Running board vs hoop step for outer banks?

[Akiick218]

Hey guys! I ordered my 24 Outer Banks and upgraded to the hoop step for the sole purpose of getting the rock rails. I don’t really have any intention of going off-roading, but I was told that the rock rails can definitely help protect the car. I am all for protecting my car as much as possible because things happen even with daily driving. I just was curious to hear everyone else’s thoughts on which one they think is better. And if anybody has had the running boards or the hoop steps, what are some pros and cons?

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[Kiddo44pct]

I have hoop steps on my 2023 black diamond but they had to take off the rock rail I believe to install..so they don't come with rock rail I think. Unless it changed for 2024. In my opinion hoop steps look more rugged even if it's just for show.
They are textured so hard to clean.

 

[JohnnyBronco]

I have factory running boards on my 2021 OBX and plan at so.e point on swapping sides and moving them back the 2 inches they should have been for normal front mud flaps.

Consider this: rock rails only protect you from rocks ...or very large stationary rodents. If you never plan on offroading over rocks boulders tree stumps buried other brand vehicles then in my opinion rock rails are just an extra cost that you would never use.

Depends on how tall your tires are you might only be using hoop steps for ingress as stepping out onto them might catch your boot heel and whoops down you go faceplant.

 

[JL8jeff]

The hoop steps work fine to help you get in and out of the truck, but the rail they use is different from the factory rock rails so I don't think they have the same strength. When you look at pictures, there's not a lot of difference between the hoop step rail and the rock rail, it might even just be different mounting brackets. The textured finish helps prevent slipping but it can also remove skin if you brush against them wrong.

 

[Jollyorangegiant]

The rail on the OEM hoop steps is not as durable or strong as the OEM rock rail. It does cover the ugly pinch weld. The running boards do NOT cover that ugly mistake of a detail and they interfere with many mud(rock) flaps.

 

[soylent_green]

I have iag v2 ez-step add ons to the rock rails on my badlands. They work fine - for short people, i don't use it.
My wife has stock running boards (no rock rails) on her big bend.


i personally prefer the running boards for getting in and out

 

[jrollo7]

Hey guys! I ordered my 24 Outer Banks and upgraded to the hoop step for the sole purpose of getting the rock rails. I don’t really have any intention of going off-roading, but I was told that the rock rails can definitely help protect the car. I am all for protecting my car as much as possible because things happen even with daily driving. I just was curious to hear everyone else’s thoughts on which one they think is better. And if anybody has had the running boards or the hoop steps, what are some pros and cons?

Hey guys! I ordered my 24 Outer Banks and upgraded to the hoop step for the sole purpose of getting the rock rails. I don’t really have any intention of going off-roading, but I was told that the rock rails can definitely help protect the car. I am all for protecting my car as much as possible because things happen even with daily driving. I just was curious to hear everyone else’s thoughts on which one they think is better. And if anybody has had the running boards or the hoop steps, what are some pros and cons?

 

[604Bronco]

I'd probably go for the steps over the running boards, but it really comes down to personal preference.

Ultimately I went with a 3rd option: Rock sliders. Functionality of a slider to protect the vehicle, a step, and it's tucked up higher than a running board or step.

 

[MayhemMike]

My Bronco was ordered before the hoop step option was available. Once acquired, I looked into aftermarket steps that attached to my stock rock rail. I changed and went with full length running boards that attached to my factory rock rail ( IAG boards) for two reasons. I figure the full length boards offered some protection from surface debris kicked up by the tires, and they provide the ability to reach a lot more roof surface by standing on them instead of being confined to the step location. Easier access to the roof and rack makes the boards the choice for me.

 

[Geoff]

Hey guys! I ordered my 24 Outer Banks and upgraded to the hoop step for the sole purpose of getting the rock rails. I don’t really have any intention of going off-roading, but I was told that the rock rails can definitely help protect the car. I am all for protecting my car as much as possible because things happen even with daily driving. I just was curious to hear everyone else’s thoughts on which one they think is better. And if anybody has had the running boards or the hoop steps, what are some pros and cons?

The hoop steps certainly make getting in and out of the Bronco (Outer Banks) much easier, particularly for my wife who is just over 5’ tall. They have a rough coating that reduces the chances of slipping but as one other person has said this rough surface is sharp and will take skin off or rip pants if you rub hard against it. So, you need to be careful, particularly exiting the Bronco.

I have not removed mine but it looks as if removal should be easy if you find the hoop steps interfere with off-roading.

 

[Mkass]

The hoop steps work fine to help you get in and out of the truck, but the rail they use is different from the factory rock rails so I don't think they have the same strength. When you look at pictures, there's not a lot of difference between the hoop step rail and the rock rail, it might even just be different mounting brackets. The textured finish helps prevent slipping but it can also remove skin if you brush against them wrong.

rims look awesome

 

[freebob]

like running boards and front mudflaps. They help keep the rocks from the side and people car doors

 

[TXJeepScientist]

I replaced the running boards with Rocksliders. I really like them because the steps drop down and make it much easier to get in and out of my OBX. Its a great option if you or passengers are short, have knee problems, older, or other medical issues.

 

[TheShark]

like running boards and front mudflaps. They help keep the rocks from the side and people car doors

That's exactly what I was thinking. I like the look of the hoop steps but the running boards on my WT along with the mudflaps really help keep rocks from pinging the sides of it.

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