The 10 best running boards in the 5th Gen RAM 1500: 10 tested and reviewed running boards 2025.
To locate the most appropriate running boards to use on 5th gen RAM 1500 trucks, it will be necessary to sift through hundreds of products to locate boards that will fit correctly and last a long time. The 5th generation RAM 1500 (2019-2025) has certain mounting points and body lines that ensure that fitment is critical in terms of appearance and functionality. I have tried and studied the best running boards that are currently in the market to demonstrate to you what is actually worth your money. Be it simple side steps or high-end powered boards, this guide will have all the options with fair and transparent advantages and disadvantages. Your RAM is worth good boards that are easy to enter and not an add-on that was glued on the side.
What is Special about 5th Gen RAM Running Boards?
In 2019+ RAM 1500 redesign, body sizes and mounting points were altered relative to 4thgen trucks. The positioning of factory mounting points is different, and this implies that older running board designs cannot be fitted without adapters or modifications. The 5th gen is a little higher with varied rocker panel angles which influences the way boards are mounted and their visual appearance. The majority of manufacturers were forced to overhaul their running board lines entirely to fit 5thgen.
Key Fitment Considerations:
– Cab configuration issues: Quad Cab vs Crew Cab impacts board length.
– Wheel-to-wheel coverage: Full-length boards cover the full length of the truck.
– Cab-length boards: Board door areas only to make it look cleaner.
– Bed length has no impact on fitment: Running boards are installed on cab/frame.
– Aftermarket lift kits: Might need drop brackets to be used to correct height.
Always make sure that the product explicitly mentions compatibility with 2019-2025 5 th gen RAM 1500 before purchasing. The universal fit boards do not fit well or fit well on these newer trucks.
- AMP Research Power Step – Premium Choice of Best Overall.
Price: $1,399-1,599 | Weight Capacity: 600lbs/side| | Warranty: 5 years.
The AMP Research Power Step boards are the clear leader of 5thgen RAM 1500 trucks in the category of automatic running boards. These are motorized steps that are automatically deployed when you open any door and automatically retracted against the body when doors are closed. The engineering is simply on a different plane with two motors on each side, in-built LED lights, and weatherproof elements that can operate in any environment. I have witnessed Power Steps that have worked flawlessly in 5+ years and 100,000+ miles without a problem.
Power Step Premium Features:
– Deploying in less than 1 second when the doors open.
– 600-pound capacity on each side supports several individuals.
– Plug-and-play wiring is connected to OBD2 on 2019+ models.
– LED strips of lights at night light up the ground.
– Pinch-proof safety sensors will stop when blocked.
– Construction of aircraft-grade aluminum will not rust or corrode.
– Powder-coated finish is chip and scratch resistant.
Installation requires no drilling on 5th gen RAMs and 2-3 hours. The boards are attached to the existing factory sites with heavy-duty brackets in the kit. You will require simple hand tools and the capacity to crawl under your truck without any inconvenience. The OBD2 wiring harness directly connects to your diagnostic port to integrate power and door signal.
Best: Owners who seek maximum convenience and can afford the high-quality that will last long.
- ARIES Action Truck Powered Boards – Best Value Automatic.
Price: 999-1,199 | Weight Capacity: 500 lbs per side | Warranty: 3 years.
ARIES Action Truck powered boards provide approximately 80 percent of Power Step experience at half the price. These 5th gen RAM 1500 motorized running boards are fully automatic and have an all-steel construction with a 500 pounds per side rating. The patent-pending hinge design is truly better than the AMP one in one respect – the debris does fall off during retraction rather than accumulating. They are also significantly quieter when in operation with less motor noise compared to other competing powered boards.
Action Truck Key Benefits:
– All-steel construction is stronger than aluminum.
– Self-cleaning hinge design is automatic shedding mud and debris.
– 500-pound rating can withstand heavy usage without bending.
– Less noisy operation than most powered boards.
– Included standard integrated LED lighting.
– 3-year warranty on motors and all parts.
Action Truck boards require approximately 90 minutes of installation and no drilling is needed. Your battery and door triggers are connected to the wiring with harnesses provided and easy-to-follow instructions. These are the most suitable middle-ground solution in case you would like to have powered boards but you cannot afford to spend over 1500 on Power Steps.
Best: Smart shoppers who are willing to pay the premium price of AMP Research but do not need the automatic boards.
- N-Fab Podium SS – Best Fixed Running Boards.
Price: 599-749 | weight capacity: 500 lbs. | warranty: 5 years.
The best option of the 5th gen RAM 1500 trucks are the N-Fab Podium SS boards as the fixed running boards. These cab-length boards are made of 304 stainless steel with rough textured black powder coat finish. The broad 5 inch step surface offers great footing with elevated traction ridges which are effective even in mud or snow. The mounting system of N-Fab is outrageously powerful and does not flex or wobble even when loaded with heavy weight.
Podium SS Features:
– 304 stainless steel will not rust in salt or coastal.
– 5 inch wide step offers wide foot placement space.
– Textured powder coating does not chip and appears aggressive.
– 500 pound per side capacity is serious weight.
– Cab-length design encloses door space that lacks wheel-to-wheel visibility.
– 5-year warranty supports the quality of construction.
The process of installation requires approximately 60 minutes and simple hand tools. The boards are mounted on heavy duty brackets which are attached to the factory frame locations without drilling. You have a clean low profile appearance that matches the body lines of the 5th gen RAM. They are constructed to serve decades without much maintenance other than cleaning every now and then.
Best: Best suited to owners who want a classic fixed board with high quality of construction and aggressive design.
- Westin HDX Drop Nerf Steps – Lifted Trucks.
Price: 449-549 | Weight Capacity: 450 lbs. | Warranty: 3 years.
The Westin HDX Drop is a lift specifically made to fit 5th gen RAM 1500 trucks that have 3 or more inch lift kits. The drop-style design places the steps below the normal running boards in order to have easy access once you have lifted your truck. The construction of heavy-duty steel tubes with a textured black powder coat finish appears tough and can withstand serious abuse. The 4-inch round tube shape offers several stepping options in the length.
HDX Drop Step Benefits:
– drop-style mounting corrects lift kits 3-6 inches.
– 4-inch round tube offers a variety of positions of the feet.
– Trail abuse is taken care of by heavy-duty steel construction.
– Textured powder coating is scratch and chip resistant.
– 450-pound rating is heavy work boot and gear.
– 30 degree step pads with natural foot positioning.
These require approximately 75 minutes to install with brackets and hardware supplied. The drop brackets align the steps at a height of about 2 inches below the normal boards and this makes lifted trucks very easy to access. With a 4+ inch lift, these are one of only a few that do not become ridiculously high and work.
Ideal use: Lifted RAM users who require reduced step positioning to make it practical to enter the house on a daily basis.
- Nerf TrailFX 5″ Oval Nerf Bars – Cheapest Choice.
Price: 249-329 | 400 lbs weight capacity | 3 year warranty.
TrailFX oval nerf bars will show you that you do not have to spend 600 and more to get solid running boards on your 5th gen RAM 1500. These 5 inch oval tube bars are made of heavy-duty steel construction, polished stainless steel finish which appears sharp. The shaped step pads give 10 inches of stepping area at every door with rough tread patterns. These are exceptional value propositions at a price of less than 330 depending on the type of cab you want on a daily driver truck.
TrailFX Value Features:
– Most 5th gen RAM configurations under $330.
– Finish is made of polished stainless steel that does not rust.
– 10 inch step pads at every door point.
– 400-pound capacity adequate to be used normally.
– 3-year warranty against defects and building.
– Simple installation process takes 45-60 minutes.
Installation involves the use of no-drill brackets which fit to factory frame points. You will only need some simple sockets and wrenches. The polished stainless finish is great at first but it will appear with water spots and will have to be polished every now and then to keep it shiny. At the cost, they cannot be easily compared to simple functionality and acceptable appearance.
Best: The budget conscious owners who do not want to spend more than $500 on boards.
- Ionic Factory Style Running Boards – OEM Most Appealing.
Price: 399-499 | weight capacity: 500 lbs | warranty: 5 years.
The boards are an imitation of the OEM running boards that are included with higher-trim 5th gen RAM 1500 trucks. These injection-molded boards have the same profile and mounting system as factory equipment half the dealership price. The step surface is non-slip and has aggressive tread patterns which are effective in every weather. These are the solution to having running boards that appear to have been at the factory.
Factory Style Benefits:
– Precise OEM profile is identical to trucks equipped by the factory.
– Construction of injection-molds will not rust or corrode.
– Wide step surface entire length of board.
– Non-slip treading pattern operates in ice and mud.
– 500-pound capacity accommodates several passengers.
– 5-year warranty extensive coverage.
These fit in approximately 45 minutes with factory mounting points and brackets. The finish is textured black which is identical to the factory boards of RAM. You would save about 400-600 dollars as opposed to purchasing real Mopar boards at the dealer. Quality compares to OEM even with the low price.
Best: Owners who desire factory looks without paying dealer prices of OEM parts.
- Go Rhino RB20 Running Boards – Widest Platform.
Price: 549-649 | Weight Capacity: 500 lbs. | Warranty: 3 years.
Go Rhino RB20 boards have the largest step platform on the market at 5th gen RAM 1500 trucks with 6 inches. This additional space allows access and exit to be much easier, particularly with older passengers or any passengers with mobility issues. The aluminum structure ensures the weight is kept low and serious strength is ensured. Massive brackets and mounting hardware make sure there is no flex or movement under load.
RB20 Wide Platform Features:
– 6-inch wide step widest available on 5th gen.
– Lightweight but extremely strong construction of aluminum.
– Black textured finish covers scratches and wear.
– 500-pound per side tested and certified.
– Heli-coil inserts eliminate thread stripping.
– Full-length design wheel-to-wheel coverage.
Most 5th generation models do not require any drilling and can be installed in approximately 90 minutes. The additional width causes these boards to protrude a little more than the narrower ones which some owners like the aggressive appearance. The 6-inch width is a massive practical difference in case you often have passengers who find it difficult to climb into the trucks.
Best: Owners who want as much step width as possible to allow easy entry, particularly by passengers.
- Iron Cross Patriot Running Boards – Best Aggressive Style.
Price: 699-799, Weight Capacity: 500 lbs, Warranty: 3 years.
Iron Cross Patriot boards add aggressive military-style styling to your 5th gen RAM 1500. These are powder-coated steel with cutout star designs and industrial-looking heavy-duty. The large step platform is made with diamond plate aluminum inserts to provide great traction. Patriots offer the appearance of tough as nails running boards that would make a statement.
The features of the Patriot Aggressive include:
– Star cut out and military-inspired design.
– Steel construction of heavy-duty and built to be abused.
– Diamond plate inserts offer the highest level of traction.
– Powder-coated finish is scratch and chip resistant.
– 500-pound rating is used on heavy weight.
– Distinct styling is not like regular boards.
These require approximately 75 minutes to be mounted with mounting brackets and hardware provided. The violent styling is not to all – these boards certainly stand out, not so much as to blend in, but certainly not as light as aluminum ones, at about 85 pounds each side assembled. In case you wish your RAM to appear business-like, Patriots nail that.
Best: Owners who desire the most aggressive styling and military look.
- Romik RAL Running Boards – Crew Cab Long Bed Best.
Price: 499-599 | weight capacity: 500 lbs. | warranty: Limited Lifetime.
Romik RAL boards are designed to fit the configurations of Crew Cab long bed 5 th gen RAM 1500. The extra-long wheel-to-wheel construction is across the full length of these long trucks without any gaps or clumsy proportions. The weight is kept down due to aluminum construction and textured black powder coat which makes the construction reasonable even with the added length. Multi-step design offers secure footing in several positions on the board.
RAL Long Bed Features:
– Long bed wheel-to-wheel coverage.
– Construction of long length made of lightweight aluminum.
– Multi step positions across board length.
– Textured powder coating conceals scratches and wear.
– 500-pound capacity at any step position.
– Life warranty on construction is limited.
Long bed configurations with installation require approximately 2 hours because of the long length and extra mounting points. These have no-drill brackets which are attached to factory frame locations. When you have a long bed RAM, it is hard to find boards that appear to be proportional and Romik RAL is the answer to that issue.
Best use: Crew Cab long bed owners that require full-length boards that are properly proportioned.
- Nerf 5″ Oval Curved Nerf bars – Best Classic Appearance.
Price: 329-429, weight capacity: 400 lbs., warranty: 3 years.
Lund curved nerf bars provide 5 th gen RAM 1500 owners with classic truck styling, with tube-style boards. The 5-inch oval tubes are curved in such a way that it follows the lines of your truck. Stainless steel construction is highly polished to offer permanent resistance against rust and classic chrome look. Each door has black rubber step pads that provide stable footing with drain holes to avoid the build-up of water.
Lund Classic Features:
– Classic curved design adheres to body lines.
– Permanent rust resistance is polished stainless steel.
– 5-inch oval nerf tubes conventional nerf bar profile.
– Molded step pads at every door position.
– 400-pound capacity can be used in everyday use.
– 3-year warranty on finish and construction.
These are fitted within 50-60 minutes with vehicle specific brackets and normal hand tools. The chrome finish is polished and it needs some maintenance every now and then to avoid the water spots and shine. In case you want to have the old nerf bar styling as opposed to the modern platform boards, Lund provides that old truck look with a quality construction.
Best: Traditionalists who like classic chrome nerf bar styling to modern platform boards.
Installation hints on 5th gen RAM running boards.
The majority of 5thgen RAM 1500 running boards can be installed with no drilling using factory mounting. Nevertheless, the correct method of installation is important in the long-term sustainability and safety.
The steps to follow when installing the critical are as follows:
– Wipe down surfaces to be mounted on beforehand.
– Coat mounting bolts with thread locker.
– Torque to specifications on instructions.
– Check bracket alignment prior to final tightening.
– Before normal use weight capacity test.
– Check mounting hardware every month during first 6 months.
Installation should be done at a slow pace and should not be hurried. Bolts that are not tightened correctly may become loose with time, leading to boards sagging or rattling. In case you are not sure about your mechanical skills, professional installation costs about 150-300 and guarantees correct installation.
Maintenance and Care
Good running boards have a lifespan of 10 years and need minimal maintenance. But a bit of attention prolongs their existence and makes them look good.
Monthly Maintenance:
– Wash boards to clean off road salt and debris.
– Check mounting bolts to check tightness.
– Check step surfaces- damaged or worn.
– Wipe up pads to ensure traction.
Seasonal Maintenance:
– Winter: Coat bare metal with rust protection.
– Spring: Deep spring clean-up.
– Summer: Inspections of plastic components UV damage.
– Fall: Oil moving components on powered boards.
Occasionally, hinges and pivot points in powered boards need to be lubricated. Recommendations by the check manufacturer on the maintenance intervals and the approved lubricants.
Conclusion
The most suitable running boards to fit 5th gen RAM 1500 trucks are solely based on the budget, your style choice, and whether you need a fixed or automatic running board. AMP Research Power Steps have been the leading product in the high-end automatic market in terms of quality and reliability. ARIES Action Truck boards are of superior value to motorized boards at a much lower price.
In the case of fixed boards, N-Fab Podium SS provides high-quality construction and aggressive design. TrailFX oval bars will make you realize that you do not need to use a lot of money to have good functionality and good appearance.
Before purchasing, think of what you really need. Convenience features such as automatic deployment are the most important to daily drivers. Work trucks must be as durable as possible and must be easy to maintain. Show trucks desire bold styling that is dramatic.
Check 5th generation RAM 1500 compatibility always before buying. The redesign of 2019+ altered the location of mounting to the extent that older boards are no longer compatible. Correct installation with proper torque specifications would guarantee years of trouble free operation.
Quality running boards will improve the functionality, appearance and resale value of your truck. Select boards that fit your budget and usage pattern and then take care of them to ensure you get the maximum out of them. Your 5 th generation RAM should have boards with good quality that are easy to enter and on top of that, they should look good with the best running boards on 5 th generation RAM 1500 trucks in the market today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I have running boards on my 5th gen RAM 1500?
Running boards are optional but greatly help in making entry much easier particularly to passengers or the elderly. They also shield rocker panels against rock chips and give a step to wash or maintain. Running boards are virtually necessary to get in and out in the event your RAM has a lift kit.
Do 4th generation RAM running boards fit 5th generation trucks?
No, 4th generation (2009-2018) running boards cannot be used on 5thgen (2019+) RAM 1500 trucks without modifications. The body redesign altered the location of mounting points and body sizes. Always purchase boards that are made to fit 2019-2025 RAM 1500.
How much time does it take to install running boards?
The fixed running boards are normally installed in 45-90 minutes using simple hand tools. The time required to power boards is 2-3 hours because of wiring and programming. Professional installation costs 150-300 and requires shops 1-2 hours depending on type of board.
What is the weight capacity of running boards?
The majority of quality running boards have a 400-600 pound per side rating. The 400 pound rating can deal with normal use quite well. When you have many passengers on boards at the same time or have heavy equipment, select boards with a 500 plus pound rating.
Is it possible to install running boards on a lifted RAM 1500?
Yea, but you must have drop-style running boards that fit lifted trucks. The standard boards are too high when raised and they are not easy to use. Board styles such as Westin HDX place steps 2-3 inches below to counter lift kits.
Are powered running boards effective in winter?
The boards such as AMP Research Power Step and ARIES Action Truck are quality powered and they operate perfectly in freezing temperatures, snow and ice. They incorporate extreme weatherproofed motors and parts. Lower priced powered boards might not perform or work well in severe winter conditions.
What do I do to keep my running boards?
Clean wash boards once a month to get rid of salt and debris. Check balancing every three months. Wipe step surfaces to ensure traction. Moving parts of powered boards require lubrication every now and then. Coat bare metal with rust protection every year in salty environments.
0 Comments