Deployable running boards

[Kodabear]

Hello,

I’m looking at buying a new Ram and have come across one I like but it has deployable running boards. I’ve never had anything but the fixed running boards, as that has been my preference for both functionality and appearance. But I’m kind of intrigued by these deployable boards. I have seen a couple other trucks with them and thought they looked kind of cool, but didn’t think I’d necessarily care to have them. One reason was concerns about issues mechanically, something else to go wrong and how well they work when actually using them to get in and out of the truck. To my amazement when I looked as some reviews it was mostly all very positive. So wondering if anyone on here has them or has had them and what your thoughts are on them.

 

[tjfdesmo]

My 2019 Longhorn dually had them, and they were trouble free for nearly 70K miles, when the truck got totalled. I do live in AZ, so no salt, mag-chlor, corrosion, etc. to contend with.

 

[Shutterbug57]

I have had them for 85K miles on a Ford Expedition, no issues. If you go off road, they are pretty easy to taco. That’s big bucks to fix compared to a nerf bar.

 

[Mojo88]

2019 Longhorn - love mine - no problems. I do kinda prefer the look of the chrome fixed bars, as mine disappear once they fold up. But I have grown to like and enjoy the deployable steps.

 

[mikeru]

We've had two 5th gens with them and have never had an issue. And we get plenty of winter weather here, which was my concern at first. Power steps are more functional as actual steps than any fixed steps I've owned. When deployed they are perfectly placed to step in or out of the truck. I also like that they tuck up out of the way. And combined with the air suspension, when parking in public parking lots I raise the truck up as high as it will go and deploy the steps to act as bumpers. They can be very effective at reducing door dings.

No one here can know whether or not you'll like the power steps, but I predict you will.

 

[stevenP]

2020 longhorn, it came on the truck. First time I have had these. Had standard fixed running boards before. The motorized ones are OK. I wouldnt have payed extra for them. I thought I would have liked them more than I really do. You have to open the door and wait till they extend in order to exit the truck.

 

[mikeru]

2020 longhorn, it came on the truck. First time I have had these. Had standard fixed running boards before. The motorized ones are OK. I wouldnt have payed extra for them. I thought I would have liked them more than I really do. You have to open the door and wait till they extend in order to exit the truck.

Interesting that you have to wait for them to deploy. The steps on our 2020 Limited deploy immediately after the door is opened. The 2021 we used to have was the same way. I've never noticed needing to wait for them to deploy.

 

[Jim M]

We love them! The wife says they're a requirement on any truck in the future.

Our only problem was that the passenger side would partially deploy then retract with an error message. Dealer said "probably corrosion, not covered by warranty". The truck sat in the shop for 3 days, but they never got around to looking at it. I lubed it with white lithium grease and haven't had a problem since (knock on wood). Once in a while we have to kick off some of the clunker buildup around the front of the step, but Michigan winters aren't as bad as they used to be.

It's obvious to me now that the hinges need to be lubed, but I couldn't find much information. I tried a couple different things that didn't work before hitting on the white lithium spray. 5 years and 82K miles.

 

[Art_in_CO]

2024 Limited 1500. Love the deployable running boards. It's about 14 months old now & they have always worked perfectly. By the way, you can turn the deployment on or off in one of the on-screen menus. I usually deploy them manually while going through a car wash.

One more thing.......... when they are deployed you'll hit your shin on the edge a time or two when you're putting something inside, but you'll learn VERY quickly!

 

[KalboKalbs]

80,000 miles. Deployable running boards. Never an issue. Work great. Will never have nerf bars again.

As for waiting for them to deploy, open the door and they are fully deployed within two seconds or less. I never have to wait for them to deploy.

Three years Northern NV /Sierra Nevada mountains. Never a winter issue from snow, ice or crap from the road.

 

[Grams]

I had “nerfs” on my previous truck and damaged the rt side slightly over a high-curb. This new 24 Ram has the “deployables” and they work fine and have a larger surface to step upon and extend wider than the nerfs….certainly better for the ladies.
The only issue I find with them is they deploy/retract every time I simply want to toss something into the truck… that makes me wonder how long they’ll last before I have to spend $$$ on ‘em… However, reading the previous responses of endurance is encouraging.

 

[kollie01]

I have them on my 2022 2500 Laramie. Love them. Don't forget to deploy them when going through car wash. 40,000 miles no problems.

 

[Leo_J]

I have used AMP RESEARCH boards on my last three trucks. They deploy and retract quickly. A "jam prevention" mode built in to the system prevents the boards from retracting and hurting things like your curious dog who has stuck his head where is does not belong. I always spring for the dash mounted override switch that will lock the boards down, up or automatic operation. The AMP RESEARCH boards are about 6"' wide & have a textured surface that helps maintain footing when your shoes are wet, muddy or loaded with snow. And the boards have LED lighting for night time. You'll drop about $2K on a set installed. But worth every penny in my opinion. I squirt some motor oil my board's pivot points every 6 months. No problems with Iowa winters, salt and road deicer.

 

[Marusho]

Best thing since sliced bread. I have them on my 2019 Longhorn. Makes it easy for smaller peole to get aboard, as does the air suspension. Keep them deployed when washing the truck by opening the door, putting your foot on it and closing the door.Then you can wash them and reach the roof and windshield easier. I had a truck with dixed running boards which gave me only about 1" clearance in a narrow passage I regularly had to go through, so appreciate that these stay out of the way. Use the screen to keep them tucked in if off-roading or just in deep snow. If you are way up north you might want to disable them during heavy freeze conditions if they are going to get caked with snow and ice.

 

[Jim113]

Hello,

I’m looking at buying a new Ram and have come across one I like but it has deployable running boards. I’ve never had anything but the fixed running boards, as that has been my preference for both functionality and appearance. But I’m kind of intrigued by these deployable boards. I have seen a couple other trucks with them and thought they looked kind of cool, but didn’t think I’d necessarily care to have them. One reason was concerns about issues mechanically, something else to go wrong and how well they work when actually using them to get in and out of the truck. To my amazement when I looked as some reviews it was mostly all very positive. So wondering if anyone on here has them or has had them and what your thoughts are on them.

I have deployable running boards on my 2020 Longhorn (bought new) and have no issues with them, and I'm up here in Canada with all the seasons ...LOL ... You can set them to non-deployable if you want as well ... They even work well in the cold winter months ...

 

[Allan31]

I purchased a used 2022 with 50.000 and the running boards worked intermittently. Sometimes deploy, sometimes not. Sometimes retracted, often not.
I had a F150 Platinum that had the same running boards with the same problem.
I had the dealer remove the retractable and replace with fixed. Just my own experience.

 

[GeauxinUp]

I have used AMP RESEARCH boards on my last three trucks. They deploy and retract quickly. A "jam prevention" mode built in to the system prevents the boards from retracting and hurting things like your curious dog who has stuck his head where is does not belong. I always spring for the dash mounted override switch that will lock the boards down, up or automatic operation. The AMP RESEARCH boards are about 6"' wide & have a textured surface that helps maintain footing when your shoes are wet, muddy or loaded with snow. And the boards have LED lighting for night time. You'll drop about $2K on a set installed. But worth every penny in my opinion. I squirt some motor oil my board's pivot points every 6 months. No problems with Iowa winters, salt and road deicer.

Do you drive many gravel roads? I’ve had my AMP’s on my 15 since it was basically brand new. I absolutely love them, and will never own another truck without them (or factory deployables). My only complaint is gravel getting lodged in the “hinge” area and keeps them from closing all the way. Was just curious if you’ve seen this as well.

 

[graydon]

My 2019 2500 Limited has had no problems with the power running boards. They are much easier to use than the last 2500 I had with fixed boards.

 

[Mil T]

I purchased a used 2022 with 50.000 and the running boards worked intermittently. Sometimes deploy, sometimes not. Sometimes retracted, often not.
I had a F150 Platinum that had the same running boards with the same problem.
I had the dealer remove the retractable and replace with fixed. Just my own experience.

I had the same problem with mine when I bought my 2019 Rebel. I found a bad diode on the control module. I went ahead and bought a new control module for it and they have worked fine ever since. I have thought about trying to make a quick disconnect or remove them when I want to go off roading in the rocks or bigger steps. Haven't gotten around to that but haven't had any problems so far. I just disconnect the obd2 module and they stay down. Works fine.

 

[33hemi]

I have a 2021 Limited with deployable running boards, work perfectly and am approaching 95K miles. I always deploy them when home before shutting down that way they don't go up and down every time I open the doors around the house. I figure that saves wear and tear. I recommend them!