Best Running Boards for 2019–2026 Ram 1500 DT Crew Cab: 7 Picks That Won't Fit the Classic
Seven side steps listed for the new-body Ram 1500 Crew Cab, from Go Rhino's galvanized RB20 and Westin's PRO TRAXX to $130 budget boards and drop steps. The first check is the body: the 2019–2024 Classic looks similar and takes none of these.
Fit-checked means: matched to the maker's fit guide and part number, then checked against owner reports; not installed by us (how we chose). Covers the 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026 Ram 1500 (5th Gen (DT)); some listings name fewer model years, so check the fit note on each pick.
- DT only. The 1500 Classic has a different body; titles say so.
- Crew Cab only here. Quad Cab boards are shorter.
- RB20 or RB20 Slim. 7.5/6.5 in vs 5.5 in step, same galvanized steel.
- Westin covers 2019–2026. PRO TRAXX 4 lists the newest year.
- Drop steps suit lifted trucks. SMANOW lists the DT Crew Cab.
Ram 1500 2019–2026: fit checklist
| Variable | Versions | What to buy |
|---|---|---|
| Body | DT (new) or Classic (2019–2024) | All picks DT only |
| Cab | Quad Cab or Crew Cab | All picks Crew Cab |
| Bed (wheel-to-wheel) | 5 ft 7 in or 6 ft 4 in | Westin 21-534725 is listed for its '6 ft 5 in' bed; confirm |
| Trim | TRX, RHO | Confirm with seller |
What to look for in Ram 1500 running boards
DT, not Classic
For six model years, Ram sold two different trucks called '1500': the new DT and the older Classic. They look alike from a distance but have different bodies and rocker mounting points. Go Rhino's titles say 'New Body Style Only. Excludes Classic Body Style', Westin's say 'Exc 1500 Classic', and the budget boards say 'not Classic'. If your 2019–2024 truck has a console or column shifter with the older dash, it's a Classic and needs Classic parts.
Full-width, slim or nerf bar
Go Rhino's RB20 comes in two widths. RealTruck lists the standard RB20 step at 7.5 in at the front and 6.5 in at the rear, and the RB20 Slim at 5.5 in. The Slim keeps more side clearance and looks cleaner; the standard gives more foot room for kids and older passengers. Westin's PRO TRAXX bars are oval tubes with molded step pads, a narrower step with a sporty look. Budget aluminum boards are about 6 in.
Finish and warranty
RealTruck lists the RB20 and RB20 Slim as galvanized 16-gauge zinc-coated steel with a textured powder coat or bedliner coating, a limited lifetime structural warranty and a 5-year finish warranty. Westin offers black powder coat over e-coated steel with a 3-year warranty, or polished stainless with a lifetime warranty. The bedliner coating on the RB20 listing here is tough against gravel. Budget boards rarely publish terms.
Mounting and install
The DT has factory rocker mounting points. RealTruck lists both RB20 versions as no-drill with vehicle-specific brackets, and Westin says its bars are bolt-on with no drilling on most applications. Budget boards use the same points. Wheel-to-wheel bars take longer because they mount farther back. Recheck torque after a week.
Wheel-to-wheel for bed access
A wheel-to-wheel bar adds a step alongside the bed, which helps when reaching into the box or a RamBox. Westin's PRO TRAXX 5 21-534725 is listed for the DT Crew Cab with Westin's '6 ft 5 in' bed; Ram calls the long Crew Cab bed 6 ft 4 in. Confirm your bed with Westin's fit tool before ordering.
| Feature | Look for | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Body | 'New body' or 'not Classic' | Titles that just say 2019 Ram 1500 |
| Cab | Crew Cab named | Quad Cab parts |
| Width | Standard or slim, by preference | Guessing step width |
| Finish | Galvanized, stainless or e-coat + powder coat | Bare paint in salt states |
| Mounting | Bolt-on to factory points | Drilling kits |
| Warranty | Stated terms | None |
Side step types for the 2019–2026 Ram 1500 DT Crew Cab
| Type | Example | Step | Finish | Price band | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galvanized board | Go Rhino RB20 | 7.5 / 6.5 in | Bedliner coating | $450–$600 | Wide step |
| Slim galvanized board | Go Rhino RB20 Slim | 5.5 in | Textured powder coat | $430–$550 | Clean look, clearance |
| Oval nerf bar | Westin PRO TRAXX 4 | 4 in oval | Black | $220–$350 | Sporty look |
| Wheel-to-wheel bar | Westin 21-534725 | 5 in oval, cab + bed | Black | $450–$650 | Bed access |
| Budget board | PZ, BINARY STAR | 6 in | Aluminum / steel | $140–$220 | Value |
| Drop steps | SMANOW | Drop-down | Per listing | $160–$230 | Lifted trucks |
#1: Go Rhino RB20 Running Boards Bedliner 69430687T — Best running board
Go Rhino RB20 Running Boards Bedliner 69430687T, 2019-2024 Ram 1500 Crew Cab (new body only, excludes Classic)
Confirm fit on listingDT only; confirm 2025-2026.- Galvanized 16-gauge steel
- Protective bedliner coating
- Limited lifetime structural, 5-year finish warranty
- Excludes Classic in the title
- No drilling
- Title covers 2019–2024; confirm 2025–2026
- Heavier than aluminum
- Costs the most here
Go Rhino's RB20 69430687T is listed for the 2019–2024 Ram 1500 Crew Cab, new body only, excluding the Classic. RealTruck describes the RB20 as galvanized 16-gauge zinc-coated steel with a limited lifetime structural warranty and a 5-year finish warranty, and lists the step at 7.5 in at the front and 6.5 in at the rear. This listing is the bedliner-coated version.
The bedliner coating is the practical choice for a truck that sees gravel roads: it resists chips better than a smooth coat, and the galvanizing underneath protects the steel where it does chip. The wide step gives kids and older passengers a real platform.
RealTruck lists it as bolt-on with no drilling and a vehicle-specific bracket kit. The title stops at 2024, so confirm a 2025 or 2026 with the seller.
Who it's for: DT owners who want a wide, tough step with a structural warranty.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Part # | Go Rhino 69430687T |
| Width | 7.5 in front / 6.5 in rear (RealTruck) |
| Material | Galvanized 16-ga steel |
| Finish | Bedliner coating |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime structural, 5-yr finish |
| Fits | 2019–2024 Ram 1500 DT Crew Cab |
#2: Go Rhino RB20 Slim Running Boards 69430687SPC — Best slim board
Go Rhino RB20 Slim Running Boards 69430687SPC, 2019-2024 Ram 1500 Crew Cab (new body only)
Listed for this truck5.5 in step; DT only.- 5.5 in step per RealTruck
- Same galvanized steel and warranty
- More side clearance
- Cleaner profile
- Excludes Classic
- Narrower step
- Confirm 2025–2026
- Price close to the full-width RB20
Go Rhino's RB20 Slim 69430687SPC is listed for 2019–2024 Ram 1500 Crew Cab, new body only. RealTruck describes it as a narrower version of the RB20 with a 5.5 in step, the same galvanized 16-gauge steel and the same lifetime structural and 5-year finish warranty, starting at $449.99.
The Slim suits owners who want the RB20's durability without a wide board sticking out, and it keeps a little more side clearance on gravel roads. The trade-off is less foot room.
This listing is textured black. Confirm 2025 and 2026 with the seller.
Who it's for: Owners who want a slimmer, cleaner board.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Part # | Go Rhino 69430687SPC |
| Width | 5.5 in (RealTruck) |
| Material | Galvanized 16-ga steel |
| Finish | Textured black |
| Fits | 2019–2024 Ram 1500 DT Crew Cab |
#3: Westin 21-24085 PRO TRAXX 4 Oval Nerf Bars Black — Best nerf bar
Westin 21-24085 PRO TRAXX 4 Oval Nerf Bars Black, 2019-2026 Ram 1500 Crew Cab (exc Classic)
Listed for this truckDT only.- Lists 2019–2026 DT Crew Cab
- 4 in oval tube with step pads
- Excludes Classic
- Bolt-on, no drilling on most applications
- Mount kit included
- Black finish has a 3-year warranty
- Narrower step than boards
- No published weight rating
Westin's PRO TRAXX 4 21-24085 is listed for the 2019–2026 Ram 1500 Crew Cab, excluding the Classic. It covers the newest model year, which the Go Rhino listings don't.
Westin's PRO TRAXX line uses oval tubes with injection-molded step pads and domed ends; the 4 in version is a slimmer tube than the PRO TRAXX 5. Westin says installation is bolt-on with no drilling on most applications, with a mount kit. The black powder coat over e-coated steel carries a 3-year warranty; polished stainless versions carry a lifetime warranty.
For owners who want a sporty, lighter-looking step on a 2025 or 2026 DT, it's the pick.
Who it's for: Owners who want a nerf bar that covers 2025–2026.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Part # | Westin 21-24085 |
| Tube | 4 in oval |
| Finish | Black |
| Fits | 2019–2026 Ram 1500 Crew Cab (exc Classic) |
| Warranty | 3 yr black (lifetime on polished stainless) |
#4: Westin 21-534725 PRO TRAXX 5 Wheel-to-Wheel Nerf Bars Black — Best wheel-to-wheel
Westin 21-534725 PRO TRAXX 5 Wheel-to-Wheel Nerf Bars Black, 2019-2025 Ram 1500 Crew Cab 6'5" bed (exc Classic)
Confirm fit on listingLong bed; confirm with Westin fit tool.- Wheel-to-wheel for a bed-side step
- 5 in oval tube
- Excludes Classic
- Helps reach into the bed or RamBox
- Westin mount kit
- Bed-length specific; confirm yours
- Longer install
- Black finish 3-year warranty
Westin's PRO TRAXX 5 21-534725 is a wheel-to-wheel nerf bar listed for the 2019–2025 Ram 1500 Crew Cab with Westin's '6 ft 5 in' bed, excluding the Classic. It extends from the front wheel well to the rear, adding a step beside the bed.
That's useful on a tall truck when reaching into the bed or a RamBox. Ram calls the long Crew Cab bed 6 ft 4 in, so confirm fit with Westin's tool before ordering. Short-bed trucks need a different part.
It costs more and takes longer to install than a cab-length bar.
Who it's for: Long-bed Crew Cab owners who reach into the bed often.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Part # | Westin 21-534725 |
| Type | Wheel-to-wheel oval bar |
| Tube | 5 in oval |
| Fits | 2019–2025 Ram 1500 Crew Cab, Westin '6 ft 5 in' bed (exc Classic) |
| Finish | Black |
#5: PZ 6 in Aluminum Running Boards — Best budget board
PZ 6 in Aluminum Running Boards, 2019-2025 Ram 1500 Crew Cab New Body (not Classic)
Listed for this truckDT only; not Classic.- 6 in aluminum board
- Title excludes Classic
- Lists 2019–2025
- Aluminum doesn't rust
- Low price
- No published warranty we could check
- Aluminum can corrode in heavy salt
- Lighter-duty than galvanized steel
PZ's 6 in aluminum running boards are listed for 2019–2025 Ram 1500 Crew Cab, new body, not Classic. They give an OE-style flat step for about a third of the Go Rhino's price.
Aluminum is light and rust-free, though heavy salt can corrode it and it's not as stiff as galvanized steel. PZ doesn't publish a weight rating or warranty we could check.
BINARY STAR's 6 in boards, in our product list, are a close alternative. Compare live prices. Look for a textured or ribbed top in the listing photos, since that's where boots grip in rain and snow.
Who it's for: Budget buyers who want an OE-style board.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Width | 6 in |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Fits | 2019–2025 Ram 1500 DT Crew Cab (not Classic) |
| Warranty | Confirm with seller |
| Price band | $150–$220 |
#6: SMANOW Drop-Down Side Steps — Best drop steps
SMANOW Drop-Down Side Steps, 2019-2026 Ram 1500 Crew Cab New Body
Listed for this truckDrop steps; DT only.- Drop-down side steps
- Lists 2019–2026 DT Crew Cab
- Lower first step
- Good for lifted trucks
- Budget price
- Reduces side clearance
- No published warranty
- Less step length than a board
SMANOW's drop-down side steps are listed for 2019–2026 Ram 1500 Crew Cab, new body. They put a lower step at each door, which helps on a lifted DT or for short passengers.
The trade-off is clearance: drop steps are the lowest point on the side of the truck. SMANOW doesn't publish warranty terms we could check.
For a road truck with a leveling kit or lift, they're a practical, affordable option. Check the listing for included brackets and hardware before ordering.
Who it's for: Lifted DT owners and families with short passengers.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Drop-down steps |
| Fits | 2019–2026 Ram 1500 DT Crew Cab |
| Warranty | Confirm with seller |
| Price band | $160–$230 |
#7: BINARY STAR 6 in Running Boards — Budget alternative
BINARY STAR 6 in Running Boards, 2019-2025 Ram 1500 Crew Cab New Body
Listed for this truckDT only.- 6 in running board
- Lists 2019–2025 DT Crew Cab
- Low price
- Flat step
- OE-style
- No published warranty
- Material specs thin
- Confirm 2026
BINARY STAR's 6 in running boards are listed for 2019–2025 Ram 1500 Crew Cab, new body. It's a budget OE-style board like PZ's.
Compare the two on material and live price. BINARY STAR doesn't publish warranty terms we could check.
For a daily-driven DT where the goal is an easier step, either works.
Who it's for: Budget buyers comparing OE-style boards.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Width | 6 in |
| Fits | 2019–2025 Ram 1500 DT Crew Cab |
| Warranty | Confirm with seller |
| Price band | $140–$200 |
Also fit-checked for the 2019–2026 Ram 1500
- Running Boards, 2019-2025 Ram 1500 Crew Cab (excl. Classic) — $130–$190 · Amazon
How to install a running board on the Ram 1500
- Confirm a DT (not Classic) Crew Cab; for wheel-to-wheel bars, confirm the bed.
- Remove factory boards if fitted; locate the rocker mounting points.
- Bolt brackets on hand-tight.
- With a helper, set the board on the brackets and start all bolts.
- Level it and torque every bolt to spec.
- Recheck torque after a week.
What to avoid
Classic parts on a DT. Different body and mounting points.
Quad Cab boards. Shorter cab.
Drop steps off-road. Lowest point on the truck's side.
Skipping the recheck. Brackets settle after a week.
Bed, roof, hitch and interior, filtered to the 2019–2026 Ram 1500.
Open the Ram 1500 fit hub → See the Ram 1500 upgrade plan →Frequently asked questions
What are the best running boards for a 2019–2026 Ram 1500?
Go Rhino's RB20 with the bedliner coating is the best running board for the 2019–2026 Ram 1500 DT Crew Cab. It is galvanized 16-gauge steel with a 7.5 in front and 6.5 in rear step, a limited lifetime structural warranty and a no-drill install. The RB20 Slim is the best slim board, with a 5.5 in step and more side clearance. Westin's PRO TRAXX 4 is the best nerf bar and the one that lists the 2026 model year. For a lifted truck, SMANOW's drop-down steps put a lower step at each door. Every pick is for the new-body DT Crew Cab only, so confirm your truck is not a 1500 Classic and not a Quad Cab before ordering.
Will DT running boards fit a Ram 1500 Classic?
No. Ram sold the new DT 1500 and the older 1500 Classic side by side from 2019 to 2024, and they have different bodies and rocker mounting points. Go Rhino's titles say 'New Body Style Only. Excludes Classic Body Style', and Westin's say 'Exc 1500 Classic'. The interior is the quick check: most DTs have a rotary gear selector on the dash.
Crew Cab or Quad Cab?
Every pick here is Crew Cab. The DT Quad Cab has shorter rear doors and needs shorter boards; Go Rhino and Westin sell Quad Cab versions under different part numbers.
What's the difference between the RB20 and RB20 Slim?
RealTruck lists the standard RB20 at 7.5 in wide at the front and 6.5 in at the rear, and the RB20 Slim at a 5.5 in step. The Slim sits narrower for a cleaner look and more side clearance; the standard gives more foot room. Both are galvanized 16-gauge steel with the same warranty terms.
Do I need to drill to install?
Not usually. RealTruck lists the Go Rhino RB20 and RB20 Slim as no-drill bolt-on installs, and Westin says its PRO TRAXX bars are bolt-on with no drilling on most applications.
What does a wheel-to-wheel nerf bar add?
A step alongside the bed, from the front wheel well to the rear one. Westin's PRO TRAXX 5 21-534725 is a wheel-to-wheel bar for the DT Crew Cab with Westin's '6 ft 5 in' bed listing. It helps you reach into the bed or a RamBox.
Do these fit the TRX or RHO?
The TRX and RHO have wider bodywork and different rocker treatment on some years. Most listings name the Crew Cab without trim exclusions, but confirm with the seller for a TRX or RHO before ordering.
How much weight can boards hold?
It depends on the product. RealTruck lists the Go Rhino RB30, a close sibling of the RB20, at 600 lb per side. Budget listings often state a rating in the description; ask if it isn't there.
Do drop steps help on a lifted Ram?
Yes. Drop steps put a lower step at each door, which helps on a lifted truck or for short passengers. SMANOW's drop-down steps are listed for the DT Crew Cab. They reduce side clearance, so they're a road-truck choice.
Can I install them myself?
Yes, with a helper and basic tools. Bolt the brackets to the rocker points, set the boards, level them, torque the bolts and recheck after a week.
What about factory power steps?
Higher DT trims offer factory power running boards. Aftermarket boards replace them rather than bolting alongside.
Do running boards interfere with the Ram's air suspension?
Ram's optional air suspension lowers the truck for entry on some trims. Running boards bolt to the body's rocker points, so they move with the body, not the axles. When the truck lowers, the board gets closer to the ground, which matters on steep driveways and curbs. Choose a slimmer board or a nerf bar if clearance is tight at your home.
Should I pick the bedliner or textured black finish on the RB20?
Both finishes sit over galvanized steel. The bedliner coating is rougher and more chip-resistant, which suits gravel roads and work use. The textured black powder coat looks smoother and more finished. RealTruck lists the same structural and finish warranty terms for the RB20 either way.
Buy Go Rhino's RB20 with bedliner coating for a wide, tough step, the RB20 Slim for a cleaner profile, and Westin's PRO TRAXX 4 if you have a 2025 or 2026.
Ram 1500 DT side steps are straightforward once you rule out the Classic. Go Rhino's galvanized RB20 and RB20 Slim have the strongest published warranty, Westin's PRO TRAXX 4 covers the newest year, the wheel-to-wheel bar adds a bed-side step, and PZ, BINARY STAR and SMANOW cover the budget end.
With steps fitted, less mud reaches the sill and floor liners stay cleaner. If you have a RamBox, check any tonneau cover for RamBox compatibility before ordering.
How we chose
We did not install these steps ourselves. We ranked them on the fitment each listing states for the 2019–2026 Ram 1500 DT Crew Cab, on published maker and retailer specs (step width, material, finish, warranty, drilling) and on listing details. Westin specs come from Westin's product page; Go Rhino specs from RealTruck, read in September 2026. Amazon prices move daily, so the button shows the live price.
SourcesRelated guides
All running boards & steps guides by vehicle → · Everything that fits the 2019–2026 Ram 1500 →