running boards, hoops, rock rails??? Suggestions and pics!

[Lizard1]

So, my wife is pretty irritated at the fact that she has to jump into the van with the lift. I have no type of step up into the van as I like the clean look as it sits, but also realize that even I have some issues at times hoping up into the thing - especially with the little guy when putting him up into the back from the side doors...

So, I have a budget. I do not really want to spend more than $300-$400 total. I am open to these kind of running boards from Ionic:

http://www.runningboardwarehouse.com/bl ... -2012.aspx

Also have looked at the Carr Hoops and think in black they might work. Obviously the cheapest route...

But, saw that N-Fab has some what looks like sliders/rock rails with a drop step built in. These are about $400 before shipping so, a bit more than I want to spend.

I WILL NOT BE USING THIS OFF ROAD where I need a rock rail to protect the van body, etc.

Here is the van as it sits right now. I want black rails, steps, hoops, etc.



Any suggestions would be helpful. I have been looking at some pics. Hard to find really good shots of rails and running boards and even hoops with detail... Thoughts are much appreciated!

[Ford_6L_E350]

I have Carr Hoop II steps on my van, and I like them. My wife needs them, and I find them very useful.

Several members have them, and since we only need 3/van (driver/passenger/side doors) a spare one shows up in the Classifieds every once in awhile.

They are relatively inexpensive, relatively easy to mount, and they do the job.

To my eye, running boards always look like a RoadTrek or PleasureWay van.

Mike

[Tapatio]

The stock passenger van running boards don't look bad in my opinion. They are black and can be coated with rhino/linex liner for added grip. I've seen them on Craigslist for under $200.

http://orlando.craigslist.org/pts/2804426875.html

[BroncoHauler]

If you like the factory Ford running boards, check out the Sportsmobile location in Indiana, they may have some that they removed off of vans.


Herb

[PatO]

I've beat up my Carr Hoop steps really bad, especially the side door but also the drivers on a bad backing up & rock maneuver. It would be nice to fabricate a hinge for them to allow them to give in the up direction! But if not going off road (why?) then these are very functional.

[rawdawg]

I insttall the auto running boards by Amp Research and I am very pleased with them. I do have three of the Carr steps for sale

[Lizard1]

I went with the N-Fabs. Should be here soon. They were pricey and hopefully will be what I was hoping for. I just do not like the hoops look and couldn't find any OEM boards that weren't overpriced.

[Ford_6L_E350]

Originally Posted by PatO

I've beat up my Carr Hoop steps really bad, especially the side door but also the drivers on a bad backing up & rock maneuver. It would be nice to fabricate a hinge for them to allow them to give in the up direction! But if not going off road (why?) then these are very functional.

It is fairly easy to make them hinge. Each step has two bolts holding it to the bracket. Put the top bolt above the step and it will pivot on the lower bolt. Tighten the lower bolt enough so the step doesn't move easily, but will still move when you want it to move.




Step pivoted up.

Mike

[JoeH]

Why don't you just put the running boards back on you had for sale in the classifieds? I sent you a PM about them awhile back but I presume they are the ATS Designs aluminum running boards. They're $600 new from SMB with brackets.

I think they're pretty nice and they're not too bad for offroading since they're tucked up pretty high. Since they're full length they're nice for putting things on and off the roof but they're not that convenient for getting in and out of the van like a hoop step would be.

[BIGVANS]

I keep my hoop steps bolted most of the time but when I go to places like MOAB etc. I remove the bolts and use “Safety Pins” to mount the steps to the brackets and “Quick release” remove the steps when I need to.