by forcing engagement of latching mechanism 12 to lip 9 of step 6 when utility ramp board 5 it is on step 6 securing spring 11 pushes latching mechanism 12 beneath lip 9 of step 6 with sufficient force to prevent ramp board 5 from disengaging with step 6 during use of vehicle 10 as shown in fig4 lower plate 36 is affixed to an end of ramp board 5 such that latching mechanism 12 is in communication with lower plate 36 via rod 14 although not shown a latching mechanism may be applied for affixing ramp board 5 to a step 6 at either terminal end of ramp board 5 when latching mechanism 12 is set to an engaged position lower release handle 34 which is attached to lower plate 36 is in a closed running board positioned for an open utility ramp position lower release handle 34 is rotated about pivot point 39 within lower plate 36 such that lower release handle 34 extends outward and away from the body of ramp board 5 similar to the configuration shown in fig3 a when lower release handle 34 is rotated pivot point 39 is rotated along with ball joint 37 located at the end of rod 14 as ball joint 37 is askew slightly of pivot point 39 rod 14 is able to pass through pivot point 39 during the rotation of lower plate 36 securing.