AMP Research Running Board

AMP Research Running Boards: The Original Electric PowerStep

When it comes to running boards, no brand has done more to redefine the category than AMP Research. As the inventor of the electric-deploying running board, AMP Research fundamentally changed how truck and SUV owners think about vehicle access — replacing static, always-exposed steps with an intelligent, automatic system that works exactly when you need it and disappears when you don't.

AMP Research invented the power step, the electric-powered automatic running board that instantly extends when you open your door and retracts out of sight when the doors close. The PowerStep was the first electric step-deploying running board made in the USA, and that pioneering spirit has carried through every generation of the product line ever since.

The PowerStep Family: Options for Every Driver

From the original PowerStep™ to specialized variants like the XTreme, XL, and Vision models, AMP has engineered options to meet every need and condition. Here's a breakdown of the core lineup:

• PowerStep™ (Original): The original — the one that started it all. This is the classic, patented electric retractable running board that changed the truck accessories industry forever.
• PowerStep™ XL: These full-length automatic electric-powered running boards extend an additional 3 inches farther than the original PowerSteps, then hide themselves safely out of sight when the doors close for improved ground clearance, aerodynamics, and appearance.
• PowerStep™ XTreme: Built for extreme conditions, the XTreme does not flinch in the face of mud, water, snow, or trail debris. It features dual motors for enhanced power and reliability, and a reinforced tread pattern for maximum grip in the worst conditions.
• PowerStep™ Smart Series: This is AMP Research's most technologically advanced running board line, earning that title with smartphone app connectivity that lets you control and monitor your steps directly from your phone. The app features an override option to extend and retract the steps with your phone without having to open the door, and it also operates auxiliary lighting.

Engineering That Sets the Standard

What separates AMP Research running boards from the competition isn't just the automation — it's the depth of engineering behind every component. Die-cast aluminum boards offer exceptional strength at a low weight, while stainless steel hinge pins and hardware deliver unmatched durability and corrosion resistance. The step's surface is treated with a military-grade PTFE coating, guarding the underlying alloy against oxidation and abrasions.

From the brackets to the boards, each PowerStep running board features a 600 lb load capacity — that is twice the weight capacity of most other steps. The motor and electronics have been tested in extreme temperatures as hot as 200 degrees and as cold as 40 below.

Fitment is never an afterthought with AMP Research. Each product is designed for specific vehicle makes and models, ensuring proper fitment, seamless integration, and maintaining your vehicle's warranty. Each set of AMP Research PowerSteps includes a pair of running boards, a vehicle-specific install guide, and a mounting kit complete with all bracketry, hardware, wires, and motors for a full installation.

Backed by a Strong Warranty

Select AMP Research PowerStep models — including the Smart Series — are backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile warranty covering all defects in materials or workmanship on properly installed products. That level of confidence reflects a brand that builds products intended to outlast the competition, not just meet a price point.

Whether you drive a lifted pickup, a daily-driver SUV, or a hard-working truck, AMP Research running boards offer a combination of access, style, and durability that no fixed running board can match. Explore the full AMP Research brand page or browse all running boards to find the right fit for your vehicle.