Running Boards For A 2016 Dodge Ram 1500
Outfitting a 2016 Dodge Ram 1500 with durable running boards enhances passenger accessibility, protects rocker panels from flying road gravel, and gives this brawny truck a rugged, commanding profile. With standard four-wheel-drive ride heights and optional factory air suspension, climbing into the elevated cabin of a Ram 1500 is challenging for children, elderly passengers, and shorter drivers. Choosing between classic cab-length nerf bars, wide wheel-to-wheel aluminum running boards, or motorized electric drop steps requires matching cab configurations and factory rocker panel mounting holes.
Ram 1500 Cab Configurations and Factory Mounting Bosses
The first critical step in selecting running boards for a 2016 Dodge Ram 1500 is confirming your exact cab configuration. Ram produced the 2016 1500 in three distinct body cab styles: Regular Cab (two doors), Quad Cab (four doors with shorter rear half-doors and exterior door handles), and Crew Cab (four full-sized, identical forward-swinging doors with massive rear passenger legroom). Running board lengths differ significantly across these platforms; a Crew Cab board measures roughly 84 to 87 inches, while a Quad Cab board measures roughly 74 to 76 inches.
The underside of the 2016 Ram 1500 body features factory-prepped mounting locations along the interior pinch weld and inner rocker panel sheet metal. Most modern aftermarket running boards utilize these pre-existing hexagonal or circular stamped holes, utilizing threaded bracket inserts, carriage bolts, and clip nuts that bolt on directly without requiring any welding or drilling into the vehicle frame. Always verify whether your truck possesses factory-threaded weld nuts or open hexagonal holes requiring specialized bracket nut plates.
Compare leading running board styles for the 2016 Dodge Ram 1500 across key specs:
| Running Board Style | Step Surface Width | Material & Finish Options | Cab Fitment Coverage | Average Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Round / Oval Nerf Bars | 4-inch to 5-inch oval step pad | Polished T304 Stainless / Gloss Black | Cab-Length (Quad & Crew) | $140 to $280 |
| Flat OE-Style Running Boards | 5-inch to 6-inch full tread | Extruded Aluminum / Textured Black | Cab-Length or Wheel-to-Wheel | $180 to $350 |
| Drop-Down Hoop / Aggressive Off-Road | Grated 3-inch dropped hoop step | Heavy 11-Gauge Tubular Steel | Cab-Length (Dual Drop Hoops) | $260 to $480 |
| Wheel-to-Wheel Extended Steps | 6-inch step + rear bed step | Black Powder-Coat or Chrome | Extends from front tire to rear wheel | $280 to $520 |
| Electric Motorized Power Steps | 6-inch automated drop board | Die-Cast Aircraft Aluminum (AMP Research) | Tucks flush when doors close | $1,200 to $1,800 |
Nerf Bars vs. Wide Flat Boards vs. Electric Power Steps
Selecting the right side step design depends on practical utility, aesthetic goals, and budget. Traditional tubular nerf bars (available in 3-inch, 4-inch, or 5-inch oval tubes) offer sleek, sporty profiles with molded slip-resistant rubber tread pads beneath each door. Wide flat running boards (5 to 6 inches wide) offer continuous, uninterrupted non-skid stepping platforms running the entire length of the cabin, making them the safest and most comfortable option for families with small children and pets.
For truck owners seeking maximum ground clearance on trail adventures without compromising daily step comfort, electric motorized power running boards (such as AMP Research PowerSteps) represent the pinnacle of luxury upfitting. Power steps remain tucked invisibly flush against the rocker panels while driving. When any door opens, weatherproof electric gear motors deploy the steps downward and outward in less than a second, illuminating the stepping surface with integrated LED lighting before retracting upon door closure.
Review popular brand models, weight ratings, and corrosion warranties for Ram 1500 side steps:
| Brand & Model Line | Step Construction Type | Weight Capacity Rating | Corrosion Warranty | Installation Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tyger Auto Star Armor | Dual-girder heavy tubular steel | 500 lbs per side | 5-Year against manufacturer defects | Easy (Direct bolt-on, 45 min) |
| Westin HDX Drop Steps | Solid 1-piece steel with drop hoops | 450 lbs per side | 3-Year black powder coat warranty | Moderate (Requires bracket alignment) |
| APS iBoard Running Boards | Aircraft-grade flat 5-inch aluminum | 400 lbs per side | Limited Lifetime aluminum warranty | Easy (Lightweight bolt-on, 30 min) |
| Lund 6-Inch Oval Nerf Bars | Heavy-gauge stainless steel tubing | 350 lbs per side | Limited Lifetime stainless warranty | Easy (No drill bolt-on) |
| AMP Research PowerStep | Extruded aluminum with twin motors | 600 lbs per side | 5-Year / 60,000-Mile warranty | Advanced (Wiring OBD-II port & motors) |
Installation Logistics, Rocker Protection, and Rust Prevention
Installing bolt-on running boards on a 2016 Ram 1500 is an approachable DIY garage project requiring standard metric hand tools (10mm, 13mm, and 15mm sockets, a ratchet, and a torque wrench). Before bolting mounting brackets to the inner rocker panel, thoroughly clean accumulated road road grime and winter road salt from the pinch weld. Spraying internal rocker panel weep holes with a cavity-wax rust inhibitor (such as Fluid Film or Woolwax) shields the metal from trapped moisture beneath bracket contact points.
Fasten all bracket bolts hand-tight initially, allowing enough play to align the running board parallel with the Ram's lower door seam. Once the board is leveled and centered within the wheel well openings, torque all bracket-to-body bolts to manufacturer specifications (typically 15 to 20 foot-pounds for 8mm hardware and 30 to 35 foot-pounds for 10mm hardware). Re-inspect and re-torque bracket fasteners after the first 500 miles of driving to eliminate creaks and rattles.
How to Install Running Boards on a 2016 Ram 1500 in 5 Steps
Follow these five mechanical steps to safely install bolt-on running boards on a 2016 Dodge Ram 1500.
Verify Cab Style and Inventory Mounting Hardware
Confirm your truck is a Regular, Quad, or Crew Cab, laying out driver and passenger brackets, clip nuts, and stainless bolts on a clean mat.
Clean Rocker Panels and Insert Hardware Clips
Wipe dirt from the inner rocker panel holes, installing the provided threaded U-nut clips or T-bolts into the factory body mounting slots.
Loosely Fasten Mounting Brackets to the Rocker Panel
Hand-thread mounting bolts through the front, middle, and rear brackets into the clip nuts, keeping hardware finger-tight for alignment.
Position Running Board and Align with Door Seams
Set the running board onto the mounting brackets, sliding it forward or backward until step pads align perfectly with the front and rear doors.
Torque Hardware to Spec and Test Step Stability
Tighten all bracket and board fasteners to 20-30 foot-pounds with a torque wrench, applying full body weight to test rigid step stability.
Frequently Asked Questions (8 Questions Answered)
Q1: Are running boards different between Ram 1500 Quad Cab and Crew Cab?
Yes, Crew Cab rear doors are significantly longer than Quad Cab doors; Crew Cab running boards measure roughly 85 inches versus 75 inches for Quad Cabs.
Q2: Do you have to drill into the frame to install running boards on a 2016 Ram?
No, aftermarket running boards for the 2016 Ram 1500 utilize factory pre-existing mounting holes along the rocker panel and pinch weld for no-drill bolt-on installation.
Q3: What weight capacity do truck running boards support?
Most standard steel and aluminum running boards support 350 to 500 pounds per side, while heavy-duty power steps handle up to 600 pounds.
Q4: What is the difference between nerf bars and running boards?
Nerf bars are tubular round or oval pipes with separate stepping pads under each door, while running boards are wide, flat continuous stepping platforms.
Q5: Can running boards protect my Ram 1500 from door dings?
Yes, wide tubular nerf bars and metal running boards act as physical shields that block low passenger car doors and flying tire gravel from chipping rocker paint.
Q6: How long does it take to install running boards at home?
A standard bolt-on set of manual running boards takes roughly 45 to 60 minutes to install in a home driveway using basic hand wrenches.
Q7: Will 2016 Ram 1500 running boards fit a 2016 Ram 2500?
Yes, in most cases, 2016 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks share identical cab sheet metal and mounting hole patterns for the same cab style.
Q8: How do you prevent running board brackets from rusting?
Choose 304 stainless steel or powder-coated aluminum boards, and coat the inner rocker mounting holes with lanolin-based rust inhibitor spray.
Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways
In conclusion, understanding running boards for a 2016 dodge ram 1500 provides essential clarity, practical strategies, and actionable advice. By incorporating these foundational insights, adhering to verified safety guidelines, and following structured best practices, you ensure reliable, long-term outcomes while preventing common mistakes. Stay informed, consult certified professionals when needed, and maintain consistent quality care.