Hello everyone, I just purchased a blue 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 auto v8 Ext. Cab with the upgraded factory suspension and camper package. I am wanting to purchase a set of running boards for the truck, but there are soooo many options out there. I like the chrome ones with the rubber in the middle where you step. I would like to get something that will hold up and looks nice, but not rediculously expensive. Some of the sites I have googled dont really show the exact truck when purchasing and I would like to make sure I get the right thing. I also looked in the FAQs and didnt see any suggestions on running boards for the 2nd gens. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks - Devon

 

Here is a set I saw for sale recently. These type usually runs $300-$400 new. Might be able to save some money by getting a used set like these. Even with shipping, they would probably be cheaper.

http://denver.craigslist.org/pts/187668053.html

Or, check the classifieds in this forum, might find something there. Or post a wanted ad.

https://dodgeforum.com/forumid_78/tt.htm

I have the Mopar running boards. Click on the link in my sig for pictures of what they look like (not tube style).

 

I've got Westin chrome tube style step bars (don't know if you can see them very well in the picture). They've got black plastic inserts (front and rear for the Quad Cab). They're 10.5" around and quite heavy. They mount to the truck with the frame to cab bolts. I put them on when the truck was new and they've held up perfectly for over 8 years. Don't remember what I paid for them ... but I probably got them from JC Whitney. I used to shop them a lot.

 

thanks for the info.(specially the bars on craigslist.com for $200.00!) So now my next question......what about a bed cover? This thing has a 8 ft bed, but it is extra wide(looks HUGE when compared to 8ft F150 or Chevy bed). For the price, looks, and function, what is better: the actual hard top bed cover or the tanneau cover? And what do these "usually" run? Does the extra large bed look decent with a cover on it? Ive never seen one with a cover, so not sure what it would look like.

 

Go to trexmotorsports.com they sell polished stailess steele sides for $200 shipped. They are an inhouse brand but are the same qaulity as name brands. Their site will explain. They also have several other brands as well. As far a getting some brand new this is the cheapest I have found. As soon as I can get the green light from the BOSS(my lovely wife) I am going to order some. As far as covers I have truxedo tanneu cover. It is the one that you can roll up as one unit. No bars or rails to mess with. I love it , it take about 30 seconds to roll it up and put it back. The price on these run about $300-400. Although, when I was looking for mine it seemed like the prices for the long beds were cheaper. Go figure! And as far as looks- that is for you to decide. Personally I like the way a short bed looks, but thats my opinion. As long as you like and enjoy it that's all that matters. I am sure you can do enough seachers on the internet to find some pictures of long beds with covers. Just ask around here, I am sure there are some fellow DFers that have what you looking for.

 

About bed covers. I've got a soft cover on mine but it's a 6' box. Don't recall ever having seen one on an 8 footer. Having a hard time imagining what it would look like. I suppose a hard cover would look better ... marginally. Just one opinion.

On my old (old ... 93) Ford I had something called Fold-A-Cover ... I think. Loved it. 4 or 5 thick, flat, hinged, aluminum sections that folded up towards the cab and snapped in place (looked like a tool box). Wonder if they're still in business.

 

yeah.....i like the shorter beds better as well, but found this thing at a good price. 2001 ext cab 60,000 miles MINT/SHOWROOM condition for $7,000.00. couldnt really pass it up. Thanks for the replies!

 

I see that the Dodge Dakotas that have the actual four doors are called Quad cabs. My ram has the "extended cab" with two smaller doors you open from the inside, but on all paperwork there is no option for extended cab like ford or chevy. It is either Club cab, Mega cab, or Quad cab. How do I know which one I have??? I obviously know its not reg. cab.

 

When it comes to 2nd gen Dodge Rams, "extended cab" refers to the ones that have an extra cab, but no opening doors. The last year of the extended cab was '99. The ones with the opening rear door are called quad cab or club cab, i've seen both terms used interchanagable when it comes to Dodge Rams. They started in '98 an went through '01.

Mega Cab only referes to the new Rams with the oversized cab, first available in 2006.

 

Yes, yours will be the Quad cab (which is what I have only mine's a99 model).

Is your rig a 2wd road truck, or a 4x4 dirt mobile?

I chose the factory style molded running boards, but my truck is a road warrior ... 2 wheel drive and I DODGE (pun intended) puddles! They are very wide and flat... This allows my 3 year old to climb up and in on his own. However; I would think bashing dirt clods, rocks, and small furry critters would break them down purty fast ...

I have the Hard cover on the bed (I have a short bed). It is completely watertight ( I added weather stripping around the tailgate. It really made it completely water (and damn near dust) tight...

It is great for hauling stuff like golf clubs, coolers of beer, clothes bags and wives ... [8D] You know, stuff you want to be clean when you get where you are going!!! However; if you want to go get a new fridge, washer-dryer (or your wife is VERY large ) you have to take the lid off. And it is HEAVY. Or buy a utility trailer to haul the big stuff ... which is what I did ...

Decisions, decisions ...

Have fun with it!!!!