Power retractable steps??

[joe231]

I need some steps on my crew cab for the wife.
I don't like nerf bars or running boards and I don't like the idea of steps that hang down for anything to get hung on. I have seen some "sidewinder" retractable steps up here but I have heard they don't hold up well to dirt and our winters. Does anyone have any experience with any retractable steps?
I have been kicking around the idea of making some using air actuators or some type of linear actuators, has anyone built their own?

Thanks!!
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[BLAZERMAN]

I dont have any personnal experiance with them but have heard lots of good things about AMP retractable steps.

[turp mcspray]

I went the ultra simple route. A piece of chain. Much easier to get in, and no loss of ground clearance. You could dress it up with some kind of covering. Not as easy to use as a step, but it works great. Just a thought.

[OldCreek]

Those chains would be a great Valentine's gift for the wife!

[joe231]

BLAZERMAN,
the AMP retractable running board/steps are sweet....but I'm too cheap to spend $1100+shipping for them, that's more than I have in my rig

turp mcspray,
I have thought about chain....I was kinda worried that they might snag on something or rattle.

OldCreek,
I'm sure that will go over well

Thanks for the input guys!!
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[turp mcspray]

FWIW, I have never had any problem snagging them on anything. And they HAVE been drug over a lot of stuff! As far as rattling, my blazer made enough noise between the exhaust and the swampers, that I never heard them. I would think putting some kind of covering on them would eliminate any noise that they may make.. They are SLIGHTLY cheaper than the retractable ones, but hey, style and technology comes with a price. LOL!

[joe231]

LOL!

Thanks turp!
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[Billhilly]

Here's one I saw on another site. Duplex chain would 'hold' the step as you got in the truck, but fold away when hit from in front or behind.

[joe231]

That's a cool idea!!
Thanks!
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[odog]

Originally Posted by Billhilly

Here's one I saw on another site. Duplex chain would 'hold' the step as you got in the truck, but fold away when hit from in front or behind.

Our loader and Excavators have step like these and they work great, EXCEPT they get kinda stiff after a while. Mud and moisture makes the links start to stick. They work good, but on a rig they might do some damage if pushed up from the bottom when they are stiff. I guess you could spray them with lube every so often, maybe that would keep the swinging free.

[pops45]

Check out these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kodiak-Elect...sories&vxp=mtr

Kodiak doesn't make them any more so you have to search for them. I bought a set for my K5 and they work great.

[joe231]

Good point odog!!

Thanks for the link pops!!
I'm on it like a fly on crap!!!
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[joe231]

I got them!!

Now if someone would be so kind as to post pics of some mounted on an older Chevy, that would be great!!
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[pops45]

Give me a couple of days and I might be able to find the installation instructions. I've had the steps installed on a 91 K5 Blazer for about 8 years and I usually save the install stuff. I can get pics posted by Fri-Sat.

[joe231]

Right on!
Thanks a ton!!
I need to keep an eye out for another pair, or maybe I can build some copies after I get these and reverse engineer them
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[pops45]

Check this out. Install instructions here: http://kodiakproducts.com/A_Installation.html

Joe

[joe231]

Sweet thanks!!
I found the wiring info on another site, but all that other stuff is awesome!!
I saved everything for future reference