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Any fellow members here installed and usingRetractable Bed Side Steps (i.e. such as the Ford Accessory or AMP Research aftermarket BedStep 2 on their 2018-2019 model SD truck(s)? I'm considering the benefit of adding retractable side steps but first want to gain a sense for how well these actually work and hold up with repeated use. The ease of installation as well as overall appearance of them is also a factor.
If Yes, which brand of retractable side step(s) are you using (Manufacturer name) and are/were they a "direct" bolt-on or did they require drilling either into the truck frame or bed substructure to install them? Also, if you can, please provide photos of the side steps in both the open & closed positions that too would be appreciated.
When I purchased my truck last fall, the dealer salesman told me that the Ford factory fold-up steps were junk and they were constantly having to replace them. He also stated that they are very fragile and would fail due to mud etc. He recommended against purchase of these.
I have the Amp Research side step on my F-350. It serves the purpose it is intended for and tucks away nicely when not in use. It is a sturdy unit as it supports my fat azz whenever i have the need to reach or climb over the side. Some members have posted favorable reviews on the Amp bed step that mounts at the rear corner also. I did not install mine so I cant help you there. The pic of the step retracted isn't a close up but it's the only one I could find.
I have the AMP bed step 2 on my 2018 f 350. Both sides. I don’t have any pics but they are well built and sturdy. Relatively easy to install, the first one took about 40 minutes and the second one about half that due to the learning curve on the first one. No drilling on the frame but if I remember correctly there was one hole needed drilling on one of the vertical box supports. Easy to do. Sorry, don’t have any pictures.
I have the Amp Research side step on my F-350. It serves the purpose it is intended for and tucks away nicely when not in use. It is a sturdy unit as it supports my fat azz whenever i have the need to reach or climb over the side. Some members have posted favorable reviews on the Amp bed step that mounts at the rear corner also. I did not install mine so I cant help you there. The pic of the step retracted isn't a close up but it's the only one I could find.
I like the idea of that step. I have a brand new F350. I went with the Magnum RT Steps on it a few weeks ago. Then I realized with my 35" Tires, and 2" taller sides on my Bed (versus my Dodge), I can't reach over the top for anything. Do those steps tuck away completely out of sight? Do you have any photos of them tucked up underneath?
In the top photo you can see the step tucked in right in front of the left rear wheel. They are no more noticeable than the retractable boards on the truck. I will take a close up tomorrow. Your truck looks really great.
In the top photo you can see the step tucked in right in front of the left rear wheel. They are no more noticeable than the retractable boards on the truck. I will take a close up tomorrow. Your truck looks really great.
Thanks so much for the compliment. I've had it for about a month and a half. It's been fun fixing it up and getting it to where I want it. It goes in next week for a set of 7,500 lb air bags w/ a remote control. I've owned a 2005 Dodge 2500 Cummins Diesel for over 14 years and sold it to my son in law at a great price. It only had 61K miles on it. I'm excited to be in this Ford F350 though. The ride and power is amazing. My wife asked me the other day what happened to that new Ford we drove home from the dealership a month ago ... lol.
Thanks for posting the pic of the step when you get to it. I really like the idea. I tow a big Voltage Toy Hauler, and usually put a gas can or two (or a chainsaw) in the back of my truck. A step would come in handy for sure.
In the top photo you can see the step tucked in right in front of the left rear wheel. They are no more noticeable than the retractable boards on the truck. I will take a close up tomorrow. Your truck looks really great.
I wish Amp could figure out a way to tuck the same as the retractable boards. I would get a set in a heartbeat then. I just don't like the way they stick down a touch. Maybe without the retractable boards I wouldn't notice it..
What’s the best deal people have found on these. I have a bunch of tools and equipment that I frequesntly can’t reach. I always open the rear door and stand on the retractable running board and lean like crazy to reach. I know one day, my jacket zipper is going to leave a nice long scratch in the paint. The best deal I can find online is about 700CAD for a set. I find that pretty steep for some steps.
I'm interested in this as well but I have a long bed and primarily need it on the drivers side to reach the handle for my 5th wheel coupler.
I think it may be too far forward on a long bed.
I bought my 2019 used and it didn't have a the tailgate step. Not a problem at the time of purchase, until the first time I use the truck as a truck and the tailgate is too darn high! I went with a Bestop foldable step. It was cheaper than the AMP and it works just fine. I have thought of putting one on the drivers side front corner of the bed and wouldn't hesitate buying another Bestop.
Not on a Superduty (until tomorrow hopefully!) but I have had the OEM Ford retractable on my F150 for 6 years and they have been great. They came on the truck and I thought I'd never use them. I ended up using them all the time! 210 lbs and not one creek out of them. The only issue I have seen is when it's really cold or when I haven't used them in a while they may stick closed. Just a little "boost" with the foot and that's it.
Installed Amp step on both sides today. Thought I would share some pics from different angles so anyone interested can see.
Thanks to user 23Mikey for sending me a PM and offering me such a good deal on his used one. (1 new, 1 barely used) It was nice not having to remortgage the house to purchase both steps. Lol
