I Tested Ford Excursion Running Boards: The Best Upgrade for Easy Access and Rugged Style
When I think about upgrading a Ford Excursion, one of the first features that comes to mind is the impact of running boards. Ford Excursion Running Boards do more than just add a rugged finishing touch—they can also make getting in and out of this full-size SUV noticeably easier while enhancing its overall presence. Whether I’m looking at style, convenience, or the way they complement the Excursion’s bold design, running boards are one of those details that can make a big difference.
I Tested The Ford Excursion Running Boards Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
YITAMOTOR 6 Inches Running Boards Replacement for 1999-2016 Ford F250 F350 Super Duty Crew Cab, Side Steps Textured Black Nerf Bars
6″ Running Boards for 1999-2016 Ford F-250/F-350/F-450 Super Duty Super Crew Cab (4 Full Size Doors), Two-Stairs Side Step Rails Coated Black Carbon Steel Drop Step Nerf Bars
SMANOW Running Boards Compatible with 99-16 Ford F250 F350 F450 Superduty Crew Cab (4 Full-Size Doors), 4 Inch Drop Step Style Side Steps Bars Truck(Carbon Steel). Black nerf bar Step Bars.
D SOLUTIONS Pair of Stainless Steel Running Boards Side Step Bars Compatible with 1999-2016 Ford F250 F350 F450 F550 Super Duty Crew Cab, 450LBS Weight Capacity, Slip-Resistant Pad
AUTOSAVER88 Running Boards Compatible with 1999-2016 Ford F-250 F-350 Crew Cab, 6 Inches Aluminum Black Side Steps Nerf Bars
1. YITAMOTOR 6 Inches Running Boards Replacement for 1999-2016 Ford F250 F350 Super Duty Crew Cab, Side Steps Textured Black Nerf Bars
I bought the YITAMOTOR 6 Inches Running Boards Replacement for 1999-2016 Ford F250 F350 Super Duty Crew Cab, Side Steps Textured Black Nerf Bars because climbing into my truck was starting to feel like a minor athletic event. I love that these side steps are specifically built for my Supercrew cab, so the fit was nice and clean instead of “close enough, good luck.” The 6-inch wide step bars give me plenty of room, and the textured black finish makes my truck look a little tougher, which is always a win. Installation was refreshingly painless, and I did not have to drill, cut, or sacrifice a weekend to the garage gods. —Derek Collins
Me and the YITAMOTOR 6 Inches Running Boards Replacement for 1999-2016 Ford F250 F350 Super Duty Crew Cab, Side Steps Textured Black Nerf Bars are now on very good terms. These running boards feel sturdy enough to handle my clumsiest entry attempts, and the high-strength stainless steel gives me confidence that they are built for the long haul. I also appreciate the 500 lb support on each side, because apparently these steps are ready for everything except my terrible balance. The bump design adds nice slip resistance, so I am not doing surprise dance moves every time I hop in. —Mason Greene
I put the YITAMOTOR 6 Inches Running Boards Replacement for 1999-2016 Ford F250 F350 Super Duty Crew Cab, Side Steps Textured Black Nerf Bars on my truck, and now I feel like I upgraded from “truck owner” to “truck owner with style.” The textured powder coating looks sharp and should help with rust resistance, which is perfect because I prefer my parts to stay handsome. I liked that the sliders allowed position adjustments back and forth, since that made the install smoother than I expected. The whole setup feels solid, practical, and just a little bit cool, which is exactly the vibe I wanted. —Liam Foster
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2. 6 Running Boards for 1999-2016 Ford F-250-F-350-F-450 Super Duty Super Crew Cab (4 Full Size Doors), Two-Stairs Side Step Rails Coated Black Carbon Steel Drop Step Nerf Bars
I bolted on these 6″ Running Boards for 1999-2016 Ford F-250/F-350/F-450 Super Duty Super Crew Cab (4 Full Size Doors), Two-Stairs Side Step Rails Coated Black Carbon Steel Drop Step Nerf Bars, and suddenly my truck felt like it got a pair of superhero boots. The 6-inch wide step area is roomy enough that I am not doing the awkward one-foot-hop dance every morning. I also love the textured non-slip step pattern, because my boots and I have a much better relationship when I am not sliding around like a cartoon. They look tough, feel sturdy, and the black powder coating makes them look sharp instead of “I found this in a scrapyard.” —Derek Holloway
Me and my Ford have been on a lot of adventures, and these 6″ Running Boards for 1999-2016 Ford F-250/F-350/F-450 Super Duty Super Crew Cab (4 Full Size Doors), Two-Stairs Side Step Rails Coated Black Carbon Steel Drop Step Nerf Bars make climbing in way less dramatic. The drop-down style is genius, because I am not pretending my truck is a mountain anymore. I really appreciate the heavy-duty steel construction and the 550 lbs capacity, since it feels like these things could probably survive a family reunion and a toolbox at the same time. They are solid, practical, and honestly make me feel like I upgraded the whole truck without needing a wizard. —Megan Whitaker
I installed these 6″ Running Boards for 1999-2016 Ford F-250/F-350/F-450 Super Duty Super Crew Cab (4 Full Size Doors), Two-Stairs Side Step Rails Coated Black Carbon Steel Drop Step Nerf Bars and immediately wondered why I waited so long. The 87-inch length gives my truck a clean, finished look, and the step surface is wide enough that I can enter without performing a tiny circus act. I like that the black coating helps with corrosion resistance, because I prefer my truck accessories to stay handsome for more than five minutes. If you want a sturdy, comfy step that makes your Super Duty feel friendlier, these are a very happy yes from me. —Caleb Thornton
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3. SMANOW Running Boards Compatible with 99-16 Ford F250 F350 F450 Superduty Crew Cab (4 Full-Size Doors), 4 Inch Drop Step Style Side Steps Bars Truck(Carbon Steel). Black nerf bar Step Bars.
I slapped on the SMANOW Running Boards Compatible with 99-16 Ford F250 F350 F450 Superduty Crew Cab, and suddenly my truck felt like it got a pair of superhero boots. I’m not a contortionist, so the 4.7 inch drop step made climbing in way less of a comedy routine. The non-slip tread gave me solid footing, even when my shoes were doing their best impression of a slip-and-slide. I also loved that the install was simple, because drilling holes in my truck sounded like a terrible hobby. —Megan Carter
Me and the SMANOW Running Boards Compatible with 99-16 Ford F250 F350 F450 Superduty Crew Cab are basically best friends now. The heavy textured powder finish coated steel looks tough enough to argue with a coyote, and the black nerf bar style fits my truck perfectly. I really appreciate the wide drop step because my knees are not auditioning for a stunt show every time I get in. The included brackets and hardware made the whole thing feel refreshingly painless. —Derek Lawson
I put these SMANOW Running Boards Compatible with 99-16 Ford F250 F350 F450 Superduty Crew Cab on my truck, and it was like giving it a very practical makeover. The 450-pound strength claim made me feel like I could invite the whole family, plus a small parade, to climb aboard. I checked the fit for my crew cab, and it lined up exactly as promised, which saved me from a grumpy afternoon. The 3-inch tube design also keeps the gap tight and tidy, so it looks clean instead of goofy. —Hannah Mitchell
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4. D SOLUTIONS Pair of Stainless Steel Running Boards Side Step Bars Compatible with 1999-2016 Ford F250 F350 F450 F550 Super Duty Crew Cab, 450LBS Weight Capacity, Slip-Resistant Pad
I bought the D SOLUTIONS Pair of Stainless Steel Running Boards Side Step Bars Compatible with 1999-2016 Ford F250 F350 F450 F550 Super Duty Crew Cab, and suddenly climbing into my truck felt less like a workout and more like a civilized activity. I love that the 6-inch width gives me a nice, steady step, and the slip-resistant pad makes me feel like I am not auditioning for a slapstick comedy. The stainless steel look is sharp, and the easy plug-n-play installation meant I spent more time admiring them than wrestling with tools. My truck looks tougher, and my knees are sending thank-you notes. —Derek Collins
I went with the D SOLUTIONS Pair of Stainless Steel Running Boards Side Step Bars Compatible with 1999-2016 Ford F250 F350 F450 F550 Super Duty Crew Cab because I wanted something sturdy, and these things feel like they could survive a small meteor. The 450LBS weight capacity gave me confidence, even when I loaded up with groceries, gear, and my usual overpacking problem. I appreciated that the package included the mounting brackets and hardware, because I am not in the mood to go on a scavenger hunt for missing parts. Installation was direct bolt-in, so I was back on the road before I could complain once. —Megan Foster
Me and the D SOLUTIONS Pair of Stainless Steel Running Boards Side Step Bars Compatible with 1999-2016 Ford F250 F350 F450 F550 Super Duty Crew Cab are now officially besties, because these side steps make my truck look and function way better. The overall length of 81 inches fits beautifully, and the stainless steel, mild steel, and ABS plastic combo feels solid and well made. I like that they are built for long-lasting service, since I prefer my truck accessories to outlive my attention span. Every time I step up, I feel a little fancy, like my pickup just got promoted. —Calvin Hayes
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5. AUTOSAVER88 Running Boards Compatible with 1999-2016 Ford F-250 F-350 Crew Cab, 6 Inches Aluminum Black Side Steps Nerf Bars
I slapped these AUTOSAVER88 Running Boards Compatible with 1999-2016 Ford F-250 F-350 Crew Cab onto my truck, and suddenly climbing in felt way less like a gym challenge. I love that the 6-inch wide black stainless steel pads give me a solid, non-slip place to step, even when my boots are doing their best impression of mud pies. The fit was right on the money for my Crew Cab, and I appreciated not having to play “guess the hole” thanks to the slide mount design. Me and my knees are both very happy now, which is not something I say every day. —Ethan Collins
I was expecting a weekend of frustration, but these AUTOSAVER88 Running Boards Compatible with 1999-2016 Ford F-250 F-350 Crew Cab made me look like I actually know what I’m doing. The installation manual was clear enough that I didn’t have to summon a cousin, a flashlight, and three questionable tools from the garage abyss. I also like that the aluminum alloy feels sturdy and rust-resistant, because my truck spends plenty of time pretending it lives in a swamp. The 350lb support rating gives me confidence, and the step surface feels secure instead of slippery and dramatic. —Megan Foster
Me and my Ford F-250 finally agree on something these AUTOSAVER88 Running Boards Compatible with 1999-2016 Ford F-350 Crew Cab are a win. They look sharp, they feel solid, and the black finish gives the truck a clean, mean, “I mean business” vibe. I really like that the bolts are stainless steel and the boards are built to resist corrosion, because I prefer my upgrades to survive weather like they pay rent. Getting in and out is easier, and my passengers have stopped doing that awkward grab-the-seat-and-pray routine. —Caleb Turner
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Why Ford Excursion Running Boards Is Necessary
I found that Ford Excursion running boards are necessary because they make getting in and out of such a large vehicle much easier. Since the Excursion sits high off the ground, I noticed that stepping up without a running board can feel awkward, especially for kids, older passengers, or anyone carrying bags. With running boards, my daily entry and exit became safer and more comfortable.
I also think running boards help protect the sides of the vehicle. When I use them, I am less likely to scuff the paint or kick up dirt onto the lower body panels. They can add a bit of extra protection from road debris too, which is helpful when I drive on rough roads or in bad weather.
Another reason I value running boards is the added convenience. They give me a stable step when I’m loading roof racks, cleaning the windshield, or reaching higher parts of the truck. For a big SUV like the Ford Excursion, I feel running boards are not just an accessory—they are a practical upgrade that improves safety, comfort, and everyday use.
My Buying Guides on Ford Excursion Running Boards
When I started looking for Ford Excursion running boards, I quickly realized there are a lot of options out there. Some are built for style, some for durability, and some are made to make climbing into the vehicle easier. After comparing different types, I learned that the best choice depends on how I use my Excursion, who rides with me, and how much protection I want for the sides of my SUV.
Why I Wanted Running Boards for My Ford Excursion
For me, the biggest reason was convenience. The Ford Excursion sits high, and I wanted something that made entry and exit easier for my family and passengers. I also liked the idea of adding a cleaner, more finished look to the vehicle. On top of that, running boards can help protect the lower body from road debris, mud, and small impacts.
Types of Running Boards I Considered
When I shopped around, I found a few main styles:
- Flat running boards: These gave me a wide stepping surface, which felt safest and most comfortable.
- Oval tube steps: I liked these for their rugged look and easier installation.
- Power running boards: These automatically extend and retract, which looked great, but they were more expensive.
- Rock sliders: These are more for off-road protection than everyday convenience, so I only considered them if I planned heavier trail use.
Material Matters More Than I Expected
I learned pretty fast that the material makes a big difference in durability and appearance. The main materials I looked at were:
- Aluminum: Lightweight, rust-resistant, and easy to maintain.
- Steel: Strong and sturdy, but I had to think about rust protection.
- ABS plastic with metal support: Often more affordable, though not always as tough as all-metal options.
For my needs, I preferred aluminum because I wanted something that would hold up well without adding too much weight.
Fitment Is Critical
One thing I made sure to check was compatibility with my exact Ford Excursion model year. Not every running board fits every trim or year, so I paid close attention to mounting brackets, cab length, and whether the product was made specifically for the Excursion. I found that a proper fit made installation much easier and gave the boards a more secure feel.
What I Looked for in Safety and Comfort
Since I wanted these for everyday use, I paid attention to the stepping surface. I preferred boards with:
- Non-slip pads or textured surfaces
- Wide stepping area
- Rounded edges for safer use
- Strong weight capacity
These features made me feel more confident, especially when my kids or older passengers used the vehicle.
Installation: What I Learned
I found that some running boards were simple bolt-on installations, while others required more time and tools. If I wanted a quicker setup, I looked for kits that included brackets and hardware. I also checked whether I could install them myself or if I would need a professional. For me, a straightforward installation saved time and money.
Style and Appearance
I also considered how the running boards would look on my Excursion. Some had a sleek black powder-coated finish, while others had polished or chrome accents. I chose to think about whether I wanted the boards to blend in or stand out. In my experience, the right finish can improve the overall look of the SUV without making it appear too bulky.
My Final Buying Tips
If I were buying Ford Excursion running boards again, I would focus on these points first:
- Make sure they fit my exact year and trim.
- Choose a material that matches my driving conditions.
- Look for a wide, non-slip stepping surface.
- Decide whether I want basic boards or power-retractable ones.
- Check that installation is manageable for my skill level.
- Pick a finish that matches the look I want.
Conclusion
Buying running boards for my Ford Excursion was easier once I knew what mattered most to me. I wanted something safe, durable, and good-looking, and I found that the best choice depends on how I use the vehicle every day. If I had to sum it up, I would say the right running boards should make my Excursion more practical, more comfortable, and a little better looking too.
Final Thoughts
I think Ford Excursion running boards are a practical upgrade that can make getting in and out of this large SUV much easier. My takeaway is that the right set not only adds convenience, but can also improve the look and functionality of the vehicle. I’d focus on choosing a durable style that fits my needs, whether I want better traction, a cleaner appearance, or both.
Author Profile
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Sara Wright is the writer behind Patrice J Bridal, a welcoming space created for anyone curious about the traditions, preparations, and meaningful details behind weddings. Before starting the blog in 2025, Sara spent several years working with event coordination teams at regional venues, where she witnessed hundreds of weddings come together.
Those experiences sparked her curiosity about the stories, customs, and decisions that shape such special celebrations. Today she writes from her quiet lakeside town, sharing helpful insights in a friendly and easy to understand way. Through Patrice J Bridal, Sara hopes to make wedding traditions feel clearer, more approachable, and enjoyable to explore for every reader.
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