How to disable deployable running boards?

jejb · Apr 8, 2022

I have a Limited Longhorn on order, and one thing I don't think I'll care for is the deployable boards. I've been in trucks with them and have not been impressed. My 18 2500 Laramie has fixed boards, and I like those. I know there is a way in the controls to make it deploy even with the doors closed, but I assume that will reset on the next start. Is there a way to make them never retract short of pulling the power to them?

KalboKalbs · Apr 8, 2022

I have a 21 Longhorn Limited, with the deplorable running boards.

Can't answer, can the deployable running boards be, "always deployed - extended".

A couple thoughts from my perspective, may be useful.

When extended, the running boards stick further out from the truck, than typical running boards. Also, when deployed, they are LOWER than typical fixed running boards.

Personally, I would NOT want the running boards ALWAYS deployed. IMO, too easy to clip something, potentially bottom out, and just plain UGLY.

FWIW, I have had both 4" and 5" running boards on previous Rams.
- Hope to never go back to fixed running boards.
- Deployable running boards tuck nicely under the truck. Superb entry - exit from Ram for this old f*rt. AND, they do NOT detract from the Ram appearance.

Hope something above is useful.

Dean2 · Apr 8, 2022

You cannot leave the boards deployed. Once you start moving they retract. You can however shut them off so they don't deploy but I have no idea why you would want to do that. The 2500s are REALLY tall. I can't get into one without boards on it. I love the power Boards on my Laramie, after having fixed boards on 2500 and 3500 pickups for 45 years.

HAL9001 · Apr 8, 2022

At least try them out before you disable them. I wouldn't be without mine and consider them a major asset. They quickly deploy when you get in or out and then immediately fold nicely under the truck for a much more modern and sleek look than traditional old-fashion running boards. I think they're the best type of running boards for this truck by far. They look and function great.

You're going to want running boards, so if you don't want these, then you're going to have to remove them and install something else. Many would consider that a shame.

This is an expensive and highly desirable option. If you don't want them, then please at least remove and sell them to someone who does. Don't let them go to waste.

mikeru · Apr 8, 2022

I agree with what's been said already. The retractable steps are by far the most usable type of step I've ever had. They sit at the perfect distance for a comfortable step down.

I would not drive around with them deployed for the reasons that @KalboKalbs already talked about. They stick out too far and sit too low to drive around with them down.

jejb · Apr 9, 2022

KalboKalbs said:
I have a 21 Longhorn Limited, with the deplorable running boards.

"Deplorable running boards". LOL. I may have to steal that one.

Okay, so it looks like I'd have to pull the power to them while deployed, if I decide I don't like them. Was hoping there was a different way.

BossHogg · Apr 9, 2022

I'm not wild about the deployable running boards either but I'm 6 foot 4 inches tall and don't need the running boards to get in or out. My little vertically challenged wife does need them. Unfortunately, I can either enable or disable the running boards but can't control the individual sides.

The other issue I have with them is they collect mud, lots of mud. I live rural and off dirt roads. Despite installing Weathertech mud flaps, the mud still piles onto the running boards and of course, that is transferred into the cabin.

Dean2 · Apr 9, 2022

BossHogg said:
I'm not wild about the deployable running boards either but I'm 6 foot 4 inches tall and don't need the running boards to get in or out. My little vertically challenged wife does need them. Unfortunately, I can either enable or disable the running boards but can't control the individual sides.

The other issue I have with them is they collect mud, lots of mud. I live rural and off dirt roads. Despite installing Weathertech mud flaps, the mud still piles onto the running boards and of course, that is transferred into the cabin.

I have had fixed and power boards over many years. Under those conditions regular running boards would have mud on them too, so I really don't get the argument unless you aree saying you would run with no boards..

CanRebel · Apr 9, 2022

jejb said:
I have a Limited Longhorn on order, and one thing I don't think I'll care for is the deployable boards. I've been in trucks with them and have not been impressed. My 18 2500 Laramie has fixed boards, and I like those. I know there is a way in the controls to make it deploy even with the doors closed, but I assume that will reset on the next start. Is there a way to make them never retract short of pulling the power to them?

Never looked, might be way with Alfaodb. Otherwise you could have them removed, sell them, buy ones you like.

I dislike power ones, I have static.

wsutard1 · Apr 9, 2022

Deploy them, crawl under the truck, disconnect from the electronics. Done. Permanently deployed.

BWL · Apr 9, 2022

Where I am guys disable them up all winter since mud and ice freeze under them and they won't come down anyways. If you want them to stay down I'd just try to sell them and then put on a set of fixed ones.

Dean2 · Apr 9, 2022

BWL said:
Where I am guys disable them up all winter since mud and ice freeze under them and they won't come down anyways. If you want them to stay down I'd just try to sell them and then put on a set of fixed ones.

It is quite a lot colder here in Edmonton and no one I know disables their boards over the winter. However, we do all wash our vehicles at least once or twice a week, so the salt doesn't eat them up. The only way I could see ice and mud buildup being an issue is if you never wash your truck. If that is true, you would have a lot of ice and mud on your fixed boards too.

BWL · Apr 9, 2022

Dean2 said:
It is quite a lot colder here in Edmonton and no one I know disables their boards over the winter. However, we do all wash our vehicles at least once or twice a week, so the salt doesn't eat them up. The only way I could see ice and mud buildup being an issue is if you never wash your truck. If that is tue you would have a lot of ice and mud on your fixed boards

You do get ice and mud on fixed boards just the same, but they don't move so they still work. Head out onto the resource roads near you and the gravel mixes in with the ice buildup and you get a nice block of cement on the front edge. Also, during the transitional seasons where it's warm in the day and freezing at night the mud builds up and freezes overnight and does the same thing. Not always a wash gun or car wash around to deal with it. Not saying the power boards aren't nice, but they're not always the best option depending on circumstances.

Trailmaker · Apr 9, 2022

jejb said:
I have a Limited Longhorn on order, and one thing I don't think I'll care for is the deployable boards. I've been in trucks with them and have not been impressed. My 18 2500 Laramie has fixed boards, and I like those. I know there is a way in the controls to make it deploy even with the doors closed, but I assume that will reset on the next start. Is there a way to make them never retract short of pulling the power to them?

Seems like pulling the fuse is the easiest way.

jejb · Apr 9, 2022

Trailmaker said:
Seems like pulling the fuse is the easiest way.

That's what I'm thinking too.

Dean2 · Apr 9, 2022

Very bad idea to leave them deployed but do as you like. If you want them not to deploy you don't need to pull the fuse, just turn them off on the controls section on the radio.

jejb · Apr 9, 2022

Dean2 said:
Very bad idea to leave them deployed but do as you like. If you want them not to deploy you don't need to pull the fuse, just turn them off on the controls section on the radio.

Have you tried that? I am assuming that they would only stay down in that mode until you started the truck and/or put it in drive.

Dean2 · Apr 9, 2022

jejb said:
Have you tried that? I am assuming that they would only stay down in that mode until you started the truck and/or put it in drive.

Exactly like I wrote in the statement you just quoted, and at least two times already in this thread. You cannot get them to stay deployed using the controls. They will retract when you move. You CAN GET THEM NOT TO DEPLOY. That is done in the controls.

BossHogg · Apr 9, 2022

Dean2 said:
I have had fixed and power boards over many years. Under those conditions regular running boards would have mud on them too, so I really don't get the argument unless you aree saying you would run with no boards..

The mud accumulates on the running boards when they are tucked up. When I park and open the doors we are greeted with mud-covered steps.

My 2013 Laramie that I traded in on the 2022 Longhorn had wheel-to-wheel boards as does my 2015 Longhorn. Neither of these two vehicles had mud accumulate on the top side of the running boards.

jejb · Apr 10, 2022

BossHogg said:
My 2013 Laramie that I traded in on the 2022 Longhorn had wheel-to-wheel boards as does my 2015 Longhorn. Neither of these two vehicles had mud accumulate on the top side of the running boards.

That has been my experience as well on my 18 2500 with factory wheel-to-wheel boards. I wish those were an option on the 2500 Limited Longhorn I have on order.

How to disable deployable running boards?

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