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Top 10 Running Boards & Side Steps for the 2019–2026 Ram 1500
Updated: February 2025 | Reviewed by the TruckBench Team
The 2019–2026 Ram 1500 sits noticeably tall — especially on Rebel and air-suspension-equipped trims, where ride height can shift further depending on drive mode. Running boards and side steps make a real difference for kids, passengers, and anyone loading gear, while also protecting the Ram’s rocker panels from road debris and parking lot dings.
The DT-platform Ram uses bracket mounting points specific to this generation — different from the previous-generation (DS) Ram. We’ve ranked the top 10 across every major style: power retractable, nerf bars, oval tube steps, and full-length running boards.
Quick Picks — Jump to Your Favorite
- AMP Research PowerStep XL — Best Overall
- N-Fab Nerf Steps — Best Nerf Bar
- Rough Country Oval Nerf Bars — Best Value
- Mopar Running Boards — Best OEM Fitment
- Westin Pro Traxx 5 Oval Bars — Best Mid-Range
- Tyger Auto 5″ Oval Side Steps — Best Budget Pick
- Go Rhino RB10 Running Boards — Best Heavy-Duty
- Lund 5″ Oval Curved Nerf Bars — Best Mid-Range Nerf Bar
- AMP Research PowerStep Xtreme — Best for Rebel & Lifted Trucks
- Ionic Pro Stainless Oval Bars — Best Polished Look
#1: AMP Research PowerStep XL — Best Overall
Rating: ★★★★★ | Badge: Editor’s Choice
“Power steps that deploy on door open and disappear flush on close — particularly valuable on a Ram with air suspension, since ride height (and step clearance) can vary by drive mode.”
AMP Research’s PowerStep XL is the standout running board option for the Ram 1500. Fully automatic power-deployable steps extend when any door opens and retract flush against the rocker panel when closed — giving you maximum ground clearance while driving and effortless entry when stopped. This is especially relevant on air-suspension-equipped Ram trims, where the truck’s ride height changes automatically at speed.
The XL features a wider 14-inch step pad over the standard PowerStep’s 12.5 inches. Aluminum construction, weather-sealed motors, and plug-and-play wiring into the Ram’s factory door sensor circuit. Backed by a 3-year warranty.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Style | Power Retractable |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Step Pad Width | 14 inches (XL) |
| Operation | Auto-deploy on door open |
| Cab Styles | Quad Cab, Crew Cab |
| Warranty | 3 Year |
Pros: Fully automatic deployment — Maximum ground clearance when retracted — Wide 14″ step pad — Plug-and-play wiring — Works well with air suspension ride height changes
Cons: Premium price point — Adds electrical complexity — Requires professional install for most owners — Verify clearance on Rebel/off-road packages
Price: ~$900–$1,100 depending on cab style
Check Price on Amazon → | AMPResearch.com →
#2: N-Fab Nerf Steps — Best Nerf Bar
Rating: ★★★★★ | Badge: Best Nerf Bar
“Clean, purposeful tube steps sized right for the Ram’s rocker height — a step up in durability from most nerf bar competitors.”
N-Fab’s nerf steps for the Ram use a 3-inch round tube profile with step pads positioned precisely for the DT Ram’s cab floor height. The textured black powder coat resists chipping and peeling far better than typical nerf bar finishes, and the textured step surface grips wet boots reliably. No-drill frame mounting, available in gloss black, textured black, and polished stainless.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Style | Nerf Bar / Tube Step |
| Tube Diameter | 3 inches |
| Material | Steel |
| Finish | Textured Black / Gloss / SS |
| Install | No-drill frame mount |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime |
Pros: Aggressive tube-step look — Extremely durable powder coat — Multiple finish options — No-drill frame mount — Lifetime warranty
Cons: Narrower step surface than running boards — Less protection for rocker panels — Step height may be tall for shorter passengers
Price: ~$350–$500 depending on cab and finish
Check Price on Amazon → | N-Fab.com →
#3: Rough Country Oval Nerf Bars — Best Value
Rating: ★★★★☆ | Badge: Best Value
“An aggressive 4-inch oval profile at a price that leaves room for the rest of your build budget.”
Rough Country’s oval nerf bars deliver a purposeful look at a price well below the premium brands. The black powder coat finish holds up to daily driving, and the step pads are generously sized with grippy texture. Mounting brackets are Ram-specific and bolt on without drilling.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Style | Oval Nerf Bar |
| Tube Size | 4-inch oval |
| Material | Steel |
| Finish | Black Powder Coat |
| Install | No-drill bolt-on |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime |
Pros: Aggressive look at a low price — No-drill installation — Solid powder coat finish — Textured non-slip step pads — Rough Country’s limited lifetime warranty
Cons: Thinner steel than premium brands — Finish can show wear faster than N-Fab — Step pad positioning less refined
Price: ~$150–$220 depending on cab style
Check Price on Amazon → | RoughCountry.com →
#4: Mopar Running Boards — Best OEM Fitment
Rating: ★★★★☆ | Badge: OEM Pick
“Engineered alongside the truck — the cleanest, most seamless integration with the Ram’s body lines available.”
Mopar’s factory running boards attach to factory hard points and match the Ram’s body lines exactly, since they were designed concurrently with the truck. The step surface is wide and textured for grip, and the composite finish resists chipping better than many aftermarket powder coats.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Style | OEM Running Board |
| Material | Composite / Aluminum |
| Fitment | Factory hard point mount |
| Step Surface | Wide, textured non-slip |
| Finish | Black composite |
| Source | Ram Dealers / Amazon |
Pros: Perfect factory fitment — Matches Ram body lines exactly — Factory mounting hard points — Wide step surface — Maintains OEM aesthetics
Cons: Premium OEM pricing — Limited style customization — Availability can vary by dealer — Heavier than some aftermarket options
Price: ~$400–$600 / set
#5: Westin Pro Traxx 5 Oval Bars — Best Mid-Range
Rating: ★★★★☆ | Badge: Best Mid-Range
“A meatier 5-inch oval profile that splits the difference between a basic nerf bar and a full running board.”
Westin’s Pro Traxx 5 Oval Bars give more step surface area than a standard 3-inch nerf bar, with better rocker panel coverage. Polished stainless or black powder coat finishes, Ram-specific bracket mounting that bolts to the factory frame without modification, and grippy step pads positioned at the right height for the Ram’s stock ride height.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Style | Oval Tube Step |
| Tube Size | 5-inch oval |
| Material | Stainless Steel / Steel |
| Finish | Polished SS or Black |
| Install | No-drill frame mount |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime |
Pros: Wide 5-inch oval for more step surface — Polished stainless option available — No-drill installation — Trusted brand with strong track record — Lifetime warranty
Cons: Polished finish requires more maintenance — Heavier than aluminum options — Step pads can get slippery if not cleaned regularly
Price: ~$280–$420 depending on finish and cab
Check Price on Amazon → | WestinAutomotive.com →
#6: Tyger Auto 5″ Oval Side Steps — Best Budget
Rating: ★★★★☆ | Badge: Best Budget
“Solid-looking 5-inch oval steps for under $200 — Tyger’s value formula holds up on the Ram just as well as it does on other trucks.”
Tyger’s budget oval steps deliver a sharp black powder coat finish, well-positioned step pads with generous texture, and Ram-specific brackets for genuine bolt-on installation. Not as durable long-term as premium steel gauges, but a strong value for daily driver and work truck use.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Style | Oval Tube Step |
| Tube Size | 5-inch oval |
| Material | Steel |
| Finish | Black Powder Coat |
| Install | No-drill bolt-on |
| Warranty | 1 Year |
Pros: Very affordable — Good-looking 5-inch oval profile — No-drill installation — Ram-specific brackets included — Wide textured step pads
Cons: Thinner steel gauge than premium brands — Shorter 1-year warranty — Finish may wear faster in harsh climates — Less refined fit than OEM or premium options
Price: ~$140–$200 depending on cab style
#7: Go Rhino RB10 Running Boards — Best Heavy-Duty
Rating: ★★★★★ | Badge: Best Heavy-Duty
“Thick, full-length, and built to take a beating — the right choice for a Ram that works for a living.”
Go Rhino’s RB10 boards are heavy-gauge steel with a textured black powder coat finish, nearly 5 inches of flat step area, and full-length coverage from front to rear door on Crew Cab models. The deeply textured surface handles mud, snow, and wet boots without becoming a slip hazard.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Style | Full-Length Running Board |
| Material | Heavy-Duty Steel |
| Step Width | ~5 inches |
| Finish | Textured Black Powder Coat |
| Coverage | Full rocker panel |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime |
Pros: Extremely durable heavy-gauge steel — Full rocker panel coverage — Wide flat step surface — Deep texture for wet/muddy grip — Lifetime warranty
Cons: Heavier than most options — More aggressive look may not suit all builds — Higher price for the heavy-duty tier — Fewer finish options
Price: ~$450–$600 depending on cab style
Check Price on Amazon → | GoRhino.com →
#8: Lund 5″ Oval Curved Nerf Bars — Best Mid-Range Nerf
Rating: ★★★★☆ | Badge: Best Mid-Range Nerf
“A gentle curve follows the Ram’s lower body line for a more integrated look than a straight tube.”
Lund’s curved oval bars bring a design detail that sets them apart — the curve follows the Ram’s body contour rather than running in a straight line. Stainless option pairs especially well with chrome trim on Laramie and Limited trims; black finish suits blacked-out builds. Large textured step pads, no-drill mounting.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Style | Curved Oval Nerf Bar |
| Tube Size | 5-inch oval |
| Material | Stainless Steel / Steel |
| Finish | Polished SS or Black |
| Install | No-drill bracket mount |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime |
Pros: Curved design follows body lines — Polished stainless option looks premium — Large textured step pads — No-drill installation — 50+ year brand reputation
Cons: Polished finish requires regular cleaning — Curve limits step pad positioning slightly — Heavier than aluminum alternatives
Price: ~$250–$380 depending on finish and cab
#9: AMP Research PowerStep Xtreme — Best for Rebel & Lifted Trucks
Rating: ★★★★★ | Badge: Best for Rebel & Lifted Trucks
“Purpose-built for the extra ride height of a Rebel or lifted Ram — drops lower and extends further than the standard PowerStep.”
The PowerStep Xtreme drops lower and extends further outboard than the standard PowerStep, bridging the larger gap between ground and cab floor on a Rebel, leveled, or lifted Ram. Same auto-deploy/retract operation, wide aggressively textured step pad for muddy, off-road use.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Style | Power Retractable (Lifted) |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Extended Drop | Greater than standard PowerStep |
| Operation | Auto-deploy on door open |
| Best For | Rebel trim, 2″–6″ lifted trucks |
| Warranty | 3 Year |
Pros: Purpose-built for Rebel and lifted Rams — Auto-deploy/retract operation — Greater drop and outboard extension — Wide textured step pad — Maintains ground clearance when retracted
Cons: Most expensive option on the list — Requires professional install — Adds electrical complexity — Overkill for stock-height trucks
Price: ~$1,100–$1,350 depending on cab style
Check Price on Amazon → | AMPResearch.com →
#10: Ionic Pro Stainless Oval Bars — Best Polished Look
Rating: ★★★★☆ | Badge: Best Polished Look
“Mirror-polished stainless steps that pair beautifully with the chrome accents on a Laramie or Limited.”
Ionic Pro’s mirror-polished stainless oval bars are the show-quality option — head-turning finish that complements chrome bumpers and billet grilles on higher Ram trims. Ram-specific brackets, no-drill installation, textured step pads.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Style | Oval Tube Step |
| Tube Size | 5-inch oval |
| Material | Mirror-Polished Stainless |
| Finish | Mirror Polish |
| Install | No-drill bracket mount |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime |
Pros: Best polished finish on the list — Pairs perfectly with chrome trim — No-drill installation — Durable stainless construction — Lifetime warranty
Cons: Requires regular polishing to maintain shine — Shows fingerprints and water spots easily — Not ideal for work trucks or muddy environments
Price: ~$220–$320 depending on cab style
Ram 1500 Running Board & Side Step Buying Guide
Know Your Cab Configuration
The 2019–2026 Ram 1500 comes in Quad Cab and Crew Cab. Running board and nerf bar lengths differ significantly between these — always order for your specific cab style.
Air Suspension Changes the Equation
Ram trims equipped with the available air suspension system automatically adjust ride height based on speed and drive mode — lowering at highway speed for aerodynamics, raising for off-road clearance. This means step height relative to the ground is not fixed the way it is on coil-spring competitors. If you’re running air suspension, a power-deploy step like the AMP Research PowerStep handles this variability far better than a fixed-height nerf bar or running board.
The Five Step Styles Explained
Power Retractable — Automatically deploys when doors open, retracts when closed. Best overall experience, especially valuable with air suspension.
Full-Length Running Boards — Wide, flat boards running the full rocker panel length. Best for families and frequent passengers.
Oval Tube Steps (5″) — The most popular style. Good balance of looks, function, and price.
Nerf Bars (3″) — Narrower, more aggressive, off-road-oriented look.
Curved Nerf Bars — Body-line-following curve for a more integrated look.
Rebel and Off-Road Package Considerations
The Ram Rebel and off-road-package trims sit higher than standard trims and often run larger tires. Standard running boards calibrated for normal ride height may sit too high to be useful. AMP Research’s PowerStep Xtreme is purpose-built for this; for fixed bars, verify “lifted truck compatible” listings or check step pad height against your specific ride height.
Material: Steel vs. Aluminum vs. Stainless
Steel is strong and affordable but heavier and needs good powder coat to resist rust in salt-belt states.
Aluminum is lighter and naturally corrosion-resistant, used primarily in power retractable steps.
Stainless Steel offers the best corrosion resistance and shiniest finish, heavier than aluminum, best for show trucks or low-moisture climates.
No-Drill vs. Drilling Required
Nearly every quality option on this list uses no-drill clamp or bolt-on brackets attaching to factory frame mounting points. Avoid products requiring frame drilling — unnecessary, weakens the frame, and voids most warranties.
Prices are approximate and subject to change. Always confirm your cab configuration before ordering. Replace YOURTAG-20 with your Amazon Associates tag. TruckBench earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.
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