Stock running boards. How do you get in your Gladiator?

[BalancedPete]

I know this sounds stupid, but seriously, how do you get into your Gladiator? The stock running boards are just wrong. It's like they are not designed at the right height or something, too close to the floorboard height.

When mine was stock, I just swung my right leg in and hopped onto the seat. But now with a 2" lift and 35" tires, that technique is a bit cumbersome. But stepping on the running board you end up way too high and then have to kinda lower down in at an angle, or worse, step up then twist and back in butt first sidesaddle style!

My previous jeep (2012 JKU), the stock running boards were perfect. Anybody else find these running boards awkward?

Anybody do any mods to the stock boards like lowering them somehow?

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[Mr._Bill]

I have an Overland with the factory running boards, at stock height. I grab the handle with my left hand, put my left foot on the running board, stand up on the board, grab the handle with both hands, put my right foot in the cab, and then lower myself into the seat. Lowering the running boards might make entry easier, but it would increase the risk of damage to the running boards.

 

[Serik]

I find that I'm mostly stepping over the boards, but I mainly got them for my kids and they use them everytime.

 

[Gvsukids]

I know this sounds stupid, but seriously, how do you get into your Gladiator? The stock running boards are just wrong. It's like they are not designed at the right height or something, too close to the floorboard height.

When mine was stock, I just swung my right leg in and hopped onto the seat. But now with a 2" lift and 35" tires, that technique is a bit cumbersome. But stepping on the running board you end up way too high and then have to kinda lower down in at an angle, or worse, step up then twist and back in butt first sidesaddle style!

My previous jeep (2012 JKU), the stock running boards were perfect. Anybody else find these running boards awkward?

Anybody do any mods to the stock boards like lowering them somehow?

Here's how others step in and out of their Gladiator...
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...-and-out-of-their-vehicle-the-same-way.17531/

 

[XraytecH]

The Stock boards are fine but I'm short and it's getting harder and harder stepping up these days.

Waiting to take delivery of these...

https://rockslideengineering.com/product/step-slider-set-for-jeep-gladiator-jt/

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I have an Overland with the factory running boards, at stock height. I grab the handle with my left hand, put my left foot on the running board, stand up on the board, grab the handle with both hands, put my right foot in the cab, and then lower myself into the seat. Lowering the running boards might make entry easier, but it would increase the risk of damage to the running boards.

I also grab the handle with my left hand, left foot on the running board and pull myself up and swing into the truck, onto the seat.
I'd not want the running boards much if any lower for me - then I'd have to raise up higher to get over the threshold. My wife would like a bit of a step down, though. She's shorter, and her knees and handicap put her at a disadvantage getting into things like this.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

The Stock boards are fine but I'm short and it's getting harder and harder stepping up these days.

Waiting to take delivery of these...

https://rockslideengineering.com/product/step-slider-set-for-jeep-gladiator-jt/

Damn those things have skyrocketed in price! Last I looked I could get a pair for about 1800.

 

[AverageDad]

I have an overland and hated the steps for the same reason. They were too high so I didn’t use them. I just step in. But I had to step wide to get around them. It was annoying. So I took them off and got a set of Mojave take-off rock rails. I love it now.
Even my 16 yr old daughter hated them.
my lazy dog did have to adjust to just jumping in the truck instead of using the steps. But we are all happy now.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I have an overland and hated the steps for the same reason. They were too high so I didn’t use them. I just step in. But I had to step wide to get around them. It was annoying. So I took them off and got a set of Mojave take-off rock rails. I love it now.
Even my 16 yr old daughter hated them.
my lazy dog did have to adjust to just jumping in the truck instead of using the steps. But we are all happy now.

Dang, there's no way I could just climb into mine without the running boards. I can't step that damn high!

 

[XraytecH]

Damn those things have skyrocketed in price! Last I looked I could get a pair for about 1800.

The ones I purchased are the Gen 3 versions. The Gen 2 are less expensive.

 

[Jeep-A-Kneez]

I don't really use mine, the main purpose for having them, along with a good set of mud flaps, is to help control the mess that the tires throw. And being plastic means I will not have to worry about them rusting out.

 

[BluRubY]

I'm 6-1 and put the overland steps on my Rubicon mostly to avoid rock damage after a 3 inch lift and 35 inch BFG AT's. I don't have a problem getting in but a pain getting out. I hit the back of my calf if I step over them and it's awkward if I step on them getting out but I can live with it.

 

[Summitsearcher]

I have the wide Mopar performance ones. Left foot on the board, pull up slide in, out is the same in reverse.

 

[MDPensFan]

They're a big help for my mom when she gets into the Jeep, especially now that I have bigger tires. I'm 6'2 but use the running boards as well. Easier than doing the awkward butt slide into the seat.

 

[AZCooWhip]

The Stock boards are fine but I'm short and it's getting harder and harder stepping up these days.

Waiting to take delivery of these...

https://rockslideengineering.com/product/step-slider-set-for-jeep-gladiator-jt/

All. Day. Long. Well worth the investment. Now ask me about having my doors off and having to turn them off. ?

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