Amp Research Smart Series Steps Install

[MO_Bronco]

Hey all, figured I'd post a thread on the install of my Amp Smart Series Steps on my 2023 XLT.

Overall impression of these things is amazing, I love the use of the app for washing and it majorly helped me remedy an issue that was caused by receiving the wrong steps... more on that in a bit.

Install of the steps is extremely straightforward and directions are pretty thorough. It's 99% no drill install and truthfully, I think you could get away without drilling but it is advised per directions. Wiring was perfect length and everything tapped in just right under the dash; truthfully a super nice kit.

So, the hiccup in the whole thing for me was I received steps for the Lightning/Powerboost which bolt up just fine but unfortunately operate in reverse to the coyote/ecoboost trucks. I honestly thought the directions were flawed because they never made mention of the Coyote/Ecoboost trucks but I wrote that off as an error instead of the red flags that it should have raised.

Once I got everything wired up and installed is when I noticed the issue... upon opening the drivers door, the passenger step deployed and vice-versa. I spent a solid 2 hours tracing wires and trying to figure out how I messed something up that installed so easily only to realize there were two separate part numbers...

The good news for me was I got the Smart Series which allowed me to go into the app and switch door signals instead of cutting apart a brand new harness. Minor inconvenience at the time but something that is completely forgotten about day to day.

Here's a video on the full install and some pics/videos of everything.

They're pricey for sure and it's only been about a month but I really love these things.

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[TMicallef]

Great job Joe with the video. Looks super simple. I have a 22' eco and have been thinking about these for mine now that the stance is where I want it. What was the price?

 

[McStabby]

I installed the same ones on my powerboost from Real Truck. After the install, I tried opening the driver door to see the end result. I could hear (what I thought at the time) was the step trying to deploy but wasn't moving. Same with the passenger door. What I was ACTUALLY hearing was the opposite step deploying. I KNEW that I installed correctly because the long wires would only work lengthwise on one side with the unit next to the battery.
I didn't realize you could change the orientation in the app, so I rewired the harness by switching the leads. Worked like a charm and to this day (a few years later), it's still my favorite mod on the truck. I love mine. They've since came out with the led built into the length of the step which would look cool, but I'm still happy with mine and yes, the smart app is nice for deploying for washing purposes. The half hour is plenty of time to do a side at a time.

 

[MO_Bronco]

Great job Joe with the video. Looks super simple. I have a 22' eco and have been thinking about these for mine now that the stance is where I want it. What was the price?

Install was incredibly simple, even with the headache of getting the wrong steps.

Here's the link to the steps from Real Truck, I believe they are about to run their "Steptember" sale in about a week and you can save a couple hundred bucks if you order after the 17th.

List on the smart series is $1,950

Amp Smart Series Steps

 

[MO_Bronco]

I installed the same ones on my powerboost from Real Truck. After the install, I tried opening the driver door to see the end result. I could hear (what I thought at the time) was the step trying to deploy but wasn't moving. Same with the passenger door. What I was ACTUALLY hearing was the opposite step deploying. I KNEW that I installed correctly because the long wires would only work lengthwise on one side with the unit next to the battery.
I didn't realize you could change the orientation in the app, so I rewired the harness by switching the leads. Worked like a charm and to this day (a few years later), it's still my favorite mod on the truck. I love mine. They've since came out with the led built into the length of the step which would look cool, but I'm still happy with mine and yes, the smart app is nice for deploying for washing purposes. The half hour is plenty of time to do a side at a time.

Brutal that you rewired the leads on it. I was literally minutes from chopping up my harness as well until I dove into the app a bit deeper and realized that ability to swap them... boy was that a frustrating couple hours late at night though.

My wife, who's 5', absolutely loves these thing as well as my 3 and 6 year old who can climb in and out of the truck without issues.

They'll be even nicer after I get my ADS Mesa level kit done this weekend or next...

 

[TMicallef]

I installed the same ones on my powerboost from Real Truck. After the install, I tried opening the driver door to see the end result. I could hear (what I thought at the time) was the step trying to deploy but wasn't moving. Same with the passenger door. What I was ACTUALLY hearing was the opposite step deploying. I KNEW that I installed correctly because the long wires would only work lengthwise on one side with the unit next to the battery.
I didn't realize you could change the orientation in the app, so I rewired the harness by switching the leads. Worked like a charm and to this day (a few years later), it's still my favorite mod on the truck. I love mine. They've since came out with the led built into the length of the step which would look cool, but I'm still happy with mine and yes, the smart app is nice for deploying for washing purposes. The half hour is plenty of time to do a side at a time.

My fear (being here in SE MI) is that in time with the salted roads that these motors may begin to act up and not function correctly.

What has been your experience?

 

[McStabby]

My wife, who's 5', absolutely loves these thing as well as my 3 and 6 year old who can climb in and out of the truck without issues.

I absolutely agree. My wife is 5'2" so I know the struggle is real. BTW, it's her favorite mod as well.

My fear (being here in SE MI) is that in time with the salted roads that these motors may begin to act up and not function correctly.

I have had no problems what-so-ever in the winter with my steps. I live in Illinois so I was worried about ice buildup, salt, and all that but they've been a champ. No slowdowns so far. I don't clean them much in the winter either, maybe 2 or 3 times weather permitting at the car wash self clean bays. (not automatic)

 

[MO_Bronco]

My fear (being here in SE MI) is that in time with the salted roads that these motors may begin to act up and not function correctly.

What has been your experience?

Obviously I don't have the experience of winter yet but it's something I will be paying close attn to. I've read that many people recommend oiling the pivots/hinges from time to time and that's something that is definitely on my radar.

Everything I've seen is these are far superior as far as longevity to the OEM power running boards so I'm feeling good about it. The 5 year warranty also gives me a little bit of the warm and fuzzies.

 

[TMicallef]

I absolutely agree. My wife is 5'2" so I know the struggle is real. BTW, it's her favorite mod as well.



I have had no problems what-so-ever in the winter with my steps. I live in Illinois so I was worried about ice buildup, salt, and all that but they've been a champ. No slowdowns so far. I don't clean them much in the winter either, maybe 2 or 3 times weather permitting at the car wash self clean bays. (not automatic)

Obviously I don't have the experience of winter yet but it's something I will be paying close attn to. I've read that many people recommend oiling the pivots/hinges from time to time and that's something that is definitely on my radar.

Everything I've seen is these are far superior as far as longevity to the OEM power running boards so I'm feeling good about it. The 5 year warranty also gives me a little bit of the warm and fuzzies.

Good to here the positive real world review and 5 year warranty. Makes the 2K price tag a little easier to swallow. I was thinking maybe some sort of gasket may help from the factory when you mount the motors or maybe a small bead of silicone would help but I agree some lubrication from time to time couldn't hurt?

 

[F150Fordzilla]

I know they changed the OEM power boards on the new trucks. Although I get they were trying to make them last longer with less problems. But they made them shorter so they don’t extend down as far making the step to the board higher on my stock 2025 than it was on my leveled 2018 w/35’s. Definitely looking to replace the factory ones with something that extends lower. I’ve heard the F250 brackets help but waiting to see what all it entails before going with aftermarket AMP type boards

 

[MO_Bronco]

I know they changed the OEM power boards on the new trucks. Although I get they were trying to make them last longer with less problems. But they made them shorter so they don’t extend down as far making the step to the board higher on my stock 2025 than it was on my leveled 2018 w/35’s. Definitely looking to replace the factory ones with something that extends lower. I’ve heard the F250 brackets help but waiting to see what all it entails before going with aftermarket AMP type boards

I’ll be leveled on 35’s next week and actually think these boards will be better then as they won’t be so low to the ground. It’s almost too low on a totally stock truck if I’m being completely honest. Don’t get me wrong, they’re still nice but not as useful as they will be.

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