Short person - can't get in and out of RAM 3500

I'm 5'2" but "old" and "creaky" - even seeing the knee doc tomorrow! - I have to look to see how much lower than the sill the step is. I even noticed the difference between our old F150 4wd and our friend's RAM 2500 - just a couple of inches but enough to not reach the ground comfortably. We're going on the road in August so I'm going to try a couple of things then before our winter in Texas.

Take a look at the AMP Research Power Steps. They drop when the door opens and raise when the door closes. They hang lower than a dealer installed step. They are a bit pricey at around $1,000. What's a another $1,000 when you already have so much invested.

MaxnSamsmom wrote:
Ok - we got this RAM 3500 to pull our new 5th wheel and even with the step installed at the dealership I'm about 5" short of being able to get out without jumping - and I'm too old for that?

Any ideas about supplemental steps?

Just how short are you, that would help wit a good answer. I think most dealer installed "steps" are more for looks than function!

DW wanted running boards, the dealer suggested installing to the lower body lip, making the step only about 3" lower than the sill. I mounted about 2" lower so the step saved 6".

I usually just fall out LOL. Does make my elbows sore tho.

Thanks! I'm going to try the backwards thing. My knees don't bend particularly well but I'm going to give it a shot. I think it might work. The truck already has one of those running board/step thingies on it. The step stool was going to be my fallback (so I don't fall-out). I can get in reasonably well by pulling myself up but it's that last few inches when I'm getting out that's been a problem.

You need one of these:



Attach one end a rope to the handle; the other end goes to one of the "grab handles" in cab of the truck.

Store the stool where you can reach it while sitting in your seat.

To use it for getting out, snap the stool open, lower it to the ground with the rope, step down onto the stool, then to the ground. You can then fold the stool and store it in the cab.

When getting into the truck, unfold the stool, use it to get into the truck, pull it up by the rope, fold it up and store it ...

Folks having trouble getting in/out of my Sub generally are trying to use their
'car' method

Best I've come up with and is with my competition coed volleyball team. Two of the
gals are 4'10 and 4'11.

Helps to have grab handles

Getting in from the drivers side...step onto the running board or the door sill
with the *LEFT* foot. While holding onto the grab handle or anything inside,
pull yourself to *STAND* up on the running board/sill/step/etc...DO NOT try to
get in just yet

This now has you level with the interior floorpan/seating

Now put your *RIGHT* foot/leg into the vehicle...all the while keeping your weight
on the *LEFT* foot

Once inside, transfer your weight to the right foot/leg and sit down

Getting out is the reverse:

Put your *LEFT* foot on the sill/running board/step/etc.

Hold on to the handle or whatever

Transfer your weight to the *LEFT* foot/leg and stand up with all your weight on
the *LEFT* foot/leg

Now swing out and drop your *RIGHT* foot/leg down to the pavement all the while
keeping your weight on the *LEFT* foot.

Once your *RIGHT* foot touches the ground (you are facing towards the interior
of the vehicle)...transfer your weight to the *RIGHT* foot

For the passenger side, reverse the above (foot)


In essence your are backing out of the vehicle, not stepping out going forward.
That is the key and a tough one to get folks to try...they continually try to
face out and get out like their cars

Try it...it has worked for my team mates and other teams after they saw my gals
getting out so easily at tournaments

There are many versions of steps and running board available. Pick a set you like and bolt them on. I went with the cab length 5" tubes.

I do not work for this company nor do I own stock. I just buy truck accessories from them. Try autoanything.com they have Nerf Bars (running bars)and any other accessory you may need.
Hope this helps you, Carmen

Does it have grab handles to help pull yourself up?