Just bought a 2021 Cherokee Trailhawk and I'm having one hell of a time finding Running Boards for this Trailhawk. Can anyone offer any suggestions?

 

Why do you want running boards?

 

I have Hip and Knee issues that impair my ability to get in or out of vehicles. Running boards solve the problem because they are lower than the door sill and allow me to step up onto them and then transition into the vehicle. I had to do the same thing for my 2016 Grand Caravan and it solved the problem. I have searched online for these but it seems that all the models have the disclamer "Will not fit Trailhawk". I am wondering why this is the case and looking for any company that can supply a set to fit this vehicle. I am not worried about ground clearance issues because this vehicle will see very little off paved road use and NO trail or severe use. Any suggestions will be very helpful.

 

Hmm. I'm not sure why they'd exclude the TrailHawk version since I'm pretty sure it's the same body, just sitting a little higher. The front fascia is different, but I thought the side trim was identical. Maybe one of the mounting brackets they use is different due to the suspension difference? I'm maybe ask a body or custom shop for an opinion.

Just to clarify, you're asking about the regular Cherokee, and not a Grand Cherokee right?

 

Yes, it is a regular 2021 JEEP Cherokee Trailhawk, NOT a Grand Cherokee. Thank You for looking into this.

 

Running boards??? Those have been out of fashion for.. well its been a while. Do you mean rather having a step ? How much ground clearance is your vehicle have at the moment?

also if you have a trailhawk and would like a lower vehicle, can you get a regular cherokee or is there appearance/options/packages that you could not get in a regular cherokee? Just a thought on that.



That product above is the bracket kit, but the steps are visible there (The silver ones) they also have black ones. This says 2014-2020, but the 2021 trailhawk doesnt appear to be different?

The instructions said 2014- present as well

the part numbers for the steps
Steps Sold Separately PN OC5155B-01 (black) or OC5155N-01 (silver)

 

The Owens Products pictures show exactly what I am after. Thank You. I will contact them on Monday. Dealer confirmed mounting holes are same as in 2020. Brand new Jeep owner, will probably have more questions as I settle into it. So much technology in this vehicle that it will take awhile to get it figured out!

 

Does your vehicle have start-stop on it?
if so, you will save yourself a LOT of headache down the road if you at this moment buy yourself a start stop disable remember device to plug into your OBD2 port. It will remember your selection(there is a button to turn start-stop off but you have to press it every key-on normally)

• '19-'21 Jeep Cherokee Latitude, Latitude Plus, Altitude, Upland and Trailhawk models). (This model plugs in behind the dash in about 5 minutes with special tool included in kit).
  https://www.smartstopstart.com/jeep-...-products.html

I have the product by this company for my 17 however it was a lot easier than 19-21 models, as I just plug it in. Yours has to be installed behind the screen, which is fast according to their website. Its 130$, there may be other companies, but I have personal good experience using theirs, so I recommend that simply because its been great for us. However, if you arent comfortable doing this, I do urge you to find someone who could or do the research on the subject. Start stop is a killer to your battery, starter, and gas savings are not that high, and you wear your engine a lot more if it happens a lot. most engine wear is at startup when the engines lubrication system is idle and oil is finding its way down with gravity, even tho its better than a cold morning start its still wear and its still hell on these expensive batteries.

Also, if you live where its cold, please consider a 2nd set of wheels and snow tires or once your factory tires need replacing, put a great set on for where you live for summer conditions, and then closer to winter get a snow set(if you dont have snow, ignore this)

a 4wd vehicle is ultimatley not that much better for snow driving safety wise than fwd and your car has more clearance yes, but you are going to put running boards on. If it snows, your car will be much safer and unstoppable if you put snow tires on and select snow on the "terrain" **** thing. also if you have a full size spare make sure to include that in your rotations so you can increase the time your tires last and also ensure you keep a very reliable tire on your spare wheel. People forget them and then they get old and then they put them on and then they have a bad time.

What engine and transmission you have?

 

I have a 3.2 V-6 with a 9-speed 948TE 4WD Trans with Active Drive II. Looked at the link concerning start/stop and saw that it is illegal to use on a California vehicle. Another reason to move from Cali!

 

Well the linked product would not interfere with its operation when you select to enable the system, so when doing emissions testings your car would pass and its not visible on the outside. it could always be removed. as much as I despise CARB and the headache of rules there, no one is going to stop you and ask you to remove your screen so they can check for a device defeating your start stop. Worth thinking about at least, since everything, but I understand otherwise.
If your car doesnt have a trans cooler Id recommend getting one. towing packages come with it. also change your oil more often then FCA's monitor suggests, we have a 3.2 and 9 speed and... 70k and its burning oil, coolant now and its not at all acceptable to me but I am the one who drives a buick thats older than me and doesnt burn oil so my view is skewed. My gma drives the jeep