GM Authority recently spotted a GMC Sierra HD cruising down the highway sporting a variety of interesting modifications. Of course, the mods that immediately grabbed our attention were the dual running boards, with one set mounted in the conventional location just below the doors, and another set mounted directly below the first. The setup is clearly intended to make entry and exit more manageable, despite the truck’s raised ride height. And depending on who you ask, it’s either brilliant, or useless.
This particular GMC Sierra HD appears to be a GMT900-generation Crew Cab, a popular choice among heavy-duty enthusiasts. The raised ride height indicates a substantial suspension lift, contributing to a commanding presence and generous ground clearance. An aftermarket bumper and extra lighting complete the lifted look.
However, climbing into a truck this high off the ground likely isn’t very easy, especially for those passengers or drivers who may be a bit – vertically challenged? That’s where the dual running boards come in, providing a nice “mini ladder” up to the cab.
The question is – is this setup useful? Well, yes and no.
From a functional standpoint, the dual steps make practical sense. They provide a clear stepping path and reduce the effort required to get into the cab of the GMC Sierra HD. For daily driving or family use, this could be a helpful feature, especially for kids or older passengers.
But from an off-road performance perspective, this setup introduces potential drawbacks, as well. The core advantage of lifting a truck is improved ground clearance, allowing for better approach angles and reduced risk of undercarriage damage on rough terrain. By hanging an extra set of steps well below the rocker panel, this Sierra HD compromises all of that juicy clearance gained by the lift.
There’s also the aesthetic consideration. Some may see the dual running boards as overkill, visually cluttering the side profile of the truck. However, others might appreciate the unique take on an old standard, especially for a street-driven or show-focused build.
So what do you think? Are the double running boards on this GMC Sierra HD a clever solution, or do they defeat the purpose of raising the ride height in the first place?
Let us know your take in the comments below!
Comments
This is not convenient nor safe for the Misses to make her errands to the Dollar General. She has diabetes and picks up my cherry pop tarts. She doesn’t eat them. Our ‘09 Rondo is perfect. Plus we just put on some Walmart Douglas tires. Steel Belted Radials too!
I have a folding collapsible stair (plastic and light) I keep in the bed of my 2500HD in case somebody is “Height Challenged”. Works great
The double running boads is excellant were can I get them great for seniors
Need to be fully retractable in AND up.
It doesn’t look great, but it’s functional. I have a Silverado 2500HD which has high ground clearance and I have a set of running boards. This 900 is at least 6″ higher off the ground than mine is. I imagine, even for the average height driver, that 2 steps would be necessary, unless you were very tall. My wife would love this, since she has difficulty getting into my truck and even uses a portable step to get to the running board. With the 900, she probably couldn’t reach the inside handle from the ground. I doubt, however, that the 900 driver does any off-roading, so clearance isn’t an issue.
If the owner needs or likes them. Great! People customize their trucks all kinds of ways to suit their taste or needs. That’s the way it should be.
My brother’s truck is lifted 12″ on 44’s. Still only needs a single set of retractable steps to get in. This double set makes the truck dangerous in any area with ground clearance issues.
No matter the height of the truck, if you have running boards, they should retract. Presents a much cleaner image and the step portion stays much cleaner. One would think GM could have optioned this without owners having to go after market.
I do not necessarily agree the mindset of all running boards should retract. Unless you are on your way to show your vehicle in a show, who cares about a cleaner image & I assume the step portion gets a fair amount of debris thrown up under the vehicle. you also have the extra mechanics of a moveable step which could be troublesome in the rust belts. I find that the fixed running boards are very helpful in parking lots when people swing their doors open & meet a running board & not your door. They are also capable of stopping some shopping carts. I have never owned retractable ones but this is just opinion.
Stupid is as stupid does , gonna get somebody hurt.
FYI. Those retractable running boards stop working around the 50,000 mark and cost $2,500 a side to replace.
It is just like a semi truck get used to it quit your baby whining
We have gmc 2500 hd we put electric step on it goes under the door, and comes down low enough for me with bad knees. Had it has light on it.