GG 2002 due in - Running Board and options?

At first I wanted the side steps, but then decided to go with the full running boards. I figured that the boards would allow the 3rd seat passengers a wider area to step on for easier access. I was also a little worried that a misstep on the tubular side-steps by one of my grandkids might get a foot stuck. OTOH, I'm quite surprised at the amount of flex at the back end of the running board. I noticed this while standing on backend to see if it made entry any easier. I suppose this flex is due mostly to the fact that the two mounting points are actually further forward on the boards, rather that being equidistant from front to back. I'm not sure if the side steps are any more rigid, but it wouldn't surprise me to hear that they are.

I passed on the fender flares, mainly because they didn't seem to provide much contrast with the GG paint. Sort of wish I'd gotten them now - I managed to dent that very area by pulling in the garage too close to a file cabinet.

I passed on adding any additional wood trim, although I do like the look of the gauge trim.

Markedoc said:

I think I will go with running boards - which ones look the best?

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Hey Markedoc, I take it you're using the term "running boards" loosely to encompass side steps as well? If no, the only running boards I'm aware of for the MDX are the OEM ones. If yes, you have several additional options: OEM side steps, OEM side steps with custom powder coating, and Manik stainless steel side steps. I think Manik also makes them in black, but I'm not sure - don't think I've seen anyone on this forum with them but I think I may have seen them in Manik's catalogue. Also, when I last checked with Waag they were supposedly working on stuff for the MDX, and that was back in August, so you may want to check with Waag cuz they make very good stuff (I had their tail light guards on my old CR-V, very well made and superior in looks to the Manik tail light guards for the CR-V IMO).

As for which looks best, that is a matter of persoanl opinion. There are tons of pics on this forum to give you a good idea of what to expect. Here's a pic of my Maniks below. On a granite green, I'm not sure what I would want. I might even go with the OEM running boards on that color. On darker colors however, the Maniks are hard to top IMO.