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Bestop Powerboard (electric steps) anyone?

Discussion in 'General Tundra Discussion' started by vegas4x4, Nov 18, 2020.

  1. Jan 10, 2021 at 8:25 AM
    #61
    Saltyhero13

    Saltyhero13 Throbbing Member

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    Looks like its sold out for the Crew Max.
     
  2. Jan 14, 2021 at 6:29 AM
    #62
    Saltyhero13

    Saltyhero13 Throbbing Member

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    A quick update on the NX version. I had some battery issues related to cold weather which reset my system. Once I got the truck running again, removing and reinstalling the fuse was enough to resync everything; its not necessary to go through the pairing process for all four sensors.
     
  3. Jan 15, 2021 at 4:02 PM
    #63
    Theyfzman

    Theyfzman New Member

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    Hey all
    Ok so I own a repair facility and know how to work on vehicles. I got my second set of the nx’s boards today first set I couldn’t get to initialize hooked them up as per the directions they retracted and then I tried to test the door sensors and nothing no lights no deployment talked to the CS depart. They just sent me a complete new set. Which I got today and again laid things out on the floor hooked up power put fuse in they retracted and that was it nothing else if I pull the fuse flip flop the motor wires I can get them to deploy and then flip flop again and they retract. Did a door sensor reset as per bestop tech. And still nothing
    Am I doing something wrong here or just really that unlucky. Did you initaolze them or just mount everything up and it worked ???
     
  4. Jan 15, 2021 at 5:53 PM
    #64
    Theyfzman

    Theyfzman New Member

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    I talked to there tech department and they were not real helpful. Told me to replace the batteries I. The door sensors...... really brand new and they want me to replace the batteries $741 and the batteries are dead.. sheez. But I did reluctantly and of course nothing changed. So I guess these ones will go back and I’m calling it funk with bestop boards unless someone can tell me I did something wrong
    Please change my mind on these
     
  5. Jan 15, 2021 at 5:58 PM
    #65
    Saltyhero13

    Saltyhero13 Throbbing Member

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    @Theyfzman I responding to you in post here. I'm on the road and will finish when I get home.
    In the interim take a look at this to ensure you have the sensors initialized (paired):

    https://youtu.be/udKEyAzpdxg
     
  6. Jan 15, 2021 at 6:15 PM
    #66
    Theyfzman

    Theyfzman New Member

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    I watched that when I replaced the batteries and nothing happened when I plugged the fuse in
    I did not even install anything I did the initialize procedure outlined on the 2nd page ( I think ) of the instructions
    Stretch out the wire harness,short side to drivers side long side to pass side, pull fuse, hooked up positive and negative, put both motors on the linkage plugged in the lights the motors. The blue transmitter the black receiver, put door sensors on the ground in the perspective spots place the magnets on the sensors, plugged in the fuse, about a Second later the linkage retracted went to drivers door sensor pulled magnet up off sensors to replicate door being opened. And as the instructions say the motor should extend and lights come on. Well I get nothing at all !!
    So am
    I over looking something
    Should I install everything like it should be mounted and see don’t really want to waste my time if I have another junk set
     
  7. Jan 15, 2021 at 8:40 PM
    #67
    Saltyhero13

    Saltyhero13 Throbbing Member

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    It sounds like you have a good grasp of the system's theory of operation. I'm not sure if you missed anything or not. It's possible you got two junk sets, only the manufacturer will know that definitively. I suspect that is not the case and you have RF interference in your shop since all four sensors are consistently not working in both situations (**see my last note below**).

    NX Basic signal processing:

    Controller--->Motors and lights: On/Off

    Sensors----->Receiver--->Controller: On/Off

    Power is distributed from the battery to the controller, receiver, lights and motors. The sensors are independent and have their own internal power source.

    First I would double check all the connections. If you followed the steps up to where you toggled the steps to extend and retract that proves the controller and the motors are powered, talking and working. This leaves the sensors and the receiver and the receiver to the controller, unfortunately there is no simple way of checking if this half of the system is working outside of initialization or reset.

    What I ended up doing was swapping out my sensor batteries (which sounds like you already did) with fresh batteries (I tested them with a meter) and I bought stronger magnets. Batteries and magnets loose strength over time so I decided to eliminate these as faults in the system. Once I got all of these taken care of I did the initialization. For my set up the sensors labeled 2 were for the driver side, and the others labeled 1 were for the passenger side.

    **It is possible something in your shop/on your vehicle is interfering with the signal but you would need a spectrum analyzer to pin point the source. Usually it is LED bulbs that aren't shielded, they tend to transmit a lot of RF noise, enough to block KeyFobs and other devices. Its unusual all four sensors are not working.

    To resolve this you can try and initialize the sensors as close as possible to the receiver following the steps in the video. Ideally, if you have a spare battery, you can try and test the system away from your shop/vehicle to eliminate the source of the interference.
     
  8. Jan 16, 2021 at 5:29 AM
    #68
    Theyfzman

    Theyfzman New Member

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    Never gave the led’s a thought, shop is lite entirely on led lighting, 10 8 foot fixtures actually, 6 on the ceiling 2 on each side of the walls
    I will rehook everything back up turn off the lights open the door and see what I get I find it so hard to believe that I got 2 faulty sets
    And just to confirm the door sensors on mine say 1A 1B. 2A 2B The 1’s are passenger side and the 2’s are driver ???
    They really are vague in the directions. I assumed 1 driver 2 pass
    Thank you so much for the insight. I’ll report back a bit later today
     
  9. Jan 16, 2021 at 7:17 AM
    #69
    Theyfzman

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    Well it appears as though you were correct my friend rebooked everything back up shit the lights off and bam ! I did have to sync the door sensors. It seems like when you do that you can put them at either side. So I have mine set at 1A,b on the drivers side and 2 on the pass side
    Thank you again. I need to call them and advise that so they can put that in the directions !!!!
     
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  10. Jan 16, 2021 at 7:17 AM
    #70
    Saltyhero13

    Saltyhero13 Throbbing Member

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    It's possible you got two fault sets. I really don't know. It is unusual for all four sensors in both sets to completely not work. This is why suspect RF interference. Some folks who replaced LED bulbs on their bed light were reporting issues with their keyfobs remotes not opening/locking doors. It could be LEDs or another source in your shop or on the vehicle blocking the sensor initialization (Receiver and sensors talking).

    That is just how the configuration worked on my truck. I expected 1 to be driver side and 2 to be passenger side. It was flip flopped. A and B doesn't matter as far as I can tell.

    Just make sure when you go initialize that the sensors are as close as possible to the receiver. The better option is to test this in another location (eliminates the shop as the issue) but I know that may not be possible.
     
  11. Jan 16, 2021 at 7:18 AM
    #71
    Saltyhero13

    Saltyhero13 Throbbing Member

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    FUCK YEAH!
     
  12. Jan 16, 2021 at 7:26 AM
    #72
    Saltyhero13

    Saltyhero13 Throbbing Member

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    As far as the sensors I redid the backing with Velcro to make them easier to remove when the batteries need to be replaced (they are supposed to last 10 years in watches).

    For the magnets I bought some neodymium magnets from Amazon and made a little stack that I taped together. I used silicone tape to keep them in place and from marring the paint. I'll dress up the set up later on.

    Contrary to the instructions, I ended up placing my sensors in the lower corners furthest away from the hinges . The magnet sensors are more responsive in that position as the magnets will move away from the sensor quicker as the door opens wider.
     
  13. Jan 17, 2021 at 9:58 AM
    #73
    Theyfzman

    Theyfzman New Member

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    Got the install all done !! It appears that the LED lighting in my shop was the issue with the initialization once I got them installed I could leave the lights on and they were ok so bestop has redeemed themselves !!!!!
     
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  14. Jan 22, 2021 at 3:44 PM
    #74
    MrTuRDPro

    MrTuRDPro New Member

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    Hey guys,

    I bought a set of the Bestop (non-NX) Powerboards and found an issue which I’m surprised nobody else - across multiple forums - has expressed.

    I drive a 2019 TRD Pro. I installed the driver side linkages (motor and idler) and wired everything up per the install instructions. BTW, Bestop has the pin outs wrong on the wiring harness for anyone who cares (it’s pin 18, not pin 2 in the top left harness under the dashboard). Anyhow, when I went to mount the linkages on the passenger side I noticed a substantial disparity in measurements, which is really nothing more than an eye sore. All in all, functionality remains intact.

    Basically, the mounting flange on the top of the linkage arms where the hex bolts go to mount to the rocker panel is situated on the right hand side of the linkage arm. Well, this is fine and dandy for the driver side, but once you go to mount the same linkages into the passenger side, the linkage arm sits about 4" further toward the back of the vehicle. Now, I'm no mechanical engineer but for the sake of symmetry it makes sense to me that the mounting flange for passenger side would be oriented on the "left" side of the linkage arms so that measurements are equal on both sides of the vehicle. What this really impacts is that the step rail itself has less step space at the back of the passenger side of the vehicle. Yes, I measured those from the back side of the rear door sill and it's about a 4" difference.

    Here's some images I captured for Bestop support because I've been going back and forth with them since Christmas.

    Linkages
    [​IMG]


    Driver Side Measurements

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]


    Passenger Side Measurements

    [​IMG]

    I haven't completed the passenger side install because I have Bestop support talking to their "technicians" to see if there's a different part for the passenger side so this 4-inch offset doesn't exist. I called AMP Research and they told me their linkage arms are also oriented the same way (flange on the right side of the linkage arm on all four linkages) because the mounting holes in the rocker panel between the driver and passenger side are offset by 4-inches. Well, that was total bullshit, unless Toyota botched the manufacturing of my particular vehicle (doubt).

    I'm commenting in this thread to just to ensure that anyone considering this purchase is aware of the measurement offsets. Paying this kind of money - whether $700 or $1400 - for an aftermarket addition to your vehicle, you expect certain details in craftsmanship. This is just one of those things that I'm going to have to live with I suppose. Certainly NOT going back to the stock step rails ;-)

    If anyone who has these installed has evidence which contradicts mine, please please please let me know. The pics I've seen in this thread seem to confirm my own conclusions but I find it interesting nobody has noticed the difference, even with the multiple AMP installs I've seen around. Kooky, eh?

    Thanks for reading all.

    [EDIT] - I should add that the Bestop support team has been quite amazing during all this. They talk through the issues I'm experiencing, do their best to identify the cause, and have shipped me extra parts free of charge. I can't fault them in this regard. So regardless of these minimal design flaws (IMHO) they have done a bang up job in the customer support arena!
     
    Last edited: Jan 22, 2021
  15. Jan 22, 2021 at 4:31 PM
    #75
    Saltyhero13

    Saltyhero13 Throbbing Member

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    @MrTuRDPro My vehicle is the same way. I didn't notice it until you pointed it out. It doesn't bother me too much that they aren't perfectly symmetrical. It's probably cheaper for them to make two parts instead of four unique parts. Thanks for sharing your experience. I was curious how the nonNX steps were to install.
     
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  16. Jan 31, 2021 at 4:53 PM
    #76
    MrTuRDPro

    MrTuRDPro New Member

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    @Saltyhero13
    I’d say the total install time was about 3 hours. Of course, I had to tack on another 2 hours due to the fact that the Bestop install instructions are faulty. Albeit, only faulty on my 2019 because the instructions only apply up to 2014 models. Basically, they have the pin outs wrong.

    So the accurate pins to posi-tap into (at least on the 2019 and 2020 model years) are as follows:

    Driver side:
    Black wire goes into Pin 24 (same harness)
    Blue wire goes into Pin 15 (accurate in the instructions)

    NOTE: if you go into Pin 2, as the instructions state, the boards only operate when the key is in the ignition and trigger ONLY for the front door.

    Passenger side:
    Blue wire to pin 3
    White wire to pin 22

    Instructions stated pins 2 and 10 respectively.

    I actually just finished the install today for the passenger side. Bestop never got back to me with any answer so I suppose I’ll have to rescind my remarks above about their customer support.

    Oh, one last issue is that the LEDs that mount to the linkages don’t turn on. That tells me something is possibly wrong in the control module. The boards function and operate perfectly now. Illumination would be nice but not a complete necessity for me.
     
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  17. Jan 31, 2021 at 4:59 PM
    #77
    Saltyhero13

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    @MrTuRDPro
    I'm not without issues either. The combination of minimal driving and cold weather sapped my battery. I had to run through the initiation procedures again. I also relocated my magnet sensors, I just need to redo my magnets properly.
     
  18. Jan 31, 2021 at 5:01 PM
    #78
    MrTuRDPro

    MrTuRDPro New Member

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    What a PITA. Sucks to pay good money and then have to deal with an evident lack of quality control.
     
  19. Jan 31, 2021 at 5:12 PM
    #79
    Saltyhero13

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    Minor issues on my end. I would have liked a "keep alive" battery to preserve the receiver pairing. Overall I am very happy with the system. The old lady loves it.
     
  20. Mar 17, 2021 at 4:45 PM
    #80
    Drivermcgyver

    Drivermcgyver New Member

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    @Saltyhero13 Im really thankful for this thread! Wife has been having trouble getting the car seat out of the back and the Bestop boards caught my eye. How do you like them? It sounds like the NX's are the way to go. I see you live where you get some snow, how has the cold weather been with them?
     
  21. Mar 17, 2021 at 6:36 PM
    #81
    Saltyhero13

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    Thank you, that is great if it helped you!

    I love them and still recommend them or a comparable product despite some minor negatives. I know I know, "1st world problems" complaining about my powered self lowering steps.

    My only negatives for the NX version are:
    • pairing the sensors to the receiver - you have to remove the fuse and remove all four batteries, reinsert the fuse and reinstall the sensor batteries. It is a five minute window to pair but you'll have to do this if your battery dies or is replaced.
    • prone to interference- during pairing, one of our members had to pair his system away from his led shop lights. You can eliminate this by placing the sensors very close to receiver. Once paired I haven't had any issues.
    • finding a good spot for the sensors - I prefer to have my sensors on the side opposite of the hinges; this will trigger the step deployment earlier (magnet moves away from the sensor faster). I ended up buying some bigger magnets to make this happen. I also replaced the backing on the sensors with velcro to make it easier to change batteries (even if they are 10 year watch batteries)
    The big sell for me is it is a plug and play system, I didn't want to deal with splicing or hunting for wires and running cables; this is all minimal with this version. The retractable steps also give the truck a sleek look with the steps in the up position. Funny thing is the old lady likes them better than I do. She thinks its the fanciest thing and it makes her life easier getting her midget butt into the car. lol. We have a luxury car and she prefers the Tundra!

    RE: Cold weather:
    To be truthful I haven't been driving a great deal lately but the steps have a nice nonslip coating if that is your concern in cold weather. I did get some ice build up when we had some ice storms roll thru, but not enough to make it challenging to get in the vehicle. My whole truck was encased in ice. I haven't had any issues with the steps deploying either. I wish I could say that about my windows; they were frozen shut a few weeks ago. The truck had to warm up for quite some time before they would open.

    If you can find them on Bestop's wonky site I would get them. Looking at the parts and the manual the AMP version has some minor differences but they share many of the same parts, I think AMP offers a longer warranty. Not sure if the term on the warranty is worth twice the price of what Bestop is offering.

    Best of luck.
     
  22. Mar 17, 2021 at 6:59 PM
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    Drivermcgyver

    Drivermcgyver New Member

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    I wasnt really worried about the ice build up, it was more of how they were working in the cold. I did see a video on how the sensors were sync'd up and I was expecting it to be a little bit of a pain.

    Thanks again for the info!
     
  23. Mar 30, 2021 at 7:34 PM
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    JPBeeMan

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    Alpharex Headlights, BAK Revolver X4 Bed Cover, PowerBoard NX Running Boards, Sprint Power Booster, Blacked out 3rd Taillight and Taillights, Wireless Charging Tray, OPT7 LED Tailgate Light Bar and LED Truck Bed Light Strips.
    I just ordered the PowerBoard NX running boards for my 2021 Crewmax. I was having difficulty finding them for 2015 or newer Tundras. Everything was 2007 to 2014. Confusing beings the 2014 being Third Generation.

    After researching and reading installation instructions I contacted Bestop and learned a few interesting things. Which I wanted to pass along to my fellow Tundra Owners.

    Bestop will be dropping the Powerstep line among other accessories. They're getting back to their roots and what they do best, Jeep Canvas Soft Tops. Which is how Bestop started back in 1954.

    Bestop will continue to back the PowerBoard 3 year warranty parts and service. She wasn't sure if anyone would pickup the PowerBoard line. But said they are directing people to the AMP Research line. Does this mean AMP will take over the PowerBoard for the patented NX technology?

    I asked why no PowerBoards listed for 2015 or newer with the 2014 being 3rd generation. I was told that sometimes manufacturers will discontinue licensing aftermarket items.

    I was told that she or anyone from tech could recommend them for 2015 or newer model's. (for liability reasons) She highly recommended Tundra forums for the answer.

    Now I'm a new member of Tundras.com.
    Thanks Bestop!
     
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  24. Dec 23, 2023 at 5:58 AM
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    Renner22

    Renner22 New Member

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    The second set of motors finally gave out on my bestop powerboards (regular, non-NX version)... and since bestop stopped selling them, does anyone know where to get replacement motors? I'd like to keep using them, esp. if someone made an aftermarket motor that was more reliable...
     
  25. Dec 23, 2023 at 11:07 AM
    #85
    Saltyhero13

    Saltyhero13 Throbbing Member

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    The motors shouldn't be different across the Bestop variants. AMP is your best bet.
     

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