AMP Research vs Bestop Trek Step Tailgate Step

I would like to install a bed step on my truck and in searching for a solution I've come down to either the AMP Research or the Bestop Trek Step Tailgate Step. The AMP Research bed step was my 1st option at $270 from most retailers. Then I came across the Bestop Trek Step Tailgate Step which I can pick up from Real Truck for $178.49. The Bestop Trek Step Tailgate Step seems to be the better option with the best price and nothing compromised on the construction. Any thoughts?

 

I just purchased the Toyota OEM bedstep, which is the same as the AMP Research part, from Cool Springs Toyota for a little over $200. Marginal price gap

 

Cool! I'll have to check that out.

 

One of the features with the Bestop Trek Tailgate Step is they supply spacers to give you a couple more inches to lower the step. That would come in handy if and when I decide to raise my truck or if you have real short legs. I'm safe there!

 

When I was shopping/comparing bed steps for my 2010, Bestop's Trec Step just made more sense to me. Construction is identical to the smaller Amp Research and it offers a more slip resistant surface.

 

I have the Bestop Trek Tailgate Step, I got that one because the step pad is larger and has a anti slip surface.

 

Thanks for your input. I did think the Bestop Trek Tailgate Step had a better surface to stand on and being non-slip could save you from a nasty slip and smash your leg, shin probably.

 

Well, I pulled the trigger and got the Bestop Trek Tailgate Step from Real Truck and paid $190.93 tax included. Thanks for all the help!

 

Nice. please post a follow-up about how the install went. I recently installed the AMP, and while I am very happy with it now, the install was not fun.

 

Will do.

 

I just installed the Bestep one. What a pain in the a$$! Impossible to reach bolts that have rusted and seized from our salted roads in the northeast.

I had a gift certificate that I needed to use so this only ended up costing me $70. Not sure I would pay the full price and go through the effort otherwise.

Functionally, it works well and is solid. I don’t like how it is slanted and doesn’t even come close to matching the angle of the bumper when it is retracted up.

 

I recently installed one of the OEM steps which is an AMP and one thing I did to reduce the gap with the body line (draw it up a little) is took out the spacer that comes with it. Its about a 1/4 " think. No impact on the access or overall function of the step at all.

 

I just put on the OEM last weekend. Says AMP right in the bottom of the step. Works slick!

 

Mine should be here tomorrow, i'll probably put it on Monday and post my results. Thanks for the opinions!

 

Can these be installed behind the cab of a 2011 DC? I’d like to have two; one behind the cab (at the front corner of the bed) and one at the back corner for stepping up onto the tailgate. Thoughts?

 

AMP makes one for the side behind the cab. It's called the AMP Research Bed Step 2. https://youtu.be/T23BHnC5Lms

 

I just finished the install. The instructions say it is a 30 minute install. That would be correct if you did have to remove the bumper bracket inside the bumper which probably took me almost 2 hours. The problem is in removing the bumper caps so you can get to the 2 bolts on the top of the bumper to drop and remove the bracket. I think there are 10 clips and one that was impossible to get to. I had to use an open ended wrench slipping it under the cap getting only a 1/4 turn at a time while propping it up with a pry bar. Not fun! I'm not real happy with the way the step touches the bumper when in the up position. I'll have to go back and remove it and install one or both of the spacers supplied to lower it. I'm also not happy with the way it lines up with the bottom of the bumper. It's not parallel with the bumper, it sits at an angle. I lost sunlight so I'll have to look into that later. I'll post a picture when I finish with it.

 

My OEM set-up does not touch the bumper (bought from cool springs Toyota) Mine only came with one spacer (2"'X 2" plate with two holes for the bolts) and ultimately took it back off and removed the spacer. Like you I was attempting to draw it closer to the bumper line. The step still has at least a 1/4 gap and doesn't come close to actually touching the bumper. You might want to be certain they sent you the correct step for your truck. AMP lists two different versions for the Tundra.

Mine:
Part Number (Toyota)

$361 PT392-34140

PT392-34140 Bed Step

**Equivalent AMP research part #

$326 75309-01A | Fits 2014 - 2021 Toyota Tundra

75309-01A**

Check out this thread your symptoms are very similar to this individual. https://www.tundras.com/threads/amp-bed-step.21534/

 

Bestop does supply 2 spacers which will lower the bed step off of the bumper but the angle the step sit at is more for the older style bumper I think. I'll have to give them a call.

 

Okay, running out of sunlight isn't a good thing in a couple of ways. My bad on attaching the step, I didn't have it sitting on the pedestal properly. It still is touching the bumper on the driver's side but adding the spacers will take care of that. Here are some pics.

 

I have the Bestep and mine does not touch the bumper. It has the same slant away from the bumper as yours. I don’t like how it doesn’t follow the bumper angle.

 

Did you use any of the spacers? I think the 14 and 17 have the same bumper.

 

No. I did not. I think the adjustment side to side effects whether or not it touches the bumper.

 

Thats looks good. Once you drop a spacer in you're all set. Glad you got it figured out. A useful addition to the Tundra.

 

Can you post a pic of yours?

 

I stuck a little piece of black foam under my bumper (you can kinda see it) as a cushion for when it retracts.

 

Looks good! I'm getting use the angle, I think it kind of blends in with the bumper after all. I actually have had a couple of compliments on it and have used it a few times. The step definitely makes getting in and out of the bed so much easier. I'm thinking were it hits the bumper if it is going to leave a mark nobody but God and me will know it.

 

I need one of these. Loved my Nissan Titan step that is similar to these. Makes it so easy.

I live close to Cool Springs Toyota I see 2 of you mentioned. Will they install? I don’t want the headache.

 

I'm sure they will install. Toyota uses the AMP step.