Retractable Running Boards

Greetings! I just joined this forum today.

I have a 2010 Extended Cab (4 door) and I'm thinking about installing retractable running boards for easier ingress/egress. I'm looking for some information about AMP Research's Power Step Running Board product. https://www.amp-research.com/powerstep-running-board/2010/toyota/tacoma

Does anyone have any experience with any of these products?

 

I have installed AMP power steps on my last 3 Tacomas.

They are easy to install if you have a basic mechanical and electrical know-how.

Mine have worked well and never had any issues.

 

Neighbor has them on his 2014 Ford .
I live in the bush where the snow gets very deep . The plow trucks hammer the roads with salt .
He lost both his motors due to salt and water intrusion .
The hinges also seize up .
I assume just like anything that lives under the truck , it will need to be maintained on a constant basis .
Obviously , this is not the manufacturers fault but it should be noted that you can expect these things to happen depending on the road conditions where you live .

 

I had a coworker that bought a used mall crawler jeep, and these boards were installed on them. The guy was a bit of a tinkerer, and once he got them working he wound up really liking them. Ive also seen them used by people who work oil rigs, since the fold up design keeps the tread surface out of the mud (relatively). Thats important for people who throw their boots in the bed and use the running boards to sock-foot it back to the driver's seat.



I personally have no experience with them, mainly because I can't imagine myself dropping $1700 for a running board.

 

MaxT, gearcruncher, Rock Lobster:

Great insights. I live much closer to MaxT's LAT/LON than I do to gearcruncher's. We do get some snow with accompanying road surface treatments, so I'll keep an eye on the undercarriage.

Thanks to all.