Best Truck Bed Step – Buying Guide and Reviews

Are you looking for a simple way to step in and out of your truck? Then the best truck bed step could be the best way to go. There are a number of aftermarket bed steps available on the market today. Apart from it giving you a boost on your vehicle but at the same time, it can improve the exterior look and protect your vehicle side from dents and scratches as you haul in cargos.

Many of the trucks in the market already have designated areas where you can fix the bed steps without the need for drilling or cutting during installation. They tend to embrace the bolt-on installation and thus, your warranty will not be voided but it is best if you checked with your manufacturer first before installation.

Comparison Of Truck Bed Step

Truck Bed Step Reviews

1. AMP Research Bedstep Retractable Bumper Step For Ram

It is designed to be able to work well in dirt, snow, mud, ice, dust or any other condition that is brought about by the weather. It is a lightweight yet at the same time, a a bumper step that is solid which has an aluminum alloy that is die-cast, looking rugged which is USA crafted. For maximum protection from corrosion, it is PTFE coated and anodized black.

Press-fit bushings and stainless steel hinge points give it a reliable and trouble-free action. Its components will be able to give you an operation which is maintenance free for a very long time. Precision machined pivot points and die-cast aluminum alloy linkage components give it stability which is solid.

This nonslip, ridged is constructed of glass-reinforced resin which is strong, for safe footing even when you are in ice, snow, and mud.

Pros

• Easy bolt-on installation
• It can support loads of up to 300 pounds
• Built and designed in the USA
• Corrosion resistance
• Rock-solid stability

Cons

• Expensive

2. Pilot/Bully Hitch Step Truck CR600

It has enhanced appearance and rubber end caps to protect the edges. Resistance to corrosion and a rugged look is provided by the matte black powder coat finish. To prevent the step from rattling, it comes with a hitch stabilizer.  When it comes to installation, you will find it simple due to the fact that the cover will easily slide into the 2 inches trailer hitch receiver.

Pros

• Easy installation
• It protects against scratches and bumps
• Resistance corrosion and rugged look provided by matte black powder coat finish
• Long-lasting heavy-duty steel construction
• Easy access to the rear of your SUV or truck

Cons

• Not durable

3. BBS Bullly  Universal Truck Aluminum Adjustable Side Hoop Step

It is made from an aluminum cast of a single piece which  resists corrosion, prolonging its life span and durability. The frame is durable and lightweight and thus, no additional load to your vehicle. The matte finish creates a universal appeal which provides nonslip stepping surface. Extra deep and textured, it can be attached to various SUVs and sport trucks.

Pros

• Safe and convenient exit and entry into the truck
• Budget-friendly
• Corrosion resistance
• Durable
• Lightweight frame

Cons

4. Bully Aluminum Side Step 2 Pack AS-200

Pros

• Durable
• Lightweight
• Long-lasting
• Rugged and classy
• Could hold up to 350 pounds

Cons

5. Bestop Rear Mount TrekStep 75302 For Ford F150 Driver side only

It is strong and normally built to last so that you are able to survive in any climate or application. It is capable of holding up to 300 lbs of weight and you will install it without drilling, trimming, or other permanent modifications. It is a step which is made out of extruded aluminum that has a non-skid surface that has powder-coated black that gives it extra corrosion resistance.

It has a linkage arm which is made from die-cast aluminum with a black powder coat finish which attaches to your vehicle using a bolt-on a plate for mounting that uses the stock bumper mounting nuts and bolts. The installation kit comes with instructions for installation and has a 3-year limited warranty.

Pros

• 3 year limited warranty
• Installation instructions are included
• No drilling or trimming during installation
• Extra corrosion resistance
• Makes going in and out of the vehicle a breeze

Cons

• Not compatible with all types of vehicles

6. Rockrail Detachable Step Pair Textured Black N-FAB JPTS32

It is an all bolt on the design which will not flex and is mounted tight and high for a more custom and cleaner look. This bed step might just be one of the best that you might end up using on your truck.

Pros

• Made in the USA
• It is sold in a pair
• An all bolt on the design which will not flex
• It is an N-FAB drop step patented design
• It has protected US patented law

Cons

• The design is not attractive

7. PetSafe Pup Step Solvit Hitch Step For SUV And Trucks

It is a step which can easily install in any 2 inches vehicle hitch receiver and at the same time, can be adjusted to be able to fit heights of various vehicles, including trucks when you use the necessary adaptor which is normally sold separately.

This step is generously sized, having a high traction surface to be able to give the pets the confidence of being able to go up and down. It is 18 inches wide and 10 inches deep with a vertical space of about 8 inches.

With the step in towed position, you can still be able to open the liftgate of the vehicle and you can still be able to remove the step for easy storage. Its construction weighs 20 pounds and strong enough to hold up to 200 pounds.

Pros

• Can hold up to 200 pounds
• It is lightweight
• Generously sized
• It is adjustable
• Easier for swiveling up and out of the way

Cons

• Doesn’t live to its expectation

8. TAC Aluminum Hitch Step

Pros

• 3-year warranty
• Best resistance for corrosion and rusting
• It has a wide step area
• It is an innovative design
• The premium quality UV resistance

Cons 

9. AMP Black Bumper Step 75313-01A BedStep Flip Down

It is a bed bumper step which stows conveniently under the rear bumper which then leaves the hitch of your truck receiver free for towing. I bought this step after purchasing my F250 and several years down the line, it is still flawless. The installation was easy with instructions which are very clear.

It is a step which works great with a tailgate up or down and unlike the step that comes with the Ford from the factory which is built into the tailgate, this particular one can be used with the trailer or boat hooked up to the truck.

Pros

• Easy installation
• It lasts for a longer time
• Works great with the truck’s tailgate
• Conveniently, securely and safely haul cargo onto the truck
• Good value for the money

Cons 

• Installation is tough to newbies

10. Weathertech Unpainted Receiver Bumper Step 81BS1

For a molded piece of plastic, it tends to be a bit pricey. It might be the best in terms of being able to protect against dents, bumps, and scratches to the bumper of your vehicle that might be caused by careless drivers.

Pros

• Strong and lightweight
• Absorbs shocks
• Protection against bumps, scratches, and dents
• Made in the USA
• High-quality material

Cons

11. Bully Side Step BBS -1103 

If you decide to purchase it, then it is going to give your vehicle a more practical and highly fashionable upgrade. Due to the fact that it means the frame is lightweight which is strong and durable without having to add unnecessary load on your truck.

Pros

• It is lightweight and strong
• Offers unrivaled convenience
• Stepping surface which is nonslip and textured
• Strong durable aluminum construction
• Can accommodate a load of up to 300 lbs

Cons

• Poor design

Different Styles Of Truck Steps 

While there are several levels and styles of support which are available for your vehicle, the most popular truck steps are hoop style steps, electrical power steps, tubular style steps, running boards, and bed steps. The following outlines each of the various styles and what they are used for.

1. Hoop Style Steps

They provide a full stepping convenience without the extra weight that the running boards normally add on the vehicle. Due to the fact that they only cover a limited amount of space, they will not have the visual effect of changing the overall lines of your vehicle. Yet quality designs and materials normally allow them to look as if they were original equipment and not like afterthoughts that have been pasted on your truck.

 If you prefer a hoop step which tends to retract out of the way, there are several of them in the market. Whenever you want to use it, all you have to do is to unlock the hinge latches, go ahead and pivot the assembly of the hook step downward, then ensure that it is locked into place.

2. Electric Power Steps

This particular step will make climbing in and out of your truck to be easy without feeling like you are climbing a mountain. It is automatic electric powered and it instantly extends whenever you open your truck door. When you are done using it, it hides safely out of sight when you close the door. This improves ground clearance, appearance, and aerodynamics. It is a design which is handsome, legendary reliable, and great for all-weather performance.

3. Tubular Style Steps

It mounts to the side of the SUV or truck underneath the door, featuring cutout sections for the feet of the passenger. The feet section feature a textured surface or rubber grips, giving you an extra grip when you are getting in and out of the vehicle.

4. Running Boards

It is the most common and popular type of style of truck steps which tends to extend the entire length of the truck’s step pad. They offer the greatest level of protection, style, and support and are normally highly recommended for large families that are always on the go. Running boards tend to offer a step which is uniform with a flat and wide board which is made of plastic, steel, and at times aluminum.

You may like this: Best Running Boards and Nerf Bars for Your Truck and SUVs

5. Bed Steps With Removable Auxiliary Steps

This will allow you to have a slim, attractive, bed step with a second level which can be able to be removed. If you like a full-length removable record step, there are available in the market. For those which are not full length, the add on hoop steps, then you will also be able to get them.

You can position them in certain areas depending on the style and size of your vehicle. While they will not offer much protection the way the running boards do, they are the most basic and cheapest type of side step which can be temporarily or permanently mounted.

Though originally designed for trucks, they have now evolved to become stylish and are available in different finishes and colors. You will get them in traditional steel or stainless steel coated with black powder, featuring steel grated footplates on the secondary step areas

Benefits Of Truck Bed Step

1. Step Up Assistance

When you have a high ground clearance for off-roading on your vehicle, there will be a need for you to have bed steps on your vehicle. Without the assistance required to get in and out of your vehicle, you might easily fall or trip and find yourself with a lot of injuries. Most of the trucks on the market at the moment do have bed steps fixed aftermarket.

2. Side Panel Protection

Apart from the bed steps offering extra support when you are going in and out of your truck, they do protect your side panels and doors from debris which are kicked by the wheels when you are driving on rocks or dirt.

3. Cleanliness Of The Interior

Also, when outside is wet or you have shoes full of dirt, you will be able to utilize the side steps as a doormat and ensure that, the interior of your truck is clean.

4. Stylish Look

Adding bed steps on your vehicle will make them look stylish while protecting your vehicle’s side panels, windows, and doors. They are blocked and thus, your vehicle protected from damage.

How To Install Truck Bed Step – Step By Step

As trucks and SUVs tend to grow taller with each coming day, you will need to get a lift in order to access them. Luckily with the bed steps, it will be easy for you to load and offload from the truck, saving you unnecessary struggling or injury. They will also be able to help you to make your truck to look nice, offering a nice touch of subtle powder coating black or chrome to the bottom of your truck.

Here is how you will be able to install them

What you require

• Socket set and ratchet
• Box end wrenches
• Creeper
• Gloves and safety glasses

Step 1: Install the bolt plate into the factory holes. This what allows the brackets to be able to be fastened securely without the need of drilling

Step 2: Attach the front bracket with the hardware which is provided. You will have to leave these brackets to be able to be finger tight due to the fact that, you might require some adjustment later on.

Step 3: Repeat the process for all the brackets

Step 4: The threaded portion has to face down when you place the step on the brackets

Step 5:      Ensure that the bed step bolts are aligning with the bracket slots

Step 6: feed the bolts through the slots on the brackets

Step 7: Use the provided hardware to attach. Leave it to finger tight as you might require some adjustments later on.

Step 8: Tighten the brackets on to the truck and the step.  Once you are satisfied that the bed step is in the right position, ensure that the brackets are tightened and the bed step bolts down.

Step 9: Complete the process for the opposite side.

Step 10: Check your bed step periodically and re-tighten where necessary and enjoy using them,

Things To Consider When Buying A Good Truck Bed Step

There are various bed steps which are available in the market at the moment and thus, it will be good if you knew what to look for in one before purchasing it. They come in different finishes, colors, and styles.

If you go online, you will come across a variety of them which might just overwhelm you. So for some assistance in being able to choose the right bed step for your truck, here are some of the things that you will need to consider.

1. The Make Of Your Vehicle

Most of the bed steps in the market are designed for specific vehicles so you will have to consider which make, year, and model of your vehicle before you go into the market. If you happen to purchase a bed step for a different vehicle, then the bolts will not be able to fit within the frame of your vehicle.

Bed steps are also manufactured for specific body styles with each brand of a vehicle having a different bed step. This is due to the fact that the body of your vehicle will be able to affect the length of the bed step which you need to fit on your vehicle.

2. Airbag Compatibility

Whatever type of side step for your vehicle which you choose, ensure that they are airbag compatible before you purchase them. If not, then your airbags will be deployed whenever you get a side impact which might cause injuries along with some main maintenance costs. The last thing you need when you are offroad is for your airbags to be deployed just because a bed step hit a rock.

3. Price

The price of the bed step will depend on which one you will settle for. Depending on your budget, you will have to choose a quality bed step which will work well for your truck.

4. Width

There are two benefits of width one being, it will be able to protect the paintwork of the vehicle more and at the same time, provide a footpad area which is wide. On the negative, a wide bed step might restrict access to your vehicle’s underneath and thus, you will have to invest in car ramps and a good jack to get the vehicle elevated whenever you want to work under your vehicle.

5. Construction

One of the main question you will need to ask yourself is what the bed step is made of. The best could be made of stainless steel or aluminum metals. This is due to the fact that I consider metal to be able to provide the best strength while at the same time ensuring that the weight is kept down. There are bed steps in the market which are constructed from plastic which might look good and cheaper, but I consider them to be weak.

6. Stepping Pad Materials

Just as important as the base material, the stepping material is very important. In most instances, you will find the stepping pad made of plastic which is very hard-wearing. There are those made from rubber mostly found on high-end products. If you get one made from rubber, it will give you a strong grip, making it be one of the best options for SUVs and trucks drivers who live in areas with bad weather.

Conclusion

The bedstep makes it easy for you to step into your truck in an easy way. It becomes even more helpful especially if your vehicle has a high ground clearance. Most of the best truck bed steps in the market have a nonslip and ergonomic surface for better security. In addition, the step is very practical as it is able to protect the side of your truck from the curb.

You don’t have to worry about the installation as it is very easy and you will be able to do it in the shortest time possible. The above reviews contain some of what I consider the best truck bed steps with the Bully Side Step BBS -1103 is my best pick due to the fact that it is lightweight and strong, offers unrivaled convenience, it is textured, non slip stepping surface, has a strong durable aluminum construction, and can accommodate a load of up to 300 lbs.

Source: AMP Research BedStep Bumper Step Installation