Retractable Bed Step

ColesRAM · Jul 14, 2022

I’m thinking of getting a retractable bed step for my, new to me, 2020 RAM 1500DT. I‘ve researched on the forum and found lots of good info, but still have a question. I’ve got a budget and the AMP steps are beyond it. I’ve seems a number of retractable steps on Amazon that all look alike in the $160-$180 range . An example below (sorry for the long link) Does anyone have experience with these type of Units?
If so, are they any good? I would rather have something like this then a small step ladder . Asking for opinions.
As I get older I must be getting shorter or the trucks taller. Thanks.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/slredirect/picassoRedirect.html/ref=pa_sp_atf_aps_sr_pg1_1?ie=UTF8&adId=A0234983FW371WUGHRLI&url=%2FGSTP-Retractable-Compatible-2019-2021-Vehicles%2Fdp%2FB09TZS6ZZV%2Fref%3Dsr_1_4_sspa%3Fcrid%3D18KH4PXVWIWI2%26keywords%3D2020%2Bram%2B1500%2Blaramie%2Bretractable%2Bbed%2Bstep%26qid%3D1657789246%26replacementKeywords%3Dram%2Blaramie%2Bretractable%2Bbed%2Bstep%26sprefix%3D%252Caps%252C295%26sr%3D8-4-spons%26vehicle%3D2020-1168-16227------------%26vehicleName%3D2020%2BRam%2B1500%26psc%3D1&qualifier=1657789246&id=2707179680309944&widgetName=sp_atf

Wanted33 · Jul 14, 2022

I just ordered one of those myself. I figured no more than I'll use it, it should be fine. I know they are made in China (like most everything else), but like you $350-$400 is too much in my mind. BTW, you can get them cheaper on Ebay. I bought one for 120 bucks. They have different brand names, but they're all the same, made in China.

BTW, you're not wrong. As I've gotten more mature trucks have gotten taller.

Rear Bed Step for 2019-2022 Ram 1500 DT New Body Style Dual Exhaust Vehicle | eBay

2019-2021 Ram 1500 DT (New Body Style). Comptability Vehicle.

www.ebay.com

ColesRAM · Jul 14, 2022

Thanks, I’ll check that out. They all do look alike, though…..

John Jensen · Jul 14, 2022

I have the AMP step on both of my Rams, wouldn't be without it.

Those Chinese knockoffs look the same, if they are as strong as the AMP that's a good deal.

Like you all have said, at 88 I can no longer afford to fall so quality and strength are important. Those knockoffs were not on the market when I bought the AMPs. If they were I too would seriously consider them.

ColesRAM · Jul 14, 2022

Like some of us here, I’m (at 74) not as young as I once was. I’m still recovering from shoulder surgery but I don’t think I’ll have any issues with this project (I’ve a son and two SIL on standby JIC). My main concern is the quality of these lower cost units. I like the AMP unit but the cost is prohibitive. These lower cost units are in my budget range and if they are as good (my RAM is not a work truck, it’s my “fun” truck according to my love wife), then it’ll be good to go. That’s why I’m asking for opinions here from the experts. Thanks

Wanted33 · Jul 14, 2022

ColesRAM said:
Thanks, I’ll check that out. They all do look alike, though…..

Mine arrived today, and I was surprised at the quality. The welds were smooth, and the powder coat was applied well. It's got all the hardware, and ready to be installed.............if I only had my Ram.

BTW, have all of your boys on standby for the install. It's got a bit of weight to it, you have to bend in places that, if you are like me, don't bend anymore, and it's like a game of Tetrus to move in into place. And you have to do it all while laying on your back.

There are some videos on YouTube showing how to install the thing. It's not difficult, but you may want them youngin's to do it while you supervise.

CrasherAsher · Jul 14, 2022

I know this a bit off topic, in addition to a step i am also looking into putting a small hoist in bed, a little crane to help me get heavy/large object in. i love to go camping and do outdoors stuff. but loading ice chest, generators, and whatever else by myself just is not happening. i have been doing some research on my own Harbor Freight
has a little hoist. https://www.harborfreight.com/12-to...-bed-crane-60732.html?_br_psugg_q=truck+hoist But I think i can find better out there maybe even go fancy and find an electric one. If you guys have come across anything better or have any other ideas how to go about it please let me know.

ColesRAM · Jul 14, 2022

I’ve been watching those yt videos, and you’re right - it’s not hard or even tricky to install - for a young guy. On my back looking up at the underside of the truck is not a problem - it’s the getting there and back up again that can be problematic. I think I’m going to order the one off of eBay. The price is right and, based on comments here, the quality seems good. It may get here by the weekend and if it does, the boys will be here at the homestead for a family cookout. They may need to get their hands dirty to earn that ‘burger and beer. I can supervise with the best of ‘em.

ColesRAM · Jul 14, 2022

CrasherAsher said:
I know this a bit off topic, in addition to a step i am also looking into putting a small hoist in bed, a little crane to help me get heavy/large object in. i love to go camping and do outdoors stuff. but loading ice chest, generators, and whatever else by myself just is not happening. i have been doing some research on my own Harbor Freight
has a little hoist. https://www.harborfreight.com/12-to...-bed-crane-60732.html?_br_psugg_q=truck+hoist But I think i can find better out there maybe even go fancy and find an electric one. If you guys have come across anything better or have any other ideas how to go about it please let me know.

I like it! That is neat…..

stevenP · Jul 24, 2022

I have one on my 3500 for some time now. The only thing I can say for sure its great getting into the bed. Very handy to have it. But when trying to exit, it is very hard to put your foot on that small step when trying to get down without missing it or slipping off.

ColesRAM · Aug 3, 2022

Well, I got my step off of eBay - $120 shipped. It arrived last week, I installed it this pass weekend. The quality of the unit looked good - welds were even, and smooth, no voids. It’s heavy too. Installing was easy. The toughest part was the electrical connector for the rear electrical system. Couldn’t get the connector apart, so I popped the plastic anchors and pulled the connector and wire bundle out of the way so I could get the base plate up against the frame. Busted a knuckle when a socket slipped while I was torquing one of the bolts. Boy, did that hurt! The unit fit and function are good. It’ll take my 180 lbs without issue. I think these are the same as the AMP units but w/o the brand name packaging. Very pleased with it.

mb33458 · Aug 3, 2022

The one listed on ebay says it's for a dual exhaust vehicle. Do you know if it will fit a single exhaust V6?

Wanted33 · Aug 3, 2022

mb33458 said:
The one listed on ebay says it's for a dual exhaust vehicle. Do you know if it will fit a single exhaust V6?

It should be fine. I wouldn't think the chassic would be any different. Heck, I can't even see way they market it for the dual exhaust vehicles. Maybe look at the attachment plate on the step, and eye ball the attachment point on the truck.

I will say, if it fits your truck you won't have to fight the exhaust pipe trying to manuver the step over, and around it.

Wanted33 · Aug 3, 2022

ColesRAM said:
Well, I got my step off of eBay - $120 shipped. It arrived last week, I installed it this pass weekend. The quality of the unit looked good - welds were even, and smooth, no voids. It’s heavy too. Installing was easy. The toughest part was the electrical connector for the rear electrical system. Couldn’t get the connector apart, so I popped the plastic anchors and pulled the connector and wire bundle out of the way so I could get the base plate up against the frame. Busted a knuckle when a socket slipped while I was torquing one of the bolts. Boy, did that hurt! The unit fit and function are good. It’ll take my 180 lbs without issue. I think these are the same as the AMP units but w/o the brand name packaging. Very pleased with it.

Happy to hear all went well brother. I did develop some new deleted expletives when trying to disconnect the wiring harness, and finding the hole for that dang pin on the backing plate of the step.

ColesRAM · Aug 3, 2022

That anchor hole in the beam worked just great……once you got the post of the step base plate lined up and inserted. That was a job in itself. That did make the job easier, once it was connected.

mb33458 · Aug 6, 2022

Wanted33 said:
It should be fine. I wouldn't think the chassic would be any different. Heck, I can't even see way they market it for the dual exhaust vehicles. Maybe look at the attachment plate on the step, and eye ball the attachment point on the truck.

I will say, if it fits your truck you won't have to fight the exhaust pipe trying to manuver the step over, and around it.

I contacted the seller on ebay, not much detail but they said it only fits the dual exhaust. Not sure what the difference is between the single and dual exhaust?

Wanted33 · Aug 7, 2022

mb33458 said:
I contacted the seller on ebay, not much detail but they said it only fits the dual exhaust. Not sure what the difference is between the single and dual exhaust?

Ummm, I don't either. I did a little checking. This is the original Mopar step, but the cheaper ones are the same. It doesn't say anything about the exhaust making a difference. You probably talked with someone that was taught to read from a list of answers, and doesn't even know what a Ram 1500 DT looks like.

I checked to see if this one would fit a '21, but it shows it will fit all DT's.. The search didn't ask what exhaust the truck had.

Genuine Mopar Bed Step - 82215289AH | All Mopar Parts

Shop Genuine Mopar Bed Step - 82215289AH online. Choose All Mopar Parts for its affordable Mopar parts & save $60.72. Shop now!

www.allmoparparts.com

mb33458 · Aug 7, 2022

Wanted33 said:
Ummm, I don't either. I did a little checking. This is the original Mopar step, but the cheaper ones are the same. It doesn't say anything about the exhaust making a difference. You probably talked with someone that was taught to read from a list of answers, and doesn't even know what a Ram 1500 DT looks like.

I checked to see if this one would fit a '21, but it shows it will fit all DT's.. The search didn't ask what exhaust the truck had.

Genuine Mopar Bed Step - 82215289AH | All Mopar Parts

Shop Genuine Mopar Bed Step - 82215289AH online. Choose All Mopar Parts for its affordable Mopar parts & save $60.72. Shop now!

www.allmoparparts.com

Thank you for taking the time to research this. I agree that it is likely the exhaust is relevant to fit. I am going to order one.

ColesRAM · Aug 7, 2022

Let us know how this works out for you. Some here might be interested.

mikeru · Aug 8, 2022

Wanted33 said:
I will say, if it fits your truck you won't have to fight the exhaust pipe trying to manuver the step over, and around it.

I had upgraded my exhaust tips to 5 inch tips. Which made installation of the step impossible without removing the tip. That's when I determined it would be easier to install the step this way even with factory exhaust tips. Loosen the clamp (one bolt) and the tip comes right off. Simple.

Retractable Bed Step

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