RAM Running Boards: Main Types and How to Find Your Perfect Fit

The Ram 1500 has been one of the best-selling trucks in North America for years, and strong sales through 2026 show that popularity isn't going anywhere. With the Ram lineup spanning multiple cab styles and body generations, more owners than ever are looking at aftermarket accessories to get more out of their trucks day to day. One upgrade that keeps coming up in forums, Facebook groups, and owner discussions? Ram running boards.

If you just picked up a new Ram, or you're tired of watching your passengers struggle to climb in — you're already thinking about this. The good news is there are solid options available right now, and picking the right pair isn't nearly as complicated as it might seem.

Here's what this guide covers:

• Why running boards are worth adding to any Ram truck
• The main types of Ram 1500 running boards and who each one is for
• What to look for in terms of build quality, finish, and load capacity
• How to choose between Crew Cab and Quad Cab fitments
• A quick side-by-side comparison of JOYTUTUS running boards for Ram trucks
• What installation actually looks like on a Saturday morning

The Real Reasons Most Ram Owners Add Running Boards

Running boards aren't just a visual upgrade. They solve real, everyday problems that Ram owners deal with from day one.

Entry and Exit Gets Easier for Everyone

Trucks sit high off the ground — that's part of the appeal. But climbing in and out multiple times a day puts wear on your knees, and younger passengers or older family members can find it genuinely difficult. A well-placed set of running boards for Ram 1500 trucks gives everyone a stable step right where they need it. With a dual-tier step design, there's a lower step for cab entry and an upper step that puts roof racks and truck bed cargo within easy reach. No climbing up the tire, no awkward stretch, no waiting for someone to help.

Side Protection You Don't Notice Until You Need It

A good set of ram running boards also protects your truck's rocker panels and lower doors from rocks, road debris, and parking lot door dings. That steel profile sitting along the lower body takes the hit so your paint and sheet metal don't have to. If you do a lot of trail driving, job-site trips, or gravel roads, this protection quietly saves you money over time. It's one of those features that owners don't think about until the day they're grateful it's there.

The Main Types of Ram Running Boards on the Market Today

Understanding which running boards fit your Ram starts with knowing your cab style and model year. Ram has sold the 1500 in two different body styles at the same time since 2019, which trips up a lot of shoppers. Getting this wrong means buying boards that don't mount correctly. Let's break it down clearly.

Running Boards for Ram 1500 Crew Cab (New Body Style, 2019–2026)

The Ram 1500 Crew Cab New Body Style has four full-size doors and a more sculpted, modern exterior compared to the older design. If your 1500 was built as part of the 2019 refresh, and it isn't a "Classic" model, this is most likely what you have.

Running boards for Ram 1500 Crew Cab trucks in this category are engineered specifically for the new body's mounting points. A mismatch in bracket location is the most common reason running boards don't fit properly, so getting a model-specific product makes a real difference. JOYTUTUS offers two options for this fitment: a base model with a flat dual-tier step platform and a heavy-duty 550 lb option with round tube steps designed for roof and cargo access. Both bolt directly into factory holes with no drilling required, and all hardware comes in the box.

For owners who want a clean OEM-style upgrade with a fast install, the base Ram 1500 Crew Cab running board is a strong starting point. For heavier use — frequent loading overhead, multiple passengers stepping at once, or harder off-road conditions — the 550 lb heavy-duty version handles it without flex or wobble.

Ram 1500 Quad Cab Running Boards and Classic Models

If your Ram has smaller rear doors (sometimes called suicide doors), you have a Quad Cab. The Ram 1500 also kept its older "Classic" body in production through 2024 alongside the new body — Classic models have boxier proportions and different frame mounting points than the new body.

Ram 1500 Quad Cab running boards are designed specifically for this door layout and mounting pattern. They're not interchangeable with Crew Cab boards. One useful feature on JOYTUTUS's option for this group: removable center trim. That means owners who want to paint the trim a custom color or match their truck's look have the flexibility to do that themselves. If personalization matters to you, this is worth noting.

If you're unsure whether your Ram is a Classic or the New Body Style, check your door jamb sticker or look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov. The two body styles look noticeably different in person, the Classic has a boxier shape and a different logo placement, but the door jamb sticker is the fastest way to confirm without any guesswork.

Ram 2500 Running Boards for Heavy-Duty Trucks

The Ram 2500 is built for towing and hauling, and the trucks that carry that duty cycle need side steps that match. Ram 2500 running boards need to cover a longer wheelbase, handle heavier loads, and hold up through more demanding use. Not all running boards built for the 1500 will mount correctly on the 2500, so checking compatibility before ordering is essential.

The JOYTUTUS Classic and HD models cover Ram 2500 and 3500 Quad/Extended Cab trucks from 2010–2026, making it one of the more versatile options for owners of heavier Ram trucks. The same dual-tier step design applies here, along with the 550 lb per-side capacity that work trucks actually demand.

For a broader look at running boards and side steps across the full Ram lineup, the JOYTUTUS product page includes a fitment table for each model.

How to Pick the Right Running Boards for Your Ram

Before you buy, there are a few things to confirm. Getting these right before you order saves you the hassle of a return.

• Cab style: Crew Cab (4 full-size doors) or Quad Cab (2 smaller rear doors)? These use different bracket points and are not interchangeable.
• Body style: New Body Style or Classic 1500? Check your door jamb sticker or VIN if you're not certain.
• Step design: A single flat step works for basic cab access. A dual-tier design adds an upper step for loading gear or accessing roof racks — useful if you actively use the top of your truck.
• DIY trim: Some running boards include a removable center trim panel for custom painting. Others have a fixed finish. Decide if personalization matters to you before choosing.
• Load capacity: If multiple passengers step on the boards regularly, or you load heavy gear while standing on them, look for options rated at 500 lbs or more per side.

JOYTUTUS RAM Running Boards: Side-by-Side Comparison

Here's a quick breakdown of the three main options available from JOYTUTUS for Ram trucks:

All three share bolt-on installation using factory mounting holes, and every kit includes brackets, bolts, nuts, and a step-by-step instruction sheet.

Installation: What to Expect and How Long It Takes

One of the most common concerns around adding RAM 1500 side steps is how involved the installation actually is. For bolt-on boards that use factory mounting points, the honest answer is: it's manageable for most people on a weekend morning.

For JOYTUTUS running boards across all three Ram fitments, installation typically runs about 30 minutes using basic hand tools — a 13mm and 14mm wrench covers most of the hardware. Every bolt, nut, washer, and bracket is included in the box. The brackets align with holes that already exist on your truck's frame. No drilling. No cutting. No visit to a shop.

The process runs like this:

1. Lay out all hardware from the box and confirm the pieces against the instruction sheet.
2. Loosely attach the mounting brackets to the truck's factory holes on both sides.
3. Set the running board onto the brackets and check alignment.
4. Tighten all bolts to the torque specified in the instructions.
5. Confirm the step is solid underfoot before driving.

If you want to see the process before you start, JOYTUTUS has a step-by-step installation guide that walks through it in plain language. You can also find more general information about what running boards are and truck running boards on the JOYTUTUS blog.

Final Thoughts

Dodge Ram side steps are one of those upgrades that earn their place every single day. Getting in without a stretch, helping passengers reach the cab comfortably, and grabbing gear from the bed without a climb, these things add up over months and years of truck ownership.

The key is picking running boards built specifically for your cab style and body style, with a step design and load capacity that match how you actually use the truck. If you're not sure which option fits your Ram, confirm your body style first using your door jamb sticker or VIN lookup, then match it to the product page fitment details.

Whether you're running a Ram 1500 Crew Cab on the new body style, an older Quad Cab, or a Ram 2500 work truck, there's a bolt-on option at JOYTUTUS that installs in about 30 minutes and holds up through whatever comes next. Learn more about the full range of pickup running board options or check the Ram 1500 running board guide to go deeper on fitment details.