AMP Research — Innovation In Motion Since 1980

We engineer automatic PowerStep running boards, BedStep bumper steps, and BedXTender bed extenders that transform how you access your truck. Precision-built in Tustin, California with 45+ patents behind every product.

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AMP Research PowerStep automatic running boards deployed on truck

Our Bestselling AMP Research Truck Accessories


Every AMP Research product begins on the drawing board in our Tustin, California engineering lab. We design vehicle-specific kits using aircraft-grade aluminum, stainless steel hardware, and weatherproof electronics because we know your truck faces everything from scorching desert highways to frozen mountain passes. Our AMP Research PowerStep running boards deploy automatically when you open the door and retract out of sight when you close it — giving you a firm, illuminated step exactly when you need it.

From the original AMP Research PowerStep to the dual-motor Xtreme and the app-controlled Smart Series, we build a running board for every driver and every environment. Our BedStep and BedXTender lines bring the same engineering precision to your truck bed, making it easier to load cargo, extend hauling capacity, and get the most out of your pickup.

AMP Research PowerStep Plug-N-Play automatic running board

AMP Research PowerStep Plug-N-Play

Our flagship automatic running board deploys on door-open and retracts on close. 600 lb capacity, integrated LED lights, 5-year warranty.

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AMP Research PowerStep XL extended drop running board for lifted trucks

AMP Research PowerStep XL

Engineered for lifted trucks with 16.5 inches of drop from sill plate to step surface. Same automatic deploy technology, maximum clearance.

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AMP Research PowerStep Xtreme dual-motor heavy-duty running board

AMP Research PowerStep Xtreme

Dual-motor design with cast aluminum construction and stainless steel hinge pins. Built for extreme conditions — mud, ice, and sub-zero temps.

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AMP Research PowerStep Smart Series app-controlled running board

AMP Research PowerStep Smart Series

Control your steps from your smartphone. Our Smart Series adds app integration with manual override — extend or retract without opening the door.

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AMP Research PowerStep Vision illuminated running board with lighting

AMP Research PowerStep Vision

Our Vision boards combine automatic deployment with an enhanced LED lighting system that illuminates the step surface and ground below for nighttime safety.

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AMP Research BedStep retractable truck bumper step

AMP Research BedStep

Our retractable bumper-mounted step flips down with a nudge of your foot — the fastest, safest way to reach into your truck bed. Non-slip aluminum platform.

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AMP Research BedStep 2 side-mounted truck bed step

AMP Research BedStep 2

Mounts behind the rear wheel for easy bed access from the side. Folds flush when not in use and supports up to 300 lbs with non-skid tread.

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AMP Research BedXTender HD Max truck bed extender

AMP Research BedXTender HD Max

Extends your truck bed up to 2 feet with our V-shape cargo gate design. 6063 T-6 tubular frame with rigid nylon uprights. Made in the USA.

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45+

US & International Patents

600 lb

Step Load Capacity Per Side

1 sec

Deploy & Retract Speed

5 yr

Warranty / 60,000 Miles

Explore the AMP Research Product Lineup


We organize our products into focused categories so you can find exactly the right AMP Research accessory for your truck or SUV. Whether you need electric running boards for daily driving, heavy-duty steps for an off-road build, or cargo management solutions for your truck bed, our lineup covers every scenario. Each product is engineered to integrate seamlessly with your specific vehicle — we design custom brackets, wiring harnesses, and mounting hardware for popular trucks from Ford, Ram, Chevrolet, GMC, Toyota, Jeep, and Nissan.

Our PowerStep running boards remain our flagship innovation, but the AMP Research family extends well beyond side steps. Our bed accessories solve the everyday frustrations of truck ownership, and our comprehensive replacement parts catalog keeps your AMP Research products performing for years.

The AMP Research Difference


Since 1980, we have engineered truck and SUV accessories that solve real problems. We hold over 45 US and international patents because we don’t copy — we invent. Our headquarters in Tustin, California houses design, engineering, and manufacturing under one roof, so every AMP Research product moves from concept to production with zero compromises on quality.

Our OEM relationships with Ford, GM, Toyota, Chrysler, Hyundai, Nissan, and Mercedes-Benz speak to the engineering standards we maintain. When major automakers trust our technology for their vehicles, you can trust it on yours. Every AMP Research side step and bed accessory is tested to withstand temperatures from 200°F down to -40°F, enduring rigorous salt-spray and vibration testing before it ever reaches your truck.

Aircraft-Grade Aluminum

We machine our step boards from aerospace-quality aluminum alloy — the same material used in aircraft structures. This delivers a step that’s lightweight enough to deploy in under one second yet strong enough to support 600 pounds per side without flexing.

Pinch-Proof Safety Technology

Our proprietary electronic controller uses pressure-sensitive sensors to detect obstructions during deployment. If something blocks the step, the motor reverses instantly. We engineered this system to protect your family, your gear, and your vehicle from damage.

Vehicle-Specific Engineering

We never build one-size-fits-all products. Every AMP Research PowerStep kit includes custom brackets, wiring harnesses, and mounting hardware designed for your exact make, model, and year. That’s what 45+ patents and decades of engineering get you.

Engineered for Truck Owners Who Demand More


The AMP Research community spans every corner of the truck world — from daily-driving commuters in stock-height half-tons to weekend warriors running 6-inch lifts on their off-road rigs. We build for the contractor who needs safe access to a work truck loaded with tools at 5 AM, the family that uses their Suburban for school runs and ski trips, and the overlander who pushes their Tundra through trails where clearance matters.

Our PowerStep XL line specifically addresses the lifted-truck community, delivering 16.5 inches of drop from sill plate to step surface so passengers don’t need a climbing wall to get into the cab. The PowerStep Xtreme uses dual motors and cast aluminum construction for drivers who encounter mud, ice, and extreme temperatures regularly. And our standard PowerStep with Plug-N-Play installation gives every truck owner a premium entry and exit experience with zero wire-cutting required.

We also recognize that your truck bed is one of the most valuable assets you own. Our AMP Research BedStep eliminates the awkward reach-and-lean that every truck owner knows too well, and the BedXTender HD Max transforms a standard 6.5-foot bed into over 8 feet of usable cargo space. These aren’t afterthoughts — they’re precision-engineered solutions backed by the same patent portfolio and testing standards as our running boards.

AMP Research Installation & Support


We design every AMP Research product for straightforward installation. Our Plug-N-Play systems connect directly to your vehicle’s OBD-II port — no wire cutting, no splicing, no dealer visit required. Most installations take 45 to 90 minutes with basic hand tools, and every kit ships with detailed instructions, all necessary hardware, and a vehicle-specific wiring harness. We include step-by-step installation guides on our site covering the most popular truck and SUV applications.

If you ever need to troubleshoot your AMP Research PowerStep, our reset and troubleshooting guide walks you through common issues — from recalibrating after a battery disconnect to diagnosing motor or controller problems. We stock a full range of replacement parts including motors, control modules, override switches, wiring harnesses, mounting brackets, and LED light kits so you can keep your AMP Research products running at peak performance for years.

Our 5-year/60,000-mile warranty covers manufacturing defects and component failures, giving you the confidence that your investment in AMP Research steps is protected. We also publish maintenance guides to help you extend the life of your running boards with simple seasonal care.

Common Questions About AMP Research


AMP Research PowerStep running boards are connected to your vehicle’s door circuit through either a direct wire connection or our Plug-N-Play OBD-II module. When you open a door, the electronic controller activates the motor, extending the step board approximately 10 to 12 inches outward and downward in about one second. When all doors close, the board retracts flush against the rocker panel, maintaining ground clearance, aerodynamics, and a clean side profile. Each AMP Research PowerStep includes low-profile LED lights that illuminate the step and ground below during nighttime use.

Our AMP Research PowerStep running boards are rated for 600 pounds per side. The step boards measure 79 inches in length and 6.2 inches in width, providing a wide, stable platform. We construct them from aircraft-grade aluminum with a textured non-slip surface to maximize traction in wet, icy, or muddy conditions. The AMP Research BedStep bumper step supports up to 300 pounds, and the BedStep 2 side-mounted step is also rated for 300 pounds.

The standard AMP Research PowerStep offers a single motor per side with approximately 13 inches of drop — ideal for stock-height trucks. The PowerStep XL is designed for lifted trucks, providing 16.5 inches of drop from sill plate to step surface with a larger housing that accommodates the additional travel. The PowerStep Xtreme features dual motors per side with 13.5 inches of drop, cast aluminum construction, and stainless steel hinge pins — engineered for extreme weather, heavy off-road use, and environments where mud and ice are regular challenges.

Yes. We design our Plug-N-Play AMP Research PowerStep systems for at-home installation with basic hand tools. The OBD-II plug eliminates wire cutting and splicing. Most owners complete installation in 45 to 90 minutes per side. Every kit includes vehicle-specific mounting brackets, a complete wiring harness, all hardware, and step-by-step instructions. Direct-wire kits require a connection to the door trigger circuit but are still manageable for experienced DIY installers.

AMP Research backs our PowerStep running boards with a 5-year/60,000-mile warranty covering manufacturing defects and component failures. Our BedXTender HD Max carries a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty. We also stock a full catalog of replacement parts — including motors, control modules, wiring harnesses, and brackets — so you can maintain your AMP Research products well beyond the warranty period.

No. When retracted, AMP Research PowerStep running boards tuck flush against your vehicle’s rocker panel, sitting higher than most traditional fixed running boards or nerf bars. This means you actually gain ground clearance compared to bolt-on steps. The retracted profile also improves aerodynamics and gives your truck a clean, factory-appearance side profile. The step only extends outward when a door is opened.

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Step Up to AMP Research


Since 1980, we’ve built our reputation on one principle: engineer it right the first time. Explore the full lineup of AMP Research PowerStep running boards, BedStep truck steps, and BedXTender bed extenders — all available with fast shipping through Amazon.

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