Crew vs. Quad Cab: How to Choose the Right Running Boards for Your RAM 1500
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You are ready to add running boards to your 2009–2018 RAM 1500.
You find a set you like, and then you hit the dreaded drop-down menu:
- Crew Cab
- Quad Cab
They sound similar. They both have four doors. But if you pick the wrong one, you will be shipping a 6-foot box back to the retailer at your own expense.
Here is the hard truth: Crew Cab boards are significantly longer. If you try to put them on a Quad Cab, they will hit your rear tire.
In this guide, we give you the simple "Door Handle Test" to identify your cab size instantly. We also compare the top step styles—from the invisible AMP Research PowerSteps to the rugged Rough Country Drop Steps—to help you find the perfect match for your build.
Compare Side Step Styles
Clean Look, Off-Road Clearance, or Family Comfort?
|
Step Style |
Grip Area |
Ground Clearance |
Best For |
|
AMP PowerStep |
Hidden. Retracts up. |
Maximum. No loss of clearance. |
Luxury/Lifted. The gold standard. |
|
Flat Board (Ionic) |
Wide. Continuous rubber pad. |
Medium. |
Families. Safest for kids and pets. |
|
Nerf Bar (Westin) |
Pads. Individual step pads. |
Medium. |
Classic Style. The traditional truck look. |
|
Drop Step (N-Fab) |
Hoop. Metal step hangs low. |
High. (Bar tucks high). |
Lifted Trucks. Easier entry for high rigs. |
Frequently Asked Questions (Running Boards)
How do I tell if I have a Crew Cab or Quad Cab?
- Look at the rear door handle.
- Crew Cab: The rear door is huge. The handle is far away from the front door.
-
Quad Cab: The rear door is narrow. The rear handle is very close to the front door handle.
- Tip: If you can fit a full-size suitcase through the back door opening easily, it's a Crew Cab.
Do these require drilling?
For 95% of trucks, No. The RAM 1500 (2013–2018) comes with factory studs or threaded holes in the rocker panel specifically for running boards. You simply bolt the brackets on.
- Exception: Some 2009–2012 models may require installing threaded inserts (nut certs) into the hexagonal factory holes if the threads aren't pre-installed.
Are electric steps worth the money?
If you want the clean look of a lifted truck but need the functionality of a step, YES.
AMP Research PowerSteps drop down 6–7 inches when the door opens, giving you a lower step than any fixed board. When you close the door, they vanish. They are expensive ($1,600+), but they solve the "ugly step bar" problem.
Step up in style.
Make getting in and out effortless. Shop our verified collection of 2009–2018 RAM 1500 Running Boards.