Running boards or Step Tubes??

[Matt400]

1) The electricsteps link doesn't work.

Try this one:

http://www.electricstep.com/eshop/pc/viewCat_P.asp?idCategory=3

 

[Lektrikman]

Thanks for the reply and the pictures. The RB's you have look like the best of both worlds between tubes and boards. How do they mount and is there a website I can go to find more info about them. Thanks again... ..... Lektrikman

 

[Lektrikman]

Doc, I "Googled" the daylights out of Mapp tubes but came up empty handed... . do you have a website you could refer me to? Also, how do these 5" tubes attach to the vehicle? Thanks Doc... ... ... ... ... ... Lektrikman

 

[ENafziger]

You can google for "onki running board" and come up with many places that sell them. The product seems made very well, but the instructions were not very helpful. The boards each have 3 mounting braces that attach in two places... to the frame, and to the body lip under the doors. Hope this helps...

 

[FASTERTHANU]

If you are going with boards check out Dee Zee's "FX Stainless" http://deezee.r-catalog.com/listparts.asp I have these on my 98. 5" and am replacing the factory Westin bars with them as we speak. I live on a gravel road and like the quality and protection of these. They use a very soft molded rubber trim where they meet the body. The only downside I can see is that in high corrosion areas you may be adding to the problem. It's not an issue in Nevada and I make sure and wash under the weatherstripping semi regularly. IMO they look better than any of the others as they look more like a stock piece due to the body molding.

 

[HLewallen]

I just went through all the step/tube research myself a couple months ago. I ended up with Luverne Megasteps - http://www.luvernetruck.com/Product_Line/MegaStep/megastep.html

I like the tube appearance with the step functionality. I also looked into the Onki running boards, but was not pleased with the mounting system. The Onki boards look very strong as a step, but I am worried about hitting a step on an obstacle off-road. The Onki system looks like it will try to punch a support arm into the inner side of the body if it is hit hard. The Luverne steps mount purely to the frame at ehbody mounts and with feet that push on the lower frame to support the cantilevered brackets (I think both company sites show intructions). Note that the Megasteps are NOT tubes - they are an aluminum step structure with a concave stainless steel shell on the outside that looks like a tube.

 

[testraub]

Just bought an 05 Quad cab CTD and am trying to decide whether to go with Step tubes or running boards. I like the fact that boards keep crap off of the doors and rocker panels but don't like the way a lot of them use the rocker panel or pinch weld for support. Anybody seen any boards that use the cab mounts for support like the step tubes do? Anybody have any pictures of their boards out there?

Also, any good sources for factory service manuals? I have always bought factory manuals for my other three CTD's, but when I saw the price of the newer truck manuals in Genos Garage I about lost it. They must have included a "decoder module" or something!! heh heh... ... .

I'd appreciate any suggestions you guys might have..... Thanks, Lektrikman

NFAB works for me Pinch rail install but not to hard

 

[crobertson1]

Mopar tubes for me. Very easy to install and strong too.

#ad

 

[CLynch]

I had the running boards on my last truck and liked them but they wouldn't look right on my new one. I went with tubes this time and added splash guards to protect the body.

 

[Lektrikman]

CLynch, I agree the tubes would look better but I'm concerned about gravel and mud getting up on the doors despite the installation of mud flaps. I've looked at a number of Dodges with step tubes and the front tires seem to be capable of throwing mud up on the body farther aft on the body even with mud flaps. I've noticed a couple of step tubes that are larger in diameter and almost provide the same amount of protection that running boards do. Thanks for your comments... ... . Lektrikman

 

[Wiredawg]

Heavy Duty Step-Tubes

I have these step-tubes on both my wife's 2003 and my 2002. They are heavy duyt with 1. 5" tubular steel with diamond plate welded to the top. They are black powder coated. The tubular brackets are welded to the frame and bolt to the tubular steel of the steps. They also bolt to the lower lip of the cab. These are stout and good looking. Her truck is a little dirty here. They were $375 installed.



The company is Brown's Welding Co, New Braunfels, TX. Their number is 1-800-625-8712.



Wiredawg

 

[SKing]

Mine are tube that are welded to the frame and bolted to the cab lip under doors solid as a rock #ad

 

[sled4fun]

I have the wheel to wheel Westins on my 05. I am a big guy and the way they attach seems to be a bit weak as they tweak down on the drivers side. A bigger washer at the mounting point may be needed.

 

[Wiredawg]

sled4fun:



I had those on my 02 before replacing them w/ the step/tube setup from Brown's Welding. Do you have the reinforcement support straps installed? I agree the bigger washer might help, but installing the strips of steel keeps 'em level even when us big boys git on 'em. :-laf



Wiredawg