2014 OEM or Aftermarket Running Boards

[David776895]

I just purchased a 2014 Ram 1500 Crew Cab and need running boards. I have read through the 50 or so threads already on running boards. My neighbor installs aftermarket truck stuff and said that Dodge trucks have issues with aftermarket running boards and I should get OEM only. I would love to hear people's opinions on that?

Also, it seems that OEM running boards are about $550 and aftermarket are $250... Would love some advice !!!

 

[HemiPower36]

All I can tell you is I have a 14" like you. Installed AMP research running boards right away. Been problem free thus far. Expensive, but, they are very functional.

 

[David776895]

All I can tell you is I have a 14" like you. Installed AMP research running boards right away. Been problem free thus far. Expensive, but, they are very functional.

Thanks, I looked at those and they are quite expensive.

 

[bobeast]

+1 on the AMP Research. Great product, great company. I've had them on my Tundra for about a year now, trouble free. Getting ready to put them on the wife unit's 2500.

 

[David776895]

+1 on the AMP Research. Great product, great company. I've had them on my Tundra for about a year now, trouble free. Getting ready to put them on the wife unit's 2500.

These are about $1200, yes?

 

[HemiPower36]

Thanks, I looked at those and they are quite expensive.

I paid 1500 for parts and install. That's without any promotions or family/ friend "hookup." So, 1200 for parts seems about right.

 

[Steveo8x8]

I paid $1200 and installed myself. Install was easy just read the directions they are very straight forward. Best investment by far

 

[HemiPower36]

^ sup bra.

 

[David776895]

Can't drop $1200 right now... any other suggestions from people?

 

[soSincerious]

If you want easy no headache install, go OEM. Factory fit and finish and quality is something you will have to pay for.

I went with the cheaper ones, ionic billet. Bolts were wrong thread pitch for the body, one bracket needed to be modified, and overall the brackets just didn't fit all that nicely. Boards don't sit level, nor stick out the same distance from the body front to rear.

You get what you pay for.

 

[Bee1971]

Living in WI , it's stainless steel or

All the powder coated steel running boards that I have used , just don't last , and there cheap on price usually

Problem is trying to find something in black stainless steel - I don't like the chrome or raw stainless steel look

Correct me if I am wrong , doesn't Mopar make a black running board in aluminum ???

I might check into that

Rust or corrosion is my issue with running boards

 

[roadshow]

Sounds like your neighbor is practicing some old fashioned catty neighbor one-upmanship lol because he's feeding you a line of BS. There's a lot of great nerf bars out there you can buy and even have installed for you by any old shop for half that price. Shop online.

 

[David776895]

If you want easy no headache install, go OEM. Factory fit and finish and quality is something you will have to pay for.

I went with the cheaper ones, ionic billet. Bolts were wrong thread pitch for the body, one bracket needed to be modified, and overall the brackets just didn't fit all that nicely. Boards don't sit level, nor stick out the same distance from the body front to rear.

You get what you pay for.

Thanks for the good feedback! !

 

[David776895]

Living in WI , it's stainless steel or

All the powder coated steel running boards that I have used , just don't last , and there cheap on price usually

Problem is trying to find something in black stainless steel - I don't like the chrome or raw stainless steel look

Correct me if I am wrong , doesn't Mopar make a black running board in aluminum ???

I might check into that

Rust or corrosion is my issue with running boards

Mopar does not have running boards listed for my truck. I should say at least from what I can find.

2014 Crew cab Outdoorsman 5.7

 

[David776895]

Sounds like your neighbor is practicing some old fashioned catty neighbor one-upmanship lol because he's feeding you a line of BS. There's a lot of great nerf bars out there you can buy and even have installed for you by any old shop for half that price. Shop online.

Could be, I don't know him all that well. Seems like a nice enough guy.

 

[EagleChief]

I've been very happy with my aftermarket steps. I have the Westin Platinum 4" Oval stainless steps. They've been on for about 1.5 years and I have no issues what-so-ever with them. They hold up very well... no flexing when I step on them, still look great. They were super easy to install with easy instructions. Seriously, probably took me 30-45 minutes to install them. They use the factory mounting holes and lined up perfectly.

I got them from AutoAnything for about $210-$220, or so.

And, just for reference, I'm 6'3" 230 lbs.

 

[Musclez]

I enjoy my side to side oem rails

 

[Trail Ryder]

Problem is trying to find something in black stainless steel - I don't like the chrome or raw stainless steel look

Rust or corrosion is my issue with running boards

Same here in Upstate NY.

Anyone know of a black matte powder coated stainless steel nerf bar or running board?

 

[Trail Ryder]

It looks like the Havoc HS2 Black Hoop Steps might do the job:

https://runningboardwarehouse.com/s...ab/havoc-hs2-black-hoop-steps-hpg-001203.html

SKU: HPG-001203
MANUFACTURER PART NUMBER: HPG-001203
MATERIAL: Stainless Steel
FINISH: Black
WARRANTY: Limited Lifetime
BRAND: Ionic

https://www.havocoffroad.com/steps-...-offroad-hs2-black-hoop-steps-hpg-001203.html

 

[SD38-2]

I found a set of OEM Mopar wheel to wheel step bars in the classified section on here a few years ago. The guy was some what local and took them off his R/T right after he brought it home from the dealer, they were basically new but we're half the price of the ones at the dealer. I really like them. I had two issues, first was if your truck did come from the factory with step bars you need to buy the rivnuts and install tool kit. Second, if you have mud flaps they will be in the way of the oem wheel to wheel steps, I solved that issue by putting mine in a horizontal band saw at work and cut off a little material from each end. You never would know I trimmed them down by looking at them.