Retractable running boards

[Shahzeb719]

I picked up the Aries power running boards a few weeks back for my new Mojave. Seem to be working fine. Was able to snag them for $1300 after 15% discount code on AutoAnything.com

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[Mac Attack]

I picked up the Aries power running boards a few weeks back for my new Mojave. Seem to be working fine. Was able to snag them for $1300 after 15% discount code on AutoAnything.com

I assume you did market research before purchasing. Why the Aries vs. RSE?

 

[kad's_Glad]

I assume you did market research before purchasing. Why the Aries vs. RSE?

I too decided to go with the Aries ActionTrac power steps. Just ordered them yesterday. I don't do any rock crawling and only mild off-roading so I wasn't in need of true "rock slider" capability. This meant I could save a few bucks for other toys. I like how they have 3 support bars (vs. RSE's 2) and go closer to the rear tire when down (which will help my wife getting things in/out or tied down in the front of the bed).

I also like that they're pretty much enclosed and how they look when in the up position. I was eying the RBP steps but they don't look as good in the up position and don't have any for the Gladiator...yet. (I spoke with RBP and they hope to have something for the market come July-ish)

I was also impressed watching this video and how solid they seemed when he climbed up on them. Let's just say he's a bit bigger than I so the steps should handle the wife and I just fine.




Time will tell if I made the right choice. I'll do a write up when I get them installed.

 

[peterpilot379]

Just keep the pivot points lubed up on a regular basis. I hit mine once a month with WD-40 Specialist Silicone spray.

 

[kad's_Glad]

Just keep the pivot points lubed up on a regular basis. I hit mine once a month with WD-40 Specialist Silicone spray.

Thanks for the tip. Will try to remember that in 5-7 weeks when they’re supposed to arrive. Hopefully. ?

 

[Shahzeb719]

Just keep the pivot points lubed up on a regular basis. I hit mine once a month with WD-40 Specialist Silicone spray.

Thanks for the tip. So far I really am impressed with them. Install was a nightmare compared to the RBP steps I had on my rubicon but otherwise pretty solid.

 

[GobiGuy]

I have the AMP on my JT and also had a set on an F350 for 5 years. I‘ve never had a problem with either set. I also live in northern Ohio, where we get snow/ice/salt for a few months each year, and have never had snow or ice build up or even cover them and make them slippery.

 

[PaulW]

Old thread - Here a the latest on my RSE steps with corrections from my old post.
LJ started with Gen1 then had an update with new controller and motor with a clutch. Not sure ifs guts ever evolved to the Gen2 specs. Did not need the armor as the metal was plenty strong for my rock hits. That LJ suffered from loose bolts and lack of frequent lube. The new owner took the steps apart and corrected the deficiencies and all is good now.

The JLUR had several rock hits resulting in in big dents. The 4 door Gen2 steps have thinner metal than the old LJ steps that never had any dents. I straightened the JL as best I could an bought the armor. Turns out the JL is a Gen2 and needs the upgrade for the mechanical spring. FYI, the Gen 3 is different design than a Gen2 regarding the spring and other things. Anyway I look forward to more hits and it should survive with the heavy armor.

Tips for my experience:
There is a wire with inline 20A fuse from the 12+ at the battery. If your steps are slow and you really have 14 volts at the battery then replacing the fuse holder for a better connection will probably help. Of course better lube is the usual cause of slow operation Take the pins out and clean them.
Do not forget the lock the steps up for off road use. So far the LJ has had one step replacement kit. The JL has had one replacement kit. Cost is around $250 for the kit and comes with enough stuff for both driver and passenger. RSE has them in stock and has DIY video.
The JL had 1000 miles on it when I killed the driver step. Sigh.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

There is a wire with inline 20A fuse from the 12+ at the battery. If your steps are slow and you really have 14 volts at the battery then replacing the fuse holder for a better connection will probably help. Of course better lube is the usual cause of slow operation Take the pins out and clean them.

I didn't go direct to battery - I went to N8. Can't easily be seen by the dealer as yet another connection to the battery.
I also changed some wire lengths in the engine bay to make things nicer going to the chassis ground and so on.
I have GEN III and have never had a slowness issue at all.
When you open the door and the engine isn't running, you have whatever voltage there is at the battery. If your truck has been sitting a while, that could be as low as 12.3 or 12.4 volts, for example. You'll only see higher IF the engine is running.
Mine operate just fine at the lower voltages - my batteries were recently as low as 12.4 volts from sitting (before I hooked a battery minder to it) and the steps lowered and retracted just as well as if it was running and with higher voltages. The motors used in these are low draw.

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