Opinions on trucks

[Bird]

If I buy a new truck, it will have some automatic side steps. I hate the looks of a truck with big ugly side steps but need them as I am only 5'-6".

I just recently noticed that Ford offers the electric retractable steps as an option. I've not seen any of them yet, but that sort of thing has been common on RVs for many years. In fact our 1992 Bounder had the automatic retractable steps.

I thought the man step on the new Ford pickups was a great idea, but if they actually cost $2k as pitt_md said, it suddenly becomes a very bad idea to me.

 

[dgl24087]

63T Step, Tailgate Styleside Models 291.00 350.00 (N/A Flareside Models)
Not $2000.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Its only 2K if you get it in a large convenience package. Its about $300 for the step.

Chris

 

[firemen122]

I always thought the man step was the rear tire. I would consider that thing they put on them new fords a girl step..........

 

[larso1]

I think I saw a new Dodge pickup commercial making fun of Ford's new man step. I guess that means Dodge doesn't offer one, heh heh.

 

[canoetrpr]

After some more thought and the discussion here I decided to add back in the Man Step on the tailgate and the two box access steps on the side.

I know that ford has made a big deal about the tailgate step but the brochure also shows the fold out side steps which you basically extend with your foot and stow back in with your foot. I'm not talking about running boards which help you get in/out of the cab.

After some shopping for a slide in dog box I realized that my best bet is to get a box that I will push up the bed pretty much against the cab. That way I will still have a bed to put stuff in when I'm not doing dog stuff and don't feel like taking the dog box out. This means that I am going to be getting in and out of the bed an awful lot to let the dogs in and out when we are at training and to get into the storage on the top of the box.

At 5'6" I realized that I would probably regret not getting these silly things. Builder's post made me realize that the the access to the box was indeed a big step for a little guy like myself. I don't think I would have missed these if I got a Sierra as the box was more accessible to short guys like me.

As others have noted, they don't cost $2k on the F150. I think iti s $300 on the tailgate step and $290 on both box steps. That is MSRP and on the supplier discount I have with Ford I am getting them both for ~500 $ CDN.

The running boards are of course a must for me.

I'm hoping they have enough time to modify my order to get these in there before I get a VIN back from the factory.

 

[Diamondpilot]

You will be happy you got them. Don't worry about people making fun of the "man step", the others like GM and Dodge will have to follow. That is if they are around in the next few years.

Chris

 

[NuBota]

Glad to know there are others out there at 5'6". I don't have the man steps. Some days I wish I did, especially after a good workout. But the machismo (a.k.a, short-man complex) in me would probably prevent me from putting them on /using them. Call it denial of the dread that I may actually need 'em one day.....

 

[Builder]

You will be happy you got them. Don't worry about people making fun of the "man step", the others like GM and Dodge will have to follow. That is if they are around in the next few years.

Chris

Too bad your nissan don't have one.....maybe you have a man step envy.

GM won't do a man step, they already made fun of it in a TV ad.

GM will be around as long or longer than any other automaker. The military needs them too much to let them go under. I wish they'd declare bankruptcy so they can get the unions out of the way.

 

[drivadesl]

My neighbor just bought a spankin new F250 with the tailgate step. (Didn't know they called it a man step, does that mean women/kids can't use it?) Anyway, at 5'-9" I tried it out and thought it was OK. I've gotten used to using the rear tire to get into the bed easily, but woudn't worry about getting the man step. If you want one, get it, why not make things easier for yourself and screw what anyone else thinks.