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Old Mar 20, 2015 | 09:39 PM
  #1  
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Retractable Bars/Boards?

Good Evening,

I did a search and found a few comments on folks who have retractable bars/boards but not any comments on installation, how they like them, brand of choice, etc?

So, what do you guys got for me?
 
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Old Mar 21, 2015 | 12:10 AM
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http://www.amp-research.com/tag/retractable-step/

This is the one I've been thinking about getting and trying.

Have you seen any you particularly like?
 
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Old Mar 21, 2015 | 12:31 AM
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I have installed a couple set sof AMP Research boards and other than the wiring they are basic installation, you have to tap into your "door ajar" switch to make them work, and then also to your battery for the full power, it was a few years ago when i did this install and they were fairly new to the market, but idt they have changed much since then, other than the look maybe. If i had 1000$ to throw down on them i would for sure, but if you do anything that would hit them like mild off roading i wouldnt recommend them, they are strong but idt they would hold up to the weight of the truck rubbing on some rocks.
 
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Old Mar 21, 2015 | 12:35 AM
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Originally Posted by Drunken_Unicorn
http://www.amp-research.com/tag/retractable-step/

Hi Drunken_Unicorn,

This is the one I've been thinking about getting and trying.

Have you seen any you particularly like?
I've also been looking at AMP-Research, the Powerstep. These are roughly $1200.00 for the pair. To be fair I haven't done a ton of research on other brands or products yet but at that price it seems like something that I may wait on doing. Other cool stuff to buy first.

Quality AMP Research Powerstep & Truck Running Boards | AMP Research

http://amp-research.com/wp-content/f...D_SD_1999B.pdf


Originally Posted by F150in4x4
I have installed a couple set sof AMP Research boards and other than the wiring they are basic installation, you have to tap into your "door ajar" switch to make them work, and then also to your battery for the full power, it was a few years ago when i did this install and they were fairly new to the market, but idt they have changed much since then, other than the look maybe. If i had 1000$ to throw down on them i would for sure, but if you do anything that would hit them like mild off roading i wouldnt recommend them, they are strong but idt they would hold up to the weight of the truck rubbing on some rocks.
Hey F150in4x4,

Thanks for the info. Install seems easy enough. Again, think I could put $1000.00 to better use at the moment. Maybe for another phase in the Rhino's Build.
 
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Old Mar 21, 2015 | 09:50 AM
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The price is one of the factors of why I haven't jumped on this.

I like the look of my running boards and I really don't do any off roading that would require any extra ground clearance. I think it would make my Ex look more stream-lined and fancier.

I thought about just taking them off completely, but the girl friend is 5' tall, so watching her get in and out without the running board might not be worth the complaining.

This is actually the one I've been looking at. The link I gave you was a little single step.

Quality AMP Research Powerstep & Truck Running Boards | AMP Research
 
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Old Mar 21, 2015 | 03:42 PM
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Originally Posted by Drunken_Unicorn
The price is one of the factors of why I haven't jumped on this.

I like the look of my running boards and I really don't do any off roading that would require any extra ground clearance. I think it would make my Ex look more stream-lined and fancier.

I thought about just taking them off completely, but the girl friend is 5' tall, so watching her get in and out without the running board might not be worth the complaining.

This is actually the one I've been looking at. The link I gave you was a little single step.

Quality AMP Research Powerstep & Truck Running Boards | AMP Research

I've installed several sets, but none on an EX. They are excellent quality and have excellent customer service / tech service.

I ordered a set at Christmas and last week for 2015 HD Chevrolet and a 1500 ram. Both came with a true plug and play into the obd2 port for its function. This IS VERY VERY NICE for installation. I'm unsure if they offer that for our trucks.

They do offer an obd2 splitter to keep a tuner etc plugged in.

They are the OE manufacturer for GM The loaded tahoes / suburba or Denali / excalade models

We have them on our 07 Denali from the factory. Very nice.

The Amp ones also have a stainless edging you can purchase.
 
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Old Mar 21, 2015 | 05:16 PM
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I couldn't be happier.... Here's a pic of when I first had them installed, sorry the EX was filthy!

Name:  image.jpg
Views: 678
Size:  341.1 KB
 
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Old Mar 21, 2015 | 05:22 PM
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I have AMP Research on both my 2002 Ex and my 2013 Super Duty and think they are great. Also, make the EX and Truck look much better with Cleaner Lines. Unlike the F-150 or GM Vehicles, there is plenty of room for them to tuck up out of the way and totally out of view.
 
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Old Mar 21, 2015 | 06:26 PM
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I'm sold. Just got added to my list.
 
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Old Mar 21, 2015 | 08:20 PM
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I've got factory retractable boards on my F-150 apparently partly designed by AMP. I really love them, but i won't be adding them to my Ex as i like the chrome step bars i added to it. I've found my F-150 gets way more rock chips on the bottom of the doors then any other truck I've seen with normal step bars or running boards.

 
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Old Mar 22, 2015 | 12:37 AM
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Originally Posted by LivingLarge
I couldn't be happier.... Here's a pic of when I first had them installed, sorry the EX was filthy!

Attachment 116515
uhmm, that is a dirty little EX, looks good!
 
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Old Mar 22, 2015 | 01:24 AM
  #12  
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Originally Posted by LivingLarge
I couldn't be happier.... Here's a pic of when I first had them installed, sorry the EX was filthy!

Attachment 116515
Michael, do you have the standard extension arms, or the longer arms for lifted rigs?

Also, would you mind measuring the distance from the top of the step to the bottom of the Excursion body panel?

Thanks!

Stewart
 
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Old Mar 22, 2015 | 02:49 AM
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Originally Posted by Drunken_Unicorn
The price is one of the factors of why I haven't jumped on this.

I like the look of my running boards and I really don't do any off roading that would require any extra ground clearance. I think it would make my Ex look more stream-lined and fancier.

I thought about just taking them off completely, but the girl friend is 5' tall, so watching her get in and out without the running board might not be worth the complaining.

This is actually the one I've been looking at. The link I gave you was a little single step.

Quality AMP Research Powerstep & Truck Running Boards | AMP Research
Hi Drunken_Unicorn,

I'm pretty much in the same boat. I like the idea of them but may have other priorities. My wife would have trouble getting in without the step, so I'll have to keep one of some sort. We'll see...

Originally Posted by A Rodder
I've installed several sets, but none on an EX. They are excellent quality and have excellent customer service / tech service.

I ordered a set at Christmas and last week for 2015 HD Chevrolet and a 1500 ram. Both came with a true plug and play into the obd2 port for its function. This IS VERY VERY NICE for installation. I'm unsure if they offer that for our trucks.

They do offer an obd2 splitter to keep a tuner etc plugged in.

They are the OE manufacturer for GM The loaded tahoes / suburba or Denali / excalade models

We have them on our 07 Denali from the factory. Very nice.

The Amp ones also have a stainless edging you can purchase.
Hey A Rodder!

Thanks for the info. Good stuff.

Originally Posted by LivingLarge
I couldn't be happier.... Here's a pic of when I first had them installed, sorry the EX was filthy!

Attachment 116515
LivingLarge - You really should take better car of your EX!

Originally Posted by greg807
I have AMP Research on both my 2002 Ex and my 2013 Super Duty and think they are great. Also, make the EX and Truck look much better with Cleaner Lines. Unlike the F-150 or GM Vehicles, there is plenty of room for them to tuck up out of the way and totally out of view.
Hey greg807,

I agree I think having them available but tucked away is the best of both worlds!

Originally Posted by Drunken_Unicorn
I'm sold. Just got added to my list.
D_U - I really want them too! Damn it. I can't decide if I should just order them or hold off. Decisions, decisions.

Originally Posted by AlaskanEx
I've got factory retractable boards on my F-150 apparently partly designed by AMP. I really love them, but i won't be adding them to my Ex as i like the chrome step bars i added to it. I've found my F-150 gets way more rock chips on the bottom of the doors then any other truck I've seen with normal step bars or running boards.

Hi AlaskanEx,

I didn't think about rock chips. Something to consider as I'm likely to remove the cladding from my EX this spring.
 
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Old Mar 22, 2015 | 06:25 PM
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Do you think a set of mudguards would solve that issue without looking ridiculous?

EDIT: I just noticed, the picture you posted shows it with mudguards. So I'm going to assume they probably didn't help too much

Originally Posted by AlaskanEx
I've got factory retractable boards on my F-150 apparently partly designed by AMP. I really love them, but i won't be adding them to my Ex as i like the chrome step bars i added to it. I've found my F-150 gets way more rock chips on the bottom of the doors then any other truck I've seen with normal step bars or running boards.

 
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Old Mar 22, 2015 | 08:31 PM
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Originally Posted by Drunken_Unicorn
Do you think a set of mudguards would solve that issue without looking ridiculous?

EDIT: I just noticed, the picture you posted shows it with mudguards. So I'm going to assume they probably didn't help too much


They help for the first 10" or so of the door, but the rest and the rear doors still see a lot of paint damage. I'm debating on adding some length to the front's to see if it would help.
 
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