The load distributing arrangement includes a load distributing member of the type described which is configured to define a running board for a vehicle, and a mounting apparatus for removably mounting the load distributing member in position on the vehicle so that the load distributing member serves as a running board, in use. The load distributing member may be formed of a plurality of steel channel sections attached to one another in a side-by-side relation, and the sides of the channel sections may form reinforcing ribs to inhibit deformation of the of the load distributing member, in use. The steel channel sections may include perforations to inhibit slipping of persons standing on the load distributing member, and to provide purchase for tires of a vehicle, when the load distributing member is used in its application as a sand ladder. The mounting apparatus may include a steel frame which may be bolted to the chassis of the vehicle to extend laterally from the vehicle body to define a platform for supporting the load distributing member, and may include one or more releasable fasteners, by which the channel sections may be attached to the frame, with the ribs of the channel sections orientated downwards. A fascia may also be attached to a free end of the frame, and one or more mud flaps may be attached to either one or both front and rear facing ends of the frame.