Why You Should Add a Retractable Running Board To Your Truck

Trucks and some SUVs are popular machines to drive and very easy to customize to give them a touch of your personality and style. Whether your trucks is stock, leveled, lifted or just rolling on bigger tires, many of us like having that extra step handy to make getting in and out easier. It also helps to give access to the roof or big cargo in the bed when you have something stable to step on alongside the truck’s cab. That’s why running boards are a popular option that many of us add to our rides. One of the best options are retractable running boards, like the models from AMP Research.

Why Go Retractable?

Sure, you could choose to go with a running board or side step that isn’t retractable. There are some pretty cool looking options that add a rugged appearance. These models have the advantage of being a little less expensive and having that look may be appealing. They have some pretty big disadvantages, though, and these disadvantages play right into the strengths of the retractable running boards from AMP Reasearch.

“Retractable running boards offer a number of advantages over a standard step. One of their biggest advantages is the amount of drop they offer which makes entry or exit from a taller or lifted vehicle that much easier,” says Chris King, Director of Marketing Communications at RealTruck. Their wide, cab length step pads can offer a step surface several inches lower than some other options, and do so without impacting the vehicle’s ground clearance. That’s because when they are not in use they automatically stow tight against or behind the rocker, up and out of harm’s way and keeping the vehicle’s sleek appearance.”

There are situations where running boards that hang down all the time can get snagged on something and the end result isn’t going to be pretty. Imagine snagging one on a rock or stump on the trail and having the running board forcibly removed from the side of your truck. The chances of it not damaging your truck’s body are slim at best. And have you ever seen someone driving down the road and one of their brackets broke loose leaving the running board to drag beside the truck? Don’t be that guy. Retractable running boards fit flush with the underside of your truck and drop down when you need them. They keep your truck’s clean body lines intact, too.

AMP Research was the first manufacturer to design and market electronic, retractable running board. AMP Research is the largest manufacturer of power-retractable steps and has years of experience doing so. It is now part of the RealTruck family of brands, which means you are dealing directly with the manufacturer when you order a set of AMP Research steps from RealTruck. That is pretty cool. All AMP Research PowerStep models have a 600-pound capacity.

PowerStep

The AMP PowerStep is the original power-retractable running boards. This is a single-motor design that automatically deploys and retracts the running boards when the door is opened. AMP Research designed the steps using corrosion-resistant, die-cast aluminum with a military-grade black PTFE coating with a textured, slip-resistant step surface for durability and appearance. They look really cool, too. The running boards are six-inches wide and are cab-length, letting you step anywhere you need to. The steps are also feature integrated lighting for added visibility. PowerSteps mount to truck or SUV’s rocker panels and AMP suggests professional installation if you’re unsure of anything. They come with a 5-year limited warranty

PowerStep XL

The PowerStep XTreme is for those that plan to use the steps in more rugged situations. The XTreme steps use a dual-motor system for deploying and retracting the steps. The dual motor design helps keep everything moving smoothly in harsh environmental conditions, so if you live where there is heavier snowfall every winter, frequent rain, mud and other stuff that Mother Nature throws at you, like a high salt environment near the ocean for example, then you will want the PowerStep XTreme.

PowerStep Smart Series

With the standard PowerStep models, the step deploys when the door opens and retracts after a three-second delay when the door closes. The PowerStep Smart Series does the same, and has an added feature of being controllable through an app on your smartphone. This allows you to deploy and retract the step when you choose, and it allows you to override the door mechanism. This is a nice feature for overlanding, when you may want to use the step to access the roof of your vehicle, but you don’t want to open the door, like when you climb into your rooftop tent.

PowerStep Vision

Amp Research’s newest addition to the PowerStep family is the PowerStep Vision. Featuring full-length LED Glow Light integrated into each board, the PowerStep Vision makes a statement. Like the PowerStep Smart Series, the Vision automatically deploys when you open the door or is controllable through an app on your smartphone.

Do you think a retractable running board is exactly what your truck or SUV needs? You’re not alone. RealTruck sells quite a few of these to people all the time. Click here for more information.

NOTE: This is sponsored content produced in partnership with RealTruck