Power deployable running boards have been around on the Ford F-150 and many other pickups for some time now. But in prior generations, the F-150 running board design consisted of a shorter piece that ran the length of the cab, then stopped before reaching the bed area. That meant folks who wanted a step for easier access to the bed had to go with either Ford’s optional box side steps or a comparable aftermarket solution. However, that isn’t the case with the all-new 2021 Ford F-150.
The 2021 F-150 will offer a longer deployable running board as a single piece, with a kick stop feature, Ford Authority has learned from F-150 vehicle engineering manager, Dawn Piechocki. This makes the step longer and avoids the separate step. Hence, the primary running board now simply swings backwards. This is evident in photos of the new F-150 running board, which spans the entire gap from the front wheel to the back wheel.
This seamless solution provides a much cleaner look than the old, separate box steps, and fully retracts underneath the pickup, while the old steps protruded slightly, as can be seen in these photos.
The old box steps were also a $325 option, or can be purchased from Ford’s accessories site for $385 each. On the 2021 F-150, the deployable running boards are standard equipment on King Ranch High and Platinum and Limited trim levels, and are optional on the Lariat High SuperCrew. Adding the 601A High package to the King Ranch costs $4,560, and the running boards are included in that package.
Those who want Ford’s new deployable F-150 running boards on the Lariat must first pay $6,920 for the 502A High package, then add on the running boards for an additional cost of $1,220.
We’ll have much more on the new 2021 F-150 very soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for the latest Ford F-Series news, Ford F-150 news, and continuous Ford news coverage.
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Ford - Please install a "tailgate open" l.e.d./warning light on the dash somewhere. Tonneau cover owners would be thankful.
You have a rear view camera on almost every F150 after 2017. If you are worried, put it in reverse and if it’s pointing at the ground your tailgate is open. And you wonder where the name idiot lights came from ?
Kinda hard to put vehicle in reverse to turn on camera when you are rolling down the road.
However, I do think it would be great to have the option to enable the camera without putting the truck in reverse
I agree. A tailgate open light on the dash is a excellent idea.
Any explanation as to why Ford wants to copy Nissan styling? 🤔
Really? Nissan has pretty much been a copy of the F150 since day one, and is still trying to imitate Ford. So was Toyota in the beginning but have moved away a bit, or stayed where they were while Ford has moved on.
copy nissan are you high right now ford was the first with auto running boards and center co sole shifter dodge stole the shifter idea nissan stole the boards this isnt new 08 king ranches had this Ford is KING at this truck ish
I hate how you can’t just get an option you like anymore, without getting a whole package. It has made ordering a truck almost a waste of time. Basically these running boards would cost Over $8000 to add to a Lariat, not an XL. I don’t understand that. You’d think they could make money at the $1220 price if it was a stand alone option.
Go with the amp steps they work independently as the one with Ford are tied together you open the driver door both steps deploy stupid design in my opinion
@Mike, cost and profit. At almost a million copies per year, if one could squeeze out even $1 of mfg cost, or could induce $1 or more of profit by getting the purchaser to upgrade, the number adds up.
Bought a 1975 f100 in 76 if you would have told me that one day you could get so options on a pickup I would have laughed😆.
Could you please eliminate the antenna on the passenger side fender since all new vehicles have a shark fin capable AM FM GPS and satellite radio other Ford products do not have the antenna on the fenders of their vehicles just something to think about.????