Pwr Retractable Assist Steps

[sbhva]

I am considering getting a Denali with the power steps. I think they will give me a little more clearance off road when they are folded up and out of the way. Is there any downside to these? I'm thinking of Wisconsin winters - could snow and ice build up be a problem?

Your real world experiences would be appreciated.

 

[KMeloney]

Some problems (which may or may not be problems to you):

1. When tucked in, the front and rear edges can be rubbing points on larger wheels, as they protrude toward the wheel wells more so than the fixed ones.

2. If tucked in while driving, you won't get the road rash protection like the fixed ones provide.

3. If a motor goes, your step will be stuck in either an open or closed position until fixed (and then there's the down time and cost associated with the repair).

4. Based on the fact that most of the ones I've ever seen for sale on eBay have dings in the chrome, I'd say that the chrome strip on the retractable ones is in a bad spot (and I don't know how replaceable they are).

Food for thought.

 

[zach2011]

I think they are a great addition. They are not close enough to the wheels to do any rubbing, considering the wheels are 22" or smaller. They are wider than the fixed ones and sit lower to the ground when extended for an easier reach. It is really helpful for small kids.

A fixed set is just fine, but the power-retractable ones are a neat addition. You can always remove the power ones and add fixed ones without trading the vehicle, but you cannot add the OEM power steps to a vehicle that did not come with them.

 

[KMeloney]

They are wider than the fixed ones

I'm not sure that this is true...

 

[zach2011]

Trust me, they are wider. We have both kinds and after comparing the two they definitely are a little wider.

 

[KMeloney]

Trust me, they are wider. We have both kinds and after comparing the two they definitely are a little wider.

I thought you had both... Are the steps, themselves, wider? Or, do they stick out further when extended?

 

[zach2011]

The step pad really does look wider. I don't think they stick out much farther when extended though, I do know they sit lower.

The difference is small so it's nothing to worry about, there are always going to be pro's/con's to each choice.

 

[NJ Denali]

1) They make for easy in/out because of the pad height and width.
2) Your friends will think they're cool.
3) A good car was has them confused for a couple of days...sometimes.

 

[ILSMKU]

I think they are a great addition. They are not close enough to the wheels to do any rubbing, considering the wheels are 22" or smaller. They are wider than the fixed ones and sit lower to the ground when extended for an easier reach. It is really helpful for small kids.

A fixed set is just fine, but the power-retractable ones are a neat addition. You can always remove the power ones and add fixed ones without trading the vehicle, but you cannot add the OEM power steps to a vehicle that did not come with them.

Is this still true? Im about to go buy a Tahoe LTZ 4x4 with no Power-retractable assist steps and the dealer told me I COULD have them added after I bought the car for 1500 bucks? Which is from that Im told 500 more than it comming on the truck from the factory due to the install time.

Can you confirm this?


Thanks!

 

[THE YETI]

I'm going to bet that if a dealership says they can do it, then there is your answer. Installing them can't be that hard for a dealer. It's a new panel under the AC controls, new running boards, and reprogramming the BCM.

Unless the dealer is using an aftermarket powerstep (like AMP), then different story.

$1500 installed is a deal tho! It's a $2000 option if I remember correctly.