New Ram owner - running board opinions

MrMahone · Sep 21, 2022

Hello everyone! Yesterday I just got a 2022 Ram 1500 quad cab with the 5.7 Hemi in Granite Crystal. I am loving the truck so far in the first day of ownership. My wife is requesting that I add running boards as it did not have any. Has anyone had running boards that they have added that they absolutely loved and would recommend? Thank you!

ColesRAM · Sep 21, 2022

Similar to your RAM, mine is a 2020 1500 Laramie. My wife also wanted running board, so I found these on Amazon. They were $170.00 or so, free shipping and easy-fun to install. They serve the purpose and are strong with no noticeable flex. Took about a week to arrive and about two hours to install - for an old guys.

MrMahone · Sep 21, 2022

ColesRAM, great looking truck! Do you recall the name/brand of those boards? They look good on the truck. I installed some on my father in laws Colorado a while back and just wasn't impressed with the flex/stability feel of them, so your comment about these being sturdy has me intrigued

Dean2 · Sep 21, 2022

Check out the power OEM Boards. Make getting in and out a snap, specially for short people, and tuck up well out of the way when driving. Gives that clean no board look. You can leave them deployed in parking lots to protect your truck from door dings.

Boards up

Boards Deployed

ColesRAM · Sep 21, 2022

5 Inches Running Boards Compatible with 2019-2022 Ram 1500 Crew Cab (Without Classic Version) , Running Boards & Steps for Dodge Ram with Honeycomb Step Pad.

COMNOVA AUTOPART Store

i tried to provide the link but my comp skill level is immature at best . The brackets that came with mine are much more robust then those pictured. They are heavy duty two piece “L” shaped.

saintsreturn · Sep 21, 2022

On my Lonestar and Laramie i did the oem style running boards. I liked them a lot. hated the chrome, but it matched the trucks.

What I personally did not care for was how they made the truck look lower to the ground (strictly cosmetic and opinion) so I just put powered steps on my Longhorn. I love how low they go to support entry and how they tuck out of sight, giving the impression the truck sits higher. always wanted them, finally got them.

Dealers choice though bud. The offroad style are beautiful and the black really pops on a lot of paint colors. The oem style are tucked and proven. the powered are cool and step a little lower down making it an easier step to use.

Good luck and post pics when done

brian42 · Sep 23, 2022

I would check these guys out:

Nerf Bars & Running Boards | RealTruck

Easily climb in and out of your truck with our Nerf Bars, Running Boards, and other Truck Steps. Choose options like electric, wheel-to-wheel, and more at RealTruck.

runningboardwarehouse.com

Lots of selection and I've gotten my last 2 sets from them and been very happy. I have these on my truck now: https://runningboardwarehouse.com/p/ionic-5-stainless-curved-nerf-bars/v/ram/truck-1500/2019/

Wanted33 · Sep 23, 2022

Dean2 said:
Check out the power OEM Boards. Make getting in and out a snap, specially for short people, and tuck up well out of the way when driving. Gives that clean no board look. You can leave them deployed in parking lots to protect your truck from door dings.

Boards up

View attachment 502655

Boards Deployed

My wife is 5' 1", and she absolutely loves the power running boards on our Ram. She can just walk right up into the cab. My previous truck was a 2020 Ford Ranger with the fixed boards, and the boards themselves were a bit too high for her. We had the power boards on a previous F-150, and she said they were a must on the new Ram.

OP, the power running boards are more expensive for sure. But, happy wife, happy........well, you know the rest.

KalboKalbs · Sep 23, 2022

Dean2 said:
Check out the power OEM Boards. Make getting in and out a snap, specially for short people, and tuck up well out of the way when driving. Gives that clean no board look. You can leave them deployed in parking lots to protect your truck from door dings.

Boards up

View attachment 502655

Boards Deployed

^^^ THIS. ^^^ Power OEM boards are the ONLY way I'll go.

Got'm on my 21 CC Longhorn. Easy in and out. Deploy quickly. Stow is just fine. Look good tucked way, in stow position. 5' wife loves them. Nice height when deployed. Wide platform helps her be "sure footed". Geezers here, so this stuff is important.

Have had fixed boards on a couple Rams. Never again. Was never happy with the look.

NotSoFast · Sep 26, 2022

I don't know for sure, but I was hesitant to put on retractable boards where we live with lots of freezing slush and snow. My 5-foot wife likes the fixed ones and with poor traction on the ground they do make a difference. I do wish they went back under the bed a few more inches. It would make it easier to access stuff there.

Michael Gustafson · Sep 26, 2022

I just installed a set of these yesterday and I love them

https://www.amazon.com/TAC-Sidewinder-Running-2019-2022-Accessories/dp/B097CP75PH/ref=sr_1_11?crid=3DEG39W21V46E&keywords=TAC%2BSidewinder%2BRunning%2BBoards&qid=1664207868&s=automotive&sprefix=tac%2Bsidewinder%2Brunning%2Bboards%2Cautomotive%2C127&sr=1-11&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.304cacc1-b508-45fb-a37f-a2c47c48c32f&th=1

SouthernBornRebel · Sep 26, 2022

Bratgirl · Sep 26, 2022

I got mine from RealTruck.com I didn't want the usual "full length" board. I wanted something a little different, and the square tubing and bigger step/foot area were just what I was looking for.

TomB 1269 · Sep 26, 2022

I purchased the one on my truck from the site below. Give you some of the details, they mount on the rocker as all do, however the back of the front bracket you install an angle iron support that goes to the bottom of the body mount.

What this does is makes them rock stable. I am about 320lbs. I step on them there is NO deflection as with others. I can rock the truck standing on them and they still do not deflect in any way. I noticed recently that my passenger side has been dinged by what may have been a hitch ball on some ones car.

I am not saying they are rock sliders, but they are definitely going to work well to step up in and protect you lower rock should the time ever come you catch something or hit something in that area.

I got mine at $120 they are now $150.........

I do not expect they will last for ever, but an oil coat sprayed thru the inside should keep them good for many years to come.

Ionic 3 Black Nerf Bars 223400 | RealTruck

223400 Ionic 3" Black Nerf Bars is on sale at RealTruck with a Low Price Guarantee and free shipping! Check out specific images and videos to make the perfect buying decision.

realtruck.com

PS, the heavy duty Ram mud flaps are great at keeping slush and snow from building in the front step area.
And 5ft long LED running, sequential turn, and white puddle light all in one combination strips set them off well, particularly at night.
Got LEDs thru Amazon at the time, but these look the same:

Sidekick Running Board Switchback LED Strip Kit

Our Sidekick Running Board Light Kit will allow you to drive in style with three modes. It has turn signals and DRLs that turns heads plus courtesy lights that will add some illumination in dark parking lots.

www.opt-7.com

Siff · Sep 26, 2022

As others have said, if you have the money then the OEM Power Running Boards are the best of both worlds; drop lower to the ground for easy entry, and tuck up tight to give back most of the ground clearance.

I had mine through 4 harsh New Hampshire winters without any issues freezing or hesitating; if it is extended when I clear off the snow, then the weight of the snow will stop it from retracting. Brushing off the snow easily resolves the issue. It did get a bit caked up with slush in the front, but that never prevented or affect the operation. Mud flaps on the front tires would fix that, and I even bought a set but got lazy and didn’t install them.

My 2019 ended up getting totalled in May due to a driver with an unsecured dog that obscured their view and caused them to run a red, and I could not find another RAM in stock nearby to replace it; I ended up going with a F-150 that was available that also had power steps. While I like that Ford’s steps are longer and go all the way back to the rear tires giving access to the bed, I prefer the lower extension of the RAM for easier entry. RAM steps extend about twice as low as the Ford steps.

1STRAM2500 · Sep 26, 2022

I definitely recommend running boards, whatever kind you want, just get some. I drove a 2007 Tundra, stock, for 15 years, 260K miles and the only thing that wore out on the truck other than expendables was the door side driver's seat upholstery. Without the running boards, I would pivot in the seat and slide down to the ground every time I exited the cab. Tore the seat upholstery and it looked bad. On my new Ram 2500 Tradesman, I ordered the OEM wheel to wheel boards and love them. Whatever brand you want and wherever you want to get them, whatever price you are willing to pay, just get them. You won't regret it.

Danny Phillips · Sep 26, 2022

I had the AMP research electric steps put on mine when I bought it. They have been working fine for the 7 years I've had it.

doc 11 ACR · Sep 26, 2022

I have the Amp power steps on my 2010 ram 2500 TRX. Without them, my wife would have to take a running start. at 73 years old there isn't any running to be had. Anyway, they have been on for three years now in Wisconsin. Many heavy snowfalls and lots of cold temps. Never failed to open or close. A positive is the fixed boards would be very slippery in the winter. The power ones deploy relatively clear of snow and no ice.

NASCAR · Sep 30, 2022

I’ve purchased over-the-counter running boards for other Rams and they were very easy to install. This time on my 2020 2500 Laramie I ordered the truck with factory installed Ram running boards that reach the full length between wheel wells. They are still in excellent condition and I recommend factory over anything else.

JohnUSA · Oct 6, 2022

brian42 said:
I would check these guys out:

Nerf Bars & Running Boards | RealTruck

Easily climb in and out of your truck with our Nerf Bars, Running Boards, and other Truck Steps. Choose options like electric, wheel-to-wheel, and more at RealTruck.

runningboardwarehouse.com

Lots of selection and I've gotten my last 2 sets from them and been very happy. I have these on my truck now: https://runningboardwarehouse.com/p/ionic-5-stainless-curved-nerf-bars/v/ram/truck-1500/2019/

View attachment 502805

I have this style in black. Love 'em. Perch is just enough to assist a step up, without really sticking out too far.

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5 Inches Running Boards Compatible with 2019-2022 Ram 1500 Crew Cab (Without Classic Version) , Running Boards & Steps for Dodge Ram with Honeycomb Step Pad.​

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5 Inches Running Boards Compatible with 2019-2022 Ram 1500 Crew Cab (Without Classic Version) , Running Boards & Steps for Dodge Ram with Honeycomb Step Pad.