Motorhome experience:
My mom was standing at the curb, outside the door. Door opened, step
extended out and right over her feet. If that curb had been just an inch
higher...

I think they're dangerous.

You've really only got two choices...  either the Kodiak Sidewinder steps
(http://www.kodiaksidewinder.com/) or the Amp Research PowerStep
(http://www.amp-research.com/invent/powerstep.asp).

I haven't installed either of these, but I have been in trucks with the
Sidewinders, and they work well.  They've received a fair amount of
discussion on various forums, and I can't recall anyone being disappointed
with them (only negative things I remember reading were some questionable
wiring instructions for the '04s when they first came out).  They can either
wire into the door lock switch, or can use their own magnet switch to sense
when a door is opened/closed.

The PowerSteps go for $1400 for the set, whereas a set of 4 Sidewinders
would cost you about $800 for the 8" steps, or $1,300 for the 12" steps.

Kodiak now also makes a Power Bar (you can see it on their website) - but I
couldn't find any pricing info. on it.

If you just wanted access to the front doors, I'd probably opt for the 12"
Sidewinders.  However, if you wanted to extend the access to the rear doors,
I'd go with the Amp Research unit.

I have installed the kodiacs in my '04 with Tom Lawrence's help with the
wiring and they worked well for about a month when the driver's door step
failed. After disassembly, I noticed that the gear quadrant to drive arm
joint failed. I called Kodiac and they said that was early design ,which
they made only a short time and since had been replaced with a better
design. Kodiac would not sell me the arm kit, but gave me the part numbers
for both sides and referred me to a dealer. I am now waiting on delivery.
They cost $35 a side to modify. I am very happy with them otherwise. They
are made well and powder coated. They fill the need, but are expensive.
Steve