Side rail bars to replace the OEM Chrome bars

[2012 BlacK LL]

I have a 2012 RAM Laramie Limited crew cab with factory Chrome 5" oval side rail bars with black plastic foot holds and black plastic caps on the ends.

Well, these chrome bars are starting to lose their chrome at the edges near the black plastic foot holds. Im sure this a manufacturing defect/weakness based on how the chrome covers the edges of the metal underneath the plastic foot holds. Overtime the the metal corrodes and the chrome fails too.

I am trying to figure out if I should re-chrome the original bars or go to stainless or aluminum after-market versions that look similar. I don't like the black bars and am afraid that like chrome the paint will eventually rust/corrode. Stainless or Aluminum seems to be the best investment.

Anyone go through this exercise already. Seems funny to me that most after-markets come with new attachment hardware and brackets. My hardware and brackets are fine and I would like to re-use them but realize after-markets don't necessarily design to use OEM brackets.

Please include links to product websites and any pics of the bars installed would be nice.

Any thoughts/ advice are welcome.

 

[MADDOG]

Check out NFab.

They make some great step bars and, unlike your assumption, don't use thin paint or plastic chrome on their step bars. They do use paint on some of their models as an option but the base coating is a durable, and flexible, material similar to a bed coating. I've used their bars on my last 3 Ram trucks. Installation is easy and I've found they hold up well.

Welcome to RamForum and enjoy the step bar search.

Pics below:

 

[CanadianNick]

^ I’ve never been a fan of those. I know tons of guys run them but I always felt they look odd. Personal prefwrnace I guess but I think the oval bars look much better

 

[MADDOG]

Personal preference, indeed.

However, the OP asked for info and pictures. I don't see yours yet?

 

[nateinva]

I went with Iron Cross Patriot boards after trying some step style black bars. Have been happy with these on my truck. They have a lot of options and support our troops.

 

[MADDOG]

Those ^^^ look good.

 

[nateinva]

Those ^^^ look good.

Thanks MADDOG. I think they really compliment the lines of the truck. I must've looked at a hundred different options before settling on these. Kind of a clean OEM look to them, but better. But it's all up to the individual, these were spot on perfect for me.

As soon as we get some warmth I think I'm going to attempt to black metallic vinyl wrap my bumpers and leave the chrome accents that are left.

Having to replace the cam is throwing a wrench in my spring truck improvement budget. ROFL

I would much rather put 4k in bils, lift, wheels/tires. Oh well.....it'll be a pretty darn fast crew cab by next weekend!

 

[MADDOG]

LOL...well, ya gotta pay to play, dude.

Have fun with the mods.

 

[Fergusontd]

These are the side steps I got when I bought my truck

 

[CanadianNick]

Personal preference, indeed.

However, the OP asked for info and pictures. I don't see yours yet?

Sorry for giving my opinion?