25 Denali 1500 power retract steps

TJL72 · January 16, 2025

On the fence about a truck I found with power steps - heard of issues in winter in Ontario but many success stories as well. Getting a good deal so they work out to be pretty much free and I get truck sooner than ordering....thoughts/experience?

I also like the standard ones on my 22 - keeps things away from doors. Is there a way to have the power boards stay out when parked for same effect?

tonto340 · January 16, 2025

Yes, there is a setting for leaving the steps deployed.

gmissed · January 16, 2025

I live in northern Ontario and so far no problems with the power steps on my Denali

Sierra16Denali · January 16, 2025

1 hour ago, tonto340 said:

Yes, there is a setting for leaving the steps deployed.

How do you do this. I can lock them from coming out, but how do you lock them in the open/deployed position?

Jus Cruisin · January 16, 2025

I've had them on multiple trucks and I've never had an issue. I don't like the looks of pontoons hanging off trucks.

MTY55 · January 17, 2025

Second winter on my 23 Denali not problems. Snowy and salty in WNY

eppieguy · January 17, 2025

If they give you a problem, just take them off.

KinkyDuramax · January 17, 2025

Zero issues using the denali side-steps that come with my truck. If it gets close to like the 0F I still have it coming out. The only time I turn it off, if it's going to be freezing, with ice in the forecast. I do have the dealership lube up the motors here and there just to prevent squeaking.

Glava2876 · January 19, 2025

I live near Syracuse NY and we get a lot of snow and salt.
I have a 2020 Denali that came with the power running boards - love the look when they are in. Last year, with about 38k miles, they started sticking and running slow.

There is a great video on facebook that told how to remove the arms, clean and lube them. Did it and they worked like new again!

TJL72 · February 8, 2025

So I don't mind the steps and they are kinda cool - still getting to using rather than stepping over fixed ones.

Is there a way to have them stay out when parked to keep parked cars further away? I find people park closer to me now without seeing steps out there maybe?

Z45 · February 8, 2025

I am on my 3rd truck with power steps and I NEVER had any issues, NEVER. I live in the vicinity of Houghton Mich which is near Lake Superior in heavy snow belt. If you let other dictate what you buy then you might as well sit home and never go anywhere or buy anything. Current have a 2024 Sierra Denali Reserve with power steps, had a 2017 and 2021 same. PS, I never do anything to them but I do use touch-less car washes when feasible and use the undercarriage spray. But as with any mechanical device, inactivity can be worse then continued use. So every once in a while, push button rear of board to deploy them towards rear when used to access the box.

Do not use a product like WD40 to lube them, its has opposite effect.

As for can the be left in the out position, don't think so. But they can be disabled to not deploy with button on center stack.

Edited February 20, 2025 by Z45

Zebrafive · February 19, 2025

I am used truck shopping. 2022 or newer, crew cab, short box, 4x4. It will most likely be an LTZ or High Country and stock height.

So, I have a few questions. Steps are on my "want" list. I currently have non powered factory 6" wheel to wheel steps on a 2022 High Country. They are 14 1/4" top of the step to ground. Hard to measure, but it looks they stick out about 1" past the break line on the driver's door. These measurements are for reference.

My questions:

1) How high are power steps when deployed from the ground?

2) How far out from the truck are they when deployed?

3) Will they give/flex when used by a big guy, 250lb range?

4) Someone mentioned there is a feature for accessing the front of the box. How does that work? My current steps run wheel to wheel, which I like.

I am just trying to decide if power steps are a "must" have, or "deal breaker" only get fixed steps.

I am still in the "looking phase" (online) and have not gone anywhere to check in person (waiting for better weather). I did go to my local Chevrolet dealer, but they did not have anything in stock with power steps, new or used to look at.

Jus Cruisin · February 19, 2025

4 hours ago, Zebrafive said:

I am used truck shopping. 2022 or newer, crew cab, short box, 4x4. It will most likely be an LTZ or High Country and stock height.

So, I have a few questions. Steps are on my "want" list. I currently have non powered factory 6" wheel to wheel steps on a 2022 High Country. They are 14 1/4" top of the step to ground. Hard to measure, but it looks they stick out about 1" past the break line on the driver's door. These measurements are for reference.

My questions:

1) How high are power steps when deployed from the ground?

2) How far out from the truck are they when deployed?

3) Will they give/flex when used by a big guy, 250lb range?

4) Someone mentioned there is a feature for accessing the front of the box. How does that work? My current steps run wheel to wheel, which I like.

I am just trying to decide if power steps are a "must" have, or "deal breaker" only get fixed steps.

I am still in the "looking phase" (online) and have not gone anywhere to check in person (waiting for better weather). I did go to my local Chevrolet dealer, but they did not have anything in stock with power steps, new or used to look at.

1. Mine are 13" to the top of the step (stock ride height)

2. The entire running board rotates clear of the rocker.

3. You're gonna rock the truck more than the running board. They do move a little for and aft when deployed.

4. There's a button on the rear of the running boards that will deploy and swing to the rear (nearly even with the front of the rear tire. I use that feature every time I wash the truck to wipe off the back window.

Z45 · February 20, 2025

Zebrafive · February 20, 2025

18 hours ago, Jus Cruisin said:

1. Mine are 13" to the top of the step (stock ride height)

2. The entire running board rotates clear of the rocker.

3. You're gonna rock the truck more than the running board. They do move a little for and aft when deployed.

4. There's a button on the rear of the running boards that will deploy and swing to the rear (nearly even with the front of the rear tire. I use that feature every time I wash the truck to wipe off the back window.

Thanks for the reply.

1. Lower will be better

2) Coming out more will also be better. I understand my fixed boards are tucked in to be out of the way, getting out I don't use mine.

3 I don't think the truck rocking will bother me

4 Mine are useless to wash my truck. I use an aluminum platform stool.