Step bars / Running Boards / Nerf Bars

[SteveW25561]

Well, we are now in the VIN phase of our Limited in Tricoat white.

My kids are only 6 & 8 and we'll likely need step bars/running boards/Nerf bars for them. Has anyone installed any aftermarket ones? I found these on Amazon: they might look nice with the white 2011 Ex.

http://www.amazon.com/Aries-203018-...ake=Ford|54&Year=2011|2011&newCar=1&carId=001

Opinions? They claim no drilling for installation. Since I don't have my truck yet, I can't comment but I wonder how to mount these if there are no Ford-produced step bars for the 2011 models (ie, there might not be any mounting holes existing since they weren't designed for step bars).

 

[sm4astan]

From what I recall, and have read, the step-in is not very high. I'm not so sure you'd need steps. I have 4 kids, one being 4, and I don't think he'll have any problems getting in.

There was another thread in here about step bars. Someone had ordered them, and then posted pics showing what they would look like if installed and was looking for people's opinion. I think the consensus was they really didn't look right. In my mind, they looked awkward on the X, mainly because the X is already pretty low to the ground and they just didn't fit.

If you search the forums, you should be able to find it. It wasn't more than 1 month ago if I recall.

 

[chimoman]

You definitely won't need steps to get in. I have a 4 year old and he can get in no prob. The step as stated by s4astan is correct. They would look awkward as well IMO.

TTFN
tatafornow

 

[1995E]

You can get the running boards from ebay. They work much better and is more aerodynamic.

 

[economizer]

Well, we are now in the VIN phase of our Limited in Tricoat white.

My kids are only 6 & 8 and we'll likely need step bars/running boards/Nerf bars for them. Has anyone installed any aftermarket ones? I found these on Amazon: they might look nice with the white 2011 Ex.

http://www.amazon.com/Aries-203018-...ake=Ford|54&Year=2011|2011&newCar=1&carId=001

Opinions? They claim no drilling for installation. Since I don't have my truck yet, I can't comment but I wonder how to mount these if there are no Ford-produced step bars for the 2011 models (ie, there might not be any mounting holes existing since they weren't designed for step bars).

I don't think they will fit the 11 EX.

From http://www.ariesautomotive.com/applications/sidebars.html

The part number for 11 EX will be 203041 and 203041-2

 

[tengator]

The pictures that sm4astan was refering to showed black step bars. They might be adequate for the kids but aesthetically they didn't do much for the EX. However, the stainless steel ones that you found on amazon would probably look better since it provides a contrast to your paint color. However, I'm with you in that I would be concerned if these step bars supposedly do not require drilling for installation and the EX itself does not provide mounting holes. If you do go that route, be sure to post a picture of the stainless steel step bars mounted on your EX.

 

[Kjeffery]

Well I pulled the trigger on a 2013 X and now to make it look 'mine'.

I drive my mother around on weekends and last night I found she has a little trouble getting end.

To make it easier I thought about either bolt on steps or visually good nerd bars that bolt on.

Any suggestions?


I thought I had seen on here a thread for the nerd bars but for the life of me I can not find it.

 

[Turdle]

"Nerf" bars.

 

[boss377]

Since it's an occasional need, get one of those plastic Rubbermaid stools to keep in the trunk. I use on when I visit my mom.

 

[sport97]

I agree with the stool idea.

 

[Akmechanic]

The DeeZee running boards look sick on these! I'm going to order mine soon. LOVE EM! Check em out. http://www.deezee.com/products/83/N...unning_Boards_|_Steps/NXc_Running_Boards.html

 

[peterk9]

Well I pulled the trigger on a 2013 X and now to make it look 'mine'.

I drive my mother around on weekends and last night I found she has a little trouble getting end.

To make it easier I thought about either bolt on steps or visually good nerd bars that bolt on.

Any suggestions?


I thought I had seen on here a thread for the nerd bars but for the life of me I can not find it.

Try http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=343141

Peter

 

[jlrohio]

If you go to the Modified Boards here, you can find threads about aftermarket running boards (I have not yet seen "nerf bars" on these newer flavor Explorers).

Here are two threads showing the DeeZee running boards on a white explorer and a black explorer.

Thread #1 of DeeZee running boards on a white explorer. Also, check out the Shark Fin antenna!

Thread #2 of DeeZee running boards on a black explorer.

 

[GWA1]

Since it's an occasional need, get one of those plastic Rubbermaid stools to keep in the trunk. I use on when I visit my mom.

I used a Rubbermaid stool too. Once a week for many years. Worked great.

 

[VinceL]

Well I pulled the trigger on a 2013 X and now to make it look 'mine'.

I drive my mother around on weekends and last night I found she has a little trouble getting end.

To make it easier I thought about either bolt on steps or visually good nerd bars that bolt on.

Any suggestions?

I thought I had seen on here a thread for the nerd bars but for the life of me I can not find it.

Remember, search is your friend!

Then again, if you searched for "nerd", all you probably would have gotten was a picture of me!

But....I did conduct a search for "nerf" and found the following threads:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=345919&highlight=nerf

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=322218&highlight=nerf

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=330920&highlight=nerf

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=309554&highlight=nerf

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=339647&highlight=nerf

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=327174&highlight=nerf

Hope those help.

Personally, I favor the DeeZee boards (not that I own them, haha), but the design appeals to me for complementing the look of the Explorer. They have had some quality issues, but they have made changes to improve the construction of the boards themselves and the manner in which they are packed for shipment. I would definitely consider them.

Happy driving.

 

[Kjeffery]

I like the looks of the Deezee boards so far.

Next Saturday the dearship will be putting on my tow package. I plan to go to the local truck accessory place to get them along with ventvisors.

I might even add some pin striping to the carrage.

Also on the agenda is trying to get my mother to quit calling my X " Blue Belle".

 

[Jgb6502]

I have a set of mini wood stairs for when i pick up my grandma

 

[boss377]

Running boards are so "90's". I have been in the auto biz for a loooong time and have observed that while some claim to think they look cool, no one actually uses them. People always step over them especially getting out. If the ground is slippery, you will bust your ass! Is that allowed?
Not to mention always having dirty pant legs from brushing by them.
Think about it before dropping all those $$$$. Just my 2-cents.

 

[Joe Dirt]

I agree with Boss, and also the Rubbermaid stool idea- that's what I do for my Mom when they visit.

 

[jkintn]

Running boards are so "90's". I have been in the auto biz for a loooong time and have observed that while some claim to think they look cool, no one actually uses them. People always step over them especially getting out. If the ground is slippery, you will bust your ass! Is that allowed?
Not to mention always having dirty pant legs from brushing by them.
Think about it before dropping all those $$$$. Just my 2-cents.

Actually my kids use them every time they get in and out of my Explorer. Personally, I like it better without them and will remove them once my kids are bigger, but having them makes life much easier with little ones as I don't have to open the rear doors all the way for them to "jump" out.