Running Board/Truck Too High

[rncordy]

We test drove a 2019 Laramie with the OE retractable, wife had no issues getting in. The 2019 Laramie we bought had none, so I'm in the market to get a quality inexpensive set. Many options with aftermarket, just haven't pulled the trigger yet. Just blew "$600.00 on a B&W puck base and hitch, so I have a little time, this will be a good thread to watch.

Thanks

I didn't know there are OE retractable steps! Be sure and let us know when you find any "quality inexpensive" ones!

 

[ScottLewis]

Replace the factory running boards with AMP Power steps. On my 2018 they pretty much split the difference between the ground and the door opening. A bit pricey but once you have them you will never go back to running boards. Both my 06 and my 18 have them and the 08 5500 I sold also got them installed.

Parse the cost over the life of the truck to lessen the shock. Since mine now have over 150K miles, they cost less than 2 cents a mile and have been a blessing since new .

 

[Cummins2014]

I didn't know there are OE retractable steps! Be sure and let us know when you find any "quality inexpensive" ones!

Yes, the Amps run about $1200 plus. Have not seen retractable on the Rams, that would be a nice feature. The new Fords have the retractable steps, they look very similar to the Amps

 

[rncordy]

Right now, based on this thread, if I could find an Amp dealer/installer not too far from me who would give me a trade-in allowance for my brand new OEM steps, I would jump at it! I should be so lucky! I'm still reeling from "sticker shock" and still have a camper shell and bed liner to pay for!

 

[RVTRKN]

https://www.ramtrucks.com/bmo.ram_3...WBL,VL,A67,XAN,MY7,RH1,CS7,UAX,X9,PRV,2ZH,APA

Scroll down to see Power and surf running board option. Rams is $900

 

[RVTRKN]

You need the 8.4 or 12" radio for the power option.

 

[rncordy]

https://www.ramtrucks.com/bmo.ram_3...WBL,VL,A67,XAN,MY7,RH1,CS7,UAX,X9,PRV,2ZH,APA

Scroll down to see Power and surf running board option. Rams is $900

Now if I could only get my dealer to buy back my steps and install the Ram power steps! But I have to have the right radio! I wonder what one I have, can you tell by looking? I'll go look!

 

[lpennock]

Right now, based on this thread, if I could find an Amp dealer/installer not too far from me who would give me a trade-in allowance for my brand new OEM steps, I would jump at it! I should be so lucky! I'm still reeling from "sticker shock" and still have a camper shell and bed liner to pay for!

Just throw the old ones on Craigslist. You should be able to get 25-50 cents on the dollar for them.

 

[rncordy]

Just throw the old ones on Craigslist. You should be able to get 25-50 cents on the dollar for them.

You really know how to hurt a guy!

 

[lpennock]

You really know how to hurt a guy!

I would start asking at .80 of retail if I was doing it. Just don't be surprised if you have to come way down to sell.

 

[rncordy]

I would start asking at .80 of retail if I was doing it. Just don't be surprised if you have to come way down to sell.

Thanks, that's the way I would do it.

Going back to the Mopar electric steps, has anybody seen them, have them, know anything about how good they are, etc. etc.? It would be most awkward if they didn't deploy when one needed to go somewhere. Maybe there is a manual crankdown, like the electric stabilizers on our trailer?

 

[lpennock]

Thanks, that's the way I would do it.

Going back to the Mopar electric steps, has anybody seen them, have them, know anything about how good they are, etc. etc.? It would be most awkward if they didn't deploy when one needed to go somewhere. Maybe there is a manual crankdown, like the electric stabilizers on our trailer?

My 06 had the mopar ones. They had a shorter step length than the AMP and had a RAM head logo on them. Looking at the control module they were just rebranded AMP.

With that said, there is a possibility the current ones are made by Besttop rather than AMP. Besttop sells a set that are listed for the 1500 without air. They don't list anything for the real trucks.

 

[Wiredawg]

Thanks, that's the way I would do it.

Going back to the Mopar electric steps, has anybody seen them, have them, know anything about how good they are, etc. etc.? It would be most awkward if they didn't deploy when one needed to go somewhere. Maybe there is a manual crankdown, like the electric stabilizers on our trailer?

Friend,

The Mopar auto steps are wonderful. Great height from ground, if you park too close to a curb, they retract without damage, you can turn them on or off, and have a nice large step.

We have them on my wifes truck, I really notice how great they are when I go to get in my 2017 5500 with the factory chrome oval steps.

I had ankle fusion surgery 20 weeks ago, and for a while, my wifes truck was the only one of our vehicles I could ride in and early along, the only one I could drive due to the ease of access with the auto steps. I may upgrade the 5500 with them in the future.

Cheers, Ron

 

[rncordy]

Friend,

The Mopar auto steps are wonderful. Great height from ground, if you park too close to a curb, they retract without damage, you can turn them on or off, and have a nice large step.

We have them on my wifes truck, I really notice how great they are when I go to get in my 2017 5500 with the factory chrome oval steps.

I had ankle fusion surgery 20 weeks ago, and for a while, my wifes truck was the only one of our vehicles I could ride in and early along, the only one I could drive due to the ease of access with the auto steps. I may upgrade the 5500 with them in the future.

Cheers, Ron

Ron, your post is helpful, thanks! Today I called our Ram salesperson suggesting that the dealership give me credit for my new Mopar fixed side steps against the cost of a new set of Mopar electric steps. He said, not surprisingly, "no, per dealership policy". But I may call the dealership General Manager to see what he (or she) says. And, then, if necessary, I will start calling AMP dealers to see what kind of a deal I can work out. Of course there are no dealers shown in my immediate area.

 

[Wiredawg]

Ron, your post is helpful, thanks! Today I called our Ram salesperson suggesting that the dealership give me credit for my new Mopar fixed side steps against the cost of a new set of Mopar electric steps. He said, not surprisingly, "no, per dealership policy". But I may call the dealership General Manager to see what he (or she) says. And, then, if necessary, I will start calling AMP dealers to see what kind of a deal I can work out. Of course there are no dealers shown in my immediate area.

May I suggest another option? Ask the dealer what the best price they can give you for a straight purchase installed. They may surprise you. Dealer typically won't take good equipment off a truck once delivery has been taken. My dealer gives me good discounts.

Post them on craigslist and right here.

Good luck.

Ron

 

[rncordy]

May I suggest another option? Ask the dealer what the best price they can give you for a straight purchase installed. They may surprise you. Dealer typically won't take good equipment off a truck once delivery has been taken. My dealer gives me good discounts.

Post them on craigslist and right here.

Good luck.

Ron

Great idea, many thanks! I'll ask that question before I call the GM. The Mopar parts online store provides a pdf for their installation. It looks really involved! Way above my pay grade!

 

[rncordy]

Another update to my saga! I went to the dealer today and asked for the cost of an installed Mopar electric side step/running board. After much head scratching they said the Mopar electric steps are not available as an after sale accessory but can be ordered with a new truck. But the dealer does install Amp steps, $1883 installed (only!). My dealer will not take my Mopar steps as a trade in, period. We are pretty busy for the next couple of weeks so I will continue to ponder this additional "investment".

 

[rncordy]

We test drove a 2019 Laramie with the OE retractable, wife had no issues getting in. The 2019 Laramie we bought had none, so I'm in the market to get a quality inexpensive set. Many options with aftermarket, just haven't pulled the trigger yet. Just blew $600.00 on a B&W puck base and hitch, so I have a little time, this will be a good thread to watch.

Thanks

I was stupid to not anticipate this issue before closing the deal on the new rig. The new truck was supposed to be delivered (from another dealer) without side steps. When it arrived with them, they looked beautiful and the dealer reduced the cost to me so he would not have to take them off. And I took the bait! I suppose if I could get my $$ back for the Mopar steps, I'd go with the Amp steps.

An update. After two unreturned phone calls to the dealership GM, my salesman called asking why I was calling his boss. But of course the salesman knew and somehow got the GM to agree to discount a set of AMP boards by the amount extra I paid for the Mopar steps. AMP installation is scheduled for next Friday. Im starting to get a bit happier. While I was waiting for the GM call, I made a prototype of an auxillary step that rests on top of the Mopar step and under the body, quick and easy to attach and remove. I think it would work and solve problems using ordinary step stools resting on uneven, muddy, and wet surfaces. Here is a picture of the prototype should anyone be interested in building a real one.

 

[AH64ID]

Maybe it's the angle, but those brackets look different than the ones on my '18 Ram steps.

 

[rncordy]

Maybe it's the angle, but those brackets look different than the ones on my '18 Ram steps.

Maybe, I have no clue. What you see is a plastic covering over the steel brackets.