Methods and systems for attaching accessories to a vehicle. The system includes a first plurality of attachment devices located on a frame rail of a first vehicle, the first plurality of attachment devices spaced apart by a distance. The system also includes a second plurality of attachment devices located on a frame rail of a second vehicle, the second plurality of attachment devices spaced apart by the distance. The system also includes a plurality of engagement members of a vehicle accessory, each engagement member of the plurality of engagement members spaced apart by the distance and configured to engage with respective attachment devices from the first plurality of attachment devices or the second plurality of attachment devices. The system also includes a plurality of connectors configured to secure the plurality of engagement members to the first plurality of attachment devices or the second plurality of attachment devices.

A retractable step for use with a vehicle comprises a stepping member having an upper stepping surface, a first arm, and a second arm. The first arm has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The second arm also has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The first and second arms can be generally planar linkages.

A vehicle, a running board assembly, and a drive assembly for a running board are disclosed. The drive assembly includes: a mounting base, a first connecting portion, a second connecting portion, and a running board holder. The first connecting portion is rotatably connected with the mounting base and the running board holder. The second connecting portion is rotatably connected with the mounting base and the running board holder. The running board holder includes a third main body and a third hinged portion. The first connecting portion includes a first main body and a plurality of first hinged portions, and the third hinged portion is rotatably connected among the plurality of first hinged portions; and/or the second connecting portion includes a second main body and a plurality of second hinged portions, the third hinged portion being rotatably connected among the plurality of second hinged portions.

A vehicle, a running board assembly, and a drive assembly for a running board are disclosed. The drive assembly includes: a mounting base, a first connecting portion, a second connecting portion, and a running board holder. The first connecting portion is rotatably connected with the mounting base and the running board holder. The second connecting portion is rotatably connected with the mounting base and the running board holder. The running board holder includes a third main body and a third hinged portion. The first connecting portion includes a first main body and a plurality of first hinged portions, and the third hinged portion is rotatably connected among the plurality of first hinged portions; and/or the second connecting portion includes a second main body and a plurality of second hinged portions, the third hinged portion being rotatably connected among the plurality of second hinged portions.

A mounting assembly for attaching a first object or structure to a second object or structure in a blind installation. The mounting assembly having a frame locking bolt (FLB) that includes a bolt head flange and a frame bolt with a bolt head. The bolt head and the bolt head flange are configured to locate within an enclosed space and not accessible for torquing. The bolt head flange having a first edge and a second edge and wherein the second edge is configured to locate next to a solid wall inside the enclosed space to provide resistance for threading a frame nut onto the shank of the frame bolt to secure the first object to the second object.

An assist step assembly includes a linkage assembly including a first linkage member and a second linkage member, an assist step coupled to the linkage assembly and movable from a first assist step position to a second assist step position, an aerodynamic member coupled to the linkage assembly and movable from a first aerodynamic member position to a second aerodynamic member position, a movement mechanism coupled to the aerodynamic member and configured move the aerodynamic member from the first aerodynamic member position to the second aerodynamic member position, and a controller in electronic communication with the movement mechanism, the controller configured to determine an operating condition, determine a position of the assist step based on the operating condition, and generate one or more control signals to move the aerodynamic member from the first aerodynamic member position to the second aerodynamic member position.

A bracket for mounting a vehicle running board to a vehicle. The bracket includes an L-shaped main body having a bottom support panel adapted to receive and fixedly retain the running board, a top support panel adapted to be fixedly attached to an inboard surface of a vehicle rocker panel, and intermediate support panel adapted to be fixedly attached to a pinch weld formed as part of the rocker panel.

A compact deployable/retractable running board assembly for a motor vehicle including a running board, linkage coupled to the running board, and a motor assembly coupled to an actuator, the running board moveable between at least one stowed position and at least one deployed position. The linkage includes a drive arm connected to a pivot shaft within a housing at a location on the pivot shaft between two bushings that are coupled to the pivot shaft within the housing. The linkage also includes an idler arm connected to a pivot shaft within an idler housing. The actuator is operably coupled to the linkage to cause rotation of the linkage to move the running board between the at least one stowed position generally under the motor vehicle and at least one deployed position to provide a step surface for a user.

The present disclosure relates to a running board and a vehicle comprising the same. The running board includes an intermediate connector, a first running board body, and the second running board body. The intermediate connector includes a first rotating shaft, a second rotating shaft, a first mounting member, and a second mounting member. The first rotating shaft is connected to the second rotating shaft. The first rotating shaft is inserted into the first mounting member, and the first mounting member rotates about the first rotating shaft. The second rotating shaft is inserted into the second mounting member, and the second mounting member rotates about the second rotating shaft. The first running board body and the second running board body are foldable side-to-side through the intermediate connector.

A running board for a vehicle is disclosed that includes: a body; a plurality of retainers that are connected to the body so as to collectively define a receiving space; and an insert that is configured for insertion into the receiving space. The body of the running board includes: a deck; an outer flange that extends downwardly from the deck; and an inner flange that extends downwardly from the deck in generally parallel relation to the outer flange. The outer flange includes at least one opening forming a decorative element, and the insert is configured for engagement with the plurality of retainers to thereby secure the insert in generally parallel relation to the outer flange adjacent to the decorative element.