PowerStep Smart Series – Automatic Running Boards with OE Integration
The PowerStep Smart Series redefines automatic running board installation by integrating directly with your vehicle's electrical system. Unlike universal aftermarket steps that require splicing into factory wiring, the Smart Series uses OE-style connectors and harnesses engineered for your specific make and model. The result is a plug-and-play installation that installs in under two hours with basic hand tools.
Our aircraft-grade aluminum step platform deploys automatically when you open the door, then retracts flush to the rocker panel when closed to preserve ground clearance and aerodynamics. The all-weather electric motor operates reliably from -40°F to 150°F, backed by our 5-year/60,000-mile warranty. LED lighting integrated into each step illuminates the ground at night for safe entry and exit.
Smart Series technical highlights
Vehicle-Specific Wiring Integration
The defining feature of the AMP Research PowerStep Smart Series is the elimination of aftermarket wiring guesswork. Each Smart Series kit ships with a harness engineered for your exact year, make, and model. Ford F-150 owners receive Ford-specific connectors that plug directly into existing body control module ports. RAM 1500 kits include Chrysler OE-style connectors that integrate with factory door sensors.
No Wire Splicing Required
Traditional automatic running boards force installers to tap into door jamb switches or body harnesses, creating potential failure points and warranty concerns. The Smart Series approach mirrors factory upfit equipment. Connectors lock into place with audible clicks, and the vehicle’s computer recognizes the steps as native components. This integration means the system draws power through proper circuits with built-in overload protection, and diagnostic trouble codes display in plain language if service is needed.
Step Platform Construction & Capacity
We machine each Smart Series step platform from 6061-T6 aluminum alloy, the same material used in aircraft structural components. The extrusion process creates a uniform cross-section with internal reinforcement ribs that distribute load across the entire 84-inch length. Anodizing follows machining to create a corrosion-resistant surface that maintains appearance through years of road salt, gravel, and UV exposure.
The step surface features a raised tread pattern with 3mm peaks that channel water and snow away from foot contact points. Each side supports 600 pounds of dynamic load, tested through 50,000 cycle simulations that replicate five years of daily use. Mounting brackets bolt directly to frame rails using grade-8 hardware with Loctite thread locker applied at the factory.
All-Weather Motor Performance
The electric motor driving each PowerStep uses a brushless design that eliminates the carbon wear points found in older motor types. Internal gearing converts high-speed motor rotation into controlled step extension and retraction. The motor housing is sealed to IP67 standards, meaning complete protection against dust ingress and immersion in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes.
We test each motor at temperature extremes before shipping. Cold chamber testing at -40°F verifies that lubricants remain fluid and gears mesh smoothly. Heat chamber testing at 150°F confirms that winding insulation and electronic controls function without thermal shutdown. The motor draws 8 amps during deployment and less than 1 amp in retracted standby mode, so battery drain during extended parking is negligible.
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PowerStep Smart Series Installation & Performance Questions
No, the Smart Series is designed for DIY installation in a home garage. The vehicle-specific wiring harness uses plug-and-play connectors that require no wire splicing or electrical experience. Most installers complete the job in 90 to 120 minutes using basic hand tools including a floor jack, jack stands, and a 3/4-inch socket set.
The included instructions provide step-by-step photos specific to your vehicle's mounting points and connector locations. If you prefer professional installation, most truck accessory shops can complete the job in about an hour.
The Smart Series integrates directly with your vehicle's factory door sensors through OE-style connectors. When you open a door, the vehicle's body control module sends a signal through the harness to the step control module, which activates the electric motor. The step deploys fully in 1.5 seconds.
When you close the door, the system waits three seconds before retracting to allow passengers to clear the step area. If any door remains open, the steps stay deployed. The system also includes a manual override switch inside the vehicle for situations where you want the steps locked in the retracted position.
The Smart Series is designed for vehicles at stock ride height and can accommodate lifts up to 2 inches without modification. For lifts between 2 and 4 inches, you may need to install drop brackets to maintain proper step deployment clearance.
Trucks with lifts exceeding 4 inches should consider the PowerStep Xtreme series, which offers an 8-inch drop and reinforced mounting designed specifically for lifted applications. The Xtreme uses the same plug-and-play wiring integration but provides greater ground clearance compensation.
The PowerStep Smart Series requires minimal maintenance. Spray the pivot points and motor gear housing with silicone lubricant every six months or after driving through heavy mud or snow. Clean the step surface with soap and water to remove accumulated road salt and debris.
Inspect the mounting bolts annually and retighten to 75 ft-lbs if needed. The sealed motor and IP67-rated housing require no internal service. All components are covered by our 5-year/60,000-mile warranty, so any mechanical failures are repaired or replaced at no cost during the coverage period.
The integrated LED lighting in the Smart Series is specific to this platform and cannot be retrofitted to earlier PowerStep generations. The LED modules draw power from the same control module that manages step deployment, and the wiring harness includes dedicated circuits for the lighting system.
If you own an earlier PowerStep Plug-N-Play or original PowerStep, aftermarket LED light bars can be mounted separately and wired to your vehicle's door trigger circuit, though this requires custom installation outside the plug-and-play Smart Series approach.
When fully retracted, the PowerStep Smart Series sits 3 inches below the rocker panel on most vehicle applications. This maintains approach and departure angles nearly identical to stock while providing full step function when deployed.
The retracted position is engineered to clear obstacles encountered during normal driving including speed bumps, parking lot curbs, and mild off-road trails. For extreme off-road use, activate the manual override switch to lock the steps in the retracted position for maximum clearance during your trail run.
No, factory running boards or side steps must be removed before installing the PowerStep Smart Series. The Smart Series mounts to the same frame rail attachment points used by factory equipment, so both cannot coexist.
Removal of factory steps is straightforward and typically requires unbolting 4 to 6 bolts per side. The Smart Series installation then uses the existing frame holes, though you'll use the supplied grade-8 hardware instead of factory bolts. Save your factory steps if you plan to return the vehicle to stock configuration in the future.