Running Boards vs Electric Steps??

[2011Tahoe]

Hey guys, In the possible near future my wife would like the electric steps be installed on the Tahoe.
I love the function but without the running boards or steps, is it going to appear, that it's not as low.

Maybe look like it has too much clearance?

I am unsure on if I would want to do the E-steps or Denali running boards with chrome trim?

Also would you do the Factory GM ones, or AMP Research? I know AMP has been around forever.

If anyone has any pictures of either that would be awesome, Please post. THANKS in advance!!

 

[soulsea]

I believe that adding the oem ones if not installed at the factory is a monumental pita.

The AMP one are almost identical and my understanding is that they are a lot easier to add ... although I'm not sure if they will be as perfect a fit as the oem ones. They might I just dunno.

Also it depends if you want the ones with the stainless steel strip in them ... I don't believe AMP makes that version.

But I don't think it will make the truck seem higher ... they are about the same height as regular boards and taller than the street scene side skirts many install on their lowered rides. They definitely give a lowered truck cleaner lines.

 

[abright52]

The OEM steps and AMP are one in the same:

http://www.amp-research.com/products/oem-products/

You can get the Stainless Trim from AMP:

http://www.amp-research.com/2011/trim-outshines/#more-5648

The benefit to AMP is that it is designed to fit on a vehicle that didn't have them, whereas the OEM are integrated by GM. That means you get all instructions and wiring with the kit.

 

[soulsea]

That is incorrect ... they actually are NOT one and the same, they just look similar ... I've actually contacted both AMP (who told me they don't make them for GM) and then I spoke to the company (forgot the name) that makes the GM ones.

But yeah, the AMP ones are the way to go if one doesn't have the oem ones from factory.

---------- Post added at 05:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:36 PM ----------

If you look at the pic in the link you posted the ss trim is curved at the angle of the boards.

The oem ones have a flat ss trim underneath:

 

[abright52]

AMP holds the patent on the design...perhaps they are allowing a third party to manufacture for the OEMs. Would probably make sense since it would require custom wiring harnesses.

 

[soulsea]

Adam, the design is different.

 

[sumo]

That is incorrect ... they actually are NOT one and the same, they just look similar ... I've actually contacted both AMP (who told me they don't make them for GM) and then I spoke to the company (forgot the name) that makes the GM ones.

But yeah, the AMP ones are the way to go if one doesn't have the oem ones from factory.

---------- Post added at 05:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:36 PM ----------

If you look at the pic in the link you posted the ss trim is curved at the angle of the boards.

The oem ones have a flat ss trim underneath:

Is it Bestop your thinking of?

 

[soulsea]

Is it Bestop your thinking of?

I'm not sure sumo.

I had this conversation with GM, AMP, and eventually the actual manufacturer of the oem power steps when I was looking to modify mine. I was sure I did a thread about it but I can't find it now. The info might be buried in my denali mods thread.

 

[hbr]

TONS of issues trying to retrofit an OEM set on a truck that didn't have them originally.

 

[KMeloney]

Also, keep in mind that if larger wheels are in your future, the retractable steps, in the retracted position, will cause more tire interference than the factory fixed steps.

I agree with Serge that the lines look cleaner with the retractable steps, but I think the truck looks lower with fixed steps, since they extend outward and pull that bottom edge downward, visually.