A vehicle is provided with an integrated and removable traction device, such as a tread board. The traction device may be integrated into a bumper of the vehicle. When mounted/installed on the bumper, the traction device can act as a cover to a storage unit implemented in the bumper. When removed, the traction device can be placed under a wheel of the vehicle to provide increased traction on certain surfaces. By integrating the traction device into the vehicle's bumper area, the traction device need not occupy, e.g., interior storage space of the vehicle.

A moveable link for an active exterior component on a vehicle. The moveable link provides a sealed connection between the outer link and the base link and fixed link. This sealed connection prevents debris from contaminating the area where the outer link rotates about the pin, thereby preventing unwanted noises. Furthermore, the sealed connection also prevent corrosion between the outer link and the pin, which can lead to failure of the moveable link.

A method of activating a vehicle function is provided. The method includes detecting a force exerted onto a bed step of a vehicle using a pressure sensor. A controller detects whether the amount of force exerted onto the bed step is greater than a force threshold. When the force exertion force exceeds the force threshold, one of a plurality of pressure patterns is detected. One of a plurality of vehicle functions is then activated based on the detected pressure pattern.

A method of activating a vehicle function is provided. The method includes detecting a force exerted onto a bed step of a vehicle using a pressure sensor. A controller detects whether the amount of force exerted onto the bed step is greater than a force threshold. When the force exertion force exceeds the force threshold, one of a plurality of pressure patterns is detected. One of a plurality of vehicle functions is then activated based on the detected pressure pattern.

Running boards for vehicles are disclosed that each include a rail with one or more steps. The step(s) are releasably connectable to (supported by) the rail (e.g., via a plurality of removable mechanical fasteners) to allow for removal of the step(s) when additional ground clearance is necessary and/or desirable, such as, for example, during off-road use of the vehicle. The rail of each running board is connectable to an underside of the vehicle (e.g., via brackets) such that the rails are positioned to absorb impact from external objects, such as, for example, rocks, boulders, stumps, etc., traversed during travel across uneven ground, and thereby protect the vehicle. In certain embodiments, the rails may include internal supports (e.g., stiffening ribs) to increase the strength and/or the rigidity of the rail, and, thus, increase the protection to the vehicle provided by the running boards.

A ladder rack assembly for connecting at least one ladder to a vehicle. The ladder rack assembly includes a frame configured to connect to a roof of the vehicle; a first retention hook connected to a first laterally extending frame portion; a second retention hook connected to a second laterally extending frame portion; and an over-center latch connected to a longitudinally extending frame portion, the first retention hook, the second retention hook, and the over-center latch being arranged to secure the at least one ladder to the vehicle. When the at least one ladder is installed on the ladder rack assembly, the retention hooks and the over-center latch are disposed laterally on an exterior of the ladder.

An all-in-one vehicle running board includes a panel, a mounting part connected to a vehicle body, and a transmission part connecting the panel with the mounting part. The transmission part drives the panel to extend or retract. The transmission part includes at least two transmission mechanisms, one of which is provided with a drive mechanism. The mounting part includes an integral mounting bracket connected to the vehicle body and connection assemblies connecting the integral mounting bracket with the transmission mechanism. The vehicle running board can be conveniently integrally mounted onto the lower body panel of the vehicle via the integral mounting bracket and is stable in use. In addition, use of a main transmission mechanism in combination with an auxiliary transmission mechanism(s) prevents the running board from getting stuck when the drive mechanism fails, thereby allowing for more flexible and convenient use of the running board.

A vehicle running board assembly includes, among other things, a reinforcing insert, and a beam that is extruded over the reinforcing insert. A step pad is extruded over the beam. A vehicle running board manufacturing method according to another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, extruding a beam over a reinforcing insert, extruding a step pad over the beam, and cutting the beam, the reinforcing insert, and the step pad to provide the running board.

A vehicle running board assembly includes, among other things, a reinforcing insert, and a beam that is extruded over the reinforcing insert. A step pad is extruded over the beam. A vehicle running board manufacturing method according to another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, extruding a beam over a reinforcing insert, extruding a step pad over the beam, and cutting the beam, the reinforcing insert, and the step pad to provide the running board.

A railing assembly includes at least one ratcheting post and at least one connection post. The at least one ratcheting post includes at least one ratcheting assembly attached to the at least one ratcheting post for selectively engaging a strap and the at least one connecting post including at least one attachment point for engaging an attachment member on the strap.