Are Running Boards Worth It for Campervan Conversions? Here’s What We Learned

Most van builders guess what works—we test it every day with real renters, and one of the most common complaints has nothing to do with power or layout. It’s the missing step.

At Blackthorn Campervans, we specialize in building and renting high-quality campervans—and we pay close attention to the small details that make a big difference. Managing a fleet of rental vans gives us real-world insight into how people actually use their vans, which helps us refine our builds and recommend features that truly matter. While we save some of our hard-earned secrets for our custom clients, we’re always happy to share helpful insights like this one.

Running boards are one of those small upgrades that make a surprisingly big impact—especially if you're building on a Mercedes Sprinter 4x4. Most of our rentals are built on the Sprinter platform, which we love for its durability and off-road capabilities, particularly here in Utah. But with that capability comes added clearance—made even taller by the 33" wheels we run on many of our van rentals. This makes climbing in and out a bit of a challenge without help and inconvenient.

For reference, I am 5'9" tall and this what climbing into a Mercedes Sprinter with larger tires looks like.

Out of dozens of rentals each month, we hear more feedback about the absence of running boards than almost any other feature. Renters often return commenting that a step or stool would make entry easier, especially for families or older travelers. While fold-up stools are great for accessing elevated beds in vans with bed lifts, it’s the entry and exit point where most people struggle. Running boards solve that issue, bridging the gap created by the Sprinter’s elevated frame and offering a more comfortable and practical daily experience.

For lower-clearance vans like the Ford Transit, Ram Promaster, or 2WD Sprinter, running boards are more of a convenience than a necessity. That said, if you want a more accessible step-in height or just prefer the look, they’re still a great add-on.

If you're in the early stages of designing your own build, this kind of detail might seem small—but it’s exactly the kind of thing that adds up to a better experience on the road. And that’s where we come in. We've tested dozens of setups through our rental fleet, and we know what works, what doesn't, and what’s worth the investment. If you're considering a custom van, we’d love to talk and help you create something that’s both functional and personalized.

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