OEM Amp Research Bed Step vs clones

Has anyone compared the OEM (AMP Research) bed step

$430 PT392-34140

PT392-34140 to the $75 eBay clones? If I'm cutting the OEM bracket anyway, is there a significant difference in the step and arm?

 

speaking from other product "clones" I would probably say there would be a quality difference. Thats less than half the price of the real one so I would guess flimsier hardware, thinner metal, likely chinesium and you would have a higher chance of having a fitment issue. It may work totally fine but it may fail on you at a terrible time and cause injury. I have the real one and its rock solid and built very well, i wouldnt want to put my 250 lbs on a cheap knock off. No rust or wear of any kind either. I use it quite a bit. If you plan to use it alot and you are not a light guy, I would bite the bullet and get the real one. If you are a smaller guy and dont plan on using it regularly, it may be worth the gamble for you.

 

Amp Research bed step for me and no issues or complaints. I may consider a cheaper alternative, but would probably want to see both in person to identify any how they compare. Be sure to note the different model numbers from Amp Research I believe there are 2 and one has a really weird angle when mounted. I believe there are a couple threads on it. Guess you have a 2019 so you should be fine though.

Edit: Here is some context from the other thread - the 14-18 has two different types of AMP Research steps,

$330 RealTruck AMP Research BedStep | 75309-01A | Fits 2014 - 2021 Toyota Tundra

75309-01A and

$330 RealTruck AMP Research BedStep | 75316-01A | Fits 2016 - 2017 Toyota Tundra w/ Resin Bumpers

75316-01A, depending if you have resin or steel inner structure. I had the 75316-01A, and it suuuucked. Sorry AMP Research, but I hated it. The step comes out the side of the bumper, not the back of the bumper. I bought one and installed it then immediately uninstalled it. The step installs relatively easily, kind of clunky until you tighten everything up and torque it down, but the thing coming out the side was bogus. And the retract bangs into the bumper hard, no way to adjust that.

When I got that one, I didn't see the other version available. So be warned!

75309-01A installation: https://www.amp-research.com/?dl_id=321
75316-01A installation: https://www.amp-research.com/?dl_id=363

Thread link: Bestop Trek Step or Amp Research Bedstep | Toyota Tundra Forum (tundras.com)

 

I have an AMP bedstep to give away for free, replaced with a full RC bumper. Pick up only in So Cal!!!

 

I figure all of the Amazon and eBay clones are the same thing, so I've been reading through Amazon reviews. Found a few mentions of the step breaking off where it mounts to the arm. Definitely something to consider if the plastic is poor quality.

 

I’ll take it PM coming

 

I bought an Amazon clone and so far it's been good. It even comes with the new bumper support bracket which I installed rather than cut the OE bracket. It has good reviews so I bought it and happy so far.

 

I second this. I have the exact same one and it’s been great. I even compared it to my buddies amp research and it’s pretty much a carbon copy.

 

For my 2010 SR5, I researched the available models and decided on the Bestsop Trekstep. Larger step area and more anti slip than the "OEM" Amp Research model.

 

This is the exact one I pulled the broken step image from. Several reviews indicating the step broke. You guys are saying it’s the same quality as Amp?

 

I had the Amp Reseach step on my 2020 and now the clone on my 2016 and I can't tell the difference. I did see the broken step but in the review the guy says he weights well under 300lbs. I'm not sure what that even means. I'm thinking he's over 275lbs. I suspect the amp step would break as well. After I installed mine I stepped on mine and bounced my 175lbs on it without issue.

I went back and looked and there were two people indicating a broken step and both were on the fluffy side. There were many reviews of happy buyers.

 

You have me back on the fence. I'm all for saving $100. Thanks for sharing the info, much to consider.

 

I see it's on sale now for $89 plus another 5% off with a coupon.

If your under 250lbs I would buy it. Install and do the bounce test. If it does break return it back to Amazon for a refund.

 

Good call. It should be here Tuesday and I'll report back.

 

I had purchased a “Toyota” one from a dealership online that had a great price. Probably a typo because the next day it was cancelled by the dealership saying that part # was no longer available and gave me a new part #. The new # didn’t exist when I tried to re-order.
I gave a lot less money to Amazon and got my step in 2 days, free shipping. It works great, zero issues. I’m about 200lbs and it’s solid. I did cut the existing crossbar on and it bolted right up. Threw away the included bracket. You’ll understand as soon as yo get under and look.

 

Sold! Looking to purchase this one as well… can’t justify the amp price for what it is

 

To be clear, OEM can be found for around $200 shipped. Cheaper than AMP, but still twice this Amazon deal.

 

Package arrived from Amazon. Raining now (no garage) so install is delayed until tomorrow, I hope. It's funny, the instructions are black and white photocopies of the Toyota instructions, pages 2-7 only.

Some pictures and weights for everyone:
Linkage assembly: 793 grams
Support bracket: 985 grams
Hinge assembly: 1785 grams
Step: 654 grams

I noticed the nuts in the step are square rather than rectangular which I've seen on some OEM photos.

 

When you put it on used the OE bracket that supports the fender. No reason to use the bracket circled. You will see what I mean when you start to install it.


I see your step didn't come attached. Mine was already attached.

 

Mine came attached, I removed it for the photo.

 

Bad news. I cut the bracket, painted the cuts, mounted the step, and all looked good. I gave it a few light tests with half my weight on the ground, half on the step. Then I carefully put my full weight into it and climbed up to the tailgate and down a few times. I'm 170 lbs and I didn't do anything crazy, no jumping, no stepping on the outer edges of the step. On the 5th step up to the tailgate it snapped.

I do not recommend the Amazon/eBay steps. I'm ordering an OEM

$430 PT392-34140

PT392-34140 this afternoon. Looks like Lewis Toyota online has the cheapest price I've found so far at $212.75 shipped.

 

Wow, I've been jumping on mine for the last month without issue. Hopefully mine holds up.

 

Also wow! Mines been great.

 

Yeh I'm not sure what happened to his. I've been loading the truck tonight preparing for a long trip and have been up and down without issues.

 

Damn sorry that happened but it's nice to sometimes see evidence of you get what you pay for.

Hopefully it's still in the return window so you can get your money back.

 

Maybe a different factory or batch. I think if yours were the same it would have already failed. I just don't feel like dealing with returns until I find a good one so I'll pay the $120 difference.

Yep, it arrived Tuesday and I already processed the return.

 

I would have done the same and sorry I steered you wrong.

I have to admit, I'm now stepping on mine carefully since I can't get your broken step image out of my head.

 

I've had the amp research step on my tundra for about two years with no issue. I bought it second hand and I think that guy had it on his truck for a couple years as well. It is the version with the metal step. I couldn't find a link to the tundra version, but it is like this one here

 

Bad news, after waiting a month I checked with Lewis Toyota and they said that all orders for the bed steps are getting cancelled. Guess I'm going to need to find a used one or look at the Bestop.

 

This is a similar experience I had trying to order from Toyota. Kept getting jerked around and gave up. So far my scamazon one is working well.