Overview
The Bestop PowerBoard NX 75638-15 is a black retractable electric running board for 2011–2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 trucks. The boards stay under the body while the doors are closed and step down to meet your foot when a door opens, on the front and rear doors of either side.
This NX edition uses patent pending wireless controllers in place of the usual door-trigger wiring. The controllers signal the boards to retract and drop as the doors open and shut, with no connection to the factory wires. The design avoids conflicts with other aftermarket wiring, such as security systems and remote starts. It suits Ram owners who want a powered step without opening the door trim.
Key features
- Wireless door controllers, patent pending
- Boards retract and drop as each door closes and opens
- No connection to the factory door wiring
- Installation avoids door panels, kick panels, kick plates and carpet
- Compatible with aftermarket security systems and remote starts, per Bestop
- Black finish with a Cab length designation
Choosing a powered running board
A powered running board is a good fit for a Ram that is used for daily driving and occasional work. Higher cabs can be hard to reach, and a board that drops to a set height helps with boots, wet mornings and loads carried in the cab. Consider how often you climb in and out, and whether passengers, including children, will use the steps.
Look at the rest of the truck before you buy. Lift kits, larger tires and bed accessories change the ride height and the swing path of the board, so check clearance against the modifications you already run or plan to add. Mud, road salt and gravel can build up in the mechanism, so a board that is washed and checked regularly tends to last longer.
Wireless controls remove some installation work, but the boards still depend on sound mounts and clean connections. Recheck the mounting hardware after the first few drives, and keep an eye on the door sensors, which should trigger the step consistently.
- Consider cab height and daily entry needs
- Check clearance against lift kits and larger tires
- Recheck mounting hardware after the first drives
Specifications
| Brand | Bestop |
|---|---|
| Part number | 75638-15 |
| UPC | 77848093723 |
| Product type | Retractable electric running boards with wireless controllers |
| Finish | Black |
| Length | Cab |
| Fitment type | Direct fit |
| Door control | Patent pending wireless |
Vehicle fitment
This NX kit fits the 2011–2018 Ram 1500 (Big Horn, Express, Laramie, Laramie Limited, Laramie Longhorn, Limited, Lone Star, Outdoorsman, Rebel, SLT, ST, Special Service, Sport and Tradesman trims), 2011–2018 Ram 2500 (Big Horn, Laramie, Laramie Limited, Laramie Longhorn, Limited, Lone Star, Outdoorsman, Power Wagon, SLT, ST and Tradesman trims) and 2011–2018 Ram 3500 (Big Horn, Laramie, Laramie Limited, Laramie Longhorn, Limited, Lone Star, SLT, ST and Tradesman trims).
Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Ford and Jeep trucks are not covered by this part number, and Ram model years outside 2011 through 2018 are not on the list. Match your truck’s year and trim to the entries above.
Installation notes
The wireless design means the install does not involve splicing into the harness, which is the main difference from the wired original PowerBoard. Bestop says no contact with the cab interior is needed. Disconnect the battery before you work on any electrical connection.
What’s included
Retractable electric running boards with wireless controllers, in black. Hardware counts are not broken out for this number.
