Yesterday, my wife mentioned that she and the kids were having a little trouble getting in and out of our SUV. The vehicle is a bit high, and they were struggling. So, I thought, “Why not install some running boards?” I did some research online and found that running boards can make it easier to get into the car, especially for shorter people or kids. They also give the SUV a bit of a rugged look, which I like.
I started by looking for running boards that would fit my specific SUV model. I found a few options, but one brand called Tyger Auto caught my eye. They had a model called the “Rider” that looked pretty good and had decent reviews. These were the Tyger Auto 3.5 Rider Running Boards, with the product code TG-SS2C35018. They were black, which matched my SUV’s color, and seemed like a good fit.
I ordered the running boards and they arrived a few days later. The package included the running boards and all the necessary hardware. I was relieved to see that they came with custom mounting brackets. I really didn’t want to drill into my car, you know? So, having these brackets was a huge plus.
The installation process was quite straightforward. I started by cleaning the area under the car where the running boards would be attached. Then, I positioned the brackets according to the instructions, It’s all very simple. I used a wrench to tighten the bolts, making sure everything was secure. After the brackets were in place, I attached the running boards to them. It took me a couple of hours, but I managed to get it done without any major hiccups.
Once the running boards were installed, I could immediately see the difference. They provided a wide surface area, which made it much easier to step into the SUV. My wife and kids were really happy with them too. They said it felt much safer and more comfortable. It’s especially helpful for my youngest, who used to have to really hoist herself up to get in.
- Easier Access: The running boards make it much easier for everyone to get in and out of the SUV.
- Protection: They also seem to protect the lower side of the car from mud and debris. I noticed that after driving on a muddy road, the sides of the car were much cleaner than before.
- Enhanced Look: Honestly, I think the SUV looks cooler with the running boards. It gives it a more rugged, adventurous vibe.
So, that’s my experience with installing running boards on my SUV. I am not a car guy, I am good at doing things like this. If you’re thinking about getting some, I’d say go for it. Just make sure you choose ones that fit your vehicle and come with custom mounting brackets if you don’t want to drill. It’s a simple upgrade that can make a big difference in terms of convenience and style. I’m happy with how it turned out, and more importantly, my family is happy too.
Oh, and I read somewhere that running boards were phased out in car design in the 1920s and 1930s when cars started becoming more aerodynamic. The 1929 Ruxton was the first car designed without them. Interesting, right? It’s funny how things come back in style, even with cars!
Anyway, that’s all for my little DIY project. Hope this was helpful to someone out there. These days, running boards are less common on smaller SUVs due to their lower ground clearance. But for larger SUVs, they can be a great addition. If you’re looking to enhance your SUV’s look, make it easier for family members to climb in, or protect the lower sides of your vehicle, you might find running boards to be the perfect solution.
