AMP Resarch developed the BedStep, a tailgate flip-down step that makes it easy to access the cargo in your truck's bed.
Many consumers find that a full-size pickup truck is just the right size vehicle for hauling everything from a month’s worth of groceries to weekend toys such as ATV’s and Jet Skis. But in many cases, accessing the bed to reach all of the cargo inside can sometimes be a chore. Jumping up onto the tailgate to access cargo and climbing down back to the ground can be difficult for many. This is one of the reasons why AMP Research in Irvine, California, came up with the BedStep
The AMP Research BedStep is a flip-down tailgate step that tucks away under the vehicle’s bumper when not in use. A quick flick of your foot and the BedStep folds out from under the bumper to provide sturdy footing to access cargo in the vehicle’s bed. Gently push the underside of the BedStep and it retracts to its tucked position under the bumper.
Made from billet aluminum, the BedStep does not feel flimsy or loose. Its unique spring and cam mechanism allows it to lock in place in both open and closed positions. Yet, it only needs a slight push to operate.
The main body of the BedStep features a large pad and sturdy extension arm that attaches to a mounting bracket. Depending on the vehicle make and model, the mounting bracket varies in design but a typical installation mounts the BedStep to either the vehicle’s bumper retaining studs or the bumper bracket located on the vehicle’s frame.
We looked on as the engineers at AMP Research installed the BedStep on a full-size pickup. The installation took only 5 minutes from start to finish and once completed, provided a strong platform for stepping into the cargo bed of the vehicle. TheBedStep retails around $250 and is currently available at all automotive aftermarket retailers, and is distributed by Bestop Inc.
Sources:
AMP Research
2552 McGaw Avenue
Irvine, CA 92614 USA
(800)-309-6841
Bestop Inc.
P.O. Box 307
Broomfield, CO 80038 U.S.A.
(800) 845-3567
 The BedStep is made up of an aluminum, non-slip pad, retracting arm, mounting bracket and all of the necessary hardware to install the unit within a matter of minutes. |  The cast mounting bracket features reinforcement gussets to increase strength, while eliminating unnecessary weight. Each mounting bracket is different for the various make and model vehicles the BedStep will be installed in. |  The extension arm features a spring and cam mechanism that locks the arm in the open or closed position without any side-to-side movement. Yet, it easily operates when minimum pressure is applied to pad for operation. |
 Looking at the underside of the step pad you can see the adjustable mounting point. This allows for proper side-to-side adjustment of the pad so that it can fit flush under the bumper. |  Both the mounting bracket and extension arm are attached to each other with the provided bolts that are torqued to the specifications listed in the instruction manual. |  With the arm attached to the bracket, the instruction manual points out the mounting location under the vehicle. The typical mounting location is on the studs of the bumper bracket of most vehicles. |
 The step pad is last to be installed and is bolted to the extension arm from underneath using the provided hex head bolts. The pad can then be adjusted so that it does not protrude to far from the bumper and rear fender. |  This is what it looks like once the BedStep is installed. |  A light push from under the pad retracts the step and any final adjustments can be made to the pad. |
 By pushing down and away from the bumper the BedStep easily extends from under the bumper. |  With the BedStep extended, it makes accessing the cargo in the bed much easier than having to jump up onto the tailgate. | |
