Power Step question

cullumj1 · May 18, 2016

Trying to figure out the difference between Amp Research and Bestop... Bestop seems to be wireless which will be nice and is around $400 cheaper. Yall let me know if you have any experience with these two companies

sk · May 18, 2016

When I researched them Bestop did not get very good reviews. And I don't like the wireless part -- you have to mount sensors on your door jambs and eventually replace the batteries and you still need to run wires to draw power from the truck battery. Bestop came up with the idea so that wiring is easier since the original Amps were a huge pain to wire. For your truck just buy the newer Amps with Plug-and-Play and the wiring is simple (it plugs right into your OBDII port). I also recommend the OBD Pass-Thru harness they sell but it is not needed it just allows you to have an open OBDII port after the wiring is installed.

As for me I ended up going with the Amps and couldn't be happier. Back when I did mine I found them on sale and Lund was also offering a mail-in rebate so I got the whole package for around $1000 delivered to my door. I installed them by myself (and I'm very OCD) and the install still only took me about 3 hours including opening the package and cleaning everything up afterwards. They have been installed for a few months now through a northeast winter and I have had no problems. My only complaint is that the LED lights are kind of "purplish" but any 12V LED will do so I just need to swap them out once I find ones I like.

BTW -- Amp has the installation instructions available online if you would like to read through them first. And their Tech Support is amazing, you just give them a call and they'll answer any questions you have.

cullumj1 · May 18, 2016

When I researched them Bestop did not get very good reviews. And I don't like the wireless part -- you have to mount sensors on your door jambs and eventually replace the batteries and you still need to run wires to draw power from the truck battery. Bestop came up with the idea so that wiring is easier since the original Amps were a huge pain to wire. For your truck just buy the newer Amps with Plug-and-Play and the wiring is simple (it plugs right into your OBDII port). I also recommend the OBD Pass-Thru harness they sell but it is not needed it just allows you to have an open OBDII port after the wiring is installed.

As for me I ended up going with the Amps and couldn't be happier. Back when I did mine I found them on sale and Lund was also offering a mail-in rebate so I got the whole package for around $1000 delivered to my door. I installed them by myself (and I'm very OCD) and the install still only took me about 3 hours including opening the package and cleaning everything up afterwards. They have been installed for a few months now through a northeast winter and I have had no problems. My only complaint is that the LED lights are kind of "purplish" but any 12V LED will do so I just need to swap them out once I find ones I like.

BTW -- Amp has the installation instructions available online if you would like to read through them first. And their Tech Support is amazing, you just give them a call and they'll answer any questions you have.

What about using the Edge insight with it??? Will it still work with the pass thru port?

AgDoctor · May 18, 2016

I installed my Amps yesterday and love them! These are my second set on my trucks, and the wife has the factory GM ones in the Tahoe. Pretty simple install, far easier than the originals without the ODBII port.

These/this model fits the gas 2500s and 1500s but not the diesel 2500s by the way.

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Rock1500 · May 19, 2016

I had the amp installed on my truck. I love them. Very sturdy and quiet. You can't go wrong with them.

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cullumj1 · May 19, 2016

what about using the edge with it? anyone have both?

sk · May 19, 2016

What about using the Edge insight with it??? Will it still work with the pass thru port?

I don't have an Edge but if you buy the additional pass-thru cable it gives you an open port so I don't see why it wouldn't still work. You could call Amp Tech Support and ask them how the port works ...

geswek · May 19, 2016

I'm installing mine this weekend. Any chance one of you can snap photos of your mounts? I think I understand the front but just want to be certain. I believe you thread the bolt through the hole which already has a welded nut on it. Then you place idler arm over top of that bolt and put a nut on top of it to hold it?

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quadfather · May 19, 2016

If you buy the pass-thru cable, save $$ bypassing on the Amp one and get this: http://www.amazon.com/Diageng-Right-Angle-Splitter-Female/dp/B00EEDOWU8/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1463691040&sr=1-1&keywords=diageng+right+angle+obd+ii+2+y+splitter

AgDoctor · May 19, 2016

On the front mine had a hole but no threaded nut, so I used the ones supplied. Just tighten the horizontal bolt first and then tighten vertical. Also don't forget to mount the motors to the rear bracket before installation. I didn't do it because I didn't read the directions close enough, but j could still add them after without removal, but it would have been easier before. I also would rec that you heat shrink the electrical and tape it, with it under the body and constantly exposed to environmental conditions.

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geswek · May 19, 2016

On the front mine had a hole but no threaded nut, so I used the ones supplied. Just tighten the horizontal bolt first and then tighten vertical. Also don't forget to mount the motors to the rear bracket before installation. I didn't do it because I didn't read the directions close enough, but j could still add them after without removal, but it would have been easier before. I also would rec that you heat shrink the electrical and tape it, with it under the body and constantly exposed to environmental conditions.

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I have the plug and play version. I plan to solder and heat shrink any connectors that are necessary. I haven't busted box open yet but I assume the whole harness is wrapped in wire loom for protection? I would think so since the darn things cost $1209 bucks LOL.

geswek · May 21, 2016

Well that's not good.

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AgDoctor · May 21, 2016

Well that's not good.

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Wow you are strong! I used a regular small Allen wrench. It's probably ok though!

geswek · May 22, 2016

Wow you are strong! I used a regular small Allen wrench. It's probably ok though!

I actually used a hex socket and torque wrench; did 16in. as they called for.

That one was only bolt that cracked casing--rest are fine.

I went ahead and mounted the steps. I'll call Amp Monday and see what can be done or if I got to be concerned. It doesn't bear any weight so I can't see how it'll be affected.

I LOVE my steps--these things are BADASS!

sk · May 23, 2016

The same thing happened to one of mine but the instructions say in big letters DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN BOLTS so I didn't bother to argue with them. Mine didn't crack as much as yours so I used some superglue and re-installed everything. The steps have been opened and closed thousands of times since that and I haven't had any problems yet.

I will still follow this post to see how you make out ...