Fixed side steps are a double-edged sword.
Sure, they help you and your passengers get into your cab, but they also eat up precious ground clearance and can disrupt the clean, aggressive lines of a lifted rig. Lots of truck lovers agree: fixed steps get hung up on rocks, caked in trail mud, and can drag down the look of your build.
Recently, one of our favorite automotive YouTubers tackled this exact issue by swapping out his factory F-150 steps for the Westin Pro-e Power Running Boards.
Here is a breakdown of his installation, his initial impressions, and why power steps are the ultimate upgrade for your Ford F-150.
The Unboxing: Built to Take a Beating
Right out of the box, the Westin Pro-e running boards make a statement. These aren’t flimsy plastic steps; they are built from heavy-duty extruded aluminum made to withstand the elements.
But the standout feature of the Pro-e system is the power delivery. Instead of relying on a single motor per side that can bind up in snow or mud, the Pro-e kit utilizes an independent motor at every mounting bracket.
“I’m impressed with how solid these feel. These are sturdy, hard, heavy… and they each have a motor, which is awesome.”
| Westin Pro-e Kit Components | Description |
| Running Boards | Extruded aluminum, weather-resistant construction. |
| Motorized Brackets | Four independent motors (two per side) for reliable deployment. |
| Control Module & Harness | Fully labeled, weather-sealed wiring system. |
| Magnetic Door Sensors | Trigger the steps to open/close seamlessly with the doors. |
| LED Step Lights | Illuminate the step surface for safe nighttime entry. |
Out with the Old: Reclaiming Your Clearance
Ricardo’s installation begins with dropping the bulky factory Ford side steps. Held on by just six 13mm bolts per side, the OEM steps are easy to ditch. Once removed, the aesthetic transformation of the truck is immediate.
“Man, I love the no-step look. It just makes the truck look taller, higher. Looks great.”
This is exactly why electric running boards are highly praised in the off-road community. When the doors are closed, the Pro-e boards tuck up tight against the rocker panels, completely hiding out of sight. You maintain the no step look, maximize your breakover angle for the trails, and keep your steps free from flying mud and debris.
The Installation: Bolt-On Performance
Installing the Westin Pro-e system is a straightforward weekend project for the DIY off-roader.
- Mounting the Motors: The new motorized brackets bolt directly into the F-150’s factory mounting locations using the same 13mm bolt pattern – no drilling into the frame required.
- Routing the Harness: The wiring harness is fully labeled, making it easy to run the main power to the battery. The interior wires are cleanly fed through a factory floor grommet and tucked neatly under the carpet and trim panels.
- Magnetic Sensors: Instead of splicing into the truck’s complicated factory door wiring, the Pro-e system uses independent magnetic sensors. These stick securely to the door jambs with automotive-grade double-sided tape.
- Final Touches: After bolting the aluminum boards to the brackets (using the provided Loctite-coated M6 bolts), the final steps involve mounting the included LED puddle lights and a manual override switch in the cab.
Once plugged in, the system comes to life. Open the door, and the boards quickly and smoothly drop down, illuminated by the LED lights. Shut the door, and they simply retract out of harm’s way.
Step Up Your Build with Westin Automotive
The Westin Pro-e Power Running Boards deliver the perfect balance of rugged utility and premium convenience.
Ready to upgrade your rig? We’re an industry-leading manufacturer of quality automotive aftermarket products – and have been since 1970. You can browse our huge catalog of products online – including other styles of tonneau covers, nerf bars and running boards, bumpers and more – for trucks, Jeeps, SUVs, and even ATVs and UTVs. Contact us if you have questions – and order today!
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