RUNNING BOARDS -- YES/NO -- LIGHTED ???? Convince Me

19779 Views 30 Replies 26 Participants Last post by Garyans, Dec 31, 2017

ocnjkenney

Discussion Starter · Feb 17, 2017

Okay. I love the RL RTL-E I purchase. So far everything I anticipated is there, looks great and works. Everything I read about being a bit off is true (rear door swing, Entertainment Center interface) but the issues are very minor.

Now, this ain't your brothers Colorado or your off-roading buddies Taco. The RL is a slick pickup with big enough shoulders to do the job and enough high-end SUV features to keep you pampered. With that, I am considering running boards to "butch" out this RTL-E to look more "truckky".

Has anyone bought aftermarket boards and how easy was is it to complete. Did anyone get the OEM lighted runningboards and how are they??? Did anyone purchase Honda accessories and install any variant of the runningboards. It looks simple...too simple. The lighted version install PDF was a little intimidating but you could forego some of the electrical precautions to reduce the amount you have to remove to wire to the cab.

Someone convince me one way or the other.

Oh and I do like this truck. Butchy or Not!!!

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longboat

· #2 · Feb 17, 2017

I don't have my E yet (they are rare in my neck of the woods), but I plan to get the lighted boards. If dealer is very reasonable, I'll let them do it. If not, I'll purchase from Bernardi, College Hills, or whoever has best deal going, and install them myself.

I read somewhere that the RIDGELINE has everything pre-drilled to make adding accessories very easy. Their other boards should be a piece of cake to install....the lighted ones will take a little extra work, but not unreasonable. I'd also read that one of their models has sharp edges, maybe the cast version?

You can also get aftermarket boards if you're trying to save money. Look for boards made for the 2016 Pilot...they will fit the G2 Ridgeline.

VKT

· #3 · Feb 17, 2017

I have the OEM w/lights. The dealer pre-installed them and wouldn't take them off so I nearly walked away. After some talking with SO and negotiating down the price, I decided to bite the bullet. I'm pretty happy with it. I'm assuming you don't mind the reduction in clearance so I'm not going to address that. Obviously, I cant say anything about installation. Everyone in the family uses it. It makes me really happy when I see mud on the running board, because that's mud that didn't end up in the car. I definitely appreciate the lights. It lights above and below the running board and in dark parking lots and my dark driveway, it's been nice to see what I'm stepping into before I step into my truck (and stepping out). There's also the times when things fall when getting in and out of the car. The lights help when trying to retrieve these items. I can post some pics, if you like. Let me know what exactly you'd like to see.

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dru

· #4 · Feb 17, 2017

I purchased the not lit OEM running boards and install was a breeze. The mounting holes are already there, but you have to cut out a small piece of the plastic trim under the car to access them. The trim is already marked where to cut and a quick go with box cutters will do.

To mount, each side will have a front a rear bracket. Each bracket will has two bolts to the truck and two bolts to the running board.

hawk71959

· #5 · Feb 17, 2017

I have been on the same fence but I am trying to determine if I really want the Running Boards or not. I have a RTL-E and when I looked at a one step lower trim level that had running boards, I am at a highth where I could not Comfortably use the running board to get in and when trying to get in without using them, I was hitting the back of my leg on the things. Worried about getting mud and salt on my dress clothes when going into the office.

Wife can get in with out them... but they would help her a bit.

I had them on my Avalanche and they were needed to easily get in and out. On the RL I find that since it is not that high up with stock tires and wheels.

I am torn...

I will watch this thread.

Hawk

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Nervey

· #6 · Feb 17, 2017 (Edited)

I bought the cast and installed them. There couldn't be an easier install, in my opinion. They prepared the mounting brackets and such very well and it is quick. The trick is to hang everything real loose and then run through and tighten up.

Here is a link to photos of my BE with the cast running boards:
Photos of BE with tonneau, running boards, & paint protection

The cast have an amazing "bite", you will never slip on them. But any of the Honda boards will annoy you a little. Aesthetically they're nice... they stick out very little and don't impede. But functionally, the truck doesn't sit high enough to need to use them, so if you do, you feel silly... but if you don't it is awkward to get your leg over.

Plus, I "wanted" them to stick out more. Being I have tight parking, jackasses are always marking up the truck with door dings, so I would have liked to use the board for protection against adjacent doors. But it doesn't really extend out any further than the mid-area of the door.

Because of that, you are going to get the back of your calves scratched or mudded up (especially in shorts). That would be the only reason to go with the smoother textured boards like the illuminated. But to be honest, I don't like the look of them (but that is my taste).

I've been waiting so see if someone finds some nicer fit nerf bars or boards. I "almost" think nerf bars would look better because the profile side of the truck is a lot of sheet metal tall. And the running boards crowd the profile like a Chrysler. So in my mind, I think the break-up look of nerfs would look better. Don't know.

But I would trade anyone any day, my perfect boards for a set of 2 BE rims. I rashed my right front and need a replacement. But I would like to keep the old for a full size spare, and have another. I may even just remove the boards. For the lack of function, it just makes the truck look like it sits too low and has too much metal.

Hope that helps in "something"

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Im Buz

· #7 · Feb 17, 2017

I bought the OEM lighted boards--super nice

Love em

Midnightsun

· #8 · Feb 18, 2017

IMHO, the truck is much too low to benefit in any way from running boards. First thing I noticed when I saw the RL on the showroom floor which had them was how in the way they were and I am only 5'8". They hinder entrance more than anything else being always in the way unless you are 5"1. They will pack up with ice and snow in the winter and your pants leg will always be dirty. Believe me, I love accessories but this one just does not work on the RL. The only possible positive is if you like the look. I strongly suggest you see and try one with them installed before thinking they will be a great addition. My .02 cents.

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DSERVIT

· #9 · Feb 18, 2017

I agree with NERVEY. If I needed something, I would look into nerf bars. As it is, being 6', I don't really feel the need for me. Wife is 5'7", she mentioned running boards early on but hasn't said anything in probably 6 months.

Im Buz

· #10 · Feb 18, 2017

Midnightsun said:
IMHO, the truck is much too low to benefit in any way from running boards. First thing I noticed when I saw the RL on the showroom floor which had them was how in the way they were and I am only 5'8". They hinder entrance more than anything else being always in the way unless you are 5"1. They will pack up with ice and snow in the winter and your pants leg will always be dirty. Believe me, I love accessories but this one just does not work on the RL. The only possible positive is if you like the look. I strongly suggest you see and try one with them installed before thinking they will be a great addition. My .02 cents.

Of course to each his own preference and needs

ScooterS

· #11 · Feb 18, 2017 (Edited)

Yes, to each his (or her) own. For me, I don't see a need. I slide right into the truck already (not going up or down to get in). I see leaning over them, while attempting to avoid dirt, grime on my pants leg to be more of a "negative" than a positive.

Reactions: 1

noside85

· #12 · Feb 18, 2017

I have adapted to getting in my truck, even with the Truxxx kit installed. I'm 5'6" on a good day and don't have too much trouble with it. Maybe a bit of a calf raise when I do get in.

I have thought about getting running boards, it *might* make it a little easier and looks good. But I got the Truxxx kit to get some more GC and less rake, it seems that the running boards would undo the main reason for my getting the Truxxx kit.

hawk71959

· #13 · Feb 18, 2017

Thanks All. Nice to know I am not the only one thinking they are not needed. Money I will spend elsewhere on the Truck.

Hawk

joeone1

· #14 · Feb 19, 2017 (Edited)

I had OEM lighted boards installed. Other than the ground clearence now lower, I'm really happy with the boards. I'm 5'8 and I seem to use them often now. I also like the the fact they now protect the entire side of the truck from debris. I would have installed them myself if I had know so readily available at places like Bernadi and College Hill Honda. I probably would have saved about 300.00.

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Shineaholic

· #15 · Feb 19, 2017

Midnightsun said:
IMHO, the truck is much too low to benefit in any way from running boards.

how do you polish your roof?

hygieneboy

· #16 · Feb 19, 2017 (Edited)

100MPG said:
how do you polish your roof?

To clean the roof, I stand in the bed or use a milk crate which I keep in the trunk. I'm 6' and cant quite reach all of the roof when washing from standing on the ground.

I had running boards in my old Tacoma but I don't need them in the Ridgeline since it sits much lower. Running boards make entry easy for short people but seem to make getting out harder as they always scraped my leg.

Shineaholic

· #17 · Feb 19, 2017

hygieneboy said:
To clean the roof, I stand in the bed or use a milk crate which I keep in the trunk.

My point was that they said there is no use for them, at least one use is to reach the roof of the truck.

schultp

· #18 · Feb 19, 2017

100MPG said:
My point was that they said there is no use for them, at least one use is to reach the roof of the truck.

I was thinking of adding a roof rack to use for camping trips. If/when I do this I was toying with the idea of adding running boards to give more easy access to the roof rack. If anyone with a roof rack would chime in we might have a second use for runniing boards :smile:

Sparkland

· #19 · Feb 19, 2017

ScooterS said:
Yes, to each his (or her) own. For me, I don't see a need. I slide right into the truck already (not going up or down to get in). I see leaning over them, while attempting to avoid dirt, grime on my pants leg to be more of a "negative" than a positive.

Another "negative" is the road noise when inclement weather arrives. The slush hitting the boards is a little noisy.

RogersRTS

· #20 · Feb 19, 2017

The lighted boards are a bit pricey, but well worth the money. The price difference between lighted and non-lighted was about $90 so cost was not a barrier given the cost of the truck, boards, or other accessories. Strongly recommend getting them if spending the money on boards.

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