Busted my A@% gettin in X

[cpuproject]

I have an new X and this evening getting into it I stepped onto the running board and proceeded to slip right of and land flat on the ground.
I have had an Expedition for the last two years and never once had this happen.
I wonder if the newer running boards are made of a less grippy material.
I am considering putting some of that no slip tape like they use on boat decks on the new running boards. Anyone have the same experience and what did you do to?

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01 X,PSD,Limited,Black on
Gold.
Lewisville,Texa

[Bill Tifft]

I had the same experience when I got mine from the dealer. I think in my case the detailer at the Ford dealer went nuts with the Armor-All. I noticed after washing it a few times that the plastic of the running boards gripped much better. I have used the stick-on grip tape in the past for this type of application and the best seemed to be the stuff from 3M which resembles real sandpaper rather than the rubberized compounds. This was applied to powdercoated nerf bars. I don't know how well it will stick to the factory plastic runningboards. Has anyone tried this? or has anyone found a good set of nerf bars that replace the factory runningboards that are beefy, look good and fit right?

[AJ'sDad]

Has anyone here tried to install a grab handle over the driver's door? Pulling on the steering wheel when you get in will supposedly wear out the bearings eventually.

[ducky]

Grippiest step stuff I ever found was the kind used for skate boards. It sticks better, and is thick enough to last a long time. If you want to do the whole board, I don't know if this stuff comes in rolls. I just bought a few pieces.

As far as a grab handle, does the pick-up have one? I advised a neighbor that almost anything on a pickup could be transferred to the ex. I might be doing some leaf spring work here soon. He really hates the mushy ride, but wants to carry people and luggage, does not need a bed.

[Legal Eagle]

That's never happened to me. My running board is plenty sticky for my taste. My problem is whacking my head on the door frame as I get in.

You can get some black sticky stuff in a couple of places. I have used it and like it. You can find some at aircraft supply houses (maybe at the airport, if you have a large one handy). It's often called "wing walk" and is the black stuff they stick to the upper surface of aircraft wings to keep you from having trouble getting in. The other source is at RV stores. I have found the same stuff at both places and it comes in a few different sizes, in rolls. It is cuttable (but not easily) with metal cutting shears or paramedic's scissors. Then you peel off the backing and stick it to a clean dry surface where you want it. I use the stuff all the time, and wouldn't be without it. A narrow strip of this stuff applied to the last outboard raised portion of the running board should do the trick.

Jay

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H. J. Ledbetter, Jr. J.D.
"Wife's car" Y2K Excursion LTD, 4X4, 3.73 LS, PSD, 3-guage pillar.ISSPRO boost, Pyro (pre-turbo) Banks tranny temp. Diablo 54. Amsoil air filter. Altimeter. Tows a 30' Sportsmen fiberglass-sided TT w/ slide-out, which likes to go to the mountains a lot.

[EWhite]

Bill,

The 3M stuff does come in rolls and in different width's as well. I have a four rolls of it from about 1/2" to about 2 1/2".

I was lookign for something to put on the steps to my Spa and I asked my buddy who works for 3M. He got me a whole display setup of it!

It works great. I also use in on the garage floor by the back door. I was always landing on my A*S when coming in to get the pool skimmer. I laid out a bunch of stips of that stuff and have stayed vertial ever since!!