Aries ActionTrac Powered Running Boards: Features & Fitment
The Aries ActionTrac features a unique patented step-within-a-step design that provides two levels of stepping for easier access to lifted trucks and SUVs. It includes smart sensors that automatically stop deployment if an obstruction is detected, ensuring safety for passengers and the vehicle. These boards are built from corrosion-resistant aluminum with a carbide black powder coat for maximum durability.
🎯 Key Takeaways
- The patented step-within-a-step design provides a secondary 4-inch drop step.
- Smart sensors stop step deployment immediately if an obstruction is detected.
- Constructed from 6061-T6 aluminum for high strength and weather resistance.
- Vehicle-specific mounting brackets allow for a secure, no-drill installation on most models.
- Control module monitors motor current to prevent electrical damage and ensure longevity.
Aries ActionTrac powered running boards are premium, motorized side steps designed specifically for trucks, Jeeps, and SUVs with high ground clearance. They solve the common struggle of entering a lifted vehicle by offering a unique “step-within-a-step” design that provides a much deeper drop than standard side bars. These boards are not generic accessories; they are vehicle-specific upgrades that integrate directly with your vehicle’s electrical system to deploy automatically when doors open and retract flush against the rocker panels when they close.
For owners of a Jeep Wrangler, Gladiator, or heavy-duty Ram or Silverado, these boards matter because they bridge the gap between off-road capability and daily usability. You get the 4-inch drop needed for a comfortable step-up without sacrificing the clearance you need on the trail. By housing the motorized step inside a protective aluminum shell, Aries has engineered a solution that keeps the mechanical components clean and functional even in environments prone to mud, snow, and road salt.
The Patented Step-Within-a-Step: Dual Entry Functionality
How the 4-Inch Power Drop Improves Access
The defining feature of the ActionTrac system is the secondary 4-inch drop step that deploys from within the main housing. Unlike most retractable boards that swing out from under the vehicle chassis, the ActionTrac uses a tiered approach. The main housing itself serves as a 3-inch wide top step, while the motorized portion extends another 3 inches out and 4 inches down. This creates a staircase effect rather than a single high jump into the cab. This is particularly valuable for family vehicles where children or elderly passengers need a lower, more stable point of entry.
- Dual-Step Surface: The combination of the top housing and the lower power step creates a 6-inch total stepping width when fully deployed.
- Fast Deployment: The steps utilize a high-torque rotary motor that fully extends the boards in less than two seconds after the door is unlatched.
- Integrated Protection: Because the lower step retracts into the “box” of the main housing, the stepping surface is shielded from the elements while you drive, ensuring a clean place to put your foot every time you get in.
Enhanced Safety with Two-Step Stability
Many power boards can feel flimsy because they hang far below the vehicle on long pivot arms. The ActionTrac design is inherently more stable because the main housing is bolted directly to the rocker panels using heavy-duty, vehicle-specific brackets. When you step on the top portion, you are stepping on a rigid, static structure. When you use the lower power step, the weight is distributed through high-strength pivot points designed to handle up to 650 lbs of static load (depending on the vehicle application). This dual-layer functionality gives you more confidence when entering your vehicle in rain or icy conditions.
Technical Specifications and Smart Sensor Safety Systems
The Intelligent Control Module and Obstruction Detection
Aries ActionTrac boards are equipped with a dedicated control module that acts as the “brain” of the system. This module does more than just move the steps; it constantly monitors the resistance felt by the motors. If you are parked next to a high curb, a rock, or if an object is accidentally placed in the path of the step, the smart sensors will detect the resistance and stop the deployment immediately. This “auto-stop” technology is a critical safety feature that prevents damage to the motor and ensures that the step won’t pinch or crush anything caught in its path.
- Smart Sensors: The system uses magnetic door triggers that do not require you to tap into your vehicle’s complex OBD-II port or factory wiring loom.
- Manual Override: Every kit includes a dash-mounted toggle switch, allowing you to disable the power function if you are off-roading or if you want to keep the steps retracted in deep snow.
- Weatherproofing: The control module and all electrical connectors are IP67-rated, meaning they are completely sealed against dust and can withstand submersion in water.
Vehicle-Specific Fitment and Installation Requirements
One of the primary questions buyers have is whether these will fit their specific truck without major modifications. Aries designs the ActionTrac system for “no-drill” installation on the majority of supported vehicles. By utilizing existing factory mounting holes in the rocker panels, the installation process is streamlined. The kits come with vehicle-specific brackets that are contoured to your truck’s specific frame or body shape, ensuring the boards sit level and flush.
The electrical side of the installation is equally focused on fitment. The wiring harness is pre-measured for your specific cab length (e.g., Crew Cab vs. Quad Cab), reducing the need for wire cutting or soldering. You simply run the harness to the battery, mount the magnetic sensors on the door frames, and plug in the motors. This technical precision ensures that the boards operate in perfect sync with your vehicle’s doors without causing any interference with the factory computer systems.
Vehicle Fitment and Mounting Requirements for Trucks and SUVs
One of the biggest advantages of the Aries ActionTrac system is that these boards aren’t a “universal” one-size-fits-all product that requires awkward modifications. Instead, Aries engineers these boards to match the specific contours and frame configurations of your vehicle. This ensures that the boards sit flush against the rocker panels, providing a factory-installed look while maintaining maximum ground clearance.
Application-Specific Engineering
Because the ActionTrac features a unique step-within-a-step design, the mounting brackets are critical. Aries utilizes heavy-duty, vehicle-specific brackets that align with the structural integrity of your truck or SUV. Whether you drive a late-model Ford F-150, a RAM 1500, or a Jeep Wrangler JL, the system is designed to handle the weight distribution of the dual-step setup without flexing or sagging over time.
- Full-Size Trucks: Available for most Crew Cab and Extended Cab configurations for Chevy, GMC, Ford, and RAM.
- Off-Road SUVs: Specifically popular for the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator, offering extra protection to the rocker panels.
- Weight Capacity: Most applications are rated to support up to 650 lbs on the main housing, ensuring stability for multiple passengers.
No-Drill Installation on Most Models
For most modern vehicles, the ActionTrac system utilizes factory-existing mounting holes. This is a massive win for truck owners who want to avoid drilling into their frame or body panels, which can lead to rust down the road. The wiring is also simplified with a plug-and-play approach on many models, connecting directly to the battery and using magnetic door sensors to trigger the steps. This means the system operates independently of your vehicle’s complex computer (OBD-II port), preventing any potential interference with your truck’s electronic modules.
Long-Term Durability: Weather Resistance and Warranty Coverage
Powered running boards are a significant investment, so durability is usually a top concern for truck owners. The ActionTrac boards are built specifically to thrive in environments that would make lesser boards fail. Since the motor and pivot points are shielded within the main aluminum housing, they are significantly better protected from road debris, mud, and road salt than “swing-out” style electric steps.
Built to Withstand the Elements
The boards are constructed from 6061-T6 aluminum, which is naturally resistant to corrosion. To add another layer of protection, Aries applies a durable carbide black powder coat finish. This textured finish doesn’t just look aggressive; it hides small scratches and provides a non-slip surface for your boots in wet or snowy conditions. Inside the housing, the rotary motor is sealed to prevent moisture intrusion, ensuring that your steps deploy reliably even after a trip through a high-pressure car wash or a muddy trail.
- Weather-Shielded Components: The internal tracks are protected from ice buildup, making them ideal for northern climates.
- Maintenance Tip: While the system is low-maintenance, a quick rinse with a garden hose to remove salt or heavy mud will keep the pivot points moving smoothly for years.
- Quiet Operation: The use of self-lubricating bushings ensures the motor remains quiet and efficient throughout its lifespan.
Protecting Your Investment: The Aries Warranty
Aries stands behind the ActionTrac with a competitive warranty package that provides peace of mind. They offer a limited lifetime warranty on the finish and the aluminum housing itself. For the components that do the heavy lifting—the motor and the electrical wiring—Aries typically provides a three-year warranty. This balanced coverage ensures that if a sensor fails or a motor acts up within the first few years of ownership, you aren’t left stranded with a step that won’t deploy.
Conclusion
The Aries ActionTrac Powered Running Boards represent a significant leap forward in both vehicle accessibility and side-profile styling. By combining a stationary top step with a motorized, automated bottom step, Aries has solved the common dilemma of choosing between ground clearance and ease of entry. Whether you are lifting your truck for the trails or simply want a safer way for your family to hop into the cab, these boards provide a sleek, high-tech solution that is built to last.
If you’re ready to upgrade your truck, the first step is to verify your specific vehicle fitment to ensure you get the right bracket kit. From there, you can enjoy the convenience of automated steps that work as hard as your truck does. Transform your driving experience today and give your vehicle the premium look it deserves!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How does the step-within-a-step design differ from standard power boards?
Unlike traditional power boards that drop a single step, the ActionTrac has a stationary 4-inch wide top step and a secondary 3-inch wide step that deploys downward. This creates a staircase-like entry which is significantly safer and easier for lifted vehicles.
Will Aries ActionTrac boards fit my specific truck or SUV model?
These boards are vehicle-specific; you must use a fitment tool to match the year, make, and model. They are available for popular platforms including the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, Ram 1500, and Jeep Wrangler.
What happens if the steps encounter an obstruction while deploying?
The system features a built-in safety sensor in the control module. If the step hits a curb, rock, or even a person’s foot, the motor senses the resistance and immediately stops the deployment to prevent injury or mechanical failure.
What kind of maintenance is required for the powered motors?
The motors and pivot points are designed to be low-maintenance, but it is recommended to periodically spray the hinges with a dry silicone lubricant and keep the tracks clear of heavy mud or debris.
How are the electronics protected from the elements?
The main control module and all wiring harnesses are sealed to automotive-grade standards. The motors are housed within the aluminum casing of the main board to shield them from road salt and moisture.
What is the warranty coverage for Aries ActionTrac boards?
Aries typically offers a limited lifetime warranty on the finish and structural components, along with a three-year warranty specifically covering the electrical components and motors.
