What happened to the OP is exactly why I had full length from the front wheel to the back wheel extruded aluminum running boards with a black rubber non-slip insert the whole length installed on our crew cab truck when new. Had to special order them due to their length. Step on them just ahead of the rear wheel and I can reach about anything in the bed or climb in the bed from there if I want to. 13 years later, they still look new and have been used so much! A real blessing for 5th wheel hooking up or unhooking. Also really helps my disabled wife to get in and out of the truck as she'd have a tough time if they were the tubular type.