Running Board vs. Side Steps

Since this is a fairly new site, it might be helpful for you to do a search on our sister-site www.acuramdx.org where I am sure there are threads comparing running-boards vs side-steps.

In short what I have read is running-boards are more utilitarian and side-steps are more for looks. We got our EX-L with running-boards and its very nice. I like the looks of the black running-boards on the Silver as well.

Hope that helps.

pjl56 said:

Although the step-up need is fairly minimal for the Pilot, I want to help out 1 year-old Allison and 79 year-old Grandma by installing either running boards or side steps on our new EX. Anyone with any comparative-type thoughts re: looks and functionality based on other SUV experiences? (Assuming that there's not much out there yet specific to the Pilot.)

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Thanks, 03pilot. I just visited the MDX site for related info, as suggested. One thing I see mentioned there is that some "normal-sized" folks don't like the running boards (& side steps?) because they can actually get in the way upon exiting the vehicle - what is your experience?

Re: Re: Running Board vs. Side Steps

'normal sized' folks --- hope this doesn't get edited out by the moderator

I don't think i have had any trouble exiting the vehicle. But then, I have only had the vehicle since yesterday. Will let you know more after at least a weeks worth of driving.

pjl56 said:

Thanks, 03pilot. I just visited the MDX site for related info, as suggested. One thing I see mentioned there is that some "normal-sized" folks don't like the running boards (& side steps?) because they can actually get in the way upon exiting the vehicle - what is your experience?

Click to expand...

Running Boards Work Well

As one of my "forced" options I had to take running boards. Just got them installed on Wed but they make my RedRock EX look even better. My wife is 5'2" and she really appreciates them as the Pilot is just enough taller than our previous CR-V to make them useful besides decorative.

Clearance change?

For those of you that got either the running boards or the side steps. How much, if any did that reduce your 8" of clearance? I don't plan on doing a lot of "medium" off-roading; but 8" isn't really a lot to start with. If boards or steps take a couple of inches off, I might need to re-think what I was planning.

Ground Clearance

At dealer today and measured ground clearance beneath brackets holding side steps on to be about 9 3/8" on an LX model. Brackets hang down about 2" from body beneath doors. Obviously, other components of the car is what limits the ground clearance to 8" so don't think the boards will hurt you too much.

Running Boards and Off-Road Issues

I checked my running boards after install and they are secured to the frame using two plastic cross beams. Measured distance to garage floor (no load in EX) and it was 9 inches. Biggest isssue to me would be that when going thru deep mud or snow the cross beams would have potential to serve as plow and build up snow or mud under the vehicle.

The issues will be;

When you are stepping over rocks, the suspension give will end up dropping your running boards onto a rock that clears everything else.
Not that I have EVER had that happen!
(Shh, don't tell my wife!)

hmmmmm

Well I am looking at the side steps, I just like the looks better. As far as functionality and I am not sure which would be better.
I don't think functionally it will make a huge difference in the SUV.
Later,
Pat

Re: Running Boards Work Well

chrisw42,

Is there any way you can post pictures of the RedRock with running boards? We would appreciate it.

chrisw42 said:

As one of my "forced" options I had to take running boards. Just got them installed on Wed but they make my RedRock EX look even better. My wife is 5'2" and she really appreciates them as the Pilot is just enough taller than our previous CR-V to make them useful besides decorative.

Click to expand...

side steps

When I test-drove an MDX it had side steps. Really made it look nice. However, I found myself "stepping over them" to get out of the vehicle.

I can see where they might benefit elderly people and small children (althouth my 3 and 5 year old's have no problem getting in and out), but I'm hesitating to purchase them because they might get in the way.

Please post pictures! I would love to see a Redrock with either one. I might be swayed.....

It's not perfect, but you can get a rough idea by using the Build Your Pilot tool in upper right of Honda Pilot website. You can add various options including running boards to see what it will look like.

http://pilot.honda.com/home.asp