2020 Dodge Ram 1500 Ram 1500 Nerf Bars, Steps & Running Boards

Heavy-Duty, Compatible Aftermarket Ram 1500 Running Boards, Bars & Steps

Unless you ordered your Ram pickup in a high trim level, like the luxurious Limited or Limited Longhorn, it likely shipped without factory running boards. Fortunately, you aren’t left without options. At RealTruck, we offer a wide selection of running boards and truck steps in various styles, finishes, and configurations to meet the needs and budget of any Ram owner. Whether your Ram is a dedicated off-roader, work truck, or daily driver, we offer durable, high-quality side steps for every caliber of build. 

Our aftermarket running boards and steps provide a durable step up into your Ram without any labor-intensive fabrication or modifications. Simple bolt-on designs with vehicle-specific brackets and hardware make installation a breeze. With RealTruck’s running boards and steps, get exceptional style and practicality for your Ram 1500 without spending an arm and a leg on pricey OEM components.

Types of Ram 1500 Truck Nerf Bars, Steps & Running Boards

Running boards and steps come in various configurations and styles to appease every Ram truck owner. Check out some of our most popular step styles to determine which is right for you.

Running Boards

When accessibility is the primary concern, opt for a pair of flat, wide, and stable running boards. These steps prioritize daily driving practicality by significantly lowering the step height, enabling far easier entries, whether your Ram is stock height, leveled, or lifted. Running boards are also easy to install, with most products offering direct bolt-on installations with zero modifications required. Learn more about the ease of running board installation in our N-Fab ROAN running board installation tutorial. 

However, running boards do come with some tradeoffs. Limited rocker protection and reduced ground clearance make running boards less functional for dedicated off-roaders compared to other step styles, like rock sliders.

Nerf Bars

Nerf bars are another popular side step style, featuring tubular constructions for a rugged, off-road-inspired design. Most nerf bars feature recessed molded step pads with non-slip treading to ensure a stable, safe step regardless of weather conditions. Like running boards, nerf bars prioritize accessibility. While they offer moderate rocker panel protection against kicked-up debris and mud, any significant impacts or abrasions may cause damage to the step or your Ram’s body. 

Installation-wise, nerf bars are equally easy to install. Vehicle-specific brackets and hardware make mounting nerf bars a quick and easy process, requiring little to no drilling or modifications. Learn more about installing nerf bars with our Ionic Pro Series Black 5” nerf bar installation tutorial.

Cab-Length vs. Wheel-to-Wheel

Nerf bars and running boards come in different lengths, including cab-length and wheel-to-wheel. Cab-length steps stretch the length of the cab, while wheel-to-wheel steps extend further toward the rear of the vehicle—just before the rear tires. On pickup trucks, like the Ram 1500, this added length provides an additional step at each bedside for easier access to tools and cargo.

Retractable Power Steps

Up next, retractable power steps add high-tech flair to traditional truck steps. Hinged mounting brackets and integrated electric motors allow the steps to deploy and retract automatically as the driver and passengers open and close the doors.

When a door is opened, the steps automatically deploy to ease cab access. With all doors closed, the steps retract behind the rocker panels for subtle styling. The retracted position also has little to no negative impact on ground clearance, making power retractable steps a wise choice for off-roaders. 

Installing power steps on your Ram 1500 truck can be a laborious task, as some modifications are required. Additionally, wiring is needed to integrate the steps’ wiring harness with the factory door sensors and the electrical system. Still, installation is relatively straightforward—check out our installation video for the AMP Research® PowerStep™ Smart Series for additional information.

Rock Sliders

If accessibility is less of a concern than protection, check out our selection of Ram 1500 rock sliders. Rock sliders are manufactured from beefy materials—like carbon steel tubing—for maximum strength and durability. Reinforced mounts boost rigidity, while durable finishes help to fend off corrosion. 

While rock sliders are highly protective, with integrated rock rails for sliding over obstacles on the trail, they aren’t the most effective for accessibility. Narrow, tightly tucked rails don't serve as the most effective step treads. However, if protection is the number one concern, nothing beats a set of premium rock sliders.

Rocker-Mount vs. Frame-Mount

Rock sliders come in two mounting configurations—rocker-mount and frame-mount. While rocker-mount steps are easier to install, they offer less structural integration than frame-mount offerings. Frame-mount sliders tie directly into your Ram’s rugged steel frame rails—arguably the strongest and most structural part of the truck. Though some modifications and drilling may be required for mounting, frame-mount sliders are undoubtedly sturdier than rocker-mount offerings.

Our Popular Picks for Ram 1500 Running Boards, Bars & Steps

Check out some expert recommendations for Ram 1500 side steps.

Go Rhino Dominator D6 Running Boards

Why we love it: 

• Durable tubular steel construction

• Extra-wide 6-in. step pad with raised hex pattern

• Textured black powder coat finish

• The dual-purpose design offers the benefits of a running board and sliders

• Optional bolt-on 4-in. drop steps available

• Frame Mount available on select applications

• Simple bolt-on application with no drilling required

• Limited lifetime structural | 5-year finish warranty

APS Truck Armor Side Steps

Why we love it: 

• Heavy-duty 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum construction

• Corrosion-resistant matte black powder coat finish

• Extra-wide step surface eases entry into the cab

• Guards rocker panels against mild impacts and abrasions

• Includes all necessary hardware and bracketry

• Simple no-drill installation

• Limited 1-year warranty

FAQs About Our Dodge Ram 1500 Truck Running Boards & Side Steps

Q: Are running boards or side steps easy to install on a Ram 1500 truck?

A: Most running boards and steps are easy to install on Ram 1500 pickups. Vehicle-specific brackets, hardware, and instructions eliminate the need for modifications or drilling, making the installation a simple, bolt-on effort. This being said, some step styles, like frame-mount rock sliders or electric-retractable steps, require additional installation steps. 

Q: Do these running boards and steps fit a Crew Cab or a Quad Cab?

A: Since 2009, Ram has offered its 1500 trucks in two different four-door configurations—the crew cab and quad cab. Quad cab trucks feature a shorter rear door, while crew cab trucks feature a longer rear door and additional room in the back seat. When optioning your side steps for your particular make and model, be sure to specify which cab your Ram 1500 has to ensure proper fitment. 

Q: How’s the slip-resistance on the running boards for the Ram 1500?

A: Slip-resistance varies by step type. Running boards—both electric and fixed-position—and nerf bars typically feature wide, long, and textured step tread for exceptional traction in all weather conditions. However, styles like sliders tend to feature tightly tucked, narrow step treads that, while better than nothing, don’t prioritize accessibility.