Besttop Powerstep?

[PaulR]

http://www.bestoppowerstep.com/index.php?load=home

 

Anyone familiar with these? From my Jeep days, I know that Bestop makes pretty good accessories.

 

I absolutely detest running boards, but my wife's been doing some complaining. Normally, I'd brush it off, but being the fact that she's pregnant (and we've already got two kids), I can see the issue and can sympathize. If we're all going together, we're usually in the Tahoe where the kid seats already are, so this isn't a daily problem.

 

But I just wanted to see if anyone had any experience with them. They're expensive (looks like about $1300 or so) and I hate running boards, but if someone put a gun to my head and told me that I had to put some on, these look as good of a solution as any.

 

So anyone had any experience with these? A websearch only turns up product listings, so I assume they're fairly new.

[PaulR]

Anyone have any input on these, or other retractable steps?

[USA1Fan]

They're pretty similar to the factory-optional power steps on the new 07 SUVs and Avalanche. (Dunno if the trucks have the option or not)

 

The only complaint from the one or two owners that've posted about theirs is related to the way GM has the factory steps set up. Basically, to wash them, you have to have a door open. If all the doors are closed, the steps retract. I have no clue what the wiring / trigger mechanism for the Besttop / AMP Research mechanism is like. If the factory option owners could have one thing, it'd be a switch to extend them for cleaning. Otherwise they seem to love the actual operation of them, evidently including not only the fact that they "hide" under the truck, but that they're durable and handle weight fine.

 

Personally, I like these steps. But with the new front end design of all the 900s hanging so low to the ground, the vehicles look odd without something visually tying the sides to the lowered front. Almost reminds me of steam trains and the "cow-catcher" look. The black plastic steps that come with the SUVs fills the bill better for appearances IMO. Depending on what model year you're considering for these they might look better though (my 04 Silverado Z-71 would've probably looked great!).

[PaulR]

Thanks for the input.

 

I have an '07 NBS and I know what you mean about the big front end. I know it's due to the new regulations as far as impacts with smaller vehicles, but it does affect the look.

[2003yukonxl2500]

I have the power running boards on my 07 Tahoe and love them. I also detest running boards but have two small children who need them to get into the truck. The power boards look much better in my opinion and can be switched off if you dont want to use them at all.

 

To clean them, you just have to crack a door (not a big deal). They also come out farther than the stationary ones, making them more useful when extended.

 

Jeff

[cchupek]

I was wondering if the factory running boards could be put on a NBS crew cab?? The factory one looks great with the chrome edge. It looks like a neat trim addition to the rocker panel. I have not measured the length of the boards on a Tahoe against the length of the bottom of the cab on the truck to know if it would be a match fit.