Side steps/running boards tore out rocker panel

[Sticks]

I had to remove my drivers side side step/running board. The way that Dodge thought would be a good way to go is not for "Work" trucks. Lasted 9 months.

Evidently my using the boards to scrape, and knock the mud/snow off my boots before I got in the cab was too much for the mounts. I weigh a whopping 165 and it still managed to rip the lower two threaded inserts out of the sheet metal.

I'll try to post some pics if I can find a place not covered in water/snow.

Anyone know if there is any frame mounted kits out there?

I was leery of using the rocker panel mounts, but I'm not an engineer. I guess I was right - even the passenger side, who only had the occasional passenger simply step on them are tearing out. My first clue was the amount of movement they had on the first use when I stepped on them.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Mine mount directly to the frame not to the body. LongHorn painted steps. I am guessing yours were a dealer add on?

 

[gsbrockman]

My first clue was the amount of movement they had on the first use when I stepped on them.

Probably should have investigated them immediately.....especially since you deemed it an issue.

I'm 6'1" and 215 lbs......I've put over 64k on my truck in one year, and mine are as solid today as they were at delivery time.

 

[Bob V]

91,000 miles and I am 250lbs,never a problem and NEVER any movement. These are factory installed, rocker mounted. It sound like your where not installed correctly

 

[DonFitzwater]

Mine fell apart in my 2010 With 48k miles. Take it back and demand warranty. They will fix it. It is a very poor design.

 

[Sticks]

Aftermarket, but on my 2014 [gas burner], and bolts to the OEM rocker panel mounting holes.

It's not the mileage, it's the number of getting in and out of the truck each day. I've only got 30k miles, but I am in and out of the truck no less than 30 times a day.

Made by Deezee

Full length for cab. Three mounting points (image is stock photo from their website).

#ad

 

[DonFitzwater]

Well, time for something different. My failed units were mopars that had the hooks and rivnuts pull loose.

 

[Sticks]

Glad I'm not the only one. F'n engineers. Looked good on paper.

I am going to try a set of mounting brackets made by Luverne that have a brace rod that pushes against the frame. That or custom fab a set of brackets that either come off the cab mounts or hang off the frame.

I love the steps, the do an awesome job of removing mud and snow from ones feet, and rarely get clogged/covered with ice and mud during the winter driving, unlike pretty much every other step out there.

 

[slingshot383]

Mine did that at 50,XXX miles. I made doublers out of .090 steel and welded the nuts to them and then welded them to the rocker panels. I made them 6" x6" and curved them under the rocker for more support.

 

[underESTIMATED]

Glad I'm not the only one. F'n engineers. Looked good on paper.

I am going to try a set of mounting brackets made by Luverne that have a brace rod that pushes against the frame. That or custom fab a set of brackets that either come off the cab mounts or hang off the frame.

I love the steps, the do an awesome job of removing mud and snow from ones feet, and rarely get clogged/covered with ice and mud during the winter driving, unlike pretty much every other step out there.

I have those exact steps, from Luverne. So they do mount to the rocker, but with the brace push rod like you stated.

I'm not huge, but they seem to hold me up just fine. I wouldn't want to see how they'd hold up to daily use with a 300#+ person.

Definitely a quality step, grippy, and nice compliment to a cab/chassis truck.