The battle between achieving the ground clearance you want while maintaining daily drivability is an ongoing one for many truck owners. Fixed running boards can get hung up, and deleting them entirely makes it harder to climb into the cab. Enter the Westin Pro-e Power Running Boards.
Recently, Tom of Green Mountain Projects took these motorized steps into the garage for a full unboxing, installation, and real-world review. If you are on the fence about upgrading to automatic folding steps, here is a breakdown of why this system is turning heads in the off-road and overland communities.
Unboxing: Heavy-Duty Build Meets Sleek Design
Right out of the box, it is clear that these boards are engineered for abuse. We’ve heard many off-roaders complain about flimsy aftermarket steps and developed the Pro-e boards with premium, hefty construction to solve the issue.
- The Boards: Constructed from 100% machine-built aluminum to keep unnecessary weight off your rig.
- The Finish: Coated in a highly durable, textured powder coat that mimics a lightweight bed liner. It offers great grip and shrugs off scratches.
- The Motors: Powered by a rugged spline drive system connected to heavy-duty billet aluminum retractable arms with stainless steel hinge pins.
- The Brains: A fully sealed control module boasting a high IP rating for extreme moisture resistance.
The DIY Install
One of the most intimidating aspects of adding powered accessories is the wiring. Splicing into factory harnesses makes one worry about electrical gremlins and voided warranties – a headache any seasoned mechanic tries to avoid. We solved this completely.
Instead of tapping into your vehicle’s factory wiring, the Pro-e system uses an independent magnetic module system placed inside the door jambs. This means the system runs directly off the battery, keeping your truck’s factory computer untouched.
“It’s honestly my preferred approach because when you integrate with the vehicle wiring, you integrate many more options for failure. One loose wiring connection and the whole thing doesn’t work and you’re chasing it for days. At least this keeps it separate.”
– Tom, Green Mountain Projects
The provided color-coded wiring harness with inline 25-amp fuses makes routing power up the frame rails and into the engine bay simple. Tom noted that while the job requires some time, wire routing, and basic tools (like a 13mm socket and 5mm Allen wrench), it is highly reasonable for a weekend garage warrior.
Functionality: Smart Timing and Trail-Ready Features
The Pro-e Power running Boards are not just about looking good; the functionality is engineered for the real world.
- Smart Delay Timer: The boards feature a perfectly tuned 3-to-4-second retraction delay. If you open the rear door, shut it, and quickly reach for the front door, the steps stay deployed. No annoying up-and-down cycling while you load the truck.
- Manual Override Switch: This is a big one for overlanders and those in snowy climates. You can mount the manual rocker switch under your dash to disable the boards entirely. If you are plowing snow or hitting a muddy trail where ice and debris pack the rocker panels, simply switch them off so they stay safely tucked away.
- Integrated LED Lighting: The kit includes four easy-to-mount 3M LED lights that illuminate the boards and the ground below whenever the steps deploy, making night entries safe.
The Final Verdict: Co-Signer Approved
For Tom, the Pro-e Power Running Boards strike the perfect balance between utility and aesthetics. When tucked away, they blend seamlessly into the rocker panels, maintaining a clean, aggressive profile. But perhaps the most important review comes from the passenger seat.
“I do have a wife, she’s a co-signer on my truck. That being said, the co-signer usually demands that they can be able to get in the vehicle comfortably and not have to get a running start and a jump. Little Italian lady, you know, that’s how it goes… The big three, appearance, functionality, and quality definitely hits all those marks!”
– Tom, Green Mountain Projects
Powered Running Boards from Westin Automotive
Are you ready to transform how you and your passengers access your lifted rig without sacrificing your hard-earned ground clearance?
Pro-e boards deliver the best of both worlds. We’ve been an industry-leading manufacturer of quality automotive aftermarket products for trucks, Jeeps, and SUVs since 1970 for a reason!
Check out our complete lineup of nerf bars and running boards online, and reach out to us if you have any questions. Shop online at Westin Automotive for great-looking, functional products for your truck, Jeep, or SUV today!
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