best running boards for 3500 4x4 duramax?

CarnationSailor wrote:
AMP Research PowerStep running boards. We went with them because when folded down, they are 4 inches closer to the ground than either of the Chevy stock boards. They cost more, but they make it much easier for us old folks to get in and out.

Another reason I am looking for running boards is to assist our 85# German Shepherd (Alsatian to you Brits) on entering and exiting the cab. The AMP steps are expensive but since I'm a bit of a Luddite, I was wondering how reliable are they? How long have you been running them and have you had any problems once they were installed?

obie311 yes I feel they are sturdy and I don't feel any flex. At the time I bought them my understanding was they were discontinued. I found only this set and that was because I called Dee Zee and they found this pair in a warehouse in Texas. I then called a dealer and told them where to get them. But I just went to Dee Zees web site and they are listed at $466

rhagfo wrote:

hornet28 wrote:
My CC had the tube steps when I bought it. I didn't care for them as I felt they were too narrow and a foot could easily slip off if it was slick with ice or snow. I found possibly the last set of DEE ZEE diamond plate full length boards by calling DEE ZEE this was in 14

X2 to the full length when towing a 5er! Makes getting in the bed easy!

I like the functional look of the Dee Zee's. Surprisingly my wife liked them too. I will most likely get a diamond plate toolbox for the bed eventually.

I read some reviews on the Dee Zee's that said the aluminum was too thin and that they flexed. I downloaded the installation instructions and it looked like there are three L-brackets (braces) per side. Does that anchor them securely? Is the aluminum plate thick enough?

I like the bed section that flares out to the dually fenders. Has Dee Zee discontinued that product?

I have factory Ford full length running boards that came with my 2008 F250 - not sure exactly if dealer installed or from the factory (my dealer got the truck from another dealer with the option packages I wanted). I (and wife) find that we can get into my truck easier than our cars. Especially now with my knee surgery, the running boards are great. I also say YES to mud flaps, for front and rear (front if they are not part of the running boards). Really saves the body of the truck.

Okay, so mine were factory (or dealer) installed and they have been great for 10 years, still look great, and are as stable as the day I picked up the truck - and I USE my boards, basically every time I get in and out of the truck. Many friends of mine who had aftermarket running boards installed, even high end ones, years down the road developed rust at the bolt on points and the boards became loose, sometimes dangerously so.

INSTALLATION!!! Whatever boards you get, make sure they are installed with heavy duty, needlessly over-heavy duty, brackets, and whenever possible preferably with stainless steel bolts / connectors. A good body shop may be a better place to have them installed than a mechanic garage, as the body shop guys will be paying much more attention to potential future rusting issues.

I really like my running boards, and do recommend getting running boards.

Our 65# 3 yr. old Goldendoodle just jumps in the back seat from the ground

obie311 wrote:
One reason for the 'boards is to help the 85 pound german shepherd jump into the back of the crewcab. Her hips are okay now but I don't want to stress them unnecessarily. Any large dog owners' experience would be appreciated.

I have an Akita and use the Dominator wheel to wheel steps. I would recommend getting the third step. I trained my dog to put her feet up on the floor in the back of the crew cab and she waits until I lift her back end up into the pickup for that very reason.

One reason for the 'boards is to help the 85 pound german shepherd jump into the back of the crewcab. Her hips are okay now but I don't want to stress them unnecessarily. Any large dog owners' experience would be appreciated.

hornet28 wrote:
Mud flaps go on the rear. Now watch someone will say nice for a grandpa truck. Well I am one even a great grandpa

I agree 100%! I think functionality first, full length running boards not only provide a step
In, they also protect the TV paint.

If budget is not a problem, AMP Research PowerStep is the best choice.

Mud flaps go on the rear. Now watch someone will say nice for a grandpa truck. Well I am one even a great grandpa