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Jeep Gladiator Running Boards Arena Battle

07/24/2021

The Jeep Gladiator has become an iconic truck and has enjoyed tremendous popularity since its re-introduction in 2019. An article at Car and Driver noted that the Jeep Gladiator was first introduced in 1963 but ended production in 1987. The last Jeep pickup truck in the market was the Jeep Comanche, and its production run ended in 1992. In 2011, Jeep’s in-house aftermarket parts and accessories house, Mopar, released a conversion kit for the Jeep Wrangel, giving it a pickup truck appearance.

Eight years later, Jeep released the all-new Gladiator. Though resembling a Wrangler upfront, the Jeep Gladiator was designed from the ground up. Taking note of the various activities Pickup Trucks are used. Quoting sales figures from Carfigures, the Gladiator has racked up a total sales volume of 166,363 units from 2019 to the Second Quarter of 2021.

Red Jeep Gladiator on a camping site, note the running board between the wheel arches.

Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash.

We have selected the best amongst the available Jeep Gladiator running boards for you. Read on for our review of the five aftermarket products for the Gladiator.

Best 3 Jeep Gladiator Running Boards - Comparison Table

Brand	AMP Research 77135-01A PowerStep XL Electric Running Boards	ARIES 3047975 ActionTrac 79-Inch Retractable Powered Running Boards	Mopar Jeep Gladiator All Black Running Board Kit New OEM
Picture
Model Number	‎77135-01A	3047975	82215608
Fitment	2020 and 2021 models	2020 and 2021 models	2020 and 2021 models
Color	Black	Black	Black
Material	Marine Grade Aluminum	Powder Coated Aluminum	Aluminum
Weight	113 pounds	65 Pounds	47 pounds
Dimensions	93 x 13 x 12 inches	74 x 12 x 7 inches	96 x 14 x 10 inches
Maximum Weight Supported	600 Pounds	650 pounds	Not Indicated
Lights	Integrated LED lights	Integrated LED lights	None

Our Best Choice for Automatic 2020 Jeep Gladiator Side Steps - AMP Research 77135-01A PowerStep XL Electric Running Boards for 2020 Jeep Gladiator

Shown are the AMP Research PowerStep XL as deployed from their housing

Why the PowerStep XL Running Board from AMP Research is our best choice in this category leans on the fact it is utilitarian. The running board supports people in going in or out of the Gladiator. It folds out of the way when it is not needed. It also blends well with the Jeep Gladiator’s underside. For better aesthetics, one can paint the running board repository to match the body color of your truck. The whole assembly is of marine-grade aluminum and aluminum alloy construct. Installing the 2020 Jeep Gladiator power running boards does not require drilling new holes into the vehicle’s body. They sit flush into the pinch weld and rocker panels.

The Jeep Gladiator Running Boards PowerStep XL synchronizes with the opening and closing of your doors. They deploy when your doors open and retracts when the doors are closed. There is no need for manual switches since they are automatic. The running boards also have LED lights to guide you in the dark. Each of the running boards for Jeep Gladiator have electric motors to automatically deploy and retract the side steps when you need them.

What We Like

+ Buyers of the aftermarket running boards commend the high quality of the products and how smooth they operate.
+ There is no drilling of new holes nor Gladiator body modifications required of the installation. Thus, the warranty remains intact.
+ They are sturdy and can hold up to a maximum of 600 pounds.
+ All hardware materials and electronic parts are included in the package already.
+ Some customers have claimed that installation is easy and takes about 4 hours to complete.
+ The running board comes with a 5-year warranty or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first.

What We Don’t Like

- Installation instructions are confusing for some buyers. Some even suggested leaving the installation to the pros.
- The supplied wires for the electronics are a little short but can still be used, nonetheless.

Jeep Gladiator Side Steps Brands We Chose for the Battle

AMP Research

AMP Research has been in the business since 1991 and has specialized in aftermarket products for trucks and SUVs. The company operates from California, where they have facilities for research and development. The site is also where the company manufactures its products. AMP Research successfully integrated technological advances in their products and manufacturing processes to address and elevate customer satisfaction.

ARIES

ARIES is a part of the Lippert Brand. Established in 1956, the company is a manufacturer of products for the RV and Automotive industries since its inception. They employ 11,000 people in their global operations. ARIES manufactures innovative aftermarket products for Jeep and other brands in the truck, SUV, and CUV markets. Their products are fit to all Jeep models like the Gladiator. They aim to make the lives of Jeep owners a lot easier with their products. ARIES expertise in aftermarket accessories can be exemplified by the company’s 2020 Jeep Gladiator power running boards.

Mopar

Mopar has a long history of automotive parts and accessories manufacturing. It started in 1937 manufacturing anti-freeze, and from then on has expanded its repertoire of various aftermarket parts and accessories for the Chrysler Group. The company began manufacturing aftermarket parts for Jeep vehicles when the brand became part of Chrysler in 1987. Mopar now serves more than 150 markets worldwide, offering various Mopar aftermarket parts and services that include performance-enhancing car parts.

The Other Choices in our Jeep Gladiator Running Boards Rating

Best Alternative Choice for 2020 Jeep Gladiator Power Running Boards - ARIES 3047975 ActionTrac 79-Inch Retractable Powered Running Boards

The Aries ActionTrac showing how it deploys from its housing.

The Aries ActionTrac running boards are similar in concept to the AMP Research 77135-01A PowerStep XL. They have one-upped the PowerStep XL by adding another layer of steps that further aid your ingress and egress from the vehicle. The first layer drops below the door sill while the second layer drops down by another eight inches, thus allowing easier access. It is just like a built-in ladder you take with you anywhere. The top layer is four inches wide, while the bottom layer is 3 inches wide. The bottom layer automatically drops down when you open the door and retracts when you close it. The ActionTrac material is of high-grade powder-coated aluminum that enhances its durability and resistance to corrosion. Built-in LED lights illuminate the steps to guide you when it is dark. The boards are not substitutes for rocker bars, as indicated on the ARIES website. These products have a five-year warranty on the finish and a three-year warranty on parts. These 2020 Jeep Gladiator Electric Side Steps are a big help especially if your Jeep is your everyday ride.

What We Like

+ Easy to install with no drilling involved.
+ Illuminated with LED lights help a lot, especially with children and the elderly.
+ The side step is rated to hold up to 650 pounds.
+ They protect against small road rubble and pebbles.

What We Don’t Like

- One forum member indicated that they are not for use as rock sliders.
- Some forum members found the Side Steps a bit challenging to install.
- There is a need for a long wire harness to connect to Jeep electronics.

Best Designed to Fit OEM Jeep Gladiator Side Steps - Mopar Jeep Gladiator All Black Running Board OEM

Rear Quarter View of a Jeep Gladiator showing a Mopar Running Board

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator Mopar OEM Running Boards 8221508 are precise fits on your vehicles. Designed and made by Chrysler’s in-house accessories brand to the exact specifications of each Chrysler Group model, including Jeep. The Mopar running boards are of simple design that fits the rocker panels of the Gladiator as if they were original parts of the vehicle. These side steps for 2020 Jeep Gladiator are made of powder-coated aluminum to add durability and protect against corrosion. The design bridges the fenders of the Gladiator, thus eliminating a visual gap. The surface of the running board has a diamond pattern that provides traction when going in and alighting from the vehicle. The Mopar 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon Running Boards are the lightest amongst the products in this review.

What We Like

+ Powder-coated aluminum is the material used in the manufacture of running boards.
+ The running boards are flat with a diamond pattern design that aids in traction.
+ Easy to install with the given instructions, all the hardware fit in their supposed places.
+ Clean Install with no drilling is required, all bolts come in OEM holes.
+ All the other hardware used in the installation are Jeep-specific parts.

What We Don’t Like

- Rock Rails must be removed before installation.
- These Side Steps for 2020 Jeep Gladiator are static and not powered, thus, do not retract.

Frequently Asked Questions in Installing Side Steps for Jeep Gladiator

Would my warranty be voided if I install a running board or a sidestep?

The running Boards or Step Sides from the manufacturers in this review do not require or mandate the drilling of holes into your Jeep Gladiator’s body panels. They mount on pre-existing bolt holes in the under chassis of the vehicle, thus, your warranty is not affected. The mounting brackets of the 2020 Jeep Gladiator Side Steps are patterned from the existing mounting holes of the vehicle.

Will they affect the off-roading abilities of my vehicle if I install a 2020 Jeep Gladiator Power Running Boards?

Some will reduce your ground clearance by some negligible inches but not all are capable of being bruised by the demands and requirements of off-roading. Some are made of aluminum thus may not be able to deflect debris or resist dents while you are off-roading. Others, however, are made of steel thus may deflect scrapings from boulders and plant matters while you are off road trailing. 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon side steps in this comparison have varying degrees of affecting your vehicle’s abilities off-road. Some may not be able to stand to the demands of off-roading while others may even help you slide through the occasional obstacles.

As a reminder, please always follow rules and regulations in places where you go off-roading and be wary of your impact on the environment. Here are some website publications you can refer to in your off-roading adventures. The Do’s and Don’ts of Off-Roading from Autoblog, the ORV permit guidelines from the National Park Service site, and the 5 ways off-roading impacts the environment by The Off-Road Manual.

Will running boards or side steps for Jeep Gladiator last?

As they are made of either steel or aluminum, they should last long if used as intended. Some forum members have had their running boards since buying their vehicles. Other running boards for different vehicles but from the same manufacturers last around half a decade.

Our Final Verdict on the Running Boards for Jeep Gladiator Comparison

We have collated for you five running board or Side Step products from different manufacturers. Each of these products is unique and has characteristics that you may find favorable for your needs, whether for off-roading or on-road use.

The first two running boards from AMP Research and ARIES are two of the most technologically advanced offerings in the market to date. They are of aluminum construction thus sturdy enough to support at least 600 pounds of weight. Their retractable steps are very usable, especially for children and the elderly. One customer who is 70 years of age even commended the articulating running board that made his drives a lot easier. Such are the advantages of 2020 Jeep Gladiator electric side steps.

The Mopar running board, on the other hand, is a static addition to the Jeep Gladiator. The Mopar runs the whole span of the cabin. It is also most useful for those who find it difficult to go inside then get out of the Jeep Gladiator. It is also near perfect in integrating itself into the design language of the Jeep Gladiator. Well, this may be from the fact that Mopar is part of the Chrysler Group.