AMP Research
AMP Research manufactures automatic electric running boards (PowerStep series), retractable bed steps, and tailgate extenders for owners of lifted trucks, Jeeps, and SUVs. Products are manufactured and distributed exclusively by parent company RealTruck through its e-commerce platform and U.S. dealer network.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1980
- HeadquartersTustin, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What AMP Research does
AMP Research, headquartered in Tustin, California and founded in 1980, is a specialty manufacturer of automatic power articulating running boards and truck bed access products, serving owners of lifted trucks, lifted Jeeps, and SUVs who need easier vehicle entry/exit and truck bed access. Its core product lines are the PowerStep family of electric running boards (PowerStep, PowerStep XL, PowerStep XTreme, PowerStep Vision, and the PowerStep Smart Series with advanced sensing), which deploy when a vehicle door opens and retract when it closes, and the BedStep/BedXTender family of retractable bed steps and tailgate extenders (BedStep, BedStep2, BedXTender HD Max/Sport/Moto). The underlying technology pairs aluminum linkage arms with motors and controllers integrated into the vehicle's OBDII electrical system, with optional LED illumination for nighttime visibility.
The business is operated as a product brand under RealTruck, which is identified in the source material as both the exclusive manufacturer and exclusive distributor of AMP Research products. All sales flow through RealTruck's e-commerce storefront (realtruck.com), its wholesale portal (wholesale.realtruck.com), and a nationwide authorized dealer network with a dealer-locator tool; AMP Research also benefits from a flagship Detroit retail/showroom operated alongside RealTruck. Pricing is one-time/perpetual, with SKUs ranging from $9.99 for mounting kits to $2,299.99 for premium PowerStep XL systems, and the accessory ecosystem (override switches, LED kits, trim strips, plug-and-play conversion kits, extension arm kits) generates aftermarket and replacement-part revenue from the existing installed base. Vehicle fitment spans major truck and SUV platforms including Chevy Colorado/Silverado, Ford F-150/F-250/Bronco/Maverick, GMC Canyon/Sierra, Honda Ridgeline, Jeep Wrangler, Nissan Frontier, Ram 1500/2500, and Toyota Tacoma/Tundra.
AMP Research firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- AMP Research
- Legal name
- AMP Research
- Website
- https://amp-research.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1980
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- AMP Research manufactures automatic electric running boards (PowerStep series), retractable bed steps, and tailgate extenders for owners of lifted trucks, Jeeps, and SUVs. Products are manufactured and distributed exclusively by parent company RealTruck through its e-commerce platform and U.S. dealer network.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
AMP Research industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Automotive Aftermarket Accessories
- NAICS
- Motor Vehicle Electrical and Electronic Equipment Manufacturing (33632), Automotive Parts and Accessories Retailers (44133)
- SIC
- Wholesale-Motor Vehicle Supplies & New Parts (5013)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Aftermarket Towing, Hauling & Utility Accessories Manufacturing (Hitches/Winches/Trailer Wiring/Cargo Carriers) (IMACANAO)
Keywords
Where AMP Research is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Tustin
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
AMP Research business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Running Board Hardware Sales: One-time purchase of electric running boards and related components including motors, controllers, linkage arms, and mounting hardware. Revenue generated from direct product sales to consumers and dealers.
- Bed Step and Accessory Sales: One-time purchase of bed steps, tailgate extenders, LED light kits, and replacement parts including mounting kits, trim strips, and conversion kits.
- Aftermarket Accessories: Replacement and upgrade parts for existing installations including stainless steel trim strips, plug-and-play conversion kits, extension arm kits, and air tank relocation kits.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | PowerStep Electric Running Boards - from $1,249.99 |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | BedStep and BedXTender Products - from $69.99 |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Accessories and Replacement Parts - from $9.99 |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels4 records
AMP Research product offering
Product offeringCore offering
AMP Research manufactures automotive aftermarket hardware, primarily electric running boards (PowerStep series) that automatically deploy when a vehicle door opens and retract when closed, plus truck bed access products including BedStep retractable steps and BedXTender tailgate extenders. The product line features aluminum construction, integrated motors and controllers connected to vehicle OBDII systems, and supporting accessories such as LED light kits, override switches, wiring harnesses, and vehicle-specific mounting kits. Products are manufactured by AMP Research and distributed exclusively through RealTruck's e-commerce platform and nationwide dealer network.
Product overview
AMP Research manufactures automotive accessory products, primarily electric running boards and truck bed accessories. The core product lines include the PowerStep series of automatic electric running boards (PowerStep, PowerStep XL, PowerStep XTreme, PowerStep Vision, PowerStep Smart Series) that deploy when vehicle doors open and retract when closed, and the BedStep/BedXTender series of truck bed steps and extenders (BedStep, BedStep2, BedXTender HD Max, BedXTender HD Sport, BedXTender HD Moto). Supporting accessories include wiring harnesses, override switches, LED light kits, mounting kits, trim strips, and vehicle-specific installation components. Products are manufactured by AMP Research and distributed through RealTruck.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- PowerStep: Electric running boards that deploy when doors open and retract when doors close
- BedStep
- BedXTender
Products and services
- PowerStep Electric running boards with 6-inch width, aluminum construction, and textured black finish that automatically deploy when a vehicle door opens and retract when closed. Designed for truck and SUV owners needing easier entry and exit.
- PowerStep XL Extended-length electric running boards with wider vehicle coverage, automatic deployment and retraction, aluminum construction, and textured black finish.
- PowerStep XTreme Heavy-duty electric running boards with enhanced load capacity, automatic deployment, and rugged construction for extreme conditions.
- PowerStep Vision Electric running boards with integrated LED lighting for enhanced visibility and style, with automatic deployment when doors open.
- PowerStep Smart Series Intelligent electric running boards with advanced sensing technology for automatic deployment and retraction.
- BedStep Retractable truck bed step with compact design that mounts to the bumper or hitch area, providing convenient access to truck beds.
- BedStep2 Second-generation truck bed step with improved design and durability for convenient truck bed access.
- BedXTender HD Max Heavy-duty truck bed extender that expands cargo capacity by creating additional loading space at the tailgate.
- BedXTender HD Sport Sport-level truck bed extender for expanding cargo capacity with durable aluminum construction.
- BedXTender HD Moto Motorcycle-specific truck bed extender designed for transporting motorcycles in truck beds.
Companies that use AMP Research
Customer profileSegments1 record
Ideal customer profiles1 record
AMP Research technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
AMP Research partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- RealTruckcoreAMP Research is manufactured and distributed exclusively by RealTruck. RealTruck serves as the primary e-commerce platform, distribution channel, and brand steward for AMP Research products. The partnership includes dealer network management, warranty support, and technical support coordination.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights4 records
AMP Research competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Rough Country: Suspension lift kits plus complementary step systems and off-road accessories for trucks and Jeeps. Overlaps with AMP's lifted-truck customer segment and sells into the same dealer networks.
- N-FAB: Specializes in nerf bars, step systems, and light bars for trucks and off-road SUVs. Comparable target customer (lifted truck owners) and overlapping product categories make N-FAB a direct substitute for AMP's PowerStep and BedStep lines.
- Bestop: Manufacturer of Jeep and truck accessories including steps, soft tops, and replacement hardware. Overlaps with AMP on the lifted-Jeep and truck-bed-access segments and shares similar retail channels.
- Westin Automotive Products: Long-established manufacturer of nerf bars, running boards, step bars, and grille guards for trucks and SUVs. Directly competes with AMP Research's PowerStep and BedStep lines on the same vehicle fitments and through overlapping truck/SUV accessory channels.
- Go Rhino: Manufacturer of truck/SUV side steps, running boards, nerf bars, and hitch steps. Directly competes with AMP's automatic power-deploy products via a deep installed base across Ford, Chevy, Ram, Toyota, and Jeep — sold through similar aftermarket accessory dealer channels.
- Aries Automotive: Manufacturer of truck/SUV side steps, running boards, nerf bars, and grille guards. Competes head-to-head on price and dealer-channel distribution with AMP Research's step and running-board portfolio.
- Retrax (Retractable Tonneau Covers): Sister RealTruck brand manufacturing retractable tonneau covers and truck bed accessories. Sits next to AMP in the same corporate umbrella and competes in adjacent bed-management categories (BedXTender HD vs. tonneau systems).
- Carr: Specializes in truck side steps, step bars, and hitch steps. Directly comparable to AMP's BedStep and running board product family on the lifted-truck buyer.
Broad incumbents
- Lund International: Broader portfolio aftermarket manufacturer (tonneau covers, nerf bars, fender flares, running boards). Competes across multiple truck/SUV accessory categories alongside AMP's running boards and bed accessories.
- Truck Hero (Truck Hardware parent): RealTruck's corporate umbrella — itself the parent of AMP Research that aggregates BAK, Husky Liners, Retrax, and AMP into a single truck-accessory portfolio. Direct horizontal comparison as a multi-brand accessory platform.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights5 records
Customer concentration
AMP Research social profiles
Digital presenceAMP Research financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
AMP Research leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
AMP Research funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
AMP Research M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about AMP Research
What does AMP Research do?
AMP Research manufactures automotive aftermarket hardware, primarily electric running boards (PowerStep series) that automatically deploy when a vehicle door opens and retract when closed, plus truck bed access products including BedStep retractable steps and BedXTender tailgate extenders. The product line features aluminum construction, integrated motors and controllers connected to vehicle OBDII systems, and supporting accessories such as LED light kits, override switches, wiring harnesses, and vehicle-specific mounting kits. Products are manufactured by AMP Research and distributed exclusively through RealTruck's e-commerce platform and nationwide dealer network.
Is AMP Research a public or private company?
AMP Research is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was AMP Research founded?
AMP Research was founded in 1980. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is AMP Research based?
AMP Research is headquartered in Tustin, United States, in the North America region.
How does AMP Research make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Running Board Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are bed Step and Accessory Sales and aftermarket Accessories.
Who are AMP Research's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Rough Country, N-FAB, Bestop, Westin Automotive Products, Go Rhino, Aries Automotive, Retrax (Retractable Tonneau Covers) and Carr. Broad incumbents are Lund International and Truck Hero (Truck Hardware parent).
Does AMP Research have an API?
No public API is recorded for AMP Research.
What industry is AMP Research in?
AMP Research's product category is Automotive Aftermarket Accessories. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMACANAO, Aftermarket Towing, Hauling & Utility Accessories Manufacturing (Hitches/Winches/Trailer Wiring/Cargo Carriers). Its NAICS code is 33632 and its SIC code is 5013.