5 Best Running Boards for Ram 1500 – Top Choices and Reviews [2023 Edition]

Running boards are the best way to upgrade your Ram 1500 because they are both functional, and they take your car’s look to the next level. They are a rare accessory that serves both purposes!

I’ve spent a lot of time researching and testing out many running boards for Ram 1500, and it wasn’t easy choosing only the five best!

After careful consideration, I am happy with my choices, and I’m glad I can help you get only the best for your four-wheel companion!

Without further ado, if you’re interested to see what are the best running boards for Ram 1500 on the market, keep on reading!

5 Best side steps for Ram 1500 Reviews in 2024

 1. TAC Truck Pickup 4″ Oval Black Side Bars

TAC Truck Pickup 4" Oval Black Side Bars for ram 1500
TAC Truck Pickup 4″ Oval Black Side Bars

Tac is a brand with a long tradition in producing car accessories and you can always trust that their products are worthwhile. 

When it comes to design and quality, these sidebars are one of my favorites. In this price range, you definitely won’t find a better pair of running boards for Dodge Ram 1500!

They will ultimately elevate the look of your 2009-2018 Ram 1500 Crew Cab (including 2019-2010 Classic), as well as 2010-2021 Ram 2500/3500/4500/5500 Crew Cab! I also recommend these if you drive a 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab, or 2010-2019 Dodge Ram 2500/3500/4500/5500!

These running boards are a classic piece, and I was fascinated by their simple yet powerful design. If you want black running boards for Dodge Ram 1500, these are the ones for you!

Besides the eye-catching design, I also loved how strong and durable they are. They’re made of heavy-duty powder coated mild steel oval tubes. The UV protection enhances durability and the non-slip step pads provide security!

I was a bit disappointed not to receive all of the mounting hardware. Even though they claim you get everything you need, a few pieces were missing! 

Pros:

  • Powerful design
  • Strong and durable steel
  • UV protection and non-slip pads

Cons:

  • There’s a chance you may not get all the necessary hardware included

If you want the best cheap running boards for Dodge Ram 1500, you can’t go wrong with Tac running boards!

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2. Ajaa HEX Style Black Running Boards 

Ajaa HEX Style Black Running Boards for ram 1500
Ajaa HEX Style Black Running Boards

One of the best side steps for Ram 1500 is the Ajaa side steps. At first glance, I immediately noticed that they have a very unique design that you don’t often find on the market. 

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The hexagonal style of the steel tubing gives these side steps a distinctive design. There’s one for both the passenger and the driver’s side and each has two large steps that allow you to get in and out of the vehicle safely. 

As I said, the tubes are made of stainless steel, which makes them very secure and durable. Both side steps have a semi-gloss black premium coated finish. These are ideal if you have a 2010-2019 Dodge Ram 1500/2500/3500 Crew Cab with four full-size doors. However, they don’t fit the 2019 model!

I particularly appreciated that the steps have a wide step area, so no matter the size of your shoes, you’ll be able to step on them comfortably. 

You’ll notice these side steps don’t have non-slip pads but they do have little bumps on the steps to prevent them from being slippery.

I must admit it was a bit complicated to install them even with the instructions. However, this is not a major flaw and it’s something I could easily overlook considering all the other features.

Pros:

  • Unique hexagonal design
  • Wide step area
  • Strong stainless steel construction
  • Affordable price

Cons:

  • A tad complicated installation process

If you need the best side steps for Ram 1500, you’ll love the Ajaa HEX Style Black side steps!

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3. Tyger Auto TG-AM2D20608 Running Boards

Tyger Auto TG-AM2D20608 Running Boards for ram 1500
Tyger Auto TG-AM2D20608 Running Boards

If you’re willing to spend a few extra bucks on the best running boards for Dodge Ram 1500, I recommend splurging on the Tyger running boards. These are a true premium choice and the ultimate upgrade for your truck. 

They fit perfectly on 2019-2021 Ram 1500 Crew Cab with four full-size doors. If you have a Quad Cab, Mega Cab, or 2019-2021 Classic model, these are not for you.

I can’t talk about Tyger running boards for Ram 1500 without mentioning how incredibly strong they are. These boards can support up to 500 pounds without bending even a little bit!

They’re made of one-piece, heavy-duty 2-inch stainless steel tubes and they have the proprietary star armor kit design that Tyger is famous for worldwide. The stars look particularly stylish with the dual-stage powder coated textured black finish!

I liked how easy it was to install these running boards. They have a simple bolt-on installation that doesn’t require any drilling!

Finding a flaw on these extraordinary boards was tough, and, honestly, for me, the biggest disadvantage is the high price! It’s also a bit disappointing that they fit only the new 2019-2021 models and not at least some of the older versions!

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Pros:

  • Easy bolt-on installation
  • Stylish star armor kit design
  • Support up to 500 pounds
  • Stainless steel construction

Cons:

  • High price point
  • Fit only the new 2019-2021 Ram 1500

Tyger running boards are always a good choice if you can and want to spend a bit more money to upgrade your Ram 1500!

4. Tyger Auto TG-RS9D50078 RISER Running Boards

Tyger Auto TG-RS9D50078 RISER Running Boards for ram 1500
Tyger Auto TG-RS9D50078 RISER Running Boards

I had to include at least two models of running boards by Tyger since they are simply the best. Their running boards boast quality and performance beyond many others, and I firmly believe you won’t regret trying them!

On these, I liked the design most. These running boards have uniquely designed black step pads that compliment the rest of the boards in the same color. Definitely one of the most stunning black running boards for Dodge Ram 1500! 

These are good for the 2009-2018 Crew Cab with four full-size doors, and the 2019-2021 Classic model!

Tyger Riser running boards are not just pretty; they’re functional too. They have a 5-inch wheel-to-wheel design with the extra third step to provide easier access to your truck bed! This third step is especially useful if you need to install or check up on your Ram 1500 tonneau cover!

The heavy-duty triangle mild steel tubes are robust, and they can support up to 350 pounds. They also feature UV protection, and the wide step pads are not slippery.

I thought that the installation is straightforward once you figure out the instruction because they are not very clear! Also, a heads up, 2009-2011, and some 2012 models require drilling, so be prepared!

Pros:

  • Stylish all-black design
  • Wheel-to-wheel boards
  • The third pad provides access to the truck bed
  • Support a lot of weight

Cons:

  • Installation instructions could be more precise!

Don’t miss out on one of the best high-end running boards for Dodge Ram 1500! Especially if you want a step that provides access to your truck bed!

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5. MaxMate Custom Fit 2009-2018 Ram 1500 Crew Cab

MaxMate Custom Fit 2009-2018 Ram 1500 Crew Cab
MaxMate Custom Fit 2009-2018 Ram 1500 Crew Cab

If you’re looking for the best running boards to fit your 2009-2018 Ram 1500 Crew Cab, 2019-2021 Classic, or 10-20 Ram 2500/3500 Crew Cab, the MaxMate running boards are the right choice for you.

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I was genuinely impressed by these running boards. You get two boards for both the passenger and the driver’s side. They are made of heavy-duty 4-inch oval stainless steel tubing, and they also feature welded end caps for extra protection!

Another great thing about the MaxMate boards is that they are easy to install, and you get all of the necessary hardware and instructions. Except for 2009-2011 and some 2012 models that require some drilling, all other models have bolt-on installation.

The black non-slip step pads combined with the shiny stainless steel will look great on your Ram 1500! The best thing of all is that these running boards are very affordable!

Keep in mind that these fit only the Crew Cab with four full-size doors, and they’re not made for Quad Cab nor Mega Cab!

However, the design has a minor flaw – one of the boards can get filled with water over time, so if you live in a rainy area, I’d recommend you skip these. These are ideal if you’re in sunny places, and you can combine them nicely with neat windshield sun shades!

Pros:

  • Reasonable price
  • Sturdy stainless steel construction
  • Easy to install

Cons:

  • There’s a minor design flaw 

I’d recommend the MaxMate running boards if you live in a relatively dry area, and want to get a pair of affordable running boards for Ram 1500!

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Final Thoughts

It’s hard for me to single out the best running boards for Ram 1500. However, I do have a few favorites. In the category for a premium pick, I’d have to go with  Tyger Auto TG-AM2D20608 Running Boards. When it comes to the most attractive design, definitely my number one choice is Tyger Auto TG-RS9D50078 RISER Running Boards!

My number one choice for the overall design, quality, performance, and price point is definitely the  TAC Truck Pickup 4″ Oval Black Side Bars!

There you go, the best side-steps for Ram 1500! Now all that’s left to do is choose your favorite pick and get down to upgrading your wheels!

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