Recommendation for 2023 RAM Running Boards (crew cab)

[Ram Air Rick 23]

I have a 2023 RAM 1500 crewcab, Bighorn, in brilliant white.

I'd like to purchase running boards for it. While the truck doesn't have a ton of trim, it has enough bling, for my tastes. That said, I'm considering just going with basic black, without any chrome or polished construction or trim.

My RAM has understated style (IMHO). The tires are black walls as are the door handles. The black running boards seem like they'd blend with that well. I've included a few picture attachments here, to get a flavor of the truck as it sits.

I'd sort of like to stick with an OEM part (maybe something that has RAM cast into the plastic) but am not stuck on it.

What recommendations do you have, and where would you say is the best place to shop for them.

I live in the Chicagoland area and would consider a set of mint take offs, in case someone is thinking of upgrading or ?

Thank you and I look forward to your suggestions.

 

[Travelin Ram]

Running boards? Or step bars?

Are you wanting a step, rocker protector, or…

Personally I like my AMP power steps.

 

[Ram Air Rick 23]

Running boards? Or step bars?

Are you wanting a step, rocker protector, or…

Personally I like my AMP power steps.

I think running boards is what I'm looking for. Here's a few picture examples of my '01 Ford pickup truck. This is what I'm looking for.

Those Power Bars are cool, but I'm fine with keeping it simple.

 

[TRK_GANG74]

OEM Retractable Running Boards in my opinion.

 

[Travelin Ram]

I like the running boards myself, because they keep the gravel rash and krap off the rockers and doors. I can’t have them unfortunately because of too much off roading.

 

[kirk35]

I went with the Rough Country HD2’s. They are a wide step and don’t hang down too low. They are also solid.
https://www.americantrucks.com/roug...length-hd2-running-boards-black-srb01950.html

 

[Mike Wenrich]

I have a new 2023 with the after market AMP retracting boards. I really like them for a couple reasons and dislike for one reason. The AMP boards have a 5" wide step which is really nice for my size 14 shoes and for my now advanced age. They are also lighted for nighttime use but that is probably not necessary with all the lighting in the truck when you open a door. They are expensive. Mine were $2100 installed. They tuck away out of sight so you won't get any bling outta them. The one down side for me is that you have no protection against door dings. My 2004 has external step boards that have prevented a lot of the shopping cart/car dings. It looks like you have a 4x4 and if you do serious off roading it might be a good idea to get the retracting style. And if you have small feet any of them will work.

 

[Travelin Ram]

I have a new 2023 with the after market AMP retracting boards. I really like them for a couple reasons and dislike for one reason. The AMP boards have a 5" wide step which is really nice for my size 14 shoes and for my now advanced age. They are also lighted for nighttime use but that is probably not necessary with all the lighting in the truck when you open a door. They are expensive. Mine were $2100 installed. They tuck away out of sight so you won't get any bling outta them. The one down side for me is that you have no protection against door dings. My 2004 has external step boards that have prevented a lot of the shopping cart/car dings. It looks like you have a 4x4 and if you do serious off roading it might be a good idea to get the retracting style. And if you have small feet any of them will work.

I apologize for going off on a tangent to the OP’s question, but FYI you CAN use the AMP steps as door guards *if* you get the optional manual control switch. That lets you override the door sensor and force the steps to either stay up, or remain deployed. I use it frequently in parking lots. Power mirrors in; steps OUT.

 

[Papa Red]

I have the factory installed Mopar running boards and love them. They may be available in black. I need them to get into my truck. They would look good on your truck too.

Red

 

[Ram Air Rick 23]

I have the factory installed Mopar running boards and love them. They may be available in black. I need them to get into my truck. They would look good on your truck too.

Red

Thanks everyone who is contributing. It's definitely given me good food for thought.

Red, and chance of you posting a few pictures of the running boards on and of your truck?

Thanks...
Rich

 

[RDNKB34R]

OEM Retractable Running Boards in my opinion.

Why? I'm shopping for some but I enjoy hearing everyone's opinions.

 

[KYPOTLICKER]

Same. Hate to shell out the coin, but want the retractable steps

 

[TRK_GANG74]

Why? I'm shopping for some but I enjoy hearing everyone's opinions.

They look good but not overly flashy and I’m partial to OEM accessories. Plus you can control them through the Uconnect system.

 

[RDNKB34R]

The " not overly flashy" part does sound appealing.

 

[Mike Wenrich]

Thanks Travleling RAM. I did not know about the switch. Maybe you could give me more info on that? Where it's mounted and did it come from AMP?

 

[Scottly]

I went with the Rough Country HD2’s. They are a wide step and don’t hang down too low. They are also solid.
https://www.americantrucks.com/roug...length-hd2-running-boards-black-srb01950.html

As much as I crack on RC, the quality of thier products has improved in recent years. The running boards they make all use the OEM mounting locations. Not a bad choice.

 

[gwilburn]

Thanks everyone who is contributing. It's definitely given me good food for thought.

Red, and chance of you posting a few pictures of the running boards on and of your truck?

Thanks...
Rich

You can't get those for a 1500 (I tried). Same boat as you.

I ordered the simple black Mopar boards from my dealer @ a discount (still don't have them though). Same boards came on my son-in-law's 2020 Big Horn Night Edition. The pictures of these suck. But I saw them on a newer white truck like yours and they look great.

82215301AC​

 

[gwilburn]

I found these pics online

 

[Ram Air Rick 23]

I found these pics online

gwilburn... Thanks a bunch!
I saw this post late yesterday, but was busier than a one armed wall paper hanger and forgot to reply.

Me like !!!!

Thanks for the pictures.

The weather here (Chicagoland area) has been unseasonably great! After work on Wednesday, I hopped in the RAM and drove to the selling dealer, where for the first time since the purchase, I took advantage of their lifetime free car wash policy.

My other (main) reason to go, was to do some running board recon. . I did, and saw the ones you posted, just not on a white truck like mine. I took several pictures for reference. While in the lot, I ran into the selling salesman. We talked a little and I told him why I was there. I sent him an email with pictures to quote pricing for them.
We'll see what he comes up with...
If you don't mind, maybe PM me a round about figure on what a decent price is, so I have a barometer. Then I'll have ammunition to hammer right back, should I choose this route.
Did they give you any expectation on when they'd be in?

Thx

Rick

 

[gwilburn]

@Ram Air Rick 23
Glad you like them. I didn't get an estimate on delivery date. Basically, the dealer gave me 15% off the retail price - they retail for $500-$600.

If you search for the part number, you'll find the price.

I just received my in-bed lighting yesterday... OMG, the instructions are 64 steps (removing both driver's side wheels, wheel liners and in-floor storage bin to route the wires). I might take this to the dealer. It has to be programmed anyway.

One would think that a Limited trim level would come with things like in-bed lighting.