AMP Research BedStep Bumper Step
Our BedStep is a flip-down bumper step engineered to eliminate the awkward climb into your truck bed. Mount it to your rear bumper in minutes, then simply step on the tread surface to access cargo without scratching paint or balancing on a narrow hitch receiver.
We built the BedStep from extruded aluminum with a corrosion-resistant black powder coat and an aggressive tread pattern that sheds mud, snow, and gravel. The gas-spring hinge deploys the step with one hand and tucks flat against the bumper when you're done. We designed every bracket and hardware spec to handle 300 pounds of dynamic load while maintaining factory bumper clearances for towing and off-road approach angles.
Build & mounting details
Materials & construction
We extrude every BedStep platform from 6000-series aluminum alloy, the same material we specify for our PowerStep running boards and commercial vehicle applications. The platform receives a black powder coat finish that meets 1,000-hour ASTM B117 salt-spray requirements, so coastal and winter-road environments won’t cause visible corrosion or finish degradation.
The tread surface features raised diamond plate geometry with drain channels that clear mud and snow in seconds. We machine the hinge pivot from stainless steel and pair it with a nitrogen-charged gas spring rated for 50,000 deployment cycles. Every mounting bracket is laser-cut from 3mm steel plate, then zinc-plated to prevent rust where the step contacts your bumper.
Mounting & fit
The BedStep mounts to the top flange of your rear bumper using our universal bracket system. We include two adjustable clamp assemblies that accommodate bumper widths from 3 inches to 5.5 inches without drilling or permanent modification. The step sits 12 inches below the bumper top edge when deployed, positioning your foot at the ideal height to step directly into the bed.
When folded, the platform sits 1.5 inches off the bumper face and maintains full clearance for trailer hitch ball mounts, tow hooks, and license plate frames. We engineered the hinge geometry to keep the step above mud flap height on lifted trucks while preserving ground clearance on stock-height vehicles. The step folds up in under two seconds and locks with a positive detent you can feel through work gloves.
Installation process
Install the BedStep with a 13mm socket, 10mm wrench, and a tape measure. Start by cleaning the bumper mounting surface with isopropyl alcohol, then position the two clamp brackets 18 inches apart for optimal load distribution. Tighten each bracket to 20 ft-lbs torque, check that the step deploys without binding, then verify clearance to your tailgate in both open and closed positions.
We include a printed instruction sheet with vehicle-specific notes for Ram, Ford, Chevy, GMC, Toyota, and Nissan models. The BedStep lineup covers full-size and mid-size platforms, so if your truck has a factory or aftermarket bumper with a flat top flange, installation takes 20 to 30 minutes. No cutting, welding, or permanent holes required.
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Common questions about the BedStep Bumper Step
The BedStep uses universal clamp brackets that fit most factory and aftermarket rear bumpers with a flat top flange between 3 inches and 5.5 inches wide. We recommend measuring your bumper width and confirming you have at least 18 inches of clear mounting space between existing accessories like trailer hitches or mud flaps.
If you have a Ram, Ford, Chevy, GMC, Toyota, or Nissan truck with a standard rear bumper, installation is straightforward. For custom or heavily modified bumpers, our customer service team can verify fit before you order.
We rate the BedStep at 300 pounds dynamic capacity, meaning a 300-pound person can step onto the platform while it's deployed. Our engineering team tests every design to 1.5 times the rated load for 10,000 cycles to ensure long-term structural integrity.
The step is built from extruded aluminum with laser-cut steel mounting brackets, so the platform won't flex or sag under normal use. If you weigh more than 300 pounds or need a higher capacity solution, contact our team to discuss commercial-grade options.
No drilling required. The BedStep mounts to your bumper using adjustable clamp brackets that tighten with hand tools. You can remove the step in under five minutes and your bumper will look factory-original with no holes or marks.
We include all mounting hardware and a printed installation guide. Most customers complete the install in 20 to 30 minutes using a 13mm socket and 10mm wrench.
The BedStep is designed to fold flush against your bumper when not in use, maintaining full clearance for trailer hitch ball mounts, tow hooks, and license plate frames. When folded, the platform sits 1.5 inches off the bumper face, so you can hook up a trailer without removing the step.
We engineered the hinge geometry to keep the step above standard hitch receiver height when deployed. If you have a drop hitch or custom towing setup, measure your receiver-to-bumper clearance and contact our team to verify fit.
Every BedStep receives a black powder coat finish that meets 1,000-hour ASTM B117 salt-spray testing requirements. We use stainless steel hardware and zinc-plated mounting brackets to prevent corrosion where the step contacts your bumper.
The tread surface features drain channels that shed snow, ice, and mud in seconds. Field testing in Michigan and Alaska confirms the step maintains full function through freeze-thaw cycles and heavy road salt exposure. The gas spring operates reliably from -40°F to 160°F without lubrication or adjustment.
Yes. The BedStep works with lifted trucks as long as your rear bumper has a flat top flange for mounting. The step deploys 12 inches below the bumper top edge, so even with a 6-inch lift, the step height remains accessible for most users.
We designed the hinge geometry to keep the deployed platform above mud flap height on lifted applications while maintaining ground clearance on stock-height vehicles. If your truck sits higher than 8 inches of lift, verify the step won't contact the ground when deployed by measuring from your bumper top edge to the pavement.
We back the BedStep with a three-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship from the original purchase date. This covers the aluminum platform, gas spring, hinge assembly, and mounting brackets under normal use conditions.
If you experience a failure within the warranty period, contact our California-based customer service team. We stock replacement parts and can ship gas springs, hinge pins, or brackets for field service. Warranty claims require proof of purchase and photos of the issue.