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AMP Research retractable running boards ease the climb into and out of vehicles

YOU DID YOUR HOMEWORK AND REiewed the write-ups. After countless hours of poring over the factory options, you placed an order for a new tow rig. Maybe you even thought, this will be the last. The new pickup arrives and as the excitement of the newness of the truck begins to settle down, small utility items that could be improved to better suit your use become apparent.

One of the most common add-ons to enhance utility is some form of step to assist with entry and exit, particularly on 4WD vehicles. The selections are varied, and so is the cost. But if you or a height-challenged significant other are to safely get in and out without a struggle, some assistance will likely he required.

Recently, AMP Research, a company known ior aftermarket solutions in the automotive industry for the past 25 years, announced the Power Step, a fully retractable ninning board that activates when the door(s) is opened. When the door(s) is closed, the Power Step automatically disappears as it tucks in under the truck, leaving a clean, uncluttered appearance. One of the advantages of this design over a stationary mounted step is that while in the retracted position, the step is not exposed to road debris, and leaves the original ground clearance. According to the manufacturer, the step is rated to hold up to 600 pounds, and its lightweight aluminum parts are finished in a high-quality powdercoat, which resists corrosion. OEM-quality weather-resistant electrical connections and motors are used to provide reliable functions in a variety of climate conditions.

All of the pieces to complete the install on our 2005 Dodge Ram Quad Cab 4 Ã— 4 have been designed to make the installation process quick and unobtrusive. No cutting is required, and with the exception of eight small holes drilled into the lower-pinch-weld section of the cab (centered below each door) for the pop-rivets, all that is required are simple hand tools and three soldered connections to the OEM wiring harness. (We recommend soldered connections rather than using crimp-type connectors.) Our installation was completed in a little less than two hours.

Using our new step is one of the biggest hits of any of the upgrades we have installed. In the down position, the step provides an intermediate step approximately 12 inches up, which is approximately half the distance to the floor of our Ram.

We found the step to be quick and silent in operation. Since the Power Step is triggered by the door's OEM switch, the step is deployed the moment the door has begun to open, and reaches its locked position by the time the door is fully opened. Getting in and out of the truck has never been easier. The Power Step's solid feel, even with 220 pounds aboard, inspires confidence to safely enter and exit the vehicle without fear of slipping.

We found another benefit in that the step can be locked in the down position, providing a platform to clean the top of the cab. By standing on the step and closing the door, the step will remain in the down position. Opening and closing the door will return the step to its normal operation.

The AMP Power Step (MSRP $1,395, plus installation) is available for most popular tow-vehicle applications, including: Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra Extended and Crew Cabs; Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Suburban/CMC Yukon XL and Chevrolet Avalanche; Cadillac Escalade, Escalade EXT and ESV; Dodge Ram Quad Cab; Ford Super Duty F-250/F-350 Regular Cab, SuperCab, Crew Cab, Ford F150, Ford Excursion; Hummer H2 and H2 SUT; Lincoln Mark LT; and Nissan Titan and Armada. Additionally, the Dodge Ram Power Step is available from Dodge dealers as Mopar Accessories.

AMP Research, (949) 221-0023, amp-research.com. Circle 213 on Reader Service Card.