AMP Research

AMP Research: Redefining Truck Accessibility Since 1980

AMP Research is an American design and engineering company with a reputation built on one core idea: that getting in and out of your truck should never be a chore. Founded in 1980 and headquartered in Tustin, California, the brand operates out of a 55,000-square-foot facility where design, engineering, and manufacturing all happen under one roof — a setup that keeps quality control tightly in hand from concept to finished product.

The company's motto, Innovation In Motion™, isn't just marketing copy. AMP Research running boards and steps are the product of genuine engineering breakthroughs, and the brand holds over 45 U.S. and international patents covering its automotive and transportation innovations. That patent portfolio speaks to a culture of invention rather than imitation — AMP Research didn't just improve on existing products, it created entirely new categories.

The PowerStep™: An Industry First

AMP Research is widely credited as the inventor of the electric-powered automatic running board. The flagship PowerStep™ deploys automatically when a vehicle door opens and retracts cleanly out of sight when the door closes — preserving ground clearance, aerodynamics, and the truck's clean profile when the step isn't needed. Built from die-cast aluminum alloy with stainless steel hardware and a military-grade PTFE coating, the PowerStep line is engineered for long-term durability in harsh environments, from sub-zero winters to mud-packed trails.

The lineup has expanded well beyond the original model. The PowerStep XL offers a lower step height for easier access, the PowerStep Xtreme features dual motors designed for extreme off-road conditions, and the Smart Series brings app-controlled functionality to the platform. Each variant is engineered for specific vehicle makes and models — there are no "fits most" compromises in AMP Research's catalog.

Beyond Running Boards: A Full Truck Access System

AMP Research's product family extends into the truck bed with the BedStep® and BedStep2®, retractable bumper-mounted and cab-side steps that fold out of the way when not in use. The Truck Cab Side Step solutions in the BedStep2 line mount just behind the cab, giving truck owners a faster, safer route into the bed without requiring a full tailgate drop. Rounding out the lineup is the BedXTender HD™, a cargo management cage that can add meaningful cargo capacity to short-bed pickups.

Supporting all of these products is a robust portfolio of running board end caps and replacement components, ensuring that owners can maintain and service their AMP Research systems over the long haul. The brand backs its products with strong warranty coverage — PowerStep models are covered by a 5-year/60,000-mile warranty, while BedStep and BedXTender models carry a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty.

OEM Trust & Aftermarket Excellence

AMP Research's engineering standards have earned the trust of major automakers. The company serves as an original-equipment supplier for Chrysler, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki, and Toyota — a roster that underscores the precision and reliability built into every product. For the aftermarket buyer, that same level of engineering translates directly to a bolt-on upgrade that integrates seamlessly with a vehicle's existing systems and maintains OEM warranty compliance.