I'm looking to buy a pair of running boards to my '09 van so the kids can climb in easier. Any recommendations? I'm kind of against the 80's style stainless steel plank style, and I can't afford a whole molded body kit with the wheel well pieces.

I assume I'll end up with a set like these "OEM-style" boards, but I'm curious if anyone has installed generic running boards, or boards off a Silverado, or some other truck. I'm pretty handy, and have been somewhat bummed that there are no chrome nerf bars on the market for Express vans, so I wonder if a little cutting/drilling could open up new opportunities.

Any thoughts or experience?

 

Search "running boards" for my post. I put them on a 2010.

 

I always felt that running boards help rust out the quarter panels and the bottom of the wheel wells.
Kids will be able to reach in a year.....save your money...lol.

 

DougE,
Those are the same boards I was looking at. How long did the install take you? Any more wide angle pictures of how they look on the van?

 

Here's 3 pics of the finished passenger side installation. This is probably a 2 to 3 hour job (I'm retired so I did it a little bit at a time over a couple of days).

 

Yep, there's a guy here complaining about dirt and rust accumulated due to running board.

Klock check out this types of running boards and other nerfs: Chevy Nerf Bars
There are much simple "side steps" but you have to choose wider ones for children.