Running boards installed. I know ,I know.

[mepot101]

Just installed these bars from Realtruck. Amber gave me a nice discount, and got them yesterday.
I had the same issue as others with the 'nut plates' for the right side bars for the Hybrid, but was able to make them work.
I love the look, and they are very steady/strong feeling.
The directions are pretty wonky. I've been a mechanic forever, so I was able to solve the issues with the directions.
I know a lot don't like them on the Mav, but they will help my wife getting in, and the dogs will use them also.
They do not hang much lower than the side of the truck, so not worried about clearance issues.
Looks more and more like my 2003 Explorer Sport trac.
Just much better fuel mileage

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[cthlyte]

Looks good!

 

[icegradner]

If you need them, you need them, simple as that.

 

[RussCantrell]

No shame. One of the reasons I'm upgrading is I need a four-door for our toddler. (Didn't want a station wagon or minivan, and was able to convince the Mrs. on a nice, practical truck.) High chance I'll do something similar if the kiddo's little legs can't reach!

 

[Lbizzle8]

Just installed these bars from Realtruck. Amber gave me a nice discount, and got them yesterday.
I had the same issue as others with the 'nut plates' for the right side bars for the Hybrid, but was able to make them work.
I love the look, and they are very steady/strong feeling.
The directions are pretty wonky. I've been a mechanic forever, so I was able to solve the issues with the directions.
I know a lot don't like them on the Mav, but they will help my wife getting in, and the dogs will use them also.
They do not hang much lower than the side of the truck, so not worried about clearance issues.
Looks more and more like my 2003 Explorer Sport trac.
Just much better fuel mileage

Which one are these?

 

[gzebrick]

Just installed these bars from Realtruck. Amber gave me a nice discount, and got them yesterday.
I had the same issue as others with the 'nut plates' for the right side bars for the Hybrid, but was able to make them work.
I love the look, and they are very steady/strong feeling.
The directions are pretty wonky. I've been a mechanic forever, so I was able to solve the issues with the directions.
I know a lot don't like them on the Mav, but they will help my wife getting in, and the dogs will use them also.
They do not hang much lower than the side of the truck, so not worried about clearance issues.
Looks more and more like my 2003 Explorer Sport trac.
Just much better fuel mileage

Did you grind down the plates? How did you get the nuts to line up? Thanks

 

[mepot101]

These are the Ionic 4" bars, from Realtruck.
They appear to be the same as the "TAC" bars on Amazon.
Amber at Realtruck gave me a discount, so it was a better deal from Realtruck.

Yes, I ground down the sides of the nut plates, just about 1/16 of an inch, and was able to get them installed.
The installation leaves a lot to be desired, but now that they are on, they are solid. And I think they look great!.

 

[mepot101]

gzebrick,
Next time you are in Orlando, I can help you get them installed. Let me know. The install was wonky?!

 

[gzebrick]

These are the Ionic 4" bars, from Realtruck.
They appear to be the same as the "TAC" bars on Amazon.
Amber at Realtruck gave me a discount, so it was a better deal from Realtruck.

Yes, I ground down the sides of the nut plates, just about 1/16 of an inch, and was able to get them installed.
The installation leaves a lot to be desired, but now that they are on, they are solid. And I think they look great!.

looks good. Thanks.
Yes looks like the plates on the nuts are just too wide. I didn’t want to drill the truck. I guess grinding down the plates is the only option. Did you paint them after?

 

[mepot101]

No I did not paint them after, but we don't have much rust issues here, we don't get the roads salted during our 50 degree winters.

 

[Cocobean]

I think they look great

 

[Gamma500]

I think they look beautiful! Given my back issues I’m looking for this or something similar.
It’s your truck, make it work for you.

 

[Cherokee]

I vote they look great also.

 

[OLE MISS MAVERICK]

I'm a fan. They are not "needed" but neither are braces in teeth......but they sure make you look better

 

[sg777]

I installed a set on my tremor. Never had a truck without them

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