Best Running Boards for Ram 2500 Pickup Truck

best running boards for ram 2500

Once you get your RAM 2500, you can not wait to get on it every morning. However, the only thing stopping you from getting in the belly of that beast is the ground clearance. The RAM 2500 is a huge truck, and installing running boards is one sure way of enjoying your time with the truck. However, if you are going to get running boards, you can get nothing less than the best running boards for ram 2500, and here are our best choices.

Before we jump right into it, here is a little reminder of what we are talking about.

What is the best running board for the RAM 2500?


What is a Running Board?

Trucks have large ground clearance, and getting into and leaving the car can be a little bit of a hassle for some people. A running board creates a platform to a car door to help the driver or passenger board or leave the vehicle. Trucks like the Dodge RAM 2500 have a huge clearance that it would be safer to install a running board.

Running boards come in all shapes and sizes, and you can be sure to find what works for you. Traditional running boards have been in the market for a while, but now we are starting to see electric running boards. Retractable running boards have their advantages and disadvantages. However, you have to know what look you are going for and what you are trying to achieve with the upgrade.

It is important to note that running boards are different from side steps. Side steps can have a customized height and ground clearance. While automatic running boards can have a customizable height, side steps can have individual step pads and are narrower.

Let's check out the best running boards for RAM 2500!

Best Running Boards for RAM 2500

a) Tyger Auto Running Boards

Tyger Auto TG-SS2C35068 Tyger Rider Running Boards Compatible with 2019-2022 Chevy Silverado / GMC...
  • IMPORTANT - Only fit Crew Cab with 4 full-size doors. (Please...
  • FITMENT - Compatible with Crew Cab models for: 2019-2022 Chevy...
  • OVAL TUBE DESIGN - Distinctive oval tube design provides a wider...
  • EASY INSTALLATION - Easy bolt-on installation with NO drilling...
  • QUALITY GUARANTEED - TYGER no hassle 5 year warranty for US...

Tyger auto running boards not only offer extra protection while boarding or leaving the truck but add a great visual element that gives your truck character. The running boards are made of heavy-duty material that can withhold maximum weight capacity because of their carbon steel reinforcement.


The running boards are easy bolt-on installation boards that will not give you a headache to mount on the truck. No drilling is required whatsoever, and you do not have to worry about all the hardware you will have to buy. The oval tube design offers a larger step surface compared to the round boards, giving you easy access to the truck and the extra protection you need in wet weather.

The nerf bars have a textured finish that looks good on the truck. The bars are water and rust-resistant and will serve you for a long time to come. If you are a fan of high clearance, lifted trucks, Tyger auto running boards are all you need.

Pros

  • Easy installation
  • No drilling installation hardware required
  • Great for a lifted truck
  • Anti-slip protection
  • Rust resistant
  • Looks great on a RAM truck

Cons

  • The oval shape is not as stable as a flat board would be, especially on rainy days.

b) MaxMate Nerf Bars

MaxMate Compatible with 2019-2022 Chevy/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500; 2020-2022 2500 3500 Crew Cab 4...
  • IMPORTANT: Only fit Crew Cab with 4 full-size doors.NOT for...
  • FITMENT: Compatible with Crew Cab model for 2019-2022 Chevy...
  • 100% brand new 2 bars for both driver & passenger sides. Step...
  • UV resistant non-slip wide step pads.
  • Easy No-Drilling DIY installation in minutes. All mounting...

These nerf bars not only make great crew cab running boards but perfect Dodge ram running boards too. Most running boards do not come as non-slip bars and have to be reinforced. MaxMate is some of the best running boards for ram 2500, as most clients would agree, because of the non-slip feature, which is important to avoid accidents as safety comes first. The nerf bars can fit on the Dodge ram 1500 and many other trucks, making them the most versatile in the market.


The set comes with installation instructions to make the installation process easy and correct. Before you get the running boards installed, remember that MaxMate bars are not meant for double-cabs. You might need two running boards for Dodge double cabin trucks. You will not require drilling equipment of any kind as part of the mounting hardware to install the bars.

Many running boards can not claim to be UV-resistant. Well, MaxMate bars are, making them the most durable bars for the Ram 1500 crew cab or the ram 2500.

Pros

  • UV-resistant
  • Easy installation
  • The set comes with an installation manual and DIY instruction included
  • Few installation materials are needed (minus drilling tools)

Cons

  • The bars do not fit a double cabin truck

c) KYX Running Boards

KYX Running Boards for 2009-2018 Ram 1500/ 2010-2022 Ram 2500 3500 Crew Cab, 5 inches Side Steps...
  • FITS PERFECTLY: Compatible with 2009-2018 Ram 1500/ 2010-2022 Ram...
  • EASY 1-HOUR INSTALLATION: 100% bolt-on design, no drilling...
  • PATENTED DESIGN: Exclusive design provides an extraordinary...
  • UP TO 500Lbs STABILITY: With Top-Grade Steel, KYX Running Boards...
  • 1-YEAR DURABILITY: With seamless welding high-grade sturdy steel,...

These bars will fit perfectly on most RAM trucks. All you need is to spare an hour to install the running bars and you will be good to go. The set comes with a set of detailed instructions and hardware and you will not have to spend an extra cost to buy anything. With the patented design, it is hard to find a board that will be more efficient than the KYX running boards for dodge ram 1500 and 2500.

The KYX boards have safety features including extended step pads for extra safety. The extra step pads reduce the ground clearance and add you an extra place to step on when alighting or getting on. When you install running boards by KYX, you will realise sooner that you made the right choice.

KYX are high quality running boards that can handle a high weight capacity without developing any faults. If you are wondering how much weight you can put on the boards, its 500 pounds, which is more than enough.

Pros

  • Weight capacity of 500 pounds
  • Durable running board set
  • Best running boards for trucks with large clearance
  • Patented design
  • Fits perfectly on the truck
  • Easy installation running boards

Cons

  • The extra steps might not look good for some people

d) AMP Research Powerstep Running Board

AMP Research 75154-01A-B PowerStep Electric Running Boards for 2014-2018 Silverado & Sierra 1500,...
  • Automatic, electric-powered running boards instantly extend when...
  • High-strength, die-cast aluminum alloy components with an...
  • Precision stainless steel pivot pins for rock-solid stability and...
  • Weatherproof, OEM Quality electric motors, drive system and...
  • Made in the USA and backed by a 5-year limited warranty

The Dodge ram is a cool truck to own and drive around. The performance on that truck is unmatched, and the looks are inspiring even for other brands. To make this even better, the running boards are electric. Reliable electric running boards for dodge ram 1500 or 25oo are not easy to find. That is why it is vital to highlight this wonder of an accessory. The AMP research running board has pushed the limits that can only be dreamed of by other companies.

The running boards have a military-grade finish that has a high resistance compared to other boards. The boards are weatherproof, making them ideal to have on trucks. We both know you are definitely planning to push your truck to the limits. If you drive a Mega cab or the Dodge, you know where the temptations will take you. One of the things you need is the electric running board that AMP research has availed to make your truck cool and practical.

Pros

  • Weatherproof
  • Unique and good looking on the truck
  • Military-grade running board
  • Wide running boards for safety
  • Retractable

Cons

  • Minor drilling required
  • It might be costlier than its manual mates

e) APS iBoard Running Boards

APS iBoard (Black Powder Coated Running Board Style) Running Boards Nerf Bars Side Steps Step Rails...
  • Set of 2 iBoard running boards for your truck or suv, INCLUDES...
  • Simple NO DRILLING installation with most trucks. Steps bolt on...
  • X-Large 6-inch BLACK aluminum side steps with full coverage step...
  • Check fitment notes or click on the SEE ALL VEHICLES THIS PRODUCT...
  • Great looking CAB LENGTH nerf bars, Compatible with Toyota Tundra...

If you own a pickup truck, you know how important it is to have running boards on the truck bed or the doors. Trucks like the Dodge ram 1500 can have wide ground clearance hence the need for a running board. Functionally, APS iBoard running boards are the most practical running boards for dodge ram 2500 in the market.

The APS running boards have a wide surface with treads that make it easier to scale, even in wet weather. Most running boards focus too much on the looks and shape, forgetting the fundamental function of a running board. APS iBoard running boards have remained true to the basics and have the safest boards in the market. The running boards do a fine job by supporting up to 300 pounds.

Pros

  • Light system
  • Perfect fit for more ground clearance
  • Perfect for busy pickup trucks
  • Set fits mud-flaps and guards to keep road debris out

Cons

  • The running boards might affect the gas mileage

How to Choose Running Boards

1) Material

Whether using aircraft-grade aluminum or carbon steel, you need to know what each material comes with. The material you are picking for your running board will have to contend against bad weather, road debris, passenger weight, time and rust. Rust-resistant material is the first feature you should look for. Next should be the weight limit. Finally, strength matters, especially if you have to drill extra holes on the board.

2) Installation Process

Mounting hardware cons can include poor installation. If you want to or have to do the installation process by yourself, you should pick running boards that require no drilling or ones with factory holes. If you are unsure, you might have to take the truck to a professional. However, most truck owners are hands-on people who like doing it themselves. Therefore, the installation process is very important.

Check if the boards have a dual girder system or the necessary mounting brackets that may make the installation process slightly more complicated. Be sure you read the installation manual and use the right tools.

3) Price

Electric running boards will be more expensive than other running boards for dodge. Additional accessories on boards like support brackets may alter the price slightly. Most boards are within the same price range. However, you might want to watch out for the reasons behind the price differences. The reasons can be things you want to pay attention to, like extra anti-slip protection, better material, a higher weight capacity and more.

4) Looks

Looks matter a lot. Once you have bought a Dodge or a quad cab, there is no way you will compromise on the looks. The character of the truck is both in looks and performance. You have to pay attention to the boards you install because they can be very in the face if you are not careful. The boards run across the side of the truck on both sides, and you do not want a cringe stripe on the side of the good-looking truck.

You can get boards that retract if you do not want them to be visible every time. Of course, an extra cost comes with that kind of a board, but you can get it because it is worth it.

5) Length

Not all running boards are the same length. Length matters because the boards are meant for a double cab or a normal pickup truck. If the length is shorter, it might pose a hazard. If the board is longer, it might touch the wheel. You can install step pads for each door, but not short running boards. The best running boards have a list of compatible trucks to make it easy for you. You do not have to trial and error when looking for fitting boards.

6) Other Accessories

Boards have their upgrades just like any other car part`. For example, you can fit running boards with lights to add a vibe to your truck. Your truck makes a statement everywhere you go, and the running board should not take that away. Keep in mind that some states do not allow certain decorative colored lights on cars at night. Likewise, some states do not allow blue lights on vehicles at night so keep that in mind.

Other accessories can include extra treads, color, mud-guard clearance and more. You want to check for accessories while keeping the ground clearance in mind.

Conclusion

Installing running boards is a major adjustment on your Dodge truck. If you are going to add a board, you need to look for the best running boards in the market. The boards are positioned in a vulnerable spot on the truck and are prone to damage by many elements and factors. The best way to go about this is to look for a reliable running board. The ones we have listed above are way above average from boards you will find in the market.