We have witnessed an invasion of lifted trucks over the past couple of years that has caused a particular inconvenience. How does one get in and out of them? We have seen tube steps, stirrups, and individual motorized step pads, but AMP Research has developed an automatic, activated, motorized running-board system that accommodates both the front and the back doors of extended cabs, crew cabs, and four-door SUVs simultaneously. These action running boards activate when a door is opened. A board extends out, then when a door is closed, the board retracts and tucks up against the rocker panel.
The AMP Research Power Step running board system comes complete with two heavy-duty motorized weatherproof electric motors, one per side. Front and rear connecting linkages, two idler linkages, one per side; an electric-power controller, wiring harness with connectors, and two corrosion-resistant-coated aluminum running boards with a 600-pound load capacity per side.
AMP Research has also developed a self-activated BedStep for easier tailgate and bed access. This no-hands foot system works with the tailgate, open or closed. Made from high-strength aluminum, the step framework is protected with a durable powdercoated finish. The BedStep is an easy, 10 minute, bolt-on installation, with no required electrical wiring, welding, or cutting. This manually operated BedStep snaplocks into the up or down position. The patented multilink design allows the BedStep to deploy at a convenient angle, from the rear bumper with an effortless step-down motion with your foot.
We stopped by Traders Sport Trucks in Santa Fe Springs, California, to chat about business with owner Simon Purves and visit with the installation specialists, Ox Higgins and Mike Bogart. Ox installed a pair of AMP Research Power Step running boards and an AMP Research BedStep on an '02 GMC Sierra Crew Cab "Fantastic Four" that had recently received a 6-inch RCD lift kit, Ultra wheels, and Cooper A/T tires.
From the Driver Seat: Power StepThe AMP Power Step running boards don't take away from the totally aggressive, rugged off-road appearance, because the running boards are hidden up against the rocker panels. After installing the AMP Research Power Step running boards, even your grandmother could ease herself into your lifted ride.
After the chrome tube steps were removed, it was time to begin installing the AMP Research Power Step running board | 
AMP Research provides a steel drill template to aid in the precise mounting bracket location on the rocker panels. |
To achieve more strength and rigidity, upper sill-mounting brackets were drilled, then bolted into place. | |