Electric Running Boards Pro and Cons

[Morphine]

Good morning from cold Germany

Let's hear your thoughts... Pros and cons of electric running boards on a non-rock crawler Wrangler.

I've had spinal fusion surgery and can just barely get in. I can manage without touching the seat bolster if I jump a bit But that's not so good in the long run. When getting out, I slide over the bolster, and it won't last very long. So I'm considering it. I can't really find anything solid that I like the look of. If I do get them, they're around €1000. In the Black Friday sale, there are good electric ones for €1700. However, I'm a bit worried that someone might ram the car door into the side in a parking lot. Which doesn't happen as easily with solid running boards. The other door would be more likely to get damaged... Let me know what you think... Currently, I have the Mopar Performance boards installed. I like the look of them, and my hinges stay intact even when stone chips from the tires hit them...

https://www.orz-shop.de/bawarrion-p...-fuer-jeep-wrangler-jl-4-tuerer/BAWPS274JLAA/

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[Terrymo]

It sounds like you are the perfect candidate for these steps. We installed rock slide engineering steps which stick out away from the body of the Jeep but i imagine the shipping cost would be a deal breaker. My short wife loves the steps.


My tall wife says she doesn’t really need them,

 

[Gangplank]

I have the AMP Research PowerStep XL on my 4dr and they are great. They wire in so no sensors to mess with. We have them on both mine and the wife’s wranglers

 

[Gangplank]

I have the AMP Research PowerStep XL on my 4dr and they are great. They wire in so no sensors to mess with. We have them on both mine and the wife’s wranglers

They look like the original Rubicon sliders.

 

[Stetson]

Biggest thing is to keep the operating areas clean and free of debris.

I live in SLC where we get a fair amount of snow and the road treatments that go along with it.

I had an expedition with the electric running boards and it snow or debris gets in there then it will cause the ‘one up and one down’.

keep ‘em clean and you should be fine

 

[Deen]

I had the AMP on my '14 JKU. The mechanism hung down far enough that any small rockpile would have damaged them. Now, on my '21 JLURD I have RockSlide Engineering Step Sliders with the optional armor. Much better.

 

[Ridge2Far]

Biggest thing is to keep the operating areas clean and free of debris.

I live in SLC where we get a fair amount of snow and the road treatments that go along with it.

I had an expedition with the electric running boards and it snow or debris gets in there then it will cause the ‘one up and one down’.

keep ‘em clean and you should be fine

+1 on what @Stetson said!

Wintertime can present a problem. As slush and wet roads will sling up and around the folding mechanism, then freeze overnight (if left outside, like when you’re traveling and staying in a motel) and make it really tough to operate them.

It would be a good idea to attach a pair of sizable mud flaps in the front to minimize the amount road spray that gets directed to that area.

 

[LukeDagny]

I just purchased some AMP Research power steps because my body isn't aging as well as I would like. My Jeep came with fixed Westin step nerf bars. The step is too small to be useful and stepping over the nerf bar makes it harder to enter my Jeep.

A friend just bought a new pick up with AMP Research steps, and they work great. I really liked the wide surface. It felt very stable, and made entering his truck easy.

I really wanted Go Rhino E1 Eboards, but they are on back order with no firm date to restock. I then chose AMP Research because of their reputation.

 

[Ratbert]

However, I'm a bit worried that someone might ram the car door into the side in a parking lot. Which doesn't happen as easily with solid running boards. The other door would be more likely to get damaged...

I'm trying to understand why this is a concern for you. Are you thinking someone's door will damage them?

If they're anything like RSE's sliders the other door would be severely damaged long before anything showed up on yours.

 

[Ridge2Far]

I'm trying to understand why this is a concern for you. Are you thinking someone's door will damage them?

Looking at the OP’s first image, those retractables tuck in very close to the body and probably won’t prevent a neighboring vehicle’s door from dinging his door.

 

[Porthole]

I have the factory installed AMP power boards on my F-450 and they are great. And my wife who has had 6 spinal surgeries (including 3 fusions) really likes them.
I would like to get similar for my 2 door but have only found the XL versions.
She has trouble getting into the Jeep as it is so we don't take it too often (factory running boards).

 

[Atomic-Mouse]

I have three fused vertebrae and limited function in my left leg. Some days I can get in and out easily without the step, some days it’s hard for me to even get on the step bar. I got the Rock Slide Engineering steps because to me they are the best of both worlds, body protection and retractable step. I don’t drive my jeeps in winter so I can’t speak for winter conditions but I haven’t had any issues with mud or water effecting operation. I have had them on my 4 door and 2 door JLs for a few years now and so far no problems. I wish the retractable step was a bit wider but it gets the job done.

 

[Ratbert]

Looking at the OP’s first image, those retractables tuck in very close to the body and probably won’t prevent a neighboring vehicle’s door from dinging his door.

I don't think I've ever seen someone concerned about door dings with a Wrangler, especially since our fenders stick out so damn far. There's a first time for everything I guess.

RSE sliders definitely make that concern disappear.

 

[Atomic-Mouse]

I don't think I've ever seen someone concerned about door dings with a Wrangler, especially since our fenders stick out so damn far. There's a first time for everything I guess.

RSE sliders definitely make that concern disappear.

If you get a door ding you just have to wait for the corrosion warranty claim to kick in.

 

[RubiTrux]

The AMP Research powersteps sound like the upgrade you need. They're strong and durable so a few dings wouldn't hurt it, these were made to withstand the weight of your vehicle scraping over rocks and debris offroad! The lighting just makes these that much better. We actually use these steps on alot of our Jeeps. AMP Research 75132-01A PowerStep for Jeep Wrangler JL Unlimited – RubiTrux

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