Ford Explorer 5th Gen Power Running Boards Review

Elevating Your Ford Explorer 5th Gen: The Case for Power Running Boards

SUVs like the Ford Explorer 5th Gen, with their higher ride height, can present a challenge for entry and exit, especially for children and the elderly. This is where power running boards become an invaluable addition, transforming the experience by providing a safe and convenient step. Beyond mere functionality, they also add a touch of luxury and sophistication to your vehicle. Let's explore how these automatic steps work and the benefits they bring.

Seamless Operation: Reacting to Your Doors

Power running boards are designed to integrate seamlessly with your vehicle's door system. They are linked to the door sensors, meaning the running board automatically deploys when you open the door and retracts flush with the vehicle's body when you close it. This automatic operation is a significant advantage over fixed steps, as it minimizes wind resistance during driving and maintains a clean, streamlined exterior profile when not in use.

The system utilizes reliable motors, ensuring safe and dependable operation. The articulated joints supporting the running board are engineered for robustness, providing a stable platform. The width of the running board is ample, offering a secure footing for all passengers. Furthermore, the surface features anti-slip treatment, enhancing safety even in wet conditions.

Integrated Design for Enhanced Aesthetics

These running boards are not just about utility; they are designed with the vehicle's aesthetics in mind. The surface of the running board may feature the Explorer's initial, creating a sense of integration as if it were an original factory option. The exterior is often finished with a durable material, sometimes with rubberized edges, to protect the running board from minor impacts during entry and exit, thereby extending its lifespan.

Illuminating Your Path: LED Lighting System

A notable feature of many power running boards is the integrated LED lighting system. These subtle lights illuminate the area around the running board at night, greatly improving visibility and safety during boarding and alighting. This feature adds a premium feel, enhancing the vehicle's overall luxurious appeal, much like the ambient lighting found in many high-end vehicles.

How It Works: The Deployment Sequence

1. Door Activation: When the vehicle's door is opened, the door sensor signals the running board system.
2. Automatic Deployment: The running board smoothly and rapidly extends outwards from beneath the vehicle.
3. Stable Platform: The deployed board provides a secure and stable step for passengers.
4. Automatic Retraction: Upon closing the door, the running board automatically retracts back into its stowed position.

This electronic control ensures a smooth and efficient process, making it convenient even when carrying items. The ease of use significantly reduces the effort required to enter and exit a tall vehicle like the Explorer.

Who Benefits Most from Power Running Boards?

Power running boards are particularly beneficial for owners of tall SUVs and pickup trucks. They are highly recommended for families with children or elderly passengers, where safety and ease of access are paramount. Individuals with mobility challenges will also find them extremely useful.

For a vehicle like the Ford Explorer, which is inherently tall, the addition of power running boards significantly enhances its practicality and user-friendliness, making it a more accessible and comfortable vehicle for everyone.