Chrome side steps
Pictures would be a great addition here.
I have the chrome tubular side steps on my R/T and they are functional. Of course they are for my wife, but I am 6'2" 240lbs so I tend not to use them, 1 because I don't need them, and 2 I'm always leery of bending a bracket on any side steps.
Mine stick out about 2 inches from the rocker panels, along with the width of the actual step, is plenty of room for your foot, I wonder if your dealer installed them incorrectly?
Mark.