AMP Research PowerStep Trim Strip Kit
Our PowerStep Trim Strip Kit delivers factory-fresh appearance and protection for your running boards. Each kit includes precision-cut trim strips engineered to match the exact profile of your PowerStep system, restoring the clean, finished edge that completes the install.
Designed as a direct replacement for worn or damaged strips, this kit ensures your PowerStep maintains the premium look that defines AMP Research quality. Whether you're refreshing an older system or replacing a damaged component, the trim kit installs in minutes with no special tools required.
What's in the trim kit
Materials & Construction
We manufacture every AMP Research PowerStep trim strip from a proprietary UV-resistant polymer compound that maintains flexibility across temperature extremes while resisting cracking and fading. The material formulation matches our PowerStep housings, ensuring color consistency that holds up through years of sun exposure, road salt, and pressure washing.
Each strip incorporates reinforced mounting channels that distribute stress evenly across the attachment points. This design prevents the stress concentration that causes cheaper aftermarket trim to split at fastener locations. The polymer blend also provides acoustic damping, reducing road noise and vibration transfer that can occur with rigid trim materials.
Installation & Fit
Installation requires only a Phillips screwdriver and takes approximately 15 minutes per side. The trim strips slide into dedicated channels on your PowerStep housing, with pre-drilled holes that align directly with factory mounting points. No cutting, drilling, or modification of your running boards is necessary.
Each kit includes detailed instructions with exploded-view diagrams showing exact placement. The strips feature alignment tabs that prevent misinstallation — they only fit one way, ensuring correct orientation every time. We recommend cleaning the mounting channels with isopropyl alcohol before installation to ensure maximum adhesion of the included foam tape backing.
When to Replace Trim Strips
Most PowerStep owners replace trim strips every 4-6 years depending on climate and usage patterns. Key indicators include visible fading from black to gray, surface cracking along high-flex zones, or separation from the mounting channels. Vehicles in coastal environments or areas with heavy winter road salt application may require earlier replacement.
Worn trim strips don’t affect PowerStep operation, but they create gaps where road debris and moisture can accumulate. Replacing strips as preventive maintenance extends the service life of your entire system by keeping contaminants out of the motor housing and pivot mechanisms. We recommend visual inspection during routine vehicle maintenance.
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PowerStep Trim Strip Kit Questions
Yes, the AMP Research PowerStep trim strip kit is compatible with all PowerStep variants including PowerStep, PowerStep XL, and PowerStep Xtreme. The kit includes trim strips sized for standard PowerStep boards; PowerStep XL owners receive longer strips that match the extended board length. The mounting system remains identical across all models, so installation follows the same process regardless of which PowerStep system you own.
Under normal conditions, PowerStep trim strips last 4-6 years before showing signs of UV degradation or wear. Vehicles in extreme climates — intense sun exposure, heavy road salt, or frequent off-road use — may see shorter service life. Regular cleaning and application of UV protectant can extend trim life beyond the typical replacement interval. We recommend inspection during annual maintenance to catch early signs of cracking or fading.
Installation is designed for DIY completion with basic hand tools. You'll need only a Phillips screwdriver and approximately 15 minutes per side. The trim strips feature alignment tabs that ensure correct positioning, and pre-drilled holes match factory mounting points exactly. Detailed instructions with diagrams are included in every kit. Professional installation is available through AMP Research dealers, but most owners complete the job at home without difficulty.
UV radiation is the primary cause of trim degradation, breaking down polymer bonds over years of sun exposure. Thermal cycling — repeated expansion and contraction through temperature changes — creates micro-cracks that eventually become visible. Road chemicals, particularly winter road salt and petroleum-based car wash soaps, accelerate material breakdown. Impact from road debris can also cause localized cracking, especially if existing UV damage has already weakened the material.
Yes, every kit includes all necessary mounting hardware: stainless steel screws, washers, retention clips, and high-bond foam tape backing. You won't need to purchase any additional components. The hardware is matched to factory torque specifications and includes extras in case of loss during installation. We also include detailed torque values in the instructions to prevent over-tightening that could crack the trim during mounting.
Trim strips are cosmetic and protective components — they don't affect PowerStep motor function or deployment operation. If your PowerStep isn't extending or retracting properly, the issue lies with electrical components, motors, or control modules rather than trim. However, maintaining good trim condition does prevent debris infiltration that could eventually cause mechanical problems. Replace trim for appearance and preventive maintenance, but troubleshoot motor and electrical issues separately.
Yes, this is the identical component we install on factory-fresh PowerStep systems. The polymer formulation, dimensions, mounting design, and finish all match original equipment specifications. We've made incremental improvements to UV resistance over the years, so current trim kits may actually outlast strips from older PowerStep generations while maintaining perfect fit compatibility across all model years.