A vehicle is provided having a cargo area, a passenger compartment, and detachable dual-use platform (308) which is connectable to the cargo area (20) to form a ramp, and to the underside (51) of the vehicle to form a running board. The platform is supported by brackets (40) at either end when used as a running board, and includes an internal locking mechanism. A platform apparatus is also provided for accessing the vehicle, including a first locator portion that is adjacent to the cargo area (20), and a dual-use platform portion having a step surface on one side and a second locator portion on an opposite side. The locator portions are mutually engageable to secure the platform (308) to the cargo area (20). A method is also provided for accessing the vehicle, including configuring a platform (308) for alternate attachment adjacently to the passenger compartment (13) as a running board and adjacently to the cargo area (20) as a ramp.