Running board mounting questions 2018 RAM 1500

[BlueGuyRedState]

Kinda stumped here. Just bought a Certified Preowned 2018 RAM 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab, bone stock except for Truxedo tonneau and a fresh dealer Line-X in the bed.

Need running boards for the Mrs. and me - spry enough 60 somethings, but hoisting ourselves in via the grab handles will get old soon.

Several running board outfits have YouTube install videos, some of which say "just pop ours onto these studs under the truck" etc.

What studs? Not seeing diddly under driver or passenger side. What am I missing here? TIA

 

[evanxrs]

Dont go through the headache of installing it your self.

Suggest paying a local shop or the dealer to do it.. wont take them more than 30 to 60 min..

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[Jeffjttilesetters]

There is locations with holes pre drilled under the passenger and driver side. Very easy install. plenty of videos if you look it up. Good luck hope this helps

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[BlueGuyRedState]

Derpity derp derp (quoting youngest daughter).

Missed the whole "fish the mounting bracket through the side panel holes" part that this video makes clear.


Now to see if my hot rod buddy has a lift I can borrow... thanks for the rapid responses all!

 

[PoMansRam]

Yep, there's bolt plates you fish through holes on the inside of the rocker panels. It is a pretty easy DIY install. I don't care for this mounting setup as you are asking for rust issues if you live in the rust belt.. The rocker panel metal is paper thin and the bolt plates grind through the paint. Plus there is flex every time you step on the running board.

 

[BlueGuyRedState]

PoMansRam, is there a brand or model running board that you'd recommend?

Lived in Arizona many moons (MANY) ago so familiar (or was) with desert off roading gear from way way back. Looked at hard core rock sliders but $1000 prices way too much. This truck will be a tow vehicle for a small travel trailer in 2021 (T@B 320 CS once we find one) so mostly street/highway, but some National Forest/State Park fire roads likely too.

Frame mounted sounds great but I'm cheap cheap cheap - and retired too - so doing a butt ton of research first.

 

[PoMansRam]

Any of the conventional make/models I know of mount to the inside of the rockers. I think it's same for all light trucks these days. My brother installed a pair of mail-order Oedro black coated aluminum running boards for his 2019 Ram 1500 classic. They've held up nice and look good still. They were super cheap like under $200 shipped. Everything is up in price now though.

 

[Tim7139]

Mopar ones have decent install and life span. You can find lower cost or more expensive aftermarket options, but you'll need to check reviews for longevity and install.

Lots of threads here with pictures to help you find ones you like.