Spotlight: AMP Research PowerStep Vision

Modern pickup trucks are a far cry from the barebones work trucks of the past. These days, they come loaded with all the creature comforts and tech needed to not just drive to the job site, but to be a daily driver, if not a family car. Even with all the niceties installed from the factory, some things are still missing on many pickups. Like electric running boards.

By automatically deploying when the doors open and retracting when closed, these running boards make it easier to get in and out, while simultaneously maintaining ground clearance when moving. With how many trucks don’t come with them installed, RealTruck stepped in with the AMP Research PowerStep, the self-proclaimed original electric running boards. But even that wasn’t enough, and the company upped the ante with the new AMP Research PowerStep Vision.

Set to hit the shelves in mid-June, the PowerStep Vision steps it up a notch by adding LED illumination and smartphone control to the running boards. While the manufacturer recommends professional installation, they provide step-by-step instructions for more mechanically inclined buyers who are a little more DIY.

After watching the install video myself, it looks pretty straightforward except for some of the electrical bits. Touted as being plug-and-play, the included wiring harness and OBD-II module do most of the heavy lifting, though there is a bit of hardwiring involved in getting these steps connected under the dash.

Once everything’s wired up and working right, the steps will automatically deploy when the door is opened and the integrated LED glow strip should illuminate along its length, lighting up the ground and improving visibility. After the initial illumination, the light dims and stays on to act as running illumination on both sides of the truck once they retract.

Arguably the coolest feature of the PowerStep Vision is that the lights can be customized and controlled via the AMP Research SmartSeries app. Using the app, the LED color can be changed to match the vibes of the driver and create the perfect ambiance. It also provides status on whether the doors are opened or closed, if the steps are deployed, and what condition the step motors are in.

It seems like everything can be controlled with a smartphone these days, so it’s no surprise that something like this has hit the market, and I must admit it’s pretty neat. Having accent lights along the sides of the truck while it goes down the road gives strong Tron vibes, but as long as they just stay on the running boards instead of every line and contour on the body, it’ll all be okay.

As cool as they are, the $1,999.99 price tag creates a bit of a barrier to entry, especially since light-up powered running boards aren’t exactly a necessity for most of us. At least they’re sold as a pair!

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