Running boards if using on the sand - any issues?

I am about 6'3 so getting in and out of the 4runner is not an issue. My wife is 5'7 and running boards would help.

I purchased a pair of OEM running boards from a friend's son to help her out.

She thinks it may hit the sand when driving on the beaches here in NJ where some areas are thick and loose.

Anyone, anywhere ever had issues hitting sand wherever you may be driving?

 

I would think that sand would be the best terrain to run into if the boards had to run into something!

Of course it will vary since I don't know what NJ beaches look like but in OBX, I hit the sand in the Sorento with 7.3 inches of clearance + aired down and did just fine save for minor belly rubbing at speed. (no damage) I saw newer Explorers, Pathfinders, Ridgelines and other crossovers out there among other pickups and Jeeps so I figure if those are fine where you plan to go I would not worry about running boards at all. Although of course, subject to what you drive over.

Although you don't say which model you have since the Limited ones sit lower I believe.

 

5’7?! My wife is 5’1 and daily drives my lifted 4runner without running boards

 

You’ll be fine, just think of them as outriggers. Welcome to the forum!

 

Perhaps everyone who had issues got stuck until the tide rolled in, and were then washed out to sea.