New Updated 5” Running Boards From Trumgeta.

[a.ron]

I’ve had both versions of these on my 4th Gen. After I gave the manufacturer some feedback on the original design, they sent me the updated version to try.

The biggest improvement is how the plastic step is attached to the steel board. My original set showed up with several broken rivets securing the plastic step to the steel board, so I added some 3M VHB tape between the plastic and the steel to keep everything tight and let the manufacturer know what I found. The updated version replaces the rivets with bolts, and it’s a much better design. The boards feel noticeably more solid.

One other thing worth mentioning—my original mounting brackets developed some surface rust over time. Not a huge deal, but I figured it was worth mentioning. Hopefully the coating on the updated brackets holds up better.

Installation was straightforward. I’d recommend leaving all of the hardware loose until everything is mounted, then position the boards where you want them before tightening everything down. I also slid mine all the way forward, which covers almost the entire pinch weld and body bolts. I just think it gives the truck a cleaner, more integrated look.

These obviously aren’t sliders, but I wasn’t looking for sliders. They provide a solid step, make getting in and out easier, and have done a good job of keeping rocks and road debris from getting thrown into the rear quarter panels.

The only issue I’ve had with the updated version is the hardware that secures the boards to the brackets. The notched retaining washers work, but I had a couple of the board-to-bracket bolts either strip the captured threads or just spin before they were fully tightened. It wasn’t enough for me to pull everything back apart, but it’s one area I’d like to see improved.

Overall, I think they fixed the biggest issue with the original design. If I were buying running boards again and didn’t need the extra protection of sliders, I’d buy these again. For the money, I don’t think the quality can be beat. @TRUMGETA

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[TacoBirdinNW]

My brother in christ, if the bolt threads are such low quality that they strip off with light tightening, then I would argue that the quality definitely can be beat

I stacked some lock nuts on the bolts with threads that stripped, but you can bet your ass that all of that cheap hardware (and the brackets) are going to rust.

I respectfully disagree with most of your review.

 

[Will721]

Weren't they also the ones championing a "revolutionary" coating to prevent rust awhile back? If thats what the brackets look like after less than a year, I'm far from impressed.

As for the hardware issue, I'd go to the local hardware store and pickup stainless bolts if I were yall. Sounds like what they supplied isn't even hardened. If thats the case even with double nuts I'd be nervous if them falling off after a couple years. Rust will virtually dissolve the threads if its just mild steel.

 

[TacoBirdinNW]

Weren't they also the ones championing a "revolutionary" coating to prevent rust awhile back? If thats what the brackets look like after less than a year, I'm far from impressed.

As for the hardware issue, I'd go to the local hardware store and pickup stainless bolts if I were yall. Sounds like what they supplied isn't even hardened. If thats the case even with double nuts I'd be nervous if them falling off after a couple years. Rust will virtually dissolve the threads if its just mild steel.

You would have to take the step apart completely to replace the bolts. They are held together with a bunch screws. Wouldn't be worth the time imo - It's a terrible design. I won't run them for long. Was just running some rocker protectors until I got sliders anyways.

 

[Clovisb31]

I've had a pair of them for about a year now . I don't know if I have the "old style" or the "new style". How do you tell the difference?
They still look great on top. Now I'm going to have to look underneath and check for rust. That looks pretty uggly. Do you live where they salt the roads?

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