Overland travel asks more of a vehicle than pavement ever does. Sand, mud, snow, and loose rock punish stock setups, and the right add-ons make the difference between getting home on schedule and walking back with a shovel. This shortlist focuses on practical upgrades that solve real problems on the trail: traction when the tires spin, access into lifted trucks, cargo protection inside the cabin, and roof-hauling capacity for longer trips. Each pick here earns its spot by solving a specific problem, not by adding clutter.
The Shortlist At A Glance
MAXTRAX LITE Vehicle Recovery Boards (Black)
Jeep Grand Cherokee Cargo Mat (2016-2018)
FVLEY 2-Step Running Boards for 2015-2026 F-150 SuperCrew
Mopar 82212085 Molded Cargo Tray (Dark Slate Gray)
FVLEY 2-Step Running Boards for 2009-2014 F-150 SuperCrew
OTHOWE Overland Truck Bed Rack for Mid-Size Trucks
FVLEY 2-Step Running Boards for 2004-2008 F-150 SuperCrew
More Details On Our Top Picks
Stuck in soft terrain is the most common trail failure, and traction boards are the cleanest way out. The MAXTRAX LITE pair uses a UV-stable, impact-resistant thermoplastic that shrugs off scorching sun and the inevitable scrape against rocks or sharp underbody hardware.
At roughly four pounds per board, this set is meaningfully lighter than the standard MKII version, which matters on roof racks already loaded with tents, awnings, and jerry cans. Sixty-six aggressive teeth on each board bite into tire rubber and ground at the same time, creating the grip needed to drive out without digging first.
Noteworthy Benefits
- Lighter than the MKII for roof-mounted storage
- Double ramp design eases tire approach angle
- Teeth pattern grips well on sand, mud, and snow
- Stackable footprint fits common roof rack mounts
Things To Consider
- Four-pound boards can flex under heavier rigs in deep mud
- Mounting hardware is typically sold separately
Made For
Overlanders running solo trips or working with tight roof load limits who want proven recovery gear without the bulk of heavier boards.
Consider Something Else When
Trucks running 35-inch tires or expeditions into deep mud may want a heavier-duty board like the MAXTRAX MKII for less flex under load.
The WK2 generation Grand Cherokee (2016-2018) has a deep, carpeted cargo bay that soaks up trail mud quickly. This genuine Chrysler cargo mat is molded to the exact contours of that floor, which means edges sit flush and nothing slides underneath.
Unlike universal-fit liners that fight the cargo space and leave gaps along the seat hinges, this part number is built for one specific vehicle. Mopar/Chrysler spec mats tend to wear well and clean out easily after a wet dog or muddy boots unload at the trailhead.
Useful Highlights
- OEM contour matches 2016-2018 cargo bay exactly
- Easy to pull out and rinse after dirty trips
- Keeps carpet dry when transporting wet gear
Worth Noting
- Only fits the 2016-2018 generation, not earlier or later WK2s
- Lighter material than some aftermarket rubber trays
- Rear-seat fold-downs are not always fully protected
Feature Snapshot
Right Fit For
WK2 owners carrying coolers, dogs, or recovery gear who want an OEM-grade liner that drops in without modification.
Look Elsewhere When
Drivers with 2011-2014 Grand Cherokees should pick the Mopar 82212085 Molded Cargo Tray, which is contoured for that earlier generation.
Lifted F-150s look great from a distance and feel intimidating from the driver’s seat. Two-step running boards solve that by giving shorter passengers and kids a real first step instead of a thigh-burner climb.
The FVLEY design uses factory attachment points, which keeps installation to bolt-on work rather than drilling. A wider top step also helps when sliding a roof tent, awning, or rolled-up bedding off the rack, which is a regular chore on overland trips.
Bright Spots
- Bracket-matched to factory mounting locations
- Wider step surface stabilizes rooftop loading
- Compatible with both 2WD and 4WD SuperCrew cabs
- Step pads are typically removable for cleaning
- Lower step position is friendlier for kids and pets
Honest Caveats
- Compatibility varies with cab and bed configurations
- Aluminum or steel construction depends on selected option
Feature Snapshot
Best Suited To
Current-generation SuperCrew owners who camp, climb rooftop tents, or hand off the keys to family members who can’t reach the cab on a stock-height step.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
Owners of 2009-2014 or 2004-2008 F-150 SuperCrews need the matching FVLEY generation-specific kits, not this 2015+ version.
Older WK2 Grand Cherokees (2011-2014) carry a lot of cargo on family trips, and a cargo tray is the simplest insurance against spilled coolant, leaking oil cans, or a dog that just came out of a river. This Mopar tray uses a flexible TPR (thermoplastic rubber) blend that grips well and absorbs impact without cracking.
Custom molding follows the cargo floor’s contours, so the tray stays put when the trail gets rough. The dark slate gray with Jeep logo gives a subtle factory look instead of an aftermarket appearance.
What Works In Its Favor
- Skid-resistant surface keeps gear from shifting
- Lifted easily for rinsing at the end of a trip
- Molded fit leaves seat hinges and trim covered
Points To Keep In Mind
- Specifically for 2011-2014 Grand Cherokee only
- Rear cargo light may be partially blocked depending on trim
Quick Facts
Who Should Grab It
2011-2014 Grand Cherokee owners running overland weekends who want a part-number-matched tray that lifts out and cleans in seconds.
Skip It When
Drivers of 2016-2018 Grand Cherokees should look at the Chrysler Cargo Mat from Item 2 instead, since the floor pan changed slightly between those years.
The 12th-generation F-150 (2009-2014) has a different body and bracket layout than the current truck, which is why the matching FVLEY kit exists. It mounts to the same factory holes but on that older cab, giving that generation the same step access benefit as newer models.
Two-stage steps make rooftop tent climbing safer, especially at night on uneven ground. The wider lower pad spreads foot load when loading awkward items like a folded table or generator.
The Practical Payoff
- Bolt-on install at factory points, no drilling required
- Two raised pads for cleaner foot placement
- Built to handle rooftop cargo and awning access
Smaller Caveats
- Not interchangeable with the 2015+ bracket pattern
- Finish options may be limited depending on availability
Built With In Mind
Owners of 2009-2014 SuperCrews who use their trucks as overland platforms and want the same cabin access story as later F-150s.
Swap It Out When
A 2015 or newer F-150 SuperCrew owner is shopping, since the Item 3 FVLEY kit fits that generation instead.
Mid-size truck beds are short, but trips are long. A bed rack adds back the missing cargo real estate by lifting gear above the bed rails and freeing the floor for coolers, fridges, and toolboxes.
OTHOWE’s design fits popular mid-size models like the Tacoma, Ranger, Colorado, Canyon, and Frontier. The full-length platform is sized to accept rooftop tents, traction recovery gear, fuel cans, and awnings, in dimensions that match common accessory footprints.
Positive Takeaways
- Wide cross-member spacing accepts standard mounts
- Full-length platform leaves bed floor usable
- Crossbars typically accept most tent and awning brands
- Compatible with multiple mid-size truck models
- Supports typical overland accessory loads
- Taller rail height clears fridge-style coolers
Practical Considerations
- Not compatible with trucks running a tonneau cover
- Drilling may be required for some bed-rail setups
- Add height before buying if parking in low garages
Feature Snapshot
Perfect Match For
Tacoma, Ranger, and Colorado owners transitioning from car camping to overland builds who need a roof-like platform above the bed.
Another Choice May Suit
Anyone running a tonneau cover or a smaller compact truck should look at a half-height rack or roof-top carrier instead, since this kit is designed around mid-size beds.
Eleventh-generation F-150 SuperCrews (2004-2008) are common overland platforms because they are inexpensive and easy to lift. The catch is that aftermarket support is thinner than for newer trucks, and many running-board kits don’t list that generation.
This FVLEY kit fills that gap with bracket-matched fitment and the same two-step design used on the newer applications. Owners who keep these trucks as long-term expedition rigs get easier cabin access and a more secure loading surface for rooftop gear.
What Earns Its Place
- Designed around 2004-2008 bracket locations
- Two-stage layout aids rooftop tent use
- Factory-point install keeps modifications minimal
- Useful for older trucks still in regular service
A Few Limitations
- Only compatible with the listed 2004-2008 cab
- Color and finish options may be limited
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
Overlanders holding on to a 2004-2008 SuperCrew and treating it as a long-term build rather than trading up to a newer truck.
Reach For A Different Pick When
Newer F-150 SuperCrew owners should choose the 2015-2026 FVLEY running boards instead, since those brackets are different.
What To Weigh Before Choosing Overland Accessories
Match Accessories To Your Actual Truck Generation
Vehicle-specific accessories only work when the part number matches the chassis and cab configuration. The running boards on this list split into three distinct F-150 generations (2004-2008, 2009-2014, and 2015-2026), and mixing them up means bent brackets and a return trip. The same caution applies to Grand Cherokee cargo mats, which differ between 2011-2014 and 2016-2018 models. Always confirm fitment against the exact year and cab style before ordering.
Build Around How You Use The Truck
A weekend warrior with a rooftop tent needs different gear than a daily commuter who occasionally hits fire roads. Roof-top carriers like the OTHOWE bed rack only make sense for open-bed trucks without a tonneau cover, and traction boards only earn their weight for drivers who actually leave pavement. Listing the three or four trails or trips planned for the next year helps narrow accessories that solve real problems rather than imagined ones.
Roof Load Adds Up Fast
Every pound on the roof reduces fuel economy, raises the center of gravity, and stresses mounting points. The MAXTRAX LITE boards cut weight versus the MKII specifically because some roof racks are already near their load rating after a tent, awning, and recovery kit. Weighing each accessory against the rack’s rated capacity prevents the common overland mistake of mounting more gear than the platform can safely hold.
Smart Choices Across The Shortlist
Pitfalls Shoppers Hit
The most common mistake is assuming a “fits F-150” label covers every F-150. Cab configuration (Regular, SuperCab, SuperCrew) and bed length change the bracket layout, and aftermarket sellers sometimes elide those details in the title. Confirming the exact year and cab style before clicking prevents the wasted-weekend of a return. The same applies to Grand Cherokee cargo accessories, where WK2 mid-cycle refreshes shifted the floor pan.
Where The Extra Money Goes
Higher-end accessories earn their cost in three places: better materials, tighter tolerances, and longer manufacturer support. Mopar and Chrysler OEM parts tend to fit better than universal aftermarket mats because they are molded to specific VIN ranges. Bed racks built with thicker crossbars handle rooftop-tent loads without flex, while lightweight options trade capacity for easier mounting. Premium traction boards resist UV and impact damage longer, which matters when they live on a roof rack through every season. The right upgrade pays off when the cheaper version would have failed mid-trip.