Help me chose side steps

[wgriswold]

I may have a new truck by the new year and it needs side steps so my wife can get in. If it doesn't come with steps I will add them. What brands do you recommend?

[Majja13]

The electrics are expensive, but if you are paying Dealer price of 650-850 for steps then they are only 400-500 more. I personally like the look with out steps, and if you need the extra break over height then AMP is the only way to go.

[ford_truck_guy]

Bedlam wrote:
Although I bought the Bully step for my 2005 4wd Ford, I would have most likely bought the OEM step if I knew my DW needed it. Although she had climbed into a couple trucks while were looking, it wasn't until I owned mine that she requested something for her side of the truck. This was never an issue with my 1989 4wd Mazda which never had steps even though the cab floor sat just as high. My 2015 4wd Ram was ordered with the OEM step and I am happy with it although I do feel there are less expensive alternatives if you're willing to shop the aftermarket for deals.

The electric steps look great and give you a lower step than the fixed models, but I worry about dependability and longevity because the motor and mechanism will get a lot of abuse from tire spray and road debris. It's good to hear that people that purchased them are not having any trouble.

In regards to the durability of the AMP research steps , my truck was my daily driver and snow plow truck in the winters of NE PA..
It drove threw many piles of road salt , cinders ,snow ,you name it.. They make a GREAT PRODUCT!! 5 years of every day abuse and worked like the first day I got them... I just sprayed some silicone on the moving parts every so often....

[Grit_dog]

Me Again wrote:

FishOnOne wrote:


OP,
You may want to consider a 2 WD truck as they sit lower.

Not really, at least one of the big three sits at the same height with a dummy front axle that matches the 4x4 axle.

Factory or AMP Research for really great retractable steps.

Chris

Huh?
Not true. Every one of the big 3 4x4s sit higher than their 2 wheeler counterparts. The sfa trucks sit much higher. GM has the least height change. At least for 3/4 and 1 tons. All half tons are sfa and don't sit much higher and 4500 and up trucks do sit tall whether 2 or 4 wd.

[Bedlam]

Although I bought the Bully step for my 2005 4wd Ford, I would have most likely bought the OEM step if I knew my DW needed it. Although she had climbed into a couple trucks while were looking, it wasn't until I owned mine that she requested something for her side of the truck. This was never an issue with my 1989 4wd Mazda which never had steps even though the cab floor sat just as high. My 2015 4wd Ram was ordered with the OEM step and I am happy with it although I do feel there are less expensive alternatives if you're willing to shop the aftermarket for deals.

The electric steps look great and give you a lower step than the fixed models, but I worry about dependability and longevity because the motor and mechanism will get a lot of abuse from tire spray and road debris. It's good to hear that people that purchased them are not having any trouble.

[JesLookin]

We got the OEM step on our '14 Ram 3500. Works perfectly. We did get the full length step that goes all the way to the rear wheel well. Makes it easy to stand on & hook up the 5er.

[ford_truck_guy]

fly-boy wrote:
Sound like AMP Research steps are the way to go in your situation.

These are a great option but expensive ! I had them on my 09... they are far better to get in if your small as they get about 1-1/2" lower to the ground than the factory steps..
If you have a grand + to spend that's my choice

[Me_Again]

FishOnOne wrote:


OP,
You may want to consider a 2 WD truck as they sit lower.

Not really, at least one of the big three sits at the same height with a dummy front axle that matches the 4x4 axle.

Factory or AMP Research for really great retractable steps.

Chris

[fly-boy]

Sound like AMP Research steps are the way to go in your situation.

[Halmfamily]

I would either go with OEM or a set of electric steps. I installed an after market set on my 1500 and they squeak on occasion. When we purchase our next truck I'm going with electric. They extend down further making the step lower to the ground, easier to get into the truck. Close the door and they disappear for a nice clean look.

[2112]

When you say new are you referring to brand new from a dealer?
If so, pick your truck and tell them to include the OEM chrome step bars as part of the deal. The salesman isn't going to loose a deal over a set of $200 (their cost) bars. You can't beat the OEM products, especially when they're free.

My opinion is the aftermarket nerf bars look cheap when compared to OEMs.

[petrel]

I agree with a previous post that OEM steps are the way to go. Absent that option, I have been very pleased with Westin. I've a set on my truck for over 12 years. They are VERY stout and trouble free.

[mbopp]

The dealer added a step to my dad's (R.I.P.) truck for free when he told them he had a hard time getting into it. Don't know if that would hold true for the passenger side though.

[FishOnOne]

Me Again wrote:

FishOnOne wrote:



I going to provide some earth shattering news... All brands now provide steps from the factory. :W

Only if one clicks the option! Chris

Is that a low rider... I suppose that's another way around having to get steps.

OP,
You may want to consider a 2 WD truck as they sit lower.

[45Ricochet]

FishOnOne wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Get one of these and it will come with steps.

I going to provide some earth shattering news... All brands now provide steps from the factory. :W

Another no Photo post from Troy ? I'm beginning to wonder if he owns a smart phone or is to stupid to use it :W WTH do you have against photos anyway? Our only guess is they don't exist. Come on Troy maybe a photo of that POS 2005 Ram would give us a true insight of your camera settings.
No harm intended NC, Ron :W

[Bedlam]

The Bully step bar looked good on my Ford after 10 years with no hardware issues or corrosion build up.