running board / steps for during pregnancy

[ParadiseMo]

Details: Gladiator Mojave is our only vehicle, stock height, oem wheels/tire/suspension and rock rails. It's a lease so has to be easily reversible.

Problem: Mrs Mo is small and it's always been an awkward entry/exit for her... now it's about to become near impossible and potentially unsafe and approaching colder months with more appointments required, I need to find a solution (hopefully other than disposing of the jeep).

My current thoughts: I've seen a few JTs with steps that drop lower than the running boards, but wondering if it's enough foothold if it's cold/icy and if it even helps when getting out again?

Request for recommendations: If you've solved this problem before, is the drop step style preferable to the wider running board? Is there an adequate low cost solution for short term, or is it going to be an expensive upfront cost to do it right first time? Thoughts, comments, opinions?

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[Mr._Bill]

Replacing the rock rails with a set of the Overland style running boards will probably be the easiest and least expensive option, and is reversible. There are other options, like the electric steps that replace the rock rails and drop down when the door is opened, but probably not the best plan with a lease. A step that hangs below the rock rails is a good option, if you can find one wide and deep enough to work for her. There are non-slip coatings that can be used, if necessary.

Since it's already difficult, her tolerance level will drop real fast. Without a good solution, soon, I predict an early lease return and a SUV or mini-van in your driveway.

 

[Tig]

Install alot of grab handles!

 

[Tom C]

Install alot of grab handles!

I think his "Grab Handles" are the problem and why his wife is needs assistance getting in the Gladiator.

 

[Reddout99]

I would suggest getting a set of OEM side steps. They can be had for fairly cheap. I got mine for $75.
I didn't have anything on my 80th Anniversary JTS when I purchased it. I bought a used set of OEM rock rails from a Mojave owner locally for $50 to cover up the pinch seam but soon realized my wife really could use a little help. She is a bit on the short side and I found a set of OEM side steps locally. They have an aggressive texture pattern and should provide a stable footing getting in and out and you are not locked into stepping in one place.

 

[kevman65]

Does the Mrs. ever get in or out alone, or are you always there to assist?

 

[kevman65]

Least expensive and least intrusive way for a mounted step.
Works with or without Rock Rails.

https://mountainoffroad.com/product...bE1rG84ndQ7eESyosRgZHpArhjHsTVUL3vWp0FWl45e9B

Least expensive way without mounting anything to JT. Would advise against this if she needs to get in or out without you there.

https://www.amazon.com/Vaunn-Medica...8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

 

[PW45]

I had my gladiator 'fixed' so she can't get pregnant anymore.

on a serious note, sounds like you will be carrying a step stool around for the next couple months.

 

[ParadiseMo]

Does the Mrs. ever get in or out alone, or are you always there to assist?

She's usually faster than me jumping in and is impatient about waiting.
And she usually drives to her own things several times a week.

 

[turtle]

My mom lives with me and is on the shorter side, with arthritic knees. She has her own Ford Escape that she can easily get in/out of but enjoys riding with me in the Gladiator. She can barely reach the running boards on her own, so the simple solution was a collapsible step stool. Small enough to keep in the truck. I tied a cord to it so she can retrieve it herself after she gets in.

https://www.amazon.com/Folding-Step-Stool-Lightweight-Bathroom/

 

[Scott L]

My mom lives with me and is on the shorter side, with arthritic knees. She has her own Ford Escape that she can easily get in/out of but enjoys riding with me in the Gladiator. She can barely reach the running boards on her own, so the simple solution was a collapsible step stool. Small enough to keep in the truck. I tied a cord to it so she can retrieve it herself after she gets in.

https://www.amazon.com/Folding-Step-Stool-Lightweight-Bathroom/

^^^^^^^^^^^^ What turtle said ^^^ Perfect temp solution.

 

[Badweather]

I purchased a 6” drop step from Warrior. I had to cutoff the curved hook they bend in to fit there rock rails. I then simply used rivnuts to bolt the step to the rock rails. When I go off road I can just unbolt them. Works fantastic

 

[Dp7]

https://archetyperacing.com/products/jeep-wrangler-jl-x-gladiator-stirrup

These clamp onto the rock rails.

 

[kevman65]

https://archetyperacing.com/products/jeep-wrangler-jl-x-gladiator-stirrup

These clamp onto the rock rails.

The baby to be will graduate college before the steps get shipped.......

 

[smlobx]

The foldable step stool would work but it would require you to be there all the time.

when I put larger tires on my F-350 my wife had a hard time getting into it. I ended up getting Amp Research extendable running boards put on them and there was no turning back. They are fantastic and I would never have a regular truck without them.

Yes they aren’t cheap but consider the safety factor as your wife’s movements becomes more difficult. Plus I’m sure you could get them removed when you turn in your glad and either sell them or use them on your next glad.

https://realtruck.com/p/amp-research-power-step/v/jeep/gladiator/2020/

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