The RAM 2500 is a big truck (in case you have not seen one) and it is powerful too. That is a great combination wouldn’t you say?
However, being as big as it is, you may have a harder time getting in and out of the truck. That shouldn’t be a problem but let us tell you why.
With the best running boards for RAM 2500, you can step into and out of your truck effortlessly. These boards also trap dirt before you enter your truck making it cleaner.
You are probably not 100% sold on the idea so let us go all out with this review. You will keep it here, won’t you?
Table of Contents
Comparison Table of Best Dodge Ram 2500 Running Boards
We have just stated that this is going to be a detailed review, but we understand that not everyone will be able to read the whole of it.
To that effect, we have put together the following comparison table to make it easier for you to make a fast choice.
| Rank | Product Name | Brand | Weight |
| 1 | APS iBoard Running Boards, Nerf Bars Side Steps Side Bars 5 inches | APS | 22.4 pounds |
| 2 | Tyger Auto 4inch Dodge Ram 1500 Classic Crew Cab, Side Step Nerf Bars Running Boards. | Tyger Auto | 36 Pounds |
| 3 | AMP Research Black Color PowerStep Electric Running Boards | AMP Research | 56 pounds |
| 4 | Tyger Auto Star Armor Kit for Ram 2500/3500 for Classic Crew Cab Running Boards | Tyger Auto | 91 Pounds |
| 5 | APS Custom Fit 5 inches iBoard Running Boards | APS | 58.6 pounds |
| 6 | ARIES ActionTrac 79-Inch Retractable Powered Running Boards Black Color | ARIES | 74 Pounds |
| 7 | APS Off-Road Side Armor Aluminum Running Boards 6.5in (Nerf Bars Side Steps Side Bars) | APS | 39.9 pounds |
| 8 | YITAMOTOR 6 inches Running Boards for Ram 2500 3500 4500 5500 Side Step Nerf Bars Side Bars | Yitamotor | 42.3 pounds |
| 9 | Off Roader Crew Cab Pickup 4Dr & 2010-2018 Ram 2500/3500 4″ Eboard Running Boards | Off Roader | 44.3 pounds |
| 10 | APS Aluminum Silver Color Premium 6in iBoard Running Boards | APS | 55.9 pounds |
| 11 | Off Roader 5″ Black Color Eboard Running Boards | Off Roader | 47.9 pounds |
How to Choose the Perfect Running Boards for RAM 2500
Picking the best RAM 2500 running boards is not going to be the easiest job. However, we get into some of the factors you need to consider while shopping to ensure you end up with a valuable product.
Construction Material
You need to understand what your running boards are made of. After all, you do that for your shoes and clothes – this is not any different.
What you need to understand here is that some materials are more durable than others but they are likely to cost more and vice versa.
As you shop, the main materials you will come across are aluminum and stainless steel and this is mainly because these are resilient, sturdy, and lightweight.
Electric vs. Traditional Running Boards
Running boards can be electrical or traditional and of course, both come with their pros and cons.
For instance, traditional running boards cost less than their electric counterparts simply because not much work goes into their making and most of them do not fold down.
Electric running boards on the other hand are costlier because they come with a mechanical system that allows them to fold down anytime you open your car’s door.
Warranty
Now, we cannot overemphasize the need for a warranty. Any running board manufacturer worth their salt should provide a warranty along with their product.
The warranty period will help you gauge whether the running board you intend to buy will last long or not because it shows how much confidence the manufacturer has in their product.
A reasonable warranty period should be one year or more.
Best Running Boards for RAM 2500 Reviewed
How about we introduce you to some of the top-rated running boards for RAM 2500? Here you go!
1. APS iBoard 5 inches Running Boards
We begin our list with this product that comes with 5 inches of a non-slip, corrugated step pad. What that does is to provide you and your passengers with a secure and comfortable stepping surface.
As if that is not enough, this product comes with a unique look and design as well as an aluminum finish that will make your truck the envy of many.
What Could Have Been Better
Unfortunately, the bolts and brackets that come with this running board tend to rust as reported by some users.
We feel that the manufacturer should have coated them in rust-resistant material to avoid that.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Slip-proof
- Stylish look
Cons
- Bolts ten to rust
2. Tyger Auto TG-RS2D40078 Boards
These are probably the best side steps for ram 2500. Why? Simply because they come with heavy-duty tubing coated in powder for rust-resistance performance.
That is not all though as the steps are non-slip meaning there is less likelihood that you will ever slip and fall while using them.
We love that this product requires minor drilling thus making the installation process easier.
What Could Have Been Better
According to some users, the user instructions that come with these steps are not as clear. We feel that the manufacturer should have simply given more detailed and clearer instructions.
Pros
- Heavy-duty
- Rust-resistant
- Comes with mounting hardware
Cons
- Vague instructions
Read More: Top Quality Running Boards for GMC Sierra
3. AMP Research 76239-01A Electric Running Boards
These running boards are as resilient as can be. You know why? They come with a high-strength aluminum build that will certainly stand the test of time.
All the components that come with the product are also coated in anodized military-spec to resist corrosion.
Do not even get us started on the fact the boards automatically extend when you open your truck’s door and retract when you close it. We love that about these.
What Could Have Been Better
Although the product description states that these fit all cabs, some users have come out to say that they do not.
The manufacturer should have been transparent with that to avoid customer mistrust.
Pros
- Comes with safety features
- LED light system
- Stable
Cons
- Misleading product description
4. Tyger Auto TG-AM2D20078 Star Armor Kit
From the Tyger stable, comes these step pads that you will find helpful for climbing into and out of your RAM 2500.
They feature a dual girder system that delivers optimal protection from damaging impacts as well as the underside. The steps can accommodate up to 500 lbs on each side so even if you are heavier, these will suffice.
We love that they come with a textured powder-coated finish to keep rust at bay and that they are extremely easy to install.
What Could Have Been Better
Some users have reported that they received their packages with missing parts and we feel that the manufacturer should have checked on this before launching the product.
Pros
- Great packaging
- Sturdy
- Detailed instructions
Cons
- Missing parts
5. APS iBoard Custom Fit 2002-2008 Dodge Ram
Made from aircraft-grade aluminum, you can rely on this product to deliver strength and resilience. The best part is that even with that, these boards are quite lightweight making maneuverability easy.
This product does not comprise any plastic parts so you can be sure that you will not be replacing it anytime soon.
However, what we loved most about it is that even with all those qualities, these boards are reasonably priced hence giving you value for money.
What Could Have Been Better
As per some users, the instructions that come with these boards are not as clear and we feel that the manufacturer should have put more effort into them.
Pros
- UV resistance
- Value for money
- Anti-slip protection
Cons
- Instructions could be clearer
6. ARIES 3047912 Powered Boards
Corrosion is bound to occur as long as you are dealing with metallic parts but you do not have to worry about that with these running boards. This is because they come coated in high-quality aluminum.
Other than that, the steps are lightweight and that means you will have an easier time moving them from one place to another.
What we found most appealing about them nevertheless is that they come with in-built LED lights to provide additional visibility.
What Could Have Been Better
Even though the product description claims that these boards are rust-resistant, some users have complained that they did corrode.
The manufacturer should have used better quality coating to counter that.
Pros
- Retractable
- Resilient
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Tends to corrode
7. APS Off-Road 6.5in Aluminum Running Boards
If you are looking for high-quality running boards for your RAM 2500, you should certainly consider these. They feature a dual girder system that gives additional protection against impact and obstacles. How cool is that?
Moving away from that, these steps are extra wide to give you ample and sturdy stepping space. Moreover, the steps can accommodate up to 300 lbs so you do not have to worry about your weight here.
We love that the boards come with grille openings that trap water, dirt, and ice so that you end up with a cleaner interior.
What Could Have Been Better
Judging from reviews, this product fell apart after a while of using it. We feel that the manufacturer should have put more thought into its durability.
Pros
- Grille openings for keeping the board clean
- Wide surface area
- Dual girder system for extra protection
Cons
- Not as long-lasting
8. YITAMOTOR 6 inches Boards
You do not have to question the quality of these running boards from YITAMOTOR because they feature a first-rate aluminum alloy build.
They are also tested for corrosion and wear resistance so go figure. Moving on, you probably want to note that these can withstand UV radiation without discoloring either.
What we found to be most appealing nonetheless is that they come in a unique design that prevents slipping and can endure even the harshest weather conditions.
What Could Have Been Better
Some users have reported that these boards are quite heavy and we feel that the manufacturer should have used lighter material in their construction.
Pros
- No-drill installation
- Wear-resistant
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
Cons
- Could be lighter
9. Off Roader 2009-2018 Ram 1500 Running Boards
Slipping will not be a concern with these running boards. How so? They come with a texturized step pa to give great traction.
They are also heavy-duty and rust-resistant so you can depend on them to deliver great functionality for a long time.
The installation process is easy as well since the product comes with all the hardware required for the process and we love that about it.
This running boards also work for ram 1500.
What Could Have Been Better
As reported by some users, the brackets on the product description are not the same as the ones they received.
The manufacturer should simply have updated the product description.
Pros
- Durable
- Great packaging
- Thick
Cons
- Backdated product description
10. APS Premium 6in iBoard Running Boards
This is yet another product with an easy installation process. By that, we mean that you get all the hardware required for the process.
These boards also come with elevated edges that act as mudguards and we believe you will appreciate that. We love that the steps are designed to deliver anti-slip protection for your safety as well.
What Could Have Been Better
Some users have complained that these boards did not come with the hardware for installation even though the product description states otherwise. The manufacturer should have checked to see that the product was complete before releasing it to the market.
Pros
- UV resistant
- Anti-slip protection
- Clear instructions
Cons
- Missing installation hardware
11. Off-Roader for 2009-2018 Ram 1500 Running Boards
Are these the perfect running boards for RAM 2500? Probably because they are designed to be durable yet lightweight.
They also feature a wide stepping surface and are corrosion resistant. Moreover, they come with detailed instructions and an easy installation process that does not require drilling. We love that about them.
What Could Have Been Better
According to some users, this product comes with too many unnecessary parts that could compromise the installation process. The manufacturer should have included fewer parts.
Pros
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Features installation hardware
Cons
- Parts could be fewer
Frequently Asked Questions on RAM 2500 Running Boards
Here, we have addressed some commonly asked questions when it comes to the best running boards for RAM 2500 to give you a better understanding of the same.
Q: Will my truck look better with running boards?
A: Yes, it will. Aside from the functionality that running boards offer, they also add a stylish look to your vehicle.
Q: What is the difference between running boards and Nerf bars?
A: The main lies in their shape. Running boards are wider and flatter while nerf bars are round and narrower.
Q: Will my running board affect gas mileage?
A: Yes, they will albeit minimally. This is because they add weight to your truck thus leading to worse MPG.
Our Top Pick
Our top pick has to be the APS iBoard 5 inches Running Boards simply because they are non-slip thus providing you with a comfortable and secure stepping surface.
Other than that, these running boards are easy to install making them a perfect option for beginners. We also love that they come in a stylish look that adds to the aesthetic of your truck.
Conclusion
You need running boards especially if you own a big truck like the RAM 2500. We understand that picking the perfect running boards will not be easy and that is why we put together this review.
Why don’t you make the most out of it and make getting into and out of your truck easier?