After a recent Ram-related search turned up a picture of my truck that wontacceptthis posted here about 4 years ago, I decided to join DF (long past due I guess!) and post some info for informational purposes, based on the comments and unanswered questions I have seen posted about these trucks.

I have a 1996 Ram 1500 SLT Laramie Club Cab 4x4 with a Ramside bed (Stepside-style), which I bought new & currently has over 179,000 miles on it. Some members have thought that these are GM Stepside bed units, but in my case it is not. My warranty certificate says the bed was made by Special Edition, Inc., and I have seen several other sources listed by posters for Ramside units they have seen (which could have been DBA names for the same company). Mine had no external identification like decals or badges for Ramside or the manufacturer. This is a well built and finished fiberglass bed, complete with square tubing glassed in for reinforcement. These are the only GM parts on it:

• Stepside tailgate, hinges, and cables
• Stepside step pads

It was apparently molded off the Ram dually fenders above the body crease, but otherwise follows the body contours & uses Mopar taillights, trim, inner fender liners, and fuel filler.

The truck is mostly stock, but I have installed a modified Rugged Liner Stepside bedliner, Smittybilt nerf bars, diamond plate rocker moldings, Mopar cab clearance lights, GTS headlight/taillight covers, billet fuel filler door, and Reunel rear bumper.

I know this bed isn't for everyone, as I have seen various comments on DF describing the Stepside/Ramside style bed as ugly or impractical, but it got my attention as something really unique, and it has worked fine as a pickup for my needs.

 

Very coo! I love anything 2nd Gen because they are the original bigrig pickup and inspired every other truck made today. I'm a fan! Looks great and well-kept. Great job!

 

That's pretty friggin neat. Definitely unique!

 

Thanx for the compliment Ramman! However, those pix were taken in better days. Rust has been munching on the front fenders, lower doors, and rockers. And....last summer my neighbor's garage burned down & the heat blistered the paint on the driver's side of the truck & melted most of the plastic parts on that side. Finally got the insurance bull**** worked out, so this spring I will be looking to get repairs done.

 

Man, get it repaired nicely and show that thing off! In just the last couple years, the 2nd gens have almost disappeared. I used to see plenty around until about 2013. Sad.

 

Mine's a 96, and I remember they wanted an ungodly amount of money for the stepside option (around $6000 if I remember right). And it reminded me too much of the Chevy stepside.

 

Looks good. Definitely unique!

 

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