I have a 2021 F150 Platinum 6.5 foot bed with Power Boost, Pro-Power Onboard, etc. I want to attach Torklift camper tie-downs to the frame but the auto deploy running boards interfere with the tie-down placement. It seems the Brophy type camper tie-downs will not work with the plastic bed rail cap. The only thing I can think of is to cut the factory running boards shorter and relocate the kick switch at the aft end of the running board. Has anyone done this before or somehow overcome this problem?

 

Personally, I wouldn't touch those $3000 running boards. I'm not sure if removing would throw any alerts but if your going to modify running boards take them off and install stationary boards. Maybe unplug them to check for alerts first.

 

You can turn off the running boards in settings. I used to do this when I lived in OH in the winter. Also they have a pressure switch (I know for the way in, not so sure for out) that should reverse them. As stated I wouldn't cut them, but you be you. I think I would test the reverse feature on the way out to see if it does go back up. If so then I would turn them off and place a piece of rubber or something in-between the running board and the tie down.

 

I would call torklift. I have found sometimes they have a solution even if its not listed on line because its in development.

 

Not sure how much room you need but the factory boards have a kick switch mounted at the rearward end and cutting them shorter I suspect would damage a lot more than you may wish to.

 

does the F150 auto deploy running boards stop at the end of the cab or do they go wheel to wheel?

 

The power running boards on my Lariat stop at the end of the cab.

 

You can swap out to boards that don't run past the cab, but they will not have a kick-switch. You just need the boards themselves. i.e. I used F250 boards, see attached.

 

Thanks to all for the responses.
- I have talked with someone at Torklift and they said "Sorry, we don't make a product that will fit your truck",
- The running boards end somewhere between the end of the cab and the rear wheel opening. I have been looking through ebay for a pair of used, short running boards. Not much luck and the hustle/bustle of the holidays have put this on the back burner.
- Cutting the running boards shorter is not a big deal, The kick switch can be relocated after the cut is made, but like someone said above...I really don't want to cut $3000 running boards.
- Locking the board down or up by disabling them in the System menu is not a permanent solution.

I think I might have to have custom tie-down mounts made, perhaps utilizing a Torklift set for a non-running board truck.

 

This might be the best option I have. In my case, the kick switch can be added by running the wire through the short running boards and connect to my existing wire bundle.