Most Useful Dodge Ram 1500 Accessories for Street use (And What Is Worth Your Money)

Over the past nine years, I have had two Ram 1500s. Here is what that’s taught me: the aftermarket accessory space for these trucks can be both a gift and a curse. Visit a truck shop or browse a long enough forum thread, and you’ll encounter innumerable must-have products. Most of them aren’t. Some really do change how you use the truck on a daily basis.

This list doesn’t come from repositories of product descriptions I flicked through. It involves actual hardware on my own truck, on-the-road use, occasionally returning it, and sometimes wishing I had never bought something in the first place. I’ve also spoken to contractors who go around beating their trucks like an unwieldy rental beating up trucks for a living and weekend campers who treat theirs like a second home. Different people, different priorities. So whether you just ponied up for your first Ram — a base Tradesman, a loaded Laramie, a Rebel, whatever the fuck — or you’ve had one parked outside the driveway for years and want to upgrade smart, here’s what not worth buying and what you can ditch without losing sleep over it.

Table of Contents

1. Why Accessorizing Your Ram 1500 Actually Matters
2. Must-Have Accessories for First-Time Ram Owners
3. OEM vs. Aftermarket Accessories: Which Should You Choose
4. Budget-Friendly Upgrades That Don’t Feel Cheap
5. Easy DIY Mods You Can Do in an Afternoon
6. Bed Accessories: Storage, Protection, and Hauling
7. Interior Upgrades That Improve Your Daily Commute
8. Accessories Built for Work Trucks and Contractors
9. Gear for Camping, Overlanding, and Road Trips
10. Flatbed Ideas for Hauling and Heavy Storage
11. Creative Custom Ideas That Set Your Ram Apart
12. Accessorizing by Trim Level
13. How Much Should You Budget for Accessories
14. Common Mistakes Ram Owners Make With Accessories
15. Recommended Product
16. Wrapping This Up
17. FAQ

The Importance Of Accessorizing Your Ram 1500

Even a stock Ram 1500 does a pretty good job at that. But ‘capable’ vs ‘convenient’ are not really the same beast. The factory setup does the basics, yes. It just doesn’t factor how you really live with the truck — like hauling groceries on a Tuesday, protecting the bed liner after your dog takes a ride back there, keeping tools safe at a job site or getting through that two-hour highway commute without going insane.

And here is where the common cliché of “accessories” will make its entrance: all those flashy items that appear to be best suited for beginner lives, but are some of the least important accessories out there. And lots of guys drop thousands on heads and huge emblems, and only wonder why their bed liner is cracking or the factory floor mats look like someone took a dagger to them 12 months in. Function first. Looks second. That’s the order that of actually pays off.

Another offering that people overlook is resale; An unmodified interior, a covered bed and a few tasteful updates typically fare better than a truck customized to meet the desires of one buyer willing to pay an exorbitant price. Heavy modifications are a turn-off for dealers and private buyers alike — lift kits, aggressive tread off-road tires, or stripped-down interiors slim your pool of interested parties in a flash. The reversal, as well as protective upgrades do not suffer from that issue.

It also helps to know the factory specifications of your truck before you start bolting things on. All three vary by cab size (Regular Cab, Quad Cab, Crew Cab), bed length, and drivetrain (4×2 vs. 4×4). Payload capacity Gross vehicle weight rating Global van action Tow rating And a short bed Crew Cab Ram performs different payload math than an 8-foot bed Regular Cab, and as soon as you start adding weight with toolboxes or flatbeds or roof racks stuffed with gear, that counts.

Required Accessories for New Ram Owners

Recently bought your very first Ram 1500? Week one, do not go ham on the accessories Go ahead with the things that protect your investment and spare you headaches in the future.

Floor liners. Factory carpet doesn’t stand a chance against mud, road salt, or the effects of coffee on your lap when you spill it before 9 am on a Monday. The single most useful thing you can buy for your car and honestly some of the cheapest insurance available to protect your resale value : all-weather floor liners.

Bed liner — whether to use spray-in or drop-in is up to you. Allow the bed to go unprotected and it will scratch, dent and start to rust. Drop-in liners cost less money and you can fit them in yourself within twenty minutes. Depending on what you want to compare it with, bed liner (i.e. coatings like Rhino Liner or Line-X applications) will be more expensive in that they look cleaner and have less moisture trapped against bare metal than most understand the value of.

Tailgate lock or bed lock. Truck owners are more apt to believe than expect that truck bed theft will become an issue for them — the tools or bikes that sit overnight in a driveway, parked outside a venue or shopping mall lot. Your basic locking accessory will not deter a determined bike thief, but it serves as an obstacle for the opportunistic — of which there are many. If your truck comes with the multi-function tailgate, ensure that whatever lock you buy works with this functionality.

Running boards or side steps. Standard or with a lift? Got the 4x4model out of your mind already? Running boards do indeed make getting in and out less of a chore, especially if it’s multiple rounds with kids or groceries every day. For picks focused on products see our breakdown of the best running boards for the Ram 1500.

A bed mat—This is if a full liner isn at your budget A removable bed mat is a less permanent, cheaper bottom-up protection (although still a bit protected) that some owners prefer to having it sprayed in but can easily be replaced later.

Those five cover most of the stuff I’d consider must have Dodge Ram truck accessories for a beginner. Nothing exotic here. Just the stuff that makes the truck liveable and protected from day one.

OEM versus aftermarket accessories—How do you go about selecting the right one?

This is probably the question I get asked most, and the honest answer: It depends on the part. Mopar (the Ram brand’s own parts manufacturer’s name) has an OEM accessory catalog with parts that are made to fit factory mounting points, wiring, and finish perfectly. There isn’t much of an art to fitment and integration are pretty much assured — helpful when you’re dealing with products like RamBox liners, factory-style bed rails, or tonneau covers that need to mate with the factory bed rail system.

Brands such as WeatherTech, Bak Industries, Truxedo, Bushwacker and others can match or exceed OEM quality at lower price points while usually offering more style and configurations. Aftermarket can be hit or miss on fitment, especially across model years, so make sure the part fits your exact year, cab and bed length before you pay for it.

Rule of thumb: go with the OEM on anything part of a warranty-sensitive system (i.e.: electrical accessories, towing components, factory-installed storage systems like RamBox). Find an aftermarket part — a cosmetic piece or standalone accessory like floor liners, seat covers or bed mats where the cost savings are substantial and risk is minimal.

10 Affordable Upgrading Tips That Do Not Feel Economical

Then you can implement real improvements without spending thousands of dollars. Here is what where the money would go if I started from scratch on a budget.

• Swap out the regular bulbs in your interior for LEDs — $20-30, and at night the difference is more noticeable than you’d expect.
• Seats covers – neoprene or canvas protects the OEM upholstery against spills, pet hair and sun exposure. As far as cheap Dodge Ram truck accessories go, one of massive value-for-money, paying for itself.
• Cargo net or bed divider — keeps loose stuff from sliding around during transport Especially useful if you regularly haul groceries or tools.
• Phone mount with wireless car charging — a small buy with outsized daily returns. Infinity better than trying to juggle your phone at a stoplight, and a great companion to built-in navigation (if so equipped) from Uconnect.
• Mud Flaps: Inexpensive, easy to install and protects your rocker panels (and the car behind you) from road spray and flying gravel.
• Wheel Wells Splash Guards — similar in idea to mud flaps, except for the fact that these defend against paint damage from gravel thrown on unpaved streets and job sites.

None of this is going to raise any eyebrows at a truck meet. Itll just kind of make your commute a bit better without emptying your pockets what matters more anyways.

Tips for Modifying Your Car in an Afternoon

You don’t need a great deal of mechanical know how for most of these. All you need are some basic hand tools, a Saturday afternoon and you’re good.

What Aftermarket Floor Mats & Liners to Swap In

As easy as you can get really — no tools, just your hands Note, the 4th-gen DT platform debuted for model-year 2019 and its footwells differ compared to older, 3rd-gen trucks: buy mats that fit your specific model year.

Installing a Tailgate Assist Strut

If your tailgate slams down like it’s furious that you plan on using it, the installation of a simple assist strut kit only takes about fifteen minutes and helps to prevent the hinges from wearing out in the first place.

Adding a Hitch-Mounted Step

Tow a trailer regularly? I’ve found a couple of gadgets help this matter, among which is a fold-down step that simplifies access to the bed rail or makes hitching up a snap—it’s a fairly simple bolt-on component, one you won’t cringe at doing.

Video Wiring in a Trailer Brake Controller

A bit more involved, yet still an afternoon project IF you’re comfortable poking around the vicinity of your wire harness. Most Rams built after about 2014 are already wired for a controller (look for the factory connector under the dash near the brake pedal) so that’s good news that makes this whole thing a little easier.

Replacing the Cabin Air Filter and Wiper Blades

Not exactly glamorous, I know — but this is a necessary evil that makes the list. A new cabin air filter lets the air flow freely and reduces the musty smell some Rams develop, plus it only takes about five minutes with no tools required. The same applies to wiper blades — five bucks for a part that makes a real difference in rain.

These are your tried and true beginner DIY Ram truck mods for low cost, low risk, minimal tools required, and instant satisfaction. So, you own a CF Ram 1500 and want some cheap […] Virginelle april 21, 2023 Info Articles cheap mods to ram1500 automotive101 Don’t touch the suspension or drivetrain until you’ve worked your way down this list first.

Bed Accessories: Storage, Covering and Towing

The bed is where the bulk of value is added (or quietly lost based on how you treat it).

Tonneau Covers

More so than nearly anything else I hear from fellow Ram owners. They keep cargo dry, reduce wind drag (slight fuel economy bump), and prevent anyone from peering into your truck bed. Soft roll-up covers are relatively inexpensive and easy to DIY. Less practical, hard folding or retractable versions are more expensive but score on security and aesthetics. Take note that your cover should be rated compatible even if you have RamBox side storage with your Ram, as not all will work. If you want a better sense of the options on all three, head to our dedicated guide, the best tonneau covers for Dodge Ram 1500.

Toolboxes and Storage Boxes

If you’re hauling equipment often, crossbed or side-mount toolboxes mean a lot. Aluminum is more corrosion-resistant than steel. But steel costs less upfront, so it’s a question of budget versus lifespan. Diamond-plate finishes offer a clean look, but they can show scratches more easily than a powder-coated box.

Bed Extenders

These answer an actual need in this world — moving long stuff, lumber, ladders, kayaks that extend part way off the tailgate. A really nice touch is that they fold flat when you don’t need them. Keep in mind that the majority of states require a red flag on anything hanging over more than a few feet off the end of the tailgate.

Cargo Management Rail Systems

They allow you to put tie-down points, dividers or sliding cleats exactly where you want them. Then, it makes sense to pay for purchasing someone else’s time and effort; if your needs for hauling change from week to week.

If you get the bed right, your Ram stops being “the truck that sometimes carries things” and becomes “the truck that really works when you want it to.” Well, that’s the whole point, is it not?

Cosmetic Updates to Enhance Your Daily Commute

Spend more time commuting than hauling gravel? These are the tweaks you’ll actually feel every day. For a deeper dive, we’ve got a full guide to Ram 1500 interior mods for comfort and style covering 15 upgrades worth considering.

• Carpet pads loaded with sound deadening mats help — usually a best-seller option on the older 5.7L HEMI models, or in diesels where cabin noise wears you down over long distances.
• Ambient lighting kits fall into that luxury: they’re a “nice to have,” but they do help make the cabin feel more modern after dark.
• Wireless CarPlay or Android Auto adapters are one of those upgrades you never knew you needed until you no longer have to jockey a cable every time get in the car. Important note: If you’re a truck owner but got the 8.4-inch or 12-inch Uconnect touchscreen, it would already support this feature wirelessly on newer model years so double-check your trim before buying an adapter that goes unused!
• Console organizers actually fill the oddly generous center console storage Ram trucks are famous for.
• The better floor mat clips may sound petty. They don’t — factory clips wear out quickly and allow mats to move around, and that gets old fast.
• Aftermarket kits to retrofit seat heaters or ventilated seats on trims that didn’t have them from the factory are available, but their installation is elaborate and best left to a shop with knowledge of wiring.
• If you wear out the factory wheel from years of daily driving, steering wheel wraps or grip covers are a cheap little fix.

None of these end up in mettruck photos. You, of all people, will come to notice them eventually — every day in the driver.

Functional Accessories for Work Trucks and Contractors

If your Ram really does double as a work truck, though, priorities are different: the focus becomes on durability and organization and theft prevention. Looks matter a lot less here.

• Ladder racks — essential for ladders, pipe or lumber that you might be transporting on a regular basis. The adjustable racks play nice with various bed configurations, while other designs anchor to factory bed rail systems without drilling.
• Locking tool boxes — didn’t you hear? Job sites can be sketchy. A crossbed box, which locks and hides tools out of sight and away from hand’s reach.
• Heavy-duty bed liners — non-slip, textured finish spray-in liners are a massive improvement over stock paint as it stands up much better enduring the constant rub of tools and materials.
• Backup cameras or sensors (if your trim didn’t include them)—extremely helpful if you’re backing up to a loading dock or trailer hitch that you can’t see.
• Work lights — mounted up front, LED bars or pods are huge help it early mornings or after-dark job sites.
• A headache rack — this mesh or bar-style barrier between the cab and bed protects the rear window by preventing cargo from shifting, which is very important if you’re constantly hauling loose stuff like pipe or lumber.

Fleet tracking or telematics add-ons — are useful with multiple work trucks to monitor mileage, idle time, and routes for tax savings purposes and efficient driving practices.

Now this category is where accessories in relation to work and contractor type vehicles specifically for Dodge Ram trucks really make their money. So my filter here is simple — does it help reduce downtime, tools protecting, or make the job easier from a physical aspect? If not, skip it.

Work-ready Dodge Ram 1500 with ladder rack and screen-like toolbox installed

Camping, Overlanding and Road Trip Gear

Better Than Most People Expect: Rams Make For Great Camping Vehicles Once You Set Them Up Right

Sleeping and Shelter Setups

For proper sleeping quarters, bed tents or truck bed campers transform the bed. What a nice compromise between sleep in the bed with your truck, or packing around a full camper trailer. Rooftop tents — mounted to crossbars — deserve a mention as well: They open the bed completely to rest of your gear while still providing you with an elevated, more comfortable sleeping platform than the ground.

Storage and Power

Roof Racks or Crossbars — Long trip? Want to carry a cargo box, kayak, or bike but need the bedspace? For also keeping phones, coolers and camp lights running without using up the truck battery to zero are portable power stations—some overlanders go further still with a dual-battery setup direct-wired into the vehicle electrical system.

Fuel, Traction, and Recovery

If your travels take you somewhere that gas stations are few and far between, auxiliary fuel tanks or jerry can mounts actually matter. All-terrain tires — not the sexy one, but if you’re going to be off-road even a little bit on road trips, put your money here before any body mod. At this level, serious long-haulers also have recovery boards and what they refer to as an emergency tow strap kit because once you hit the dirt there is a good chance you’re going to need that stuff when someone gets stuck in mud or sand.

This ties in heavily to what people are searching for under Dodge Ram truck accessories for camping and road trips, so it’s honestly one of my most favorite categories I talk about. These upgrades allow you to go on trips that just weren’t possible in a stock setup without compromising comfort.

Make Money With Flatbed Ideas For Transport & Heavy Storage

And if your Ram is merely a way of moving things, as opposed to a commuting vehicle, perhaps a flatbed conversion makes sense.

Steel Flatbeds

They do well with heavy, irregular loads — construction materials, equipment, livestock gear etc. They are obviously heavier, though, and that mass eats into payload and fuel economy somewhat.

Aluminum Flatbeds

These sacrifice some durability for actual weight savings, which is important if you’re already close to your payload limit with other gear on the back.

Flatbeds With Built-In Toolboxes

Built-in headache rack or side rail storage provides organization with none of the compromise on bed length. A smart option for contractors that need both hauling capability and a secure tool storage solution all in one.

Stake Pocket Rail Systems

These allow you to add stake sides, tie-downs or even a headache rack when needed each time you switch loads — a good choice if your loads will differ from job to job.

My honest take in terms of flatbed truck ideas for hauling & storage is and would be: *Unless you need to haul regular oversized loads, don’t go this route. Unless you’re trying to haul a ton of bricks to the beach, for most daily drivers at least that factory bed with a composite liner and tonneau cover covers all your bases. Flatbeds aren’t inexpensive – and are not the easiest thing to reverse once ensconced in. To add to this, some states register flatbed-equipped trucks differently than conventional trucks and/or may consider them commercial vehicles for business purposes — so it might be worth a quick call with your local DMV if the truck will be seeing commercial use at some point.

Custom Ideas That Will Make Your Ram Stand Out

After ticking off the practical boxes, there’s lots of room for a bit of fun and personalization to make it your own.

• Custom grille inserts — an inexpensive option for changing the truck’s entire face without swapping out the whole grille.
• Two-tone wraps or vinyl accents (an infinitely more temporary, and less costly, but still reversible solution when you change your mind).
• Custom LED tailgate light bars — because better visibility is cool, and a unique look after nightfall
• Bumper-integrated off-road light bars — actually useful of course if you drive the back roads after dark, or just styling aggressive if that’s what you’re going for.
• Embroidered headrests or floor mats — cheap, unique to you but makes the interior feel like no other.
• Leveling kits — modest suspension upgrade that raises the front end enough to level it with the back, resulting in a truck with a more aggressive stance and slightly larger tires without going full lift kit. Ready to go further? You can view our full DIY lift kit install guide which documents the entire procedure in a step-by-step capacity.
• Instead, a new design of wheel and tire upgrades — like a different profile for the tires mounted on your truck’s wheels — change that entire personality, not only at first glance (it lands a visual hit), but also thanks to extra road-wearing effects (tire + wheel = custom).

This is the deadly, crazy custom trucks out there you creative Dodge Ram 1500 ideas. The secret is restraint — the prettiest custom Rams I’ve come across have one or two key points of focus instead of trying to change everything in one fell swoop.

Accessorizing by Trim Level

Ram already builds in different feature sets based on trim, so not every Ram 1500 needs the same accessories.

• The Tradesman and Big Horn trims are the usual opening gambits for work trucks and wallet-conscious daily drivers. They benefit most from the fundamentals — floor liners, bed liner, seat covers — as they tend to forgo factory options like RamBox or leather seating.
• Because the Laramie and Limited trims are already loaded with comfort features, accessory additions worry more about protecting what’s there (seat covers for leather, sound deadening) than providing functionality.
• As with Rebel trims, built as the most off-road-ready iteration from the factory, we wouldn’t expect items like basic protection equipment to be adhered at delivery so even packs to carry recovery gear, ARB all-terrain tires, and camping equipment look from another era.
• TRX owners (the new Ram RHO replaced the TRX long ago) largely forego budget accessories in favor of speed-based add-ons (although the daily-driving essentials like floor liners still hold true).

It avoids the embarrassment of paying for something you already have, which is a mistake that continues to be one I will make.

Accessory Spending — How Much Should You Budget?

This question comes up all the time so here are some rough guidelines based on my own experience and what I saw others spending.

• Basic protection package (seat covers, bed mat and floor liners): $200–$500
• Mid-level upgrade kit (bed liner, tonneau cover, running boards): approximately $800-$2000 cohere
• Work truck package (ladder rack, locking toolbox, work lights, heavy-duty liner): about $1,000-$2.500
• Camping/overlanding package (roof rack, roof tent, power station, A/T tires) – approximately $2000–5000+
• Flatbed conversion – about $3,000–$8,000 depending on materials and options

All of these figures are just ballpark estimates, and prices fluctuate based on the make/model/brand as well as whether you go the DIY route with the install or pay a shop — not to mention regional labor rates. Regardless, it is better to have an approximate data in mind means its not easy for you to go shopping and rate priorities appriori rather than buy accessories peel by peel which ultimately leads us overpaying on the entire mission.

Biggest Mistakes Ram Owners Make When Buying Accessories

Ive done a couple of these myself, so consider this an expedited pathway through the trial and error.

• ing universal-fit instead of Ram-specific. Universal floor mats, seat covers and tonneau covers hardly ever fit right, and it shows. Well worth that additional twenty or thirty dollars for the model-specific version.
• Not getting the bed liner and hating yourself a year later. Bare bed paint chips and rusts quicker than many expect, especially in salt-belt states.
• What are the Indicators of an Bad Service? Overloading the truck without checking payload ratings It can also chew through your payload fast with a full toolbox, heavy flatbed and a full tank of gas. Before you go assuming what your truck can handle, check the sticker (inside the door jamb).
• Here’s another one: installing off-road lights without verifying local laws. Many states regulate the placement of auxiliary lighting and its use, especially on public roadways. Google it for five minutes before you drill into anything
• Not to mention the DIY wiring with no fuse protection. Without inline fuses, introducing lights or a power station is inviting electrical trouble or even worse. It’s a small extra step, but one you will be glad to have done the first time. our guide to Ram parasitic drain troubleshooting walks through how to track it down if you’ve already experienced the mysterious battery drain from an accessory install.
• Asking for looks over function in a work truck. The end result is that chrome accessories won’t get you your work done more quickly. Cosmetics take a back seat to proper organization and durability if the truck pays for itself, in case training.
• Not considering warranty ramifications on electrical or drivetrain-adjacent parts. Some changes, particularly those which access the factory wiring harness or affect emissions, can lead you to a warranty claim dispute later. This can be avoided completely by sticking with dealer-installed or warranty-safe accessories.
• Not test fitting first before permanent install. For example, dry-fitting a rack, bed liner or toolbox before drilling or bolting it down for good catches fitment issues while they’re still easy to remedy.

Recommended Product

Product Name : WeatherTech FloorLiner (Front & Rear Set)

Why it matters: You use carpet and low-end rubber mats all day every day — mud, snow melt, coffee spills — life. A custom-contoured, model-specific liner covers the entire footwell (rather than just a portion), and while that might not be thought to matter at the time of purchase, it may well when it’s time to sell the truck.

Key Features:

• Custom fit Ram 1500 | Configured for specific model years and your cab configuration (2019-2023)
• Edge wallsDesigned to keep spill and debris contained.
• Made of a strong, environmentally friendly thermoplastic polymer.
• Offered in a front- and rear-seat configuration

Who should buy it: Daily drivers, especially any vehicle that has to deal with extreme winter conditions, heavy rain, muddy boots or a truck that regularly hauls pets kids — or dirty work gear.

Pros:

• You are not only trained upon your own but also every other aspect of everything there is to learn or might even exist far into the vacuum of space.
• Easy to pull out and hose off
• Genuinely helps protect resale value

Cons:

• Pricier than generic rubber mats
• Rigid underfoot is not as cushy feeling as carpeting

Find the latest price & verify fitment on your exact Ram 1500 model on Amazon →

Wrapping This Up

While there’s no stylish way to properly accessorize a Ram 1500 without giving it a proper once over, the answer simply comes down to where you’ll actually take this thing. This is generally more useful for interior comfort and basic protection to people who commute on the daily. For contractors, durability and organization are a necessity. Weekend campers need equipment that builds upon the capabilities a truck has when it leaves paved roads. I constantly see the wrong decision, which is people buying fully functional accessories because they are massively impressive so that they can be impressed in general without having any problem really being solved.

Get the boring stuff first — floor liners, a bed liner, some decent mats — then worry about the rest depending on how the truck works week after week, and take into account what your specific trim already provides free of charge. It saves you money, spares you the buyer’s remorse, and gives you accessories you’ll still be glad to have owned two years later.

FAQ

Ram1490031: What Should I Buy First for a New Ram 1500?

All weather floor liners for each model It is the cheap way to protect your resale value as well as being relevant from Day 1, no matter how you use this truck.

Aftermarket bed liners or the factory paint—what’s worthwhile?

Worth it, almost every time. Anything that exposes the factory paint to chips or scratches, and that’s guaranteed to happen. Rust comes in underneath it all. Although spray-in liners are the most expensive option, they provide by far the best long-term protection.

Can I install all of these accessories myself, or do I have to go to a shop?

The best and affordable part is that most of the must-haves are do-it-yourself with basic supplies. Anything wiring-related — trailer brake controllers, auxiliary lighting etc. — or structural work such as flatbed conversions should best be assigned to a shop where you have no feel for trucks already.

How will accessories buy affect my srw pickup payload?

Yes, and that is something really easy to miss. Flatbeds, roof racks or heavy toolboxes all weigh against your payload score. Before loading heavy earth-moving equipment on your truck bed, check the sticker inside your driver’s door jamb for your particular rated capacity.

What mods return best on investment for the daily driver?

For the best bang for your buck, a floor liners, tonneau cover & seat covers are the most immediately noticeable day-to-day enhancements. They’re also some of the most longer-term resale value retention.

For a daily driver, is it worth it to do a flatbed conversion?

Usually not, unless you’re hauling oversized or awkward loads for work on a regular basis. For standard daily driving and some general hauling needs, a stock bed with a decent liner (like the Line-X in our current truck) and cover does what you really need it to do.

When you go and do all these accessories after purchasing the Ram, does it nullify your factory warranty?

In short, no — federal law (the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act) prohibits manufacturers from voiding a whole warranty simply because you installed an aftermarket part. With that being said, if an accessory was the root cause of a failure — say such as faulty aftermarket wiring frying an electrical component — that part you had to fix may not be. Most of this risk can be avoided by sticking to known brands and proper installation.

What’s the difference between OEM Mopar accessories and aftermarket brands?

Since Mopar is Ram’s factory parts brand, OEM components are designed to work with factory mounting points and finishes. Aftermarket also tends to be a little cheaper and have more style options, but you should always make sure that you’re buying the right part for the correct model year as the fitment can vary slightly.

How can I find out which accessories are already included in my exact trim?

You can always refer to your window sticker (if you still have it) or look up your VIN in Ram’s build-and-price tool, which ideally reveals exactly what came standard on your trim. This stops you from purchasing one thing — boot digital camera or wi-fi charging pad, for instance — your truck already comes with as a manufacturing facility install.

Are RamBox-accessories different from standard accessories?

Yes, in some cases. Because RamBox changes the profile and stake pocket mounting locations along the mattress rails, tonneau covers as well as some bed rail accessories require a specific designation of RamBox compatible to fit and seal correctly.

When should I replace or inspect bed liner and flooring liner accessories?

A schedule isn’t rigorously followed, but an informal visual inspection every few months prevents cracking, edge lift or encased moisture from turning into a concern. Most good liners will last multiple years with periodic cleaning and don’y require standard replacement unless smashed.