What an AMP Research electric step is and why you might install one
An AMP Research electric step is a motorized running board that extends outward and downward when you open your truck or SUV door, then retracts when you close it. The step makes it easier to climb into a higher vehicle, especially useful if you have mobility concerns, are shorter in stature, or straightforward prefer not to strain your knees and hips every time you get in. The motor runs on your vehicle's battery and is controlled by a switch inside the cab.
In Durango, where many people drive trucks and SUVs suited to mountain terrain, an electric step is a practical addition. The step also retracts fully when not in use, so it does not drag on rough roads or get damaged by snow and ice during winter months.
Key Takeaways
- AMP Research electric steps require professional installation because they connect to your vehicle's electrical system and must be mounted securely to the frame.
- Installation typically takes four to six hours and costs between $800 and $1,500 in labor, depending on your vehicle model and the shop's rates.
- You can purchase the step itself from retailers like Amazon, RealTruck, or Walmart, or have a local shop order it for you before installation.
- Durango has several truck accessory shops and independent mechanics who perform this work; calling ahead to confirm they have done AMP Research steps on your specific vehicle model saves time.
- After installation, test the step in a safe location to confirm it extends and retracts smoothly, and check the connection periodically during winter to prevent ice buildup.
Where to buy the AMP Research step in or near Durango
You have two main routes: buy the step yourself and bring it to an installer, or have an installer order it for you. Buying it yourself often costs less because you avoid the shop's markup, but you need to know your exact vehicle year, make, model, and cab style (crew cab, extended cab, or regular cab) before ordering. AMP Research makes different steps for different vehicles, and ordering the wrong one wastes time and money.
Online retailers like Amazon, RealTruck, and Walmart carry AMP Research steps and ship to Durango. Prices typically range from $400 to $700 for the step itself, depending on your vehicle. Local auto parts stores in Durango, such as AutoZone or O'Reilly Auto Parts, may stock them or order them within a few days. If you choose to have a shop order it, expect to pay a markup of $100 to $200 over the retail price, but the shop handles the ordering and confirms the correct part before you arrive.
Finding a shop in Durango that installs AMP Research steps
Truck accessory shops are your best bet because they install running boards and steps regularly and have the right tools and electrical informed. In Durango, shops that specialize in truck and SUV accessories include local businesses that advertise online or in the phone directory. Call ahead and ask whether they have installed AMP Research steps on your specific vehicle model before. This matters because some vehicles require custom wiring or frame modifications, and a shop familiar with your truck will give you an accurate timeline and price.
Independent mechanics and some dealerships also perform this work, though dealerships typically charge more in labor. When you call, ask for a quote that includes labor only (if you are bringing the step) or labor plus the part (if they are ordering it). Most shops can tell you over the phone whether they have availability in the next week or two, and whether they need you to drop the vehicle off or if you can wait while they work.
What the installation process involves
Installation begins with the shop removing the existing rocker panel trim and any skid plates or undercarriage protection on the side where the step will mount. The technician then bolts the step bracket to the vehicle's frame at multiple points to may support it can support your weight safely. This is not a surface-level attachment; it requires drilling into the frame and using grade-8 bolts.
Next, the shop runs electrical wiring from the step's motor to your vehicle's battery and to the door switches that trigger the step to extend and retract. This wiring must be routed through the door jamb and along the frame, then connected to a relay and fuse box so the step does not drain your battery when the vehicle is off. The technician tests the step multiple times during installation to confirm it extends fully, retracts fully, and stops at the right positions.
Finally, the shop reinstalls trim pieces and tests the step again with the doors open and closed, the engine running and off, and from both sides of the vehicle if you installed steps on both sides. The whole process usually takes four to six hours, depending on your vehicle's design and whether any complications arise during wiring.
Cost breakdown for installation in Durango
Labor costs in Durango typically range from $400 to $800 for a single step, or $600 to $1,200 for both sides. The variation depends on your vehicle's complexity, the shop's hourly rate (usually $75 to $150 per hour in the Durango area), and whether any custom work is needed. If you bring the step yourself, you pay only labor. If the shop orders it, add the retail price of the step plus their markup.
Some shops charge a flat rate for AMP Research steps on common vehicles like Ford F-150s or Chevrolet Silverados, which can be cheaper than hourly labor if the job runs long. Ask whether the shop offers a warranty on the installation labor, and whether the AMP Research step itself comes with a manufacturer's warranty (most do, covering defects for one to three years).
Preparing your vehicle and what to expect after installation
Before you take your vehicle to the shop, wash the underside of the rocker panels so the technician can see the frame clearly and work more efficiently. Bring your vehicle keys and any documentation about previous modifications or electrical work, in case the technician needs to know about existing wiring.
After installation, test the step in a parking lot or quiet street before driving normally. Extend and retract it several times with the engine running and off, and listen for any grinding or unusual sounds. In Durango's winter, check the step periodically to make sure snow and ice do not build up in the mechanism; a light spray of water-repellent lubricant in fall can help prevent this. If the step ever fails to retract fully or moves slowly, have the shop inspect the wiring and motor connections, as corrosion or a loose battery terminal can cause these problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install an AMP Research step myself?
It is possible if you have electrical knowledge and the right tools, but most people should have a professional do it. The step must be bolted securely to the frame, and the wiring must be properly fused and routed so it does not short or drain your battery. A mistake in either area can damage your vehicle or create a safety hazard.
How long does the battery last if I use the step every day?
The step draws power only when it is extending or retracting, which takes a few seconds. Daily use has minimal impact on battery life. If you leave the step extended or retracted without the engine running for hours, it can drain the battery, but normal use does not cause this problem.
Will the step work in snow and ice?
Yes, but snow and ice can accumulate in the mechanism and prevent it from retracting fully. Brush off heavy snow before using the step, and consider explore a water-repellent lubricant to the moving parts in fall. If ice builds up, do not force the step; let it warm up or gently spray it with warm water.
What if my vehicle is still under warranty?
Adding aftermarket parts like an electric step does not automatically void your warranty, but it may affect coverage for related systems like the electrical or frame components. Ask your dealership whether the installation will affect your warranty before you proceed, and keep all installation documentation in case a warranty claim comes up later.
Can I install steps on both sides of my truck?
Yes, most shops can install AMP Research steps on both the driver and passenger sides. This costs more in parts and labor, but both steps operate independently and extend or retract when their respective doors open or close. Ask the shop for a quote on both sides when you call.