Poll : Remove the running boards yes or no

[Tomcor]

Here is an old picture of my van. I have working on it for quite awhile converting the whole interior.
Installed bed with storage underneath, cabinet to hold dometic cooler, sink, storage area.
Installed Fantastic fan last week. By July I hope to be full timing in the west.

My next project is to remove the running board/ skirts.
Want to be able to get underneath easier. Better clearance for dirt roads. Weight loss.

Vote Yes or No

 

[LeeRevell]

It will adversely affect the looks of the van, but as you say, it will have certain practical usefullness.  Your van, your call.

 

[ccbreder]

I am facing the same question. My running boards are going. Weight is not that much, but room to get under is a valid reason.

 

[highdesertranger]

since you mentioned driving off road, take them off. BTW your pic looks like So Cal, is it? highdesertranger

 

[mudbunny]

I'm trying to cross this bridge too. Can't get under for any maintenance and a bit of off road driving so mine are coming off.

 

[Sameer]

Remove the running boards...if you boondock like I do then you will need the ground clearance.

 

[66788]

since you mentioned driving off road,  take them off.  BTW your pic looks like So Cal,  is it?  highdesertranger

My guess would be Banning/Beaumont or Indio area.

 

[Wanderer]

Well, since you are going off road, then the matter is simple. I use mine a LOT and would hate to lose them.

 

[BradKW]

I had a friend tell me once that you shouldn't use the steering wheel to pull yourself into the seat when entering. I can't say how valid his concern is, but I do know that it's a habit I only seem to not do if there's a running board or step.

In addition to this nearly irrelevant comment, I am also abstaining from voting...

 

[Gary68]

just take the van out and let nature run it's course,the answer should be clear

 

[SternWake]

Rip them off, treat any screw holes for rust then touch up paint.


My running boards were off 6 months after ownership as they were weak, flexed too much under foot on entry or exit. 
 I was hoping for some MPG gain but nothing noticeable.

 

[Tomcor]

I am located in Mesquite, Nv about 70 miles north of Las Vegas.
I will post more pictures after removal. And some pictures of my interior conversion.

 

[ilovemyvan]

I would be upset to lose our van's running boards ....I'm quite short and I find them very helpful. Other than that I don't see any use for them.

Nicole

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

I'm not short, and I would have trouble climbing into my Ford F250 if not for the factory running boards.  If I take them off at all, it will be only to replace them with a set of rock sliders that will double as my step.

 

[GotSmart]

I had to put in handicap bars on the inside to help me get in.  Without the step, I doubt I could climb in the van some days. 

Your van, your choice.

 

[flying kurbmaster]

I have been to Alaska and  across the continent, boondocking all the time, my running boards have not been an issue, I say keep them they look good, if you decide to  take them off put them up for sale on this site I am sure someone will want them.  Mine are even lower, I get the part of going under but the only thing under the running boards is your exhaust system it won't be a factor with your regular maintenance, like oil changes grease jobs etc. Mine are a pain when you have to find a spot for a jack but I manage other then that I like them.

 

[Queen]

Being from the Midwest (up until very recently), I've pulled them off every truck and van I've owned.  Too much rust up underneath, I typically replaced them with a hoop step if I needed one.

 

[Canine]

On all the vans I've had,that's always been job number one.Run the screws back in the holes after you take them off.

 

[Tomcor]

Running boards removed! Thanks for the advice. I think it looks much better without.

 

[Queen]

Much cleaner, very nice!