Power Running Boards Install

_GMAN_ · May 22, 2026

I wanted to put the OEM Power Running Boards on my Suburban. I found a 4 year old YouTube video where a guy installed them on his Tahoe. I prefer the OEM look over the plain flat board that AMP offers. I picked these boards off a 2008 LTZ for a great price.

LsHart · May 22, 2026

Have u installed them? Or about to? What are we doing?

LsHart · May 22, 2026

Let's do this!!

_GMAN_ · May 22, 2026

Parts you will need:
AMP Research Wire Harness Part # 19-03348-91L
Amp Research Control Module: 19-04280-STA
I ordered both parts from www.realtruck.com

The wire harness is $150, and the controller module is $99.

There are knock offs of the controller module I’ve seen on EBay for $50. Don’t get it. Spend the extra $50 and get the real deal.

Here is a link to the install PDF Install Manual

_GMAN_ · May 22, 2026

LsHart said:
Have u installed them? Or about to? What are we doing?

Yes they have been Installed. I have a few bits to tidy up tomorrow. I documented everything so it can be repeated.

LsHart · May 22, 2026

Nice!

_GMAN_ · May 23, 2026

Here are two videos you need to follow that will give you a really good idea for wiring.

Video 1 gave me confidence that it could be done. This Youtuber gives some pretty good information That will help in the wiring.

Video 2 Shows the actual AMP Research install on an 07-13 Silverado. Watching this could be beneficial as well.

_GMAN_ · May 23, 2026

I followed the AMP research PDF and routed the wiring harness across the top. I followed the body harness down the driver side and the passenger side. the routing of the harness was pretty straight forward. I drilled a hole thru the a rubber grommet that brings the trigger wire up right under the carpet on the drivers side. The same on the passenger side. It's not a rubber grommet on this side, it needs to be drilled thru the floor. The most difficult part was routing the trigger wire thru the door boot. Pain in the ass, but I got it done. The trigger

SpareParts · May 23, 2026

My Yukon had the usual none moving flat running boards that were a little beat up. Got a good deal on power running boards off an Escalade.
Took longer to take the old ones off then to put the power set on. VERY easy swap.
Got the AMP controller and of course it is still sitting on the shelf. I really need to finish the installation.

For wiring i found this video very informative. For some unknown reason it won't let me post the vid
Search for it and you will find it on YouTube

How to Add OEM Power Running Boards to a Non-Equipped GM SUV

_GMAN_ · May 23, 2026

SpareParts said:
My Yukon had the usual none moving flat running boards that were a little beat up. Got a good deal on power running boards off an Escalade.
Took longer to take the old ones off then to put the power set on. VERY easy swap.
Got the AMP controller and of course it is still sitting on the shelf. I really need to finish the installation.

For wiring i found this video very informative. For some unknown reason it won't let me post the vid
Search for it and you will find it on YouTube

How to Add OEM Power Running Boards to a Non-Equipped GM SUV

I watched the same video. It's very helpful. The one thing he did different is he bought the 9 pin connector and pinned it himself and ran his own wires. I didn't want to go thru that, so I bought the complete wire harness. Here is a LINK to the video you referred to.

SpareParts · May 23, 2026

Yup, that's the vid.
I also bought the plug and got the pinout diagram to make my own harness.
I figure for the $180 the harness costs if i made the harness myself (easy) i'm into the complete setup for under $100 if i ever finish it.

_GMAN_ · May 23, 2026

Here are two videos you need to follow

SpareParts said:
Yup, that's the vid.
I also bought the plug and got the pinout diagram to make my own harness.
I figure for the $180 the harness costs if i made the harness myself (easy) i'm into the complete setup for under $100 if i ever finish it.

Get in there and find it. it looks so much nicer when it’s all done.

SpareParts · May 23, 2026

For me if they are extended when i get in or out they are more in the way then anything.
The reason i put them on is, im in the woods a lot boonie bouncing and the flat non movable style take a beating.
The electric style stay retracted and have not touched a rock or stump yet so other than the cool factor i don't have a reason to hook em up.

West 1 · May 23, 2026

I have owned an Escalade and a Denali with power running boards. Personally I do not like the power running boards at all.

They are noisy.

They are not there when I wash the car, so I have to bring out a step to get up and wash the upper areas of the car. With normal running boards they are always there when needed.

I would swap mine for factory running boards with no power assist and be happy.

The electric boards do have the cool factor but I can live without that.

GMCChevy · May 24, 2026

It's neat they cam be added.

The power running boards definitely have a cool factor. But in some climates like ours with winter they also cause issues with the hinges seizing up and the various bolts that hold the boards on and together rusting up.
But they still have that cool factor and look better!

One huge advantage to the normal running boards is they act as a giant gravel guard to the fenders and door bottoms. Chips were a constant problem to the ones with power boards, I had to add mud flaps to avoid that, and try to help keep crap from building up in the motorized hinge right behind the front wheels.

Did I mention the powred boards have a cool factor?

_GMAN_ · May 24, 2026

They definitely have a cool factor. I’m in Southeast Texas, so no real issues. I have read that some can get clogged with dirt and grime. This pair was working fine.

West 1 · May 24, 2026

My Escalade electric boards quit working, had to remove them clean the hinges, added grease zerks to each hinge and got them working again. Took about a day to repair. They were still working when I sold that truck about 3 years ago. My Denali’s are still working without issue but I still prefer non electric running boards. Personal choice.

Power Running Boards Install

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How to Add OEM Power Running Boards to a Non-Equipped GM SUV

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