Smartphone-Compatible Electric Truck Bed Covers

What Is Smartphone Integration? What Are the Benefits?

Smartphone integration refers to any technology that employs a smart device for controls and features. Typically, smart device refers to Android or iOS-powered smartphones, tablets, laptops, and a handful of others. Most smartphone-integrated accessories employ built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth® connectivity, allowing a smartphone or smart device to interact with the accessory via a 3rd-party application, typically provided by the accessory manufacturer. 

An example of this, outside the realm of auto accessories, is smart light bulbs used in households nationwide. With the tap of your smartphone’s screen, these smart bulbs—featuring integrated Wi-Fi chips—can be dimmed, turned on and off, and more. 

But what are the benefits of this tech?

Intuitive Operation

One of the key benefits of smartphone-compatible tech, especially automotive accessories, is intuitive operation. Smart accessories typically feature more user control than conventional accessories, including personalization, operation, and depth of features. Controlling these devices via a smartphone or tablet is quick, easy, and intuitive.

Power in the Palm of Your Hand

Next, having one or more accessories integrated into your smart device reduces the amount of remotes and aftermarket controls you’ll need to manage. Smartphone-compatible accessories reduce this clutter by limiting controllers to a single device in your pocket rather than requiring a separate controller to open and close your retractable tonneau cover or interface with your electric running boards.

No Remote? No Problem

Piggy-backing off the previous benefit, smartphone-compatible accessories are a saving grace after misplacing aftermarket key fobs and controllers. Whereas lost keys and remotes conventionally meant the associated accessory would be rendered unusable, smartphone apps allow you to continue using and controlling your tech with a phone app.

Top Recommended Smartphone-Compatible Products

Now that we've defined smartphone-compatible accessories and outlined their benefits, let’s look at some of our favorite products employing this technology.

Retrax EQ Electric Retractable Tonneau Cover w/ T-Slot Rails

One of the first and only tonneau cover manufacturers riding the smartphone-compatible wave is RealTruck’s own Retrax with the release of the all-new EQ Electric Retractable Tonneau Cover. This rugged, electric-retractable tonneau cover features the rugged build quality and all the great features of Retrax products, including industrial-strength aluminum construction, Retrax’s Dual Helical Cable Drive System, and an ultra-low profile, with one major upgrade—integration with the Retrax phone app. 

This application allows users to control their Retrax EQ using their smartphone or smart device, including opening, closing, locking, and unlocking functionality. Electric tailgates can also be operated by the phone app for ultimate control over your truck’s cargo area. 

The Retrax EQ is proudly made in the USA. Each order comes backed by a 5-year warranty and RealTruck’s next-level customer support. 

Features: 

• Robust, industrial-strength aluminum construction

• Durable, UV-resistant matte black finish

• Enhanced operation via OE vehicle key fob, Retrax phone app, or optional cab-mounted remote touchpad

• Dual Helical Cable Drive System combined with glide tracks embedded in the rail channel for an incredibly smooth and quiet operation

• Shortest canister in the industry for maximum truck bed space

• Cargo rack-compatible with Trax Rail System

• High-output LED Light mounted into the Driver's side rail for full truck bed illumination

• Anti-pinch and manual disconnect features for the ultimate in safety and security

• 500-lb. weight capacity (evenly distributed)

• American-made

• 5-year limited warranty

AMP Research PowerStep Smart Series

Take control over your vehicle’s side steps with the AMP Research® PowerStep™ Smart Series from RealTruck. These rugged, electric running boards offer all the great features of AMP’s original PowerStep with one major improvement—smartphone connectivity. With the AMP Research smartphone app, available for iOS and Android devices, you can control your AMP running boards with a tap of your smart device. Retract, deploy, or lock the steps in seconds without the need for external switches. 

The AMP Research PowerStep Smart Series comes backed by AMP’s 5-year limited warranty and RealTruck’s industry-leading customer support. 

Features: 

• Power-retractable smart running boards

• Integrated remote operation with the smartphone app

• Premium, single-motor design automatically deploys and retracts boards

• Corrosion-resistant cast-aluminum construction for strength and durability

• Anodized finish with military-grade PTFE coating

• Extra-wide 6-in. step surface runs the length of the cab

• Textured, non-slip step pad

• Integrated LED courtesy lights

• Smartphone app offers manual override controls without requiring a physical switch

• Includes vehicle-specific installation guide and mount kit

• Sturdy, rocker-panel-mounted brackets

• Simple plug-n-play integration using the OBDII module

• 5-year limited warranty

AMP Research PowerStep™ Vision

Check out AMP Research PowerStep™ Vision—the newest generation of electric running boards from RealTruck. These steps feature all the same great features as the aforementioned PowerStep Smart Series. However, they also pack additional styling with a full-length LED Glow Light seamlessly integrated into each board. 

Like the AMP PowerStep Smart Series, the PowerStep Vision is fully compatible with AMP’s smartphone app, allowing users to take full control of their running boards from the palm of their hand. Use the app to deploy or retract the steps, lock them into position, and customize the Vision’s LED lighting for a personalized appearance. 

The AMP Research PowerStep Vision comes backed by AMP’s 5-year limited warranty and RealTruck’s industry-leading customer support. 

Features: 

• Power-retractable illuminated smart running boards

• Full-length LED Glow Light seamlessly integrated into each board

• Lights operate at full power when deployed, then dim once retracted for sleek, color-changing accent light functionality

• Integrated remote operation with AMP Research Smart Series smartphone app (iOS and Android)

• Premium, single-motor design automatically deploys and retracts boards

• Corrosion-resistant cast-aluminum construction for strength and durability

• Anodized finish with military-grade PTFE coating

• Extra-wide, non-slip 6-in. step surface runs the length of the cab

• Comes with AMP's classic LED courtesy lights

• Includes vehicle-specific installation guide and mount kit

• Sturdy, rocker-panel-mounted brackets

• Simple Plug-n-Play integration using the OBDII module

• 5-year limited warranty

What’s the Future of Smart Tech?

In the past decade or two, smart tech has come an exceptionally long way—especially considering that the first iPhone was only released in 2007. With any luck, we’ll have the next generation of mass-produced smartphone-compatible suspension systems, programmers, and more within the next five years. 

Ultimately, we’re only expecting an increase in smartphone-compatible products shortly. With technologically advanced companies like AMP Research and Retrax under RealTruck’s umbrella, we plan to be at the forefront of all developments.

For more information on our current smartphone-compatible products and accessories, reach out to the experts.