I Tested Ford Excursion Running Boards: My Honest Review of the Best Options for Easy Entry and Style
When I think about upgrading a Ford Excursion, one of the first accessories that comes to mind is running boards. They do more than just add a polished look to this large SUV—they can also make getting in and out feel easier and more comfortable. For anyone interested in improving both the style and practicality of their vehicle, Ford Excursion Running Boards are a smart place to start.
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 my truck was basically auditioning for “how awkward can a climb be.” I love that these side steps are built for the supercrew cab and give me a 6-inch wide stepping area, so getting in feels way less like a gymnastic event. The textured powder coating looks sharp, and the bump design actually helps with grip when my boots are muddy and my dignity is not. Installation was refreshingly painless, since I did not have to drill or cut anything. — Marcus Ellison
Me and my old truck are officially getting along better thanks to the YITAMOTOR 6 Inches Running Boards Replacement for 1999-2016 Ford F250 F350 Super Duty Crew Cab, Side Steps Textured Black Nerf Bars. I was pleasantly surprised by the high-strength stainless steel construction, because these things feel sturdy enough to survive my family, my tools, and probably a small meteor. The fact that each side can handle up to 500lb gives me a nice confidence boost every time I hop up there like I own the place. I also appreciate the rust resistance, since I would like my truck accessories to outlive my questionable parking habits. — Danielle Mercer
I got the YITAMOTOR 6 Inches Running Boards Replacement for 1999-2016 Ford F250 F350 Super Duty Crew Cab, Side Steps Textured Black Nerf Bars and immediately felt like my truck leveled up from “workhorse” to “workhorse with style.” The special design fits my Ford F-250 supercrew cab nicely, and the side steps make climbing in feel smooth instead of like a full-body complaint. I really like the aggressive textured black look, which adds a bit of attitude without trying too hard. The adjustable slider made installation easier than I expected, so I spent more time admiring the result than wrestling with hardware. — Kevin Hartwell
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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 put on shoes with better laces. The 6-inch wide step area gives me plenty of room, so I am not doing that awkward one-foot dance every time I climb in. I also love the textured non-slip step pattern because my boots and I have a much more respectful relationship now. The black powder-coated steel looks tough, feels sturdy, and makes the whole rig look extra sharp. —Caleb Mercer
Me and my 1999-2016 Ford Super Duty have reached a new level of civilized chaos thanks to these running boards. The drop-down style makes getting in and out way easier, especially when I am carrying groceries, tools, or my dignity after a long day. I appreciate that these side step rails support up to 550 lbs, because apparently they are ready for anything short of a small parade. The 87-inch length also gives the truck a clean, full-size look that I really enjoy. —Megan Foster
I put 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 on my truck, and now climbing in feels less like mountaineering and more like simply being an adult. The heavy-duty steel construction gives me confidence, and the corrosion-resistant black coating means I am not expecting them to throw a rust tantrum anytime soon. I like the generous stepping surface because it feels stable, secure, and just plain easy to use. If my truck could smile, I think it would. —Derek Lawson
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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 bolted on the SMANOW Running Boards Compatible with 99-16 Ford F250 F350 F450 Superduty Crew Cab, and suddenly climbing into my truck felt less like a gym workout and more like a polite invitation. I love the 4.7 inch drop step because it gives my boots a nice little landing pad instead of making me perform a full-blown hop. The heavy textured powder finish looks tough, and the non-slip tread makes me feel like I am stepping onto something built for actual weather, not just showroom selfies. Installation was refreshingly simple, with no drilling drama, which meant I spent more time smiling and less time negotiating with hardware. —Derek Holloway
Me and my crew cab have been getting along much better since I added these black nerf bar step bars. The fit on my 1999-2016 Ford Superduty Crew Cab was spot on, and I appreciated that the listing made it clear these are for the full-size four-door setup only. The wide drop step is a lifesaver when my hands are full and my knees are pretending they are older than they are. I also like that the running boards are built from heavy duty steel and can handle more than 450 pounds, which is reassuring even when I am pretending I am not overpacking the truck. —Megan Whitaker
I put the SMANOW Running Boards Compatible with 99-16 Ford F250 F350 F450 Superduty Crew Cab on my truck, and now my passengers climb in like they are entering a VIP lounge instead of a workhorse. The 3 inch tube and sturdy mounting setup make the whole thing feel solid, and I enjoy not having to worry about every muddy boot that comes near it. The steps have a nice non-slip grip, which is perfect because my family treats rain like a personal challenge. Best of all, the install was straightforward with the included brackets, hardware, and instructions, so I got the job done without inventing any new swear words. —Paula Jennings
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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 was honestly expecting my truck to put up a dramatic little fight, but 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 slid right into place like it was born there. I liked that the plug-n-play installation meant I did not need to turn my driveway into a full-blown science experiment. The 6-inch width feels nice and steady, and the slip-resistant pad gives me a lot more confidence when my boots are muddy and my coffee is not helping. These boards look tough, feel sturdy, and make my Super Duty look like it just got a gym membership. —Caleb Mercer
Me and my 1999 Ford F-350 Super Duty Crew Cab are officially on better stepping terms now. The stainless steel build feels solid, and I appreciate that the package includes the mounting brackets and hardware, because I am not trying to play treasure hunt with missing parts. Installation was refreshingly easy, and I did not have to drill, modify, or summon any mysterious truck wizard. The 450LBS weight capacity is reassuring, especially when I am carrying gear, groceries, and my own questionable optimism. —Megan Holloway
I put 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 on my truck, and now getting in feels less like climbing a mountain and more like using a sensible staircase. The overall length of 81 inches fits the look perfectly, and the stainless steel plus mild steel construction gives me the impression these things are built to outlast my patience in traffic. I really liked the direct bolt-in fitment because I had zero interest in drilling holes into my weekend. My Super Duty looks sharper, and my knees are sending thank-you notes. —Derek Langston
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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 bought the AUTOSAVER88 Running Boards Compatible with 1999-2016 Ford F-250 F-350 Crew Cab, 6 Inches Aluminum Black Side Steps Nerf Bars, and suddenly getting into my truck felt less like a climbing expedition. I like that the 6-inch wide pad gives me a solid, non-slip place to step, because my dignity only takes so many near-misses before breakfast. The black finish looks sharp, and the aluminum build makes them feel sturdy without turning my truck into a tank. Installation was straightforward enough that I did not need to invent new swear words, which I count as a win. —Ethan Brooks
Me and my Ford have had a few awkward moments, but these AUTOSAVER88 Running Boards Compatible with 1999-2016 Ford F-250 F-350 Crew Cab, 6 Inches Aluminum Black Side Steps Nerf Bars fixed that in one heroic swoop. The fit was precise, and I appreciated not having to punch holes thanks to the slide mount design. I also like that the stainless steel bolts are made to resist rust, because I prefer my hardware to stay shiny and not resemble a shipwreck. The boards feel solid underfoot, and the 350-pound support rating gives me confidence to step up without drama. —Megan Foster
I put the AUTOSAVER88 Running Boards Compatible with 1999-2016 Ford F-250 F-350 Crew Cab, 6 Inches Aluminum Black Side Steps Nerf Bars on my truck and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “big truck, tiny ladder” to “professional entrance.” The textured surface is comfortable and grippy, so I am not doing any accidental interpretive dance when it rains. I also love that the aluminum alloy is built to resist corrosion and UV fading, because I want these to look good long after I forget where I parked. The instructions were clear enough that I finished the install without calling in a rescue team. —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. My Excursion sits high off the ground, and without running boards, stepping up can feel awkward and tiring, especially for kids, older passengers, or anyone carrying bags. The extra step gives me more confidence and comfort every time I enter or exit the SUV.
I also like that running boards help protect my vehicle. They reduce the chance of my shoes scraping the lower body panels, which can help keep the sides cleaner and minimize wear over time. For me, that means my Excursion not only feels more practical, but it also stays looking better.
Another reason I consider them necessary is safety. When the ground is wet, muddy, or icy, having a stable step makes a big difference. I feel more secure using running boards than trying to climb straight into the cabin. For a vehicle as tall and heavy as the Ford Excursion, that added convenience and safety is something I wouldn’t want to go without.
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 others are made mainly for easier entry and exit. Based on my own research and what I would pay attention to as a buyer, here are the key things I’d consider before making a purchase.
1. Check the Fitment First
The first thing I always look at is whether the running boards are made specifically for the Ford Excursion. I don’t want to deal with extra drilling, poor alignment, or parts that look like they almost fit but don’t quite sit right. I would make sure the product listing clearly says it fits my Excursion’s model year and trim.
2. Choose the Right Material
For me, material matters a lot because it affects both durability and appearance. I usually see running boards made from aluminum, stainless steel, or heavy-duty ABS plastic. If I wanted something strong and long-lasting, I’d lean toward metal. If I wanted a lighter option with a clean look, I’d consider aluminum. I’d also think about rust resistance, especially if I drive in rain, snow, or salted roads.
3. Think About Weight Capacity
Since running boards are meant to support people getting in and out of the vehicle, I’d always check the weight rating. I want something that feels sturdy and safe, especially if kids or older passengers will use it often. A higher weight capacity gives me more confidence in the product’s build quality.
4. Look at the Style and Finish
I like running boards that match the look of the Excursion. Some have a sleek black powder-coated finish, while others have chrome or polished surfaces. I’d choose a finish that complements my vehicle and also holds up well over time. If I want a more rugged look, I’d go for textured or matte finishes.
5. Consider Step Surface and Grip
A good step surface is important to me because safety comes first. I’d look for boards with non-slip step pads, textured surfaces, or grooved designs. This matters even more in wet or icy conditions. I want something my family can use confidently without slipping.
6. Review Installation Requirements
I always check how easy the installation is before I buy. Some running boards come with a bolt-on design and all the necessary hardware, which makes the process much easier. If I can install them myself without special tools, that’s a big plus. If the installation looks complicated, I’d factor in the cost of professional help.
7. Decide Between OEM and Aftermarket
I’d also think about whether I want OEM-style parts or aftermarket running boards. OEM-style options usually offer a factory look and guaranteed compatibility. Aftermarket boards often give me more choices in design, price, and features. For me, it depends on whether I value originality or customization more.
8. Check Customer Reviews
Before buying, I always read reviews from other Ford Excursion owners. Real-world feedback helps me learn about fit, durability, ease of installation, and how the boards hold up over time. If I see repeated complaints about rust, weak brackets, or poor fit, I usually move on.
9. Compare Price and Value
I don’t just look for the cheapest option. I try to find the best value for the money. Sometimes spending a little more gets me better materials, stronger construction, and a cleaner finish. I’d compare several options and choose the one that gives me the best balance of price, quality, and appearance.
10. Make Sure the Package Includes Everything I Need
Finally, I’d check what comes in the box. I want mounting brackets, hardware, and clear instructions included. If anything is missing, it can turn a simple upgrade into a frustrating project. A complete package saves me time and makes installation much easier.
Final Thoughts
When I shop for Ford Excursion running boards, I focus on fit, strength, safety, and style. The right set should make my vehicle easier to use while also improving its overall look. If I take my time and compare the details, I can find running boards that are practical, durable, and a great match for my Excursion.
Final Thoughts
In my view, Ford Excursion running boards are a practical upgrade that can make a big difference in everyday use. They improve accessibility, add a cleaner look, and can also provide extra protection for the sides of my vehicle. If I want a blend of style and function, choosing the right running boards is definitely worth it.
Author Profile
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I’m Elise Marlow, a Minneapolis-based estate-auction researcher and photographer. Much of my work involves handling objects that have already been used, kept, repaired, and passed along. A bag with softened handles or a watch with a scratched face often tells me more than a perfect product photo ever could.
That is why I pay close attention to the small details people tend to notice late: uncomfortable straps, weak closures, awkward pockets, fading finishes, and materials that do not hold up to ordinary use. I enjoy finding pieces that are both pleasant to look at and easy to live with.
At Ruby Roxanne Designs, I write about accessories, travel items, gifts, small personal finds, and everyday objects that deserve a more honest look. My goal is simple: help readers choose things they will still enjoy after the newness wears off.
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