Best Ram 1500 Side Steps

Consumer automotive journalists talk a lot about the ingress and egress of a vehicle. In the case of trucks, getting in and out becomes a task as the height increases (like if you’re running upsized tires). But with aftermarket accessories like running boards, side steps, or nerf bars, reaching the seat is just one step away — literally. In this guide, we take a look at the Best Dodge Ram 1500 side steps.

The 5 Best Side Steps for Ram 1500:

1. Tyger Auto Black Side Steps – the best side steps for Ram 1500
2. APS iBoard Running Boards
3. AMP Research PowerStep Electric Running Board
4. Tyger Auto Star Armor
5. TAC Gloss Black Side Steps

Our Recommendations

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Superb value: Tyger Auto Black Side Steps – the best side steps for Ram 1500

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This is a factory-style step bar for all four doors, made for use with Dodge Ram/Ram 1500 Crew Cab (model year 2009 to 2018). Tyger includes all the tools you’ll require to bolt these on, and there’s no need to drill holes to accommodate the clamps unless you have the 2009 to 2012 model year builds. It’s good practice to check with the seller before ordering to be sure, both in terms of mounting points and compatibility as well.

Inconspicuous appearance

The entire step is painted black, which adds to its inconspicuous appearance. The powder-coated heavy-duty, mild-triangle-steel tubing is rust-resistant. The 4-inch-wide step pads, located below each door, are also non-slip.

Tyger also offers a stainless steel version, which does away with the muted appearance of the black model. A wider 5-inch version and a wheel-to-wheel nerf bar is also available, among other variations. The links to these two are mentioned below.

What do we think of it?

Given its fair price, the Tyger Auto Black Side Steps is a product worth your time and money if you’re looking for a simple solution. Some owners have complained of fitting issues, so our suggestion to get around that is to confirm with the seller the part’s compatibility and probable fitment issues well in advance.

Tyger 5-inch:

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Tyger 4-inch stainless steel:

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Best Design: APS iBoard Running Boards

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A step upward from the usual nerf bars is this unique offering from APS called the iBoard. Made of aircraft-grade aluminum, the APS iBoard for Ram 1500 not only offers great style but also a solid build. It’s offered for a wide variety of trucks, but some of the installations may require drilling.

As listed by APS, the iBoard is available for use with Dodge Ram 1500 Regular Cab (1994-2000), Dodge Ram 1500 Regular and Quad Cab (2002-2008), Ram 1500 Quad Cab (2009-2016), Ram 1500 Regular Cab (2009-2016), and Ram 1500 Crew Cab (2009-2017). There are some exceptions, so you can check with the seller about the iBoard’s compatibility with your Dodge Ram 1500, before placing an order.

Great to look at

This Ram 1500 side step is made of a solid block of aluminum CNC-ed into a well-sculpted piece that’s supposed to be stronger as well as great to look at. The entire step is covered in rubber, ensuring slip-free access to your truck. Its load capacity is rated at 300 lb, whereas APS claims the side step is thoroughly tested against corrosion and weathering.

What do we think of it?

It’s one fine-looking side step, the APS iBoard. Made of aluminum, it’s also said to be resistant to corrosion. But a lot of owners have complained that the side step doesn’t fare too well in that regard.

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From the Future: AMP Research PowerStep Electric Running Board

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The thing about most side steps, running boards, or nerf bars is that while some might look good, but they are far from the original, clean look of the truck. The best workaround is to have a side step that just moves out of the way when not required – that’s what the AMP Research PowerStep Electric Running Board is.

Retracts automatically

It extends from underneath the truck as you open the door, and retracts as soon as the door is shut. Finished in black, it comes with the necessary hardware, but keep in mind that owing to its nature, you’d need to drill, fit the motors, and even do some connections. The instructions are mentioned in an illustrated guide on AMP’s website, too. It’s bound to take anywhere between 3 to 5 hours, and the skill level required is ‘Expert’.

The PowerStep is compatible with a variety of models — 2009-2018 Ram 1500 Regular Cab, Crew Cab, and Quad Cab. But for installation in the Regular and Quad Cab versions, certain modifications need to be made.

What do we think about it?

It’s the most expensive model we’ve listed here, but does it deserve a five-hold premium over a standard sidestep? It entirely depends on what you’re looking for from the product. If it’s just going to be a robust side step, then the AMP PowerStep won’t make any sense. But with its automatic retraction and an overall cleaner look, we think it’s a product worthy of a second look. And it even gets an integrated LED system as well.

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For the latest: Tyger Auto Star Armor

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The 2019 Ram 1500 is a cool new design, which means it’s all the more necessary for your side step to fit that style. The Tyger Auto Star Armor for Ram 1500 doesn’t fall short in terms of looks. It’s made for the new Ram 1500 Crew Cab, boasts a solid 500-lb weight capacity, and even gets additional underside support.

No drilling required

Tyger Auto maintains that it’s an easy, bolt-on installation with no drilling required. The heavy-duty 2-inch tubes are sealed at the ends to ensure no water/mud goes inside. The black exterior gets a nice texture for looks and an e-coat for protection against rust.

What do we think of it?

The Tyger Auto sidestep for the Ram 1500 (2019) is solid and backed by a 5-year warranty against manufacturing defects. The user reviews so far have been great. And that makes the Tyger Auto a worthy choice for your new 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab.

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Not so regular: TAC Gloss Black Side Steps

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If you’d specced your Ram 1500 with a Regular Cab, it’s highly likely that you haven’t seen too many choices for running boards. The TAC Gloss Black Side Steps is made for the Ram 1500 Regular Cab and as long as you’re okay with straight-forward appearance, it will work just fine.

Enhances the Regular Cab’s looks

Compatible with Regular Cab versions of the Ram 1500 (Model Year 2009-2018), the TAC product is made of heavy-duty mild steel and has non-slip wide step pads. It’s easy to install, and with the gloss black appearance, it looks good — enhancing the handsome image of the truck.

It gets a 3-year warranty against manufacturing defects, and TAC suggests getting in touch with them before ordering for the suggestion on a perfect fit.

What do we think of it?

It’s a good choice for Ram 1500 Regular Cab. Since it’s made of steel, it’s bound to last long, and stand the everyday driving wear for longer. The gloss-black, straight-forward appearance is on point, too.

Final thoughts on Best Ram 1500 Side Steps

There’s no denying that the Ram 1500 is a great looking truck, and it deserves the best looking side steps as well. Some of these trump others when it comes to looks, while some offer functionality that’s hard to miss. In terms of looks, the aluminum-made APS iBoard is an easy choice. But if you’re looking for a more conventional option, then the Tyger Auto Black Side Steps is a great product. And for a more modern truck (the 2019 Ram 1500), the Tyger Auto Star Armor does its job well, too. Side steps are generally made for various models, for something like a Regular Cab variant, we like TAC’s Gloss Black side steps; it doesn’t cost too much and complements the truck’s appearance as well. But the most tempting one here is the AMP Research PowerStep. The automatic step retracts and hides when the doors are open and shut, respectively, thus maintaining the original design of the truck but still offering added functionality of a step when required.