3 Reasons I DISLIKE My Ranch Hand Bumpers and Running Boards

[@sorryociffer]

I feel the same about running boards like that. I want them deep enough that they actually stick further out than the furthest out portion of the door panel so that in a parking lot, other peoples doors hit the board rather than the side of my door.

[@royshideler]

I hear a lot of nonskid tape here. In Wyoming when the temp is -10° and a foot of blow snow it might work. When things get muddy and slushy I found that tack welding a 1-1/2" strip of expanded metal where your boot contacts the outer bar is absolutely necessary. Love the trucks guys, we only wash ours when it rsins😅.

[@roymooney2921]

the only way ive found to make these running boards more functional the way they are is to spray them with a bedliner coating of your choice. ive had customers ask for rhino, linex. same with the rear bumper and we have done the front bumper/ brush guard aswell. thanks for the video. were also in ga. great to see other youtubers in ga. very nice truck by the way.

[@thesandcreekkid1]

To each their own but after watching the video and reading the comments I would like to point out that the name of the company is "Ranch Hand" not "Suburbanite Hand". Those brush bumpers and running boards are designed to be used on feed trucks in the brush and the mud. The only time I've ever seen them as shiny as those is when they are brand new out of the box. I'm honestly not trying to trash talk, just pointing out that things you consider to be design flaws in Georga running up and down the road have purposes here in Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas where those are on one-ton's going in and out of muddy pastures feeding cattle all winter.

[@WanderingWeekends]

So folks in Texas don’t want any room to step on their running boards? They don’t want to use their back bumper as a step? They enjoy slipping on a rounded bar? It’s also quite naive to think I’m not country folk. You have no clue where I’m from or how I was raised. These parts are ill conceived. Great quality/ bad design. …and yes, I take care of my truck. It’s been washed. I won’t apologize for that. Same as you, I’m not being smart. I’m simply making my point clear.

[@Theonewhowonders92]

@@WanderingWeekends Thanks for this video, was gonna purchase the running boards but I didn’t consider the depth. Not sure now if it would be a worthy addition for the price.

[@RustyRaceHorse]

Ya. Suburbs. Best running boards and bumpers are the ones you make yourself.

[@pedrolabrada5591]

I think a strip of those anti slip tapes will help. What you gain in the low profile look, which I like, you give up the depth of the step. I always plant my foot parallel to it

[@knuttsackjones3094]

I do the same with my feet and thought the same thing about adding a strip of black grip tape. Great minds🍻

[@j.c.v7628]

I got mine used. Coated it with monstaliner. Makes a big difference as far as sliding around goes.

[@johnwinter9722]

Appreciate your candor. I can see your issues. I put similar step bars on my previous pickup but they were non-glossy and worked pretty well.

[@coreymerritt7742]

I fully agree with your assessment they look really nice but with some disadvantages thanks Cory

[@timf6916]

GOOD JOB. A LOT OF GOOD INFORMATION. I am NOT a big fan of the BIG brush guard on the front of the truck. I do like the look of the back bumper.

[@gabrielbatiz8168]

I have an original 1996 f150. With RH bumpers from west back when when few guys making them out of Boerne TX. He is right on the step. They were wider before and square. Same for the rear bumper. They had plenty flat surface and were corner usable. Lastly they were 10x stronger you are getting ripped ever since they sold out. Only think I will buy is the head ache rdck

[@TheCampoholics]

As you know we have the exact same set up. I'm thinking about using some 3M backed anti slip tape at the base of the steps. Meaning wrapping the bar in front of the step to the bends in the pipe.

[@WanderingWeekends]

Definitely an option but it stinks to have to modify high dollar parts 🫤

[@TheCampoholics]

@@WanderingWeekends True dat!

[@ryang6k]

for the slippery rounded surfaces consider putting some bed liner on the places where your shoes contact the metal.

[@JRod783]

I am pretty sure cost cutting measures were made where they stopped making the bumpers not as deep as they use to be. In the early 2000's Ranch Hand bumpers were bigger. The space between the guard was also bigger.

[@txtacos817-3]

Good information never thought about the foot clearance

[@JoshRizer]

Fair and honest review. - from a fellow Georgian

[@adamtaylor5590]

I really like that rear bumper for looks and obvious crash protection but I can see your point on the tread depth for functionality, the cab steps I can definitely relate to as I had a similar set up on my truck and never could get use to them for all the same reasons you pointed out as for the front bumper great front end protection but not the look I’m into but that company obviously has great build quality!

[@WanderingWeekends]

Yes, great build quality but I would be weary of placing this set on a truck needing all of its payload. Nearly 400lbs of equipment. I’m leaving them on for the protection aspect you mentioned.

[@billyweston949]

Line X or truck bed coat the steps

[@billyweston949]

Line x or truck bed coat step on bumper

[@knuttsackjones3094]

The only time I see that cab step being an issue is when you’re standing on it washing the roof and even then you usually open the door and stand in the footwell. No one enters the cab at a 90 degree angle, it’s always at angle coming in from the rear

[@DavyDrews-e7e]

Well I don't know many people that go straight into the side of the truck when using a running board. All people I know go at it on an angle because it's the way you get into the truck not at a 90° angle. Plus I wear size 12 and the running boards I use on my truck aren't even 6" of step to use and it's plenty of step and ease to get into my truck. But to each their own and you obviously want like, what most people have in a house or shop for steps which is, an 8" step. But you also have to take into consideration the 8" step sticking out the side of your truck and how easily it could scrape up against or even how easily it could slam into something accidentally. That is one of the main reasons most running boards do not exceed 6" in depth. Not only to save you the hassle or cost of damage to your truck or possibly others, but also the liability they have or people try to say that the manufacturer has if anything bad happens. You make very valid points and I commend you that you are able to say how you feel without worry. And you make a well informed video

[@justinnorton8799]

I ended up with the Westin HDX boards on my ram. When I was looking at boards I kinda thought the same thing they don't look very deep also didn't like the "shine" paint as you said it's a running board that's gonna get beat to hell and scratched. Only complaint about the westin is they boards are not easy to clean they are a 2 part system each step has allen screws that need removed to clean under the traction plate I guess you can call it. Iv had them for a year and held up quite nicely tho minimal scratching and believe they run $600ish. Just an option if you decide to change them

[@Rekwan]

That 3rd step near the bed looks nice, wish I had that on my running board.

[@Fainer9]

Put PPF on your front grill, or a cover on the grill for the ease of access. And if you don’t like doing that take the front off

[@mattc3169]

To each his own, but for me function has to match or even exceed form or it’s not worth having. All their products look like they’re made very well but if you can’t use the steps due to how shallow they are then there’s no point in having them.

[@Chris_L034]

in normal use you wouldnt step straight into the step, you'd hit it at an angle.

[@knuttsackjones3094]

Pay attention to how you climb into your truck next time you get in it. You don’t enter at a straight 90 but rather at an angle from behind the door, your foot will have plenty of room.

[@darrylmoore6078]

Q for the host and others. After a front-end crash on a 2016 Tacoma, I'm considering a grill guard or bull bar for the replacement Tacoma. What make of guard or bar would you recommend? Also, what size tubes/bars would be the minimum to provide protection and not just provide a nice look?

[@knuttsackjones3094]

I had a ranch hand rear bumper on my old F350. I was leaving the gym one dark, cold rainy morning and lost the giant concrete sign base in my blind spot and backed into it at a good 5mph and it didn’t even scuff the paint. I don’t know if that’s any help to you but ranch hand stuff is built extremely well and built to be used and abused

[@dawnkirk6028]

It would ruin your look, but anti-slip tape on the rounded part would improve traction and safety on running boards. Always appreciate your fair and honest reviews.

[@WanderingWeekends]

I’ve thought about it on the running boards for sure. They’re pretty scuffed anyway.

[@randylester1219]

That's exactly what I was going to suggest. Or change to the Amp electric retractable steps. I have them and love them. They tuck pretty much completely out of the way when retracted and come down further when deployed.

[@gakrazykajun]

I went to retractable running boards for my F250....BIG help for my wife getting up into the truck. Got them just down the road from you at Wild WIlly's.

[@TannerEdmonds-g5t]

What kind of front license plate bracket did you use on your bumper?

[@brianwalters8302]

Why won't bike racks fit or work on the front receiver? Is it a depth issue on the square receiver or? Can you plz explain. Thx

[@WanderingWeekends]

They sit too high and block the view of the driver.

[@brianwalters8302]

@WanderingWeekends thanks I almost ordered one, to carry bikes on front

[@danslininger1315]

You could always put some grip tape on the round bars to make it non slip.

[@RobertHasty]

The center part of the front brush guard should fold down and have a step so you can check oil, clean easier etc. All the items you received and reviewed should have be rhino linex coated. I wouldn't pay $900 for running boards that are barely functional and easily scratched. Great review video. Hopefully they listened to you because I'll be looking at them seriously in a couple months.

[@johnstanley7442]

Since I'm average-height, and not TOO short, and don't have a 4x4, I don't really NEED running boards, BUT, how-'bout THIS idea: have that step surface be formed with just a BIT of a SLIGHTLY rounded-top, HUMPED "RIDGE," at the outer edge, and then have the outer portion BEYOND that rounded-top HUMP (too help provide a sort of "cleat" for keepin' your FOOT from-slippin'), and then have it formed so that it rolls-AROUND in FRONT of the tubular shape of the support bar? Then POWDER COAT that entire, pressure-formed step panel, for better durability. Look, ONE of the best new features on at least SOME of the newer Ford Pickups has been the big, deep, footholds, either on the sides back-near the bumper, or the ones that are farther-forward. I wear heavy-duty work boots, or mountain boots, on Size 11.5+ FEET, so having a foothold that can easily accommodate giant, "Homer Simpson-" style FEET only makes SENSE! PLUS, I'm in Texas, but I've had to winter WAY up-North, and having a running board that's too easy to slip-OFF-of, in Icy Weather is an "Accident Waiting-to HAPPEN!"

[@EllisThorne-f5c]

Why didn't the bike rack work out with the front receiver on this bumper? I'm looking to get this front bumper to use with a Maxxhaul 50027. I can't really imagine a scenario where this rack couldn't work on this bumper unless the bikes sit too high, but now you've got me wondering. What rack were you trying to use?

[@WanderingWeekends]

The bikes say WAY too high. I was using the Curt tray style rack.

[@mackharris6536]

I’m thinking about getting a full ranch hand front and rear bumper for my next truck that I’m thinking about buying my next might be a a 22 6.7 king ranch or 22 ram 3500 or 2500 longhorn

[@MrPercheronrider]

Wash mit really! I live in east Texas deer country, mud , blood and deer guts is all I’m worried about cleaning!

[@bigshafe]

I have the same running boards. I put my foot sideways in line with the length of the foot plate. For me that's a more natural position to get into my truck and grab handle on the a-pillar. Have you tried this approach?

[@WanderingWeekends]

Yes… There really isn’t another option. Unfortunately my 6-7 year old didn’t always understand this.

[@Treesuss]

I think the rear bumper does have a step built in… you just don’t want to scuff it lol. Just get some grip tape on there.

[@WanderingWeekends]

As mentioned, there is a step… it’s simply too narrow for any adult foot. Do you own this bumper?

[@bigtimegolfer3668]

Hey! How is that ranch hand legend holding up? I am torn if i should order one or not..i have hit three deer with my f250 and thinking its time.

[@WanderingWeekends]

Well built products but I wouldn't install the rear bumper or the running boards again. I've since traded the truck in this video. If I HAD to do it over I'd likely only do the brush guard vs the whole bumper/brush guard setup.

[@bigtimegolfer3668]

What was the reason for only wanting to go brush guard vs the whole front bumper brush guard package? How did the paint hold up? And did you have to do any modifications to the front as far as shocks or level kit? I have smoked three deer with my truck already and I've had it over a year. ​@@WanderingWeekends

[@WanderingWeekends]

Easier to remove and I personally think it looks better. Paint was great. No mods needed.

[@ImYourHucklebery117]

Fab Fours makes good bumpers, had one in my 07 sierra 2500 and i now have one in my 23 ram 5500. Ranch hand has no bumpers for a ram 5500 another reason i didnt use them even do i wanted to try them

[@Jessehermansonphotography]

They could rinoline the running boards

[@WanderingWeekends]

At least the foot placement areas.

[@tonyhaliburton6838]

Is the F250 a daily driver for you? Looking to get a new truck to pull a rv and I'm trying to decide if it's worth the price to go f250 out 1/2 ton.

[@WanderingWeekends]

Yes it is. The towing experience is worth the trade for me. Obviously that’s an opinion.

[@dodgefreak8797]

I can't imagine having to do much work under the hood of that bad boy with that grill guard in the way. Looks cool though

[@WanderingWeekends]

Actually it makes for a great step stool!

[@bigedmayra]

The Duke says, how do you change the headlight bulb? Don't it get in the way?

[@robertosgood961]

They're more like nerf bars, not running boards. And it's not a grill guard, it's a cow or deer catcher.

[@kenj.8897]

I really like the rear bumper. 👍 Plugs .

[@WanderingWeekends]

Was that your 🎈Plugs?!

[@kenj.8897]

@@WanderingWeekends They just told me about it 2 hours ago . I think 🤔. Lol

[@WanderingWeekends]

😂🤣

[@jeremysanchez14]

Does your front end sag with the bumper?

[@WanderingWeekends]

No, not at all.

[@kaleb71948]

Maybe they're made for the user to turn their foot more sideways

[@WanderingWeekends]

if so that was a terrible choice of design...

[@bombink1968]

They say they are made with steel and schedule 40 4" tube. Where is the schedule 40 tube at, and is it a weak point? The only round areas I see are the radius in the bumpers and that looks like painted steel. Not sure I'm understanding this

[@clint8130]

There is a coating on the bumpers, they're powder coated, not painted.

[@WanderingWeekends]

Ive never seen a glossy powder coat… and if it is a glossy powder coat it’s still slippery… and I’m glad to be rid of them.

[@amesapiary6481]

That's because it's plastic. Powder coat it's basicly plastic melted on.

[@darrylm3627]

😄👍Good Stuff, Great Tips

[@scottlocklear2062]

Grip tape like on skate boards

[@parales03]

Those rear bumpers are so tiny!

[@WanderingWeekends]

I’m glad I don’t have to deal with them anymore.

[@thedirtycorner8816]

Get a wheelchair ramp

[@WanderingWeekends]

Huh? If you’re gonna make a smart ass comment at least be funny or make sense. 😘

[@esvs9395]

Your mad about a round tube wanting a square tube until you slip on that and catch a shin. Round tube is more forgiving to the body, that's why they use round tube

[@WanderingWeekends]

I’d rather catch a shin than a face…

[@thethreewheelercowboy521]

Oh man, you sure got a rough life.

[@LaneLoley]

These trucks aren’t meant to look pretty. Running boards are shit and the rear bumper is shit. Front bumper is fine as it is. lol

[@tim9324]

Just not a fan. Front brush guard is ugly.

[@anthonypsaris5474]

Just my opinion but I think those gaudy front bumper guards look horrible. Totally look over done. Nice truck just trashed it up with that monstrosity. Just saying. Like your channel though.

[@colt4528]

I thought the same until you hit a herd of deer on the highway at nighttime towing a travel trailer, saved me from totaling my truck.