Factory running boards leave them on or take them off?

[b23]

I bought a new GMC AT4 about a month ago and they come with factory running boards.  The AT4 comes from the factory with a 2in lift so it sits just a little higher but I'm tall enough, 6'0, that running boards always seem to be more of a PITA to me than useful.  I've never had running boards on a vehicle before and everyone keeps telling me I just need to get used to them and I shouldn't take them off.

Curious to see what the consensus is on running boards and if I just need to get used to them or take them off.  My wife seems to think I should leave them on, but that in and of itself, makes me want to take them off. 

[BD1]

I like the look without them...simply a personal preference. I would take them off...if you decide after you can always put them back on.  I had a buddy take his off after about a year or two and the paint and finish looked different from where they were. Not a huge deal but it bugged him forever  It also depends how often you are hauling people around. Pretty hard for my older parents to get in my rig and it only has a leveling kit and 34's on it. Bottom line is if I didn't like them (I don't have them) I would take them off. Congrats on the new rig 
BD1

[jeffro]

I love having them on my trucks.
Helps shorter and older people to enter and exit, safely and easily.
Just remind them to grab the “oh shoot” handles also.
I had removable ones when I used to go wheelin a lot for more ground clearance.
But I’ve also seen them save body damage in some cases.
New truck has auto retracting steps, so cool. Not cheap but well worth it imho.

[cavemann]

I keep my trucks stock as far as lifts/over sized tires.  Mine running boards have taken a lot of abuse while hunting and saved the underside of the doors a number of times.  Also have kids and wife, they use every time they get in/out of truck.  Depends if you are asking for aesthetics or functionality.  there are others that "look" better for after market options and easy to put on.

[HUNT JR]

I'm not sure how bad your tires throw rocks and how good your mud flaps deflect them, but my brother took some off his pickup and started to notice rock chips on the lower portions of the cab. He put them back on and the rock chips stopped multiplying after that.

[b23]

They aren't the retractable kind, just the standard factory GMC running boards.  They're kinda not all that noticeable even, so aesthetically, they don't bother me and I like the idea of them, maybe, providing some protection for road slop/grit and grime.  For me, and I just wonder if it's because I'm not used to using them, they hit me wrong, especially when I exit the vehicle.  Exiting, I usually forget about them and just step straight to the ground but then it puts my leg at a weird angle.  That's why I'm not sure if I should take the friggen things off, or force myself to get used to using them.  At this point, I'm kinda leaning toward taking them off.

[jeffro]

You’ll get used to them pretty quick
Just like any other new thing, takes a few minutes to get the hang of it.
It’ll become routine shortly.
I always open door, grab the handle on the A pillar with left hand, step on running board with left foot, swing right foot in, sit down, pull in left foot, close door
Reverse to exit. Left foot on step, grab handle stand and exit.
It really helps save your seats because you aren’t spinning or sliding your butt on the surfaces
Plus once you remember to use the steps, your knees, ankles and back will thank you.

[dreadi]

I took mine off after a few months. I got tired of here "ting..ting ting" when driving on primitive roads from rocks being tossed up.

[boneaddict]

Kinda nice to stand on when trying to get extra height while photo in gig a big buck.  Not so nice to catch the mud from them on tha back of your leg of your work pants when you jump out at work.

[Angry Perch]

Kinda nice to stand on when trying to get extra height while photo in gig a big buck.  Not so nice to catch the mud from them on tha back of your leg of your work pants when you jump out at work.

Yes! My only complaint. Especially when you've been driving through areas recently sprayed by Loop! 

[Pnwrider]

Replace them with a set of amp power running boards. Best of both worlds, don’t have to look at them when not in use and they drop lower than factory running boards when extended. You can also lock them in either position (or at least my ford factory ones can). It’s one of those things that once you have them for awhile, you’ll want them on the next truck too.