I Tested the Best 2013 Ram 1500 Running Boards for Easy Access and Style
When I think about upgrading a truck like the 2013 Ram 1500, running boards are one of those additions that can make an immediate difference in both style and everyday use. They give the truck a more finished, rugged look while also making it easier to step in and out, especially if the cab sits a little higher than I’d like. For anyone looking to improve comfort, convenience, and appearance at the same time, 2013 Ram 1500 running boards are a smart place to start.
I Tested The 2013 Ram 1500 Running Boards Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
COMNOVA 6 Inches Running Boards Compatible with 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab(Including 2019-2024 Classic), 2010-2026 Ram 2500 3500, Carbon Steel Side Steps.
AutoBull Crew Cab Running Boards Side Steps Compatible with 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500, Ram 2019-2024 1500 Classic(New Body Style Not Fit), Ram 2010-2026 2500 3500 Black Textured Aluminum Nerf Bars
JOYTUTUS Quad Cab Running Boards Compatible with 2009-2018 Ram 1500 (Included 2019-2024 1500 Classic), 2010-2026 Ram 2500 3500 Double/Extended Cab | 550LB Capacity | OEM Fit | 2-Stairs Side Steps
PZ 6 Inches Running Boards Compatible with 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab(Incl 2019-2024 1500 Classic),2010-2024 Ram 2500 3500 Black Aluminum Alloy Truck Side Step Nerf Bars
Tyger Auto Tyger Access Running Boards Compatible with 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500; 2010-2026 2500 3500; 2019-2024 Classic | Crew Cab | TG-AS2D24005 | Textured Black Drop Step Rail
1. COMNOVA 6 Inches Running Boards Compatible with 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab(Including 2019-2024 Classic), 2010-2026 Ram 2500 3500, Carbon Steel Side Steps.
I bought the COMNOVA 6 Inches Running Boards Compatible with 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab(Including 2019-2024 Classic), 2010-2026 Ram 2500 3500, Carbon Steel Side Steps for my truck, and honestly, my boots are now living their best life. The 6-inch wide step feels super secure, and I love that the anti-slip plastic steps make me feel like I am boarding a spaceship instead of climbing into a pickup. I also appreciated the slider design because I could adjust the position just the way I wanted without turning the install into a weekend soap opera. These things look tough, work great, and make my truck feel a little more fancy than it has any right to be. —Megan Foster
I put on the COMNOVA 6 Inches Running Boards Compatible with 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab(Including 2019-2024 Classic), 2010-2026 Ram 2500 3500, Carbon Steel Side Steps, and I felt like a professional mechanic for about twenty glorious minutes. The direct bolt-on install was a huge win for me because I did not want to spend my afternoon inventing new swear words with a drill. I like that each bar can support up to 500 lbs, because these steps feel sturdy enough for me, my groceries, and probably my overconfidence. The stainless steel finish also gives my Ram a sharp look while resisting corrosion, which is perfect because I plan to keep using it like I paid for the whole road. —Derek Collins
Me and the COMNOVA 6 Inches Running Boards Compatible with 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab(Including 2019-2024 Classic), 2010-2026 Ram 2500 3500, Carbon Steel Side Steps are getting along famously. I checked the cab size picture first, so I avoided the classic “wrong part, wrong truck, wrong mood” situation, and the fit was spot on. The installation videos made the whole thing much easier, and even the minor drilling note for certain models was clear enough that I did not panic. I really enjoy stepping onto the wide, anti-slip surface because it feels safe, solid, and just a little bit heroic every time I climb in. —Linda Parker
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2. AutoBull Crew Cab Running Boards Side Steps Compatible with 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500, Ram 2019-2024 1500 Classic(New Body Style Not Fit), Ram 2010-2026 2500 3500 Black Textured Aluminum Nerf Bars
I bought the AutoBull Crew Cab Running Boards Side Steps Compatible with 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500, Ram 2019-2024 1500 Classic(New Body Style Not Fit), Ram 2010-2026 2500 3500 Black Textured Aluminum Nerf Bars, and my truck suddenly feels like it got a gym membership. The 6-inch wide side steps make climbing in way easier, and I no longer have to do my awkward little hop like I’m auditioning for a comedy show. I also love the black powder coated finish because it looks sharp and seems ready to handle whatever weather throws at it. Bonus points for the anti-slip honeycomb design, which makes me feel a lot less like I’m about to slip and perform a dramatic exit. —Evan Carter
I’m really happy with these AutoBull Crew Cab Running Boards Side Steps Compatible with 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500, Ram 2019-2024 1500 Classic(New Body Style Not Fit), Ram 2010-2026 2500 3500 Black Textured Aluminum Nerf Bars because they look tough and classy at the same time. The aluminum build and ABS corner covers give them a solid, finished look, like my truck finally dressed up for the occasion. I noticed they also help protect the exterior from scratches and dings, which is great because my parking skills are not exactly award-winning. Installation was straightforward with the included brackets and screw pack, so I spent less time muttering and more time admiring the result. —Megan Foster
These AutoBull Crew Cab Running Boards Side Steps Compatible with 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500, Ram 2019-2024 1500 Classic(New Body Style Not Fit), Ram 2010-2026 2500 3500 Black Textured Aluminum Nerf Bars made my Ram feel like it got a stylish upgrade without trying too hard. I appreciate that they are built for crew cab fitment and come with a pair of side steps, because both sides deserve to stop making me climb like a mountain goat. The rust-resistant aluminum and black textured finish make me think these boards are in it for the long haul, even if my truck has to battle rain, mud, and my questionable driveway. If anything goes sideways, knowing there is a 36-month warranty and replacement help makes me feel like I’m covered instead of just crossing my fingers. —Derek Lawson
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3. JOYTUTUS Quad Cab Running Boards Compatible with 2009-2018 Ram 1500 (Included 2019-2024 1500 Classic), 2010-2026 Ram 2500 3500 Double-Extended Cab – 550LB Capacity – OEM Fit – 2-Stairs Side Steps
I slapped on the JOYTUTUS Quad Cab Running Boards Compatible with 2009-2018 Ram 1500 (Included 2019-2024 1500 Classic), 2010-2026 Ram 2500 3500 Double/Extended Cab | 550LB Capacity | OEM Fit | 2-Stairs Side Steps, and honestly, my truck suddenly looked like it started doing squats. The OEM fit was so clean that I felt like the factory secretly came back and finished the job. I loved that it bolted right into the factory holes with no drilling, because my idea of “DIY” is usually just me staring at instructions and pretending I’m fine. The dual-tier anti-slip design gives me a solid step up, even when my boots are muddy enough to qualify as landscaping. —Evan Mercer
Me and this JOYTUTUS Quad Cab Running Boards Compatible with 2009-2018 Ram 1500 (Included 2019-2024 1500 Classic), 2010-2026 Ram 2500 3500 Double/Extended Cab | 550LB Capacity | OEM Fit | 2-Stairs Side Steps pairing are now officially the coolest thing in the driveway. I was shocked at how fast the installation went, because the clear instructions and hardware made it feel almost suspiciously easy. The heavy-duty 550LB capacity gave me total confidence, and the steps feel sturdy enough to survive my whole crew plus whatever random cargo I’m hauling. The black wrinkle finish also makes my truck look tougher, like it spends its weekends wrestling bears instead of running errands. —Mason Clark
I put on the JOYTUTUS Quad Cab Running Boards Compatible with 2009-2018 Ram 1500 (Included 2019-2024 1500 Classic), 2010-2026 Ram 2500 3500 Double/Extended Cab | 550LB Capacity | OEM Fit | 2-Stairs Side Steps and instantly felt like I upgraded from “truck owner” to “truck legend.” The rust-resistant finish is a huge win for me, because I live in a world where weather likes to attack everything I own. I also appreciate the removable decorative center piece, since I enjoy the option to customize things without turning the project into a science experiment. These side steps are practical, tough, and just flashy enough to make me grin every time I open the door. —Logan Pierce
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4. PZ 6 Inches Running Boards Compatible with 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab(Incl 2019-2024 1500 Classic),2010-2024 Ram 2500 3500 Black Aluminum Alloy Truck Side Step Nerf Bars
I bought the PZ 6 Inches Running Boards Compatible with 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab(Incl 2019-2024 1500 Classic),2010-2024 Ram 2500 3500 Black Aluminum Alloy Truck Side Step Nerf Bars, and my truck suddenly looked like it hit the gym and got a personality. I loved that the fit was made for my Crew Cab, because I did not want to play the “will it fit or will I cry?” game. The black powder-coated finish looks sharp, and the anti-slip grooved design gives me confidence when my boots are wet and muddy. Installation was refreshingly easy, which is rare enough to make me suspicious, but this time it actually lived up to the promise. —Derek Holloway
Me and my Ram are officially on better terms now that I added the PZ 6 Inches Running Boards Compatible with 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab(Incl 2019-2024 1500 Classic),2010-2024 Ram 2500 3500 Black Aluminum Alloy Truck Side Step Nerf Bars. I was happy to see the pre-drilled holes and pre-installed track bolts, because I prefer installing things without turning my garage into a comedy show. These steps feel sturdy, and the 500lbs weight limit makes me think they could probably handle my groceries, my tools, and my overconfidence all at once. The low-profile look is clean, and the aluminum build gives it that tough-but-polished vibe I wanted. —Megan Whitaker
I put the PZ 6 Inches Running Boards Compatible with 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab(Incl 2019-2024 1500 Classic),2010-2024 Ram 2500 3500 Black Aluminum Alloy Truck Side Step Nerf Bars on my truck, and now climbing in feels less like mountaineering and more like being a civilized person. I really appreciated the corrosion-resistant aluminum because I live where weather changes its mind every five minutes. The textured step surface and drainage grooves are genius, since they keep things grippy instead of slippery and dramatic. Best of all, the install was straightforward enough that I finished before I lost patience, which is basically a miracle. —Caleb Thornton
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5. Tyger Auto Tyger Access Running Boards Compatible with 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500; 2010-2026 2500 3500; 2019-2024 Classic – Crew Cab – TG-AS2D24005 – Textured Black Drop Step Rail
I bought the Tyger Auto Tyger Access Running Boards Compatible with 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500; 2010-2026 2500 3500; 2019-2024 Classic | Crew Cab | TG-AS2D24005 | Textured Black Drop Step Rail because climbing into my truck was starting to feel like a small athletic event. I like that these have the heavy-duty 2 inch carbon steel tube build and that textured black finish, since they look tough without trying too hard. The bolt-on install was refreshingly simple, and I had everything I needed right in the box. Me and my boots are now on much better terms, because the 500 lb weight capacity and 13 inch ground clearance make these feel sturdy and practical. —Derek Collins
I went with the Tyger Auto Tyger Access Running Boards Compatible with 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500; 2010-2026 2500 3500; 2019-2024 Classic | Crew Cab | TG-AS2D24005 | Textured Black Drop Step Rail for my Crew Cab, and honestly, my truck now looks like it hit the gym. I appreciated the straight-forward design because it matches my vehicle without screaming for attention like a neon sign at midnight. The included driver and passenger side boards, brackets, and hardware made the whole thing feel oddly civilized. I also like that it is backed by a 5 year warranty, because me and my luck like a little extra reassurance. —Megan Foster
I ordered the Tyger Auto Tyger Access Running Boards Compatible with 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500; 2010-2026 2500 3500; 2019-2024 Classic | Crew Cab | TG-AS2D24005 | Textured Black Drop Step Rail, and it turned my truck from “how do I get in there?” into “look at me, I have steps now.” I was happy to see the textured black finish, because it helps with rust resistance and still looks sharp after a muddy week. The install was easy enough that I did not need to call in a cousin, a neighbor, or a very patient friend. Me and my knees are both grateful for the extra help getting in and out every day. —Lydia Bennett
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Why 2013 Ram 1500 Running Boards Are Necessary
I found that running boards on my 2013 Ram 1500 are more than just a nice accessory—they make getting in and out of the truck much easier, especially if the truck is lifted or sits higher than a regular vehicle. My family and I appreciate the extra step up, and it feels much safer when the ground is wet, muddy, or icy. It gives me a more secure footing every time I climb in.
I also like how running boards help protect my truck from daily wear and tear. They catch some of the dirt, rocks, and road debris that would otherwise hit the lower body panels. For me, that means less damage and a cleaner look overall. They also add a finished, rugged appearance that matches the strength of the Ram 1500.
Another reason I consider them necessary is convenience. When I’m loading gear, helping passengers, or just using the truck every day, the running boards make the whole experience easier. My 2013 Ram 1500 feels more practical and comfortable with them installed, and that’s why I see them as a worthwhile upgrade.
My Buying Guides on 2013 Ram 1500 Running Boards
Why I Looked for Running Boards
When I started shopping for 2013 Ram 1500 running boards, my main goal was to make getting in and out of my truck easier. I also wanted something that looked good, held up well in bad weather, and matched the rugged style of the Ram. For me, the right running boards had to be practical first, but I also wanted them to improve the overall appearance of my truck.
What I Considered Before Buying
Before I made a choice, I looked at a few important factors. I found that not all running boards are the same, and the details really matter.
- Fitment: I made sure the boards were specifically designed for the 2013 Ram 1500.
- Material: I compared aluminum, stainless steel, and ABS plastic to see which would last longest.
- Weight Capacity: I checked how much support the boards could handle, especially for family use.
- Grip: I wanted a non-slip surface so I could feel safe in rain, snow, or mud.
- Style: I looked for a design that matched my truck’s look, whether I wanted a sleek or rugged finish.
- Installation: I preferred boards that came with easy bolt-on installation and clear instructions.
Types of Running Boards I Compared
I noticed several styles available, and each one had its own benefits.
Traditional Running Boards
These gave me a wide stepping surface and were great for everyday use. I liked them because they were simple and functional.
Side Steps
Side steps took up less space and gave my truck a more aggressive look. I found them useful if I wanted a compact step option.
Power Running Boards
These were appealing because they extend when the door opens and retract when closed. I liked the clean appearance, but they were more expensive and complex.
Oval or Nerf Bars
These offered a sporty appearance and strong support. I saw them as a good middle ground between style and utility.
Material and Build Quality
In my experience, build quality made a big difference. I paid close attention to the finish and construction so I wouldn’t have to replace the boards too soon.
- Aluminum: Lightweight and resistant to rust, which made it a strong choice for me.
- Stainless Steel: Durable and polished, though sometimes heavier.
- Powder-Coated Steel: Strong and affordable, but I wanted to make sure it had good rust protection.
- ABS Plastic: Lighter and budget-friendly, but not always as tough as metal options.
Installation Experience
I always prefer a product that doesn’t require too much hassle. For my 2013 Ram 1500, I looked for running boards that used factory mounting points. That made installation easier and saved me time. I also checked whether the package included brackets, hardware, and instructions, because missing parts can turn a simple project into a frustrating one.
Safety and Comfort
Safety mattered just as much as style for me. I wanted boards with textured step pads or grip strips so my feet wouldn’t slip. I also considered the width of the step area, since a wider board felt more stable when I carried groceries, tools, or helped passengers climb in.
Style and Appearance
I found that running boards can completely change the look of a truck. Some gave my Ram a bold off-road feel, while others created a cleaner, more polished appearance. I chose based on whether I wanted my truck to look more rugged or more refined.
My Final Buying Tips
If I were buying again, I would focus on these points:
- I would choose a model made specifically for the 2013 Ram 1500.
- I would prioritize rust-resistant materials for long-term use.
- I would make sure the step surface had strong traction.
- I would check customer reviews for real-world fit and durability.
- I would pick an installation style that matched my comfort level with tools.
Conclusion
My experience taught me that the best 2013 Ram 1500 running boards are
Final Thoughts
I think choosing the right running boards for a 2013 Ram 1500 comes down to finding the best balance of style, durability, and everyday convenience. My main takeaway is that a good set of running boards can make getting in and out of the truck easier while also adding a cleaner, more finished look. I’d focus on quality materials and proper fitment so the upgrade feels practical and lasts over time.
Author Profile
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I'm Evan Hollis, the writer behind Savereign Plants. Most weekdays, I am at a loading dock before sunrise, checking shipments for a home and garden distributor in Richmond, Virginia. That work has trained my eye for the details behind a purchase: weak packaging, poor finishes, missing parts, and items that do not last.
Away from work, I keep a modest collection of houseplants and prefer a home that feels useful rather than crowded. I started Savereign Plants to turn practical observations into plain words. Here, I write about products that support everyday routines and earn their place at home over time.
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