After 30 years of driving I finally have my first pick-up and like so many people now I'm wondering how I got along without one. Just love it, and with the Hemi...towing my boat is effortless.

I've never purchased step/running boards and after watching my wife "climb" in the truck enough times I've decided to get a set. I did a search and got some ideas, but thought I would post for recommendations (OEM, aftermarket, brands) and difficulty of installation. I've got some mechanical ability, but not a lot of spare time so realistic estimates of time and degree of difficulty to install would be very helpful.

Great forum here. Thanks guys.

 

Go with OEM if all you`re really lookin for is a step for your wife to get in the truck.
The stock OEM tubes/boards fit the truck exactly perfect, unlike aftermarket type that come universal to fit several different trucks, then you`re left to figure out a huge mess after you get them. Not to mention, the aftermarket products fitment just sucks. (and many aftermarket tubes dont flow well with the design of these 4th gen trucks in my opinion either) Also, in my own opinion, the brackets on the OEM step tubes are ALOT heavier duty compared to the same priced a/market junk. I`ve owned MANY MANY MANY trucks in my life and have had the opportunity to try several different side steps and tubes over the years, i always ended up going back to the dealers later on and buying the OEM tubes and running boards. Save yourself alot of time, money, trouble, and grief, buy the OEM product, you`ll thank me later. Do what you think is right, and also buy what you like, its YOUR truck, YOUR money.

 

I have the OEM boards on mine, it was part of the deal when I bought it. My wife couldn't handle the climb in when we test drove it, but she loves the ride. The OEM steps look great and frt perfectly.