Do side steps/running boards protect the doors?

[KSPhoto]

Hi. This is my first post, although I've spent a lot of time on the site prior to becoming an owner. I just recently bought a Certified 2006 RTS from a dealer. It's totally stock and I'm considering whether or not I want to install either side steps or running boards. I'm kind of on the fence with it, because I like the look, but don't really find them necessary to get in and out of the truck. I was wondering whether they might also provide some protection from door dings, in which case that would give me an extra reason to go ahead and get them. Or, since they're so low, do they not really help?

I did do a search for this, but didn't come up with much. Thanks in advance for any experience you can offer. And if you are someone who's found that they do help, please let me know what style of steps or boards you have.

Thanks.

-Kirk

[Truckin']

Welcome to the ROC, Kirk. I hope you'll stick around and keep posting and asking questions.

We have the running boards. I wanted them initially for the finished look on the bottom of the truck and for the black color, as we decided to go with black accents on our BLUE truck rather than silver. Like you, I also hoped they would stick out enough to prevent door dings.

They might in limited cases if you have a very low sitting vehicle next to you, but with a tall vehicle it won't make a bit of difference. Those inconsiderate idiots' doors will clear the steps or boards.

We got a door ding on the passenger's side in spite of having the boards. It was small and touch up paint mostly took care of it. That is the incident that sold me on the body side protectors. I didn't like them at first and they are outrageously expensive, but now that we have them I think the truck would look naked without them. Best of all, no more door dings!

Here's the thread to show you details about installing the BSMs:

Body Side Protectors (Honda) Install Summary

I still would get the boards. We most often step right over them too, but they do assist if you're taking someone short or elderly for a ride. In addition, I stand on them every time I wash the windshield. Even with a long squeegie, I couldn't clean the window the way I like without that boost. I'm kinda short though, 5'5".

[KSPhoto]

Truckin,

Thanks for the great reply. That's exactly the information I was looking for. And I appreciate the link to the BSM install, too.

-Kirk

[HCM_Ridge]

An alternative to the OEM body moldings are those from Sportwing. Here's a link to the install thread. The difference being that the OEM ones fit in the grooves of the door (8 pieces total), where the Sportwings fit between (4 pieces total). Also there is a huge price difference...

[Sparkland]

FYI, if you park your truck in the garage next to another vehicle the side steps or running boards may save you from door dings.

My wife has a 2008 Honda Civic and it is low enough that the side steps come in contact with the car door before it comes in contact with the side of my Ridgeline. Nice.

Also, I do like the molding from sportwing.

They look just like they should be original equipment,

Enjoy your RL.

Brad

[Greywolfy]

I had chrome side steps installed on our Ridge. I like the way it looks. Just like I wanted.

The downside is we get a fair amount of snow up here and I don't have a garage that'll let the snow melt every night. Problem is, the snow gets icy and builds up on the side steps to the point it gets in the way of the door. Several times this winter I had to beat the snow off or go to a car wash and use the sprayer to break it loose. Yeah, not a good idea to get your truck wet on purpose when it's 10 degrees, but I had no choice.

That's my only complaint.

[winkster]

The first week we owned the truck I smacked the galvanized pole end of a fence while turning a corner, I hit the pole so hard the back end of the truck came off the ground and slid over a foot or so. My wife and I looked at each other with sick faces as we imagined the damage. As it turned out the side steps and door guards did their jobs. We have a slight tear in the rubber coating on the steps and the foot long smears on the door guards rubbed out perfect. They definitely paid for themselves just that one time.

These are post pole hit pics.