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Electric Running Boards

Electric running boards that disappear when you close the door

An electric running board solves the tradeoff every fixed step forces on you. A board wide enough to step on comfortably is also a board that hangs below the rocker panel, costs you ground clearance, and collects road grime. A powered board extends when a door opens and retracts flush against the body when it closes, so you get the step only when you want it.

AMP Research builds the PowerStep line, and the differences between models are worth understanding. The standard PowerStep is the baseline. The XL runs a wider board. The XTreme is built heavier for tougher duty. The Vision adds lighting. The Smart Series changes how the board is triggered and controlled.

All of them are vehicle specific and wire into the truck, so the part number and the model year both matter. Tell us the truck and we will confirm which PowerStep variant is built for it.

Choosing a PowerStep

  • The baselineThe standard PowerStep covers most trucks and budgets.
  • Wider boardThe PowerStep XL for a larger stepping surface.
  • Heavier dutyThe PowerStep XTreme for tougher service.
  • Lighting addedThe PowerStep Vision integrates illumination.
  • Different controlThe PowerStep Smart Series changes how the board triggers.

Key capabilities

  • Extends and retractsDrops on door open, stows flush on door close.
  • Ground clearance keptNothing hangs below the rocker while you drive.
  • Vehicle specific wiringEach kit is built for one truck and wires into it.
  • Multiple modelsStandard, XL, XTreme, Vision, and Smart Series.
  • Fitment verifiedWe confirm the exact part number before it ships.

Ideal for

  • Lifted trucks that still need a low step
  • Owners who do not want a board hanging below the rocker
  • Anyone protecting approach and departure angles
  • Drivers who want a clean profile with the doors shut

Compare the lineup

ProductStyleMaterialLockingStand-out
AMP Research PowerStep Power Running Boards Electric running board Aluminum Door triggered The baseline PowerStep
AMP Research PowerStep XL Power Running Boards Electric running board Aluminum Door triggered Wider stepping surface
AMP Research PowerStep XTreme Power Running Boards Electric running board Aluminum Door triggered Heavier duty build
AMP Research PowerStep Vision Power Running Boards Electric running board Aluminum Door triggered Integrated lighting
AMP Research PowerStep Smart Series Power Running Boards Electric running board Aluminum Door triggered Different trigger and control

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Why shop with Truck Bed Barn

  • Free shippingOn every truck accessory in the catalog.
  • Free fitment checkText or call before you buy. We verify fitment to your exact truck.
  • Fast shipping1 to 7 business days from manufacturer warehouses across the US.
  • Real person on the phoneCall or text and reach someone who works on these trucks, not a call center.
  • Full manufacturer warrantyBacked by each brand's factory warranty, honored through Truck Bed Barn.

Frequently asked questions

Are electric running boards worth the money?
They are if ground clearance or looks matter to you. A powered board gives you a low, easy step when a door is open and then gets completely out of the way, so nothing hangs below the rocker panel while you drive. That protects your approach and departure angles and keeps the truck's profile clean. If you never worry about clearance, a fixed board does the same stepping job for less.
What is the difference between the PowerStep models?
The standard PowerStep is the baseline. The XL uses a wider board. The XTreme is built heavier for tougher duty. The Vision adds integrated lighting. The Smart Series changes how the board is triggered and controlled. Not every model is offered for every truck, so tell us your vehicle and we will confirm which ones are actually built for it.
What happens if an electric running board fails?
The board stays in whatever position it was in, so a failure does not leave you stranded. These are sealed, vehicle specific systems designed for weather and road salt, and they carry the manufacturer's warranty, which we honor through us. If something does go wrong, call or text and we will handle the claim.
Do electric running boards need wiring?
Yes. Unlike a fixed board, a PowerStep wires into the truck so the doors can trigger it. Kits are vehicle specific and include the harness for that application. It is a more involved install than a bolt on board, so plan accordingly or have a shop do it.
Will a PowerStep fit my truck?
Each kit is built for one specific truck, and the year range matters as much as the model. Send your year, make, model, and cab configuration and we will confirm the exact PowerStep part number before you order.