Best Running Boards for RAM 1500
- 500-lbs. load capacity
- Designed to fit Crew Cabs on 2010-2019 Ram 1500 trucks
- 300-lbs load capacity
- Fits the four-door Crew Cab on 2009-2018 Ram 1500 trucks
1. Tyger Auto TG-AM2D20078 – Best Performance Crew Cab Running Boards
Tyger Auto TG-AM2D20078 Star Armor Kit is designed to fit ’10-’19 Ram 1500 trucks.The running boards are specifically designed for the Dodge RAM 1500 Crew Cab option with four full-sized doors. They won’t be the right length for the Quad Cab or Mega Cab options, so check you’re dimensions carefully.
If these running boards fit your vehicle, we’d recommend them to upgrade lighter running boards when you need more load capacity and don’t mind a textured black style. Their heavy-duty stainless steel construction design supports up to 500 pounds. These are our editor’s choice pick.
- 500-lbs. load capacity
- Forged with carbon steel
- Designed to fit Crew Cabs on 2010-2019 Ram 1500 trucks
- Won’t fit other Ram cab options like the Quad and Mega cabs
2. APS iBoard 5 inches Matte Black – Best Value Crew Cab Running Boards
APS’s iBoard set installs a pair of wide 5-inch running boards on ’09-’18 Ram 1500 trucks with the four-door Crew Cab option.They come in several widths, but we reviewed the 5-inch running boards.
These RAM 1500 running boards give you plenty of surface to use as a step getting in and out of your vehicle in winter or rainy weather.
The clean design of the iBoard running step nerf bars is also a great addition if black matches your truck.
- 300-lbs load capacity
- Fits the four-door Crew Cab on 2009-2018 Ram 1500 trucks
- Solid aluminum build
- Doesn’t fit other cab options on Ram 1500 trucks
3. Tyger Auto TG-RS2D40078 – Best DIY Running Boards
If you’re looking for black riser-style running boards, Tyger Auto’s TG-RS2D40078 fits the ’09-‘018 Crew Cab-edition Ram 1500 trucks.At four inches wide, these step bars will give passengers plenty of surface area in slippery weather.
We especially liked the ease of installation with this model. It comes with installation instructions and hardware, and the running boards are designed to bolt onto your Ram 1500’s existing mounting holes.
- Supports up to 300 pounds
- Fits 2009-2018 Ram 1500 trucks with Crew Cab option
- Not heavy-duty running boards
4. MaxMate Custom Fit 4-Inch – Best Chrome-Finish Running Boards
If you need chrome on your running boards to match your truck’s color scheme, MaxMate’s Custom Fit Step Rails were the best chrome-finish running boards we could find.This 4-inch wide model offers plenty of traction with UV-resistant black moldings for both the front and back seat passengers.
MaxMate does a good job of making self-installation easier with mounting brackets, hardware, and detailed instructions.
The only caveat we had was that you’ll need to drill new holes into Ram 1500 trucks made between 2009-2012 to make these running boards fit.
- Comes with DIY mounting instructions
- Fits Crew Cab Ram 1500 trucks made between 2009-2018
- Requires drilling new holes for 2009-2012 Ram trucks
5. TAC Side Steps 3-Inch Black – Best Value Quad Cab Running Boards
One of the best value Quad Cab we could find was TAC’s Side Steps, which are 3-inch black powder-coated side bars with a tube design.The powder finish is treated to resist the worst mother nature can throw at a truck’s exterior, and the nerf bars are designed to provide traction.
Aside from the low cost, these Dodge RAM nerf bars running boards are easy to install with four bolting points total that match the existing mounting holes on Ram 1500 Quad Cab models. Rust resistance is another thing that makes this model a product to consider.
- Weatherproofing includes rust and UV-resistant powder coat
- Fits Quad Cab versions of 2009-2018 Ram 1500 trucks
- Doesn’t provide the best traction in slippery weather
Choosing the Right Running Boards for Your Ram 1500
Running boards are both stylish and useful additions to add to a pickup truck. Even if you’re truck already has running boards from the factory, replacing them can enhance your Ram 1500’s look a bit. Choosing the right set of running boards depends a lot on the purpose you have in mind for them as well as how a product’s features compare to its competitors. Below is a list of the factors that you’ll want to consider when shopping for pickup truck running boards.
1. Style and Function
Many people buy running boards to update their truck’s look. There’s a variety of styles and designs available on the aftermarket, but running boards have practical purposes, too. They can serve to shield the sides of your car from flying debris, and many models include step pads to help you and your passengers get in and out of their seats. Balancing these concerns depends on your own priorities and the quality of the running board models you’re comparing.
2. Length and Width
A practical factor to consider when shopping for Dodge RAM running boards is their length and width. You’ll need to measure your truck for the length between your wheels to ensure that the running boards you buy will fit your model. The width of the boards can be a factor to check as well. Wider boards will be more stable to stand on.
3. Durability
Running boards are exposed to flying debris, harsh weather, and the strain of supporting the weight of passengers getting in and out of your truck. Their construction, materials, and weatherproofing will determine their longevity. If you live in a region with harsh winters or plan to go off-road driving, you may want to place more importance on durability.
4. Finish Type
The finish is important to match the color scheme of your truck and for the protection of the running boards from the elements. The most common finishes are chrome and black powder coating. Paint can be matte or shiny to match your tires and trim, and chrome usually accents black step moldings.
5. Load Capacity
The weight capacity that running boards can safely support can be an important thing if you expect to load heavy objects into your truck. Most running boards will have a load capacity of at least 300 pounds to support large passengers, but heavy-duty running boards are designed to support as much as 600 pounds.
6. Difficulty of Installation
If you plan to install running boards as a do-it-yourself project, it’ll save you the cost of hiring an auto shop. It’ll also make the difficulty of installing the running boards a factor to your purchase. A product that comes with an installation instruction specifically for your Ram 1500 or similar vehicles will make the task much easier to accomplish. You will just need tools to install them.
The Bottom Line
Running boards can seem like a minor part of your Ram 1500 truck’s look and functionality, but there’s a variety of styles and designs available today. In this article, we chose the five best running board models we could find on the market today, taking into consideration the style, price range, and performance that’s available. Check back with us in the future for reviews of the latest running boards as they become available.
Sources:
- The Importance of Having Running Boards on your Truck or SUV – Bryant Motors
- How the Truck Nerf Bar was Born – Streetdirectory.com
- Running Boards – Choosing the right Fit, Style, Function – CARiD