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Opinions & Information on Power Steps

Discussion in 'General Tundra Discussion' started by 53flattie, Jul 23, 2015.

  1. Jul 23, 2015 at 5:43 PM
    #1
    53flattie

    53flattie [OP] New Member

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    Tim
    Upstate SC
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    2015 SR5 CM 4WD
    2.5" / 1.5" leveling kit ; 275/70/18 BFG AT/KO's
    So, I decided that I didn't like the looks of the step bars that I had on my 2015 CM. so I sold them and I'm shopping for power steps. I see that there appears to be three options - Amp Research, Bestop, and Bestop NX.

    My questions are:

    1. What's the difference between the two Bestop models? I looked at both online and I can't see any discernible differences. One is around $1100 and the other around $1200.

    2. Does anyone have an opinion on which is better between the three models (two Bestop and the Amp Research)? They are all pretty close in price.

    Thanks in advance!
     
    stujaspermma likes this.
  2. Jul 23, 2015 at 7:51 PM
    #2
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

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    I've only heard of the Amp Research model...only thing I've heard is if you're in any sort of freezing winters - they can freeze up and not come down...this is probably the same for any of them though.
     
  3. Jul 23, 2015 at 11:04 PM
    #3
    bobeast

    bobeast really old member

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    Bob
    Hollister, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 DC
    - Bull Bar - LED Bunny Burners - AMP retractable running boards - Headlight leveling retrofit - P3 Brake Controller - 60% rear seat delete - relocation of Sub to rear wall - Bilstein 5100 x4, top setting with 2 shims per side - Coach builder +2 rear shackles w/carrier bearing drop - Firestone Air bags - on-board compressor with auto-leveling - Dual Undercover Swing Boxes. - P285/65/R20 (34.6") BFG TA KO2's - TRD Front skid plate - Pop & Lock Tailgate lock - Remote Tailgate mod - LED Headlights - Nav Bypass - iPhone integration - Serius/XM retrofit - 25% front tint - Bizon electric tonneau cover - Power folding tow mirror upgrade - 2010+ leveling Headlight mod - Auto-fold mirror mod. - one-touch lane changer mod - Flash to open garage opener mod - Rigid H/L fog light upgrade - Pushbutton / Remote start mod.
    Bestop = made in China. Amp = Made in USA. done.
     
  4. Jul 24, 2015 at 8:47 AM
    #4
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

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    :oldglory:
     
    stujaspermma likes this.
  5. Jul 24, 2015 at 10:45 AM
    #5
    chphilo

    chphilo Tundra addict

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    I guess it's preference thing. I do like the look of the step bars. Moreover, they do provide some protection against door-dingers.

    The only negative thing I heard about Amp steps was that they freeze in the winter.
     
  6. Jul 25, 2015 at 4:16 AM
    #6
    53flattie

    53flattie [OP] New Member

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    Tim
    Upstate SC
    Vehicle:
    2015 SR5 CM 4WD
    2.5" / 1.5" leveling kit ; 275/70/18 BFG AT/KO's
    Thanks for the info. After a bit more digging, I found out that the Bestop NX are wireless. They have sensors that you install in the door jambs, which communicate with the boards when the doors are opened.

    With the prices on all three being so close together, I'll definitely go with the Amp units since they are made in America. (Not to mention the fact that Amp invented the power board and Bestop distributed them until the patent ran out. At that time, Bestop copied them and started making their own. They even have the same part number.)

    In case anyone in the future reads this, I also found some threads on other truck forums, one of which described how the motor and internal parts are of higher quality on the Amp units.
     
  7. Jul 25, 2015 at 7:38 AM
    #7
    mdavis

    mdavis I need a beer.

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    And here in upstate SC our winters are not that bad so you shouldn't have to worry about them freezing much.
     
  8. Jul 25, 2015 at 12:56 PM
    #8
    bobeast

    bobeast really old member

    Joined:
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    Member:
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    Messages:
    1,525
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bob
    Hollister, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 DC
    - Bull Bar - LED Bunny Burners - AMP retractable running boards - Headlight leveling retrofit - P3 Brake Controller - 60% rear seat delete - relocation of Sub to rear wall - Bilstein 5100 x4, top setting with 2 shims per side - Coach builder +2 rear shackles w/carrier bearing drop - Firestone Air bags - on-board compressor with auto-leveling - Dual Undercover Swing Boxes. - P285/65/R20 (34.6") BFG TA KO2's - TRD Front skid plate - Pop & Lock Tailgate lock - Remote Tailgate mod - LED Headlights - Nav Bypass - iPhone integration - Serius/XM retrofit - 25% front tint - Bizon electric tonneau cover - Power folding tow mirror upgrade - 2010+ leveling Headlight mod - Auto-fold mirror mod. - one-touch lane changer mod - Flash to open garage opener mod - Rigid H/L fog light upgrade - Pushbutton / Remote start mod.
    So I just started installing my AMP steps on My DC. I have to say the quality of the parts and the installation instructions are top notch. Bonus points for not having to wade through 10 pages of non-English instructions :).

    One word of caution if you have a DC. They sell only one kit for CM and DC and instruct that you shorten the boards by 15 ½ inches for the DC. IMNHO, this is completely unnecessary and sub-optimal. After dutifully cutting one of them, I discovered that it was too short for my taste. Fortunately a replacement board can be had for ~ $116 on that South American River place. YMMV
     
  9. Dec 8, 2015 at 6:50 PM
    #9
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

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    Please create a separate thread and post pix per rules

    Thnx
     

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