and the distance from the step/board into the cab is just enough that the toe of my boot gets caught.
In the down position, my running boards split the distance from the ground to the cab. That distance is just right for me and everyone else who has used it. There are many folks on this Forum who know. However, I would never be able to have a board permanently mounted at that distance. It would be too low to use off road, and would probably drag if I were driving over a parking lot wheel stop.
Retracted, they are higher than the frame rails and I have never had a ground clearance issue.
I did the log obstacle at Hollister where the frame slid over some of the logs with no damage to the boards. I have added a few miles of "skid plate" suspension and still no problem. And my 4 year old grandson tells everyone about me parking the Power Wagon with all four wheels in the air so Daddy had to pull me off with the tractor. Still no issues.
I am not short, but I have mobility issues from a stroke, and I am 73 years old. I could own a Power Wagon that I could not get in and drive. I could get in with a milk crate that I retrieved with a rope. Or I could spend a few bucks and have 6 years of easy in and easy out - and there's no sign of future problems. I had to choose and so will you.
These boards are also available at other aftermarket 4x4 sites.
Telling you about the retractable running boards is my good deed for today.
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