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Having the liability to make changes to your vehicles is a privilege and a very mesmerizing feeling. The best thing about owning your very own Dodge Ram 1500 is how customizable all these trucks are. These trucks serve a variety of purposes, and with some specific modifications, the functions can be further diversified.
RAM 1500 is a very malleable truck that offers rugged construction and a beautiful exterior. You will love making some smart yet affordable upgrades to it. In this review, we will tell you all about these upgrades. Moreover, we will also be highlighting some of the top products you can buy to make these upgrades.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Dodge Ram Upgrades
- OUR TOP PICK: Tyger Auto Black Top T3 Tonneau Cover
- RUNNER-UP: APS iBoard Running Boards
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Bully Dog - 40420
Comparison Chart of the Best Dodge Ram Upgrades
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Can You Really Find Quality Upgrades That Are Affordable
There has long been a myth surrounding quality upgrades that implies that you can only make great changes if you spend a hefty amount of money on it. But that’s not true.
Although RAM 1500 is a lavish and beautiful truck that costs a lot, and people who have such a vehicle might not want to spend more money on upgrades, some of these drastically improve the performance.
You can find very affordable upgrades in this review, ranging from tonneau covers, boards, kits, and a lot of other smaller things like fabric covers. These will not only enhance the look of your truck but will also ensure you get the most out of your vehicle. So before you reject the prospect of any such upgrade, make sure you first look at some of the very affordable upgrades we have lined up for you.
How to Choose a Few New Upgrades
When a person looks at upgrades, the first thing they probably wonder is how many of them they want to add to their trucks. Most people want to add too many or too little, depending on the knowledge they have. To help you make an informed decision, here are all the factors that you need to look out for in regards to new upgrades.
Company Reputation
Although company reputation plays a huge role in the reliability of most of the products, with Dodge Ram upgrades, this factor is even more important. You need to consider which manufacture has produced the respective product.
You also want to ensure that whatever company you choose, it should offer excellent customer service that will ultimately help you to solve any issue that you might have. Warranty is also important as it will increase the reliability of your product.
Weather Resistance
Since trucks need to stay out in the open most of the time, it is important that all the upgrades you choose offer weather resistance. You certainly don’t want to leave your truck out in the open at night only to find your tonneau covers damaged by heavy rainfall.
Moreover, you want your product to be durable and strong. If it is steel, you need to ensure that the material is also powered coated. This is because steel alone does not offer rust resistance.
Durability
Although we have discussed this point before, too, durability doesn’t only offer better resistance; it comes with some other very important features too. The build material needs to be resilient and should be able to retain its strength even in the face of the hardest circumstances. You can get products that are either made of steel or stainless steel. Aluminum products are also heavy-duty and serve you well.
Moreover, you can also find a balance between weight and strength, because surely you don’t want all your upgrades to be extremely heavy.
Review of the Best Dodge Ram Upgrades
Upgrades are a great way to add some excitement to your life. These not only enhance performance but also make your truck stand out in the crowd. With so many new upgrades bombarding the market, it is important to know which one is the best one. Here is a list of top upgrades that you can consider.
Best Overall:
Tyger Auto Black Top T3 Tonneau Cover
PROS
CON
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers are absolutely thrilled with the high-end performance of this tonneau cover. It comes with a lifetime warranty and an easy, no-drilling installation, which offers time efficiency. Moreover, buyers are also pleased with the high weather resistance that the model offers. This, combined with the easy fold-up design, makes this model stand out in the market.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The model is easy to install and offers amazing durability, but that’s not the only reason it stands out to us. This patented design offers a secure locking mechanism. It clamps with stainless steel rods that retain the strength of the cover for a long time.
Moreover, the 24 oz. marine-grade vinyl offers an aircraft aluminum frame. It also offers tear resistance, which comes in handy during unpredictable weather.
Who Will Use This Most
Installing a tonneau cover can be a great move, especially by people who want to use their trucks for luggage transport. These covers not only keep all your important equipment safe but also allow you to carry multiple things all at once.
Moreover, the model also offers greater weather resistance, which means that regardless of the temperature and weather outside, you won’t have to worry about your luggage getting wasted or damaged.
Bottom Line
This tonneau cover has exceeded all expectations and has emerged as the number one model in the market for Dodge RAMs. It is made with industry vinyl, which offers greater durability. This, coupled with horizontal crossbars, offers full support and strength. You can also install this cover in no time. This not only saves your time but also allows more convenience.
Runner-up:
APS iBoard Running Boards
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The running board is one of the most unique models in the market as it allows a fully covered and padded build that offers better protection and an amazing load capacity of 300 pounds. Buyers have complimented its greater coverage aspect that doesn’t leave any equipment behind.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The beauty of this model is that it’s simple yet efficient. It includes a good design where form meets function. The best feature of this model is that it allows for easy installation. The panel mount ensures a custom fit that requires very few drilling and steps. Its unique look also plays a part in making the model stand out.
Who Will Use This Most
The edge-to-edge design comes with a padded and solid aluminum build that looks not only good but also provides comfortable access. It is a great upgrade for people who have to deal with cheap and sloppy running boards. It offers high corrosion resistance, which means that it can last for a longer time. Moreover, since it is padded, you don’t have to worry about them being uncomfortable.
Bottom Line
It takes a lot for a model to be this high on a list. This running board is not only durable but also offers greater strength. The model goes through a number of tests that includes the rubber friction test and accelerated weather testing tests. Both of these combine to help offer greater protection against harmful UV rays. So if you want a meaningful upgrade to your model, this is the one for you.
Best for the Money:
Bully Dog - 40420
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers have absolutely no complaints about the working of this product. On the contrary, they are quite pleased with the diversity the model offers. It is able to come up with a dynamic LCD display and can monitor around 15 performance parameters, all at a simple glance. All this is enough to please recent buyers.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Among many other things, the model is known for offering better torque in your vehicle. This allows for easy transportation of very heavy products. It also ensures ease of driving when moving through steep slopes. This quality makes this model stand out. Not just this, but it also offers better fuel economy, thus increasing its appeal.
Who Will Use This Most
A performance tuner is a great upgrade for people who need to monitor different parameters of their vehicles. This tuner is an electronic device that is specifically designed to boost your horsepower, torque, and fuel economy. Moreover, you can also adjust your rev limit, speed limit, and a number of other things with the help of this tuner.
Bottom Line
Products that are cheap are often seen with suspicion. This is because a lot of people associate non-durable features with cheaper products. This performance tuner rejects all such myths and acts as a revolutionary product that integrates amazing features in a device that is relatively cheaper. This performance tuner will help monitor more than 15 parameters all at once, thus ensuring the best performance.
Best Lift Kit:
RockTrix - 2.5"" Front Lift Kit
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Any model that doesn’t budge in the face of stress or unpredictable external pressures is likely to please recent buyers. This model will provide a perfect balance that doesn’t lose its rigidity even when you add heavy bumpers to it. Buyers are also pleased with the better fitment and alignment that it offers with the Dodge Ram.
Why it Stands Out to Us
When it comes to lift kits, durability is of extra importance. This is because you do not want to end up with a product that doesn’t offer consistent performance and fails in the middle of a function. This model is heat-treated, and its hardened steel does not come with any plastic pieces. It is also designed to not allow any bends or warps.
Who Will Use This Most
Lift kits are installed to a vehicle to improve the on-road performance of your trucks. The high-end suspension lift will come in handy for those who want to enable a steeper approach for their vehicles. Not only that, but it is also for people to achieve higher ground clearance. Moreover, it also accommodates larger tires and wheels.
Bottom Line
You would be pleased to find this product because it not only offers greater variability, but its simple and elegant design also helps improve the on-road performance of your vehicle. This lift kit is also one of the most durable ones in the market, and if treated right, it can last an entire lifetime. So if you are confused between which upgrade is most meaningful, think no more because here is your answer.
Best Exhaust System:
B2 Fabrication Magnaflow Muffler
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Exhaust systems can give a new life to your vehicle, and buyers know that. This is why they were really skeptical about investing in a new product, but luckily, for them, this model has proved to be a great one. It not only offers easy installation but its other features such as good warranty, higher customizability, and a relatively less price make it worthy in the eyes of buyers.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Ease of installation is one of the many factors that make this model stand out in the crowd. It has a simple yet efficient design. You simply have to remove the OEM muffler and clamp this heavily built exhaust in its place. You will not have to do any cutting or welding to install it inside your vehicle. This also saves the cost that you would otherwise have to spend on installation.
Who Will Use This Most
It’s well-known that exhaust systems can serve a lot of purposes and can prove to be really useful for vehicle owners. It is used to guide gases away from the combustion chamber inside the engine. This entire system also conveys burnt gases away from the engine. So people who travel a lot and are worried about their previous systems wearing out can make this great upgrade.
Bottom Line
Investing in a good exhaust system could be the best decision you make in regards to your vehicle. But to get your money’s worth, it is important you invest in only the right product. B3 fabrication airflow comes in a range of sizes, thus offering you a perfect and customized fit for your vehicle. Moreover, it has a better warranty and costs less than most other products.
Best Cold Air Intake:
K&N Cold Air Intake Kit 63-1561
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Like many other products, buyers expected the installation of this model to cost them a great deal too, but they were surprised to know that it doesn’t require any professional for its installation. Not only that, but buyers have also rated its design very highly. This high-end design provides better throttle performance for your vehicle.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The model is designed to increase the horsepower of your vehicle. It is made with a high-quality construction material that offers more reliability. But it stands out to us because of its high flow air filter that is completely washable. Unlike other materials, it doesn’t require frequent maintenance, though. You can remove it simply and wash it in a couple of seconds.
Who Will Use This Most
A cold air intake is an incredible device that allows the engine to finally breathe and perform essential functions in relatively less time. People who are looking to enhance their engine performance will find a useful product here. This cold air intake allows cooler air to be sucked in your engine. In turn, the cold air brings more dense oxygen into your combustion chamber thus producing more power
Bottom Line
With a superior design and a 10-year warranty, this model is already making a significant mark in the industry. It not only offers an increase of 50% in your engine’s airflow but also provides better performance than the cold air intakes already installed in the vehicle. So if you are looking for improved throttle performance and better engine output, then this is the right product for you.
Best Shocks:
Monroe 58640
PROS
CON
What Recent Buyers Report
Making upgrades can be a life-altering decision. This best shocks model comes with a lot of modifiers that give each user a unique advantage. Moreover, it contains a fully displaced valving system that automatically adjusts to road extremes. Users looking for diverse modifications will love using this model.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Monroe load adjusting absorbers will adjust rapidly to any changes in the road and weight conditions. It also delivers enhanced control with uncompromised comfort on the road. This hence offers superior comfort for delivering extra control. This, coupled with the high weight capacity of the model, helps it stand out.
Who Will Use This Most
A shock absorber mostly serves the purpose of limiting and reducing suspension movement. Its intended purpose is to damp spring oscillations. So anyone looking to achieve this should invest in this shock pad. It uses the valving of oil and gas to take in excess energy from the springs. Moreover, it also offers a smooth and steady rod reaction.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a very efficient upgrade, then this is definitely the product for you. It contains a number of modifiers that offer a huge reduction in friction. It also offers consistent performance thanks to its fluon-banded design that comes with full-fledged sealing. It is also very secure and offers protection to all vehicle owners.
Best Brake Pads:
Bosch BC1084
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users are really pleased with the performance of these brake pads because they feature an aluminum-based alloy. This is similar to the one used in aerospace engineering. This offers greater strength and durability, which allows reliability. So buyers who were looking for a consistent product are really happy to get their hands on this one.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The model stands out to us because of its transfer layer that offers greater protection. The chemical formula also forms a protective layer on the pad surface and the rotor, thereby extending their life. Not just that, but the model also provides you with exceptional stopping power, contributing to enhanced performance.
Who Will Use This Most
This model is exceptionally good and is useful for a lot of people, especially those that prefer comfort and convenience. Brake pads can provide friction that slows down your vehicle when needed. This is hence useful for people who use their vehicles under unpredictable weather. Moreover, the friction and pressure applied to the brake rotor also help avoid any accidents in rainy weather.
Bottom Line
There are models that are durable, and then there are models that offer customizability; this model is one that offers both these things. It provides exceptional power and an extended rotor that comes in handy while driving your truck at a faster speed. Moreover, it ensures quieter operation and copper-free legislation that ensures lifelong performance.
Types of Dodge Ram Upgrades
There are many stunning new upgrades that you can add to your Dodge Ram. These are available in exceptional quality and can completely revolutionize how you perceive your product. Here are some types of dodge ram upgrades that are worth considering.
Truck Bed Liners
Your pickup bed could be vulnerable to rust, especially if there is no tonneau cover on the top. So adding a good bed liner will help shield elements and provide good traction whenever you want to store your luggage. Even when you have an efficient cover, a liner is still very much relevant as it protects your bed from any scratches from sharp objects. Moreover, it adds some level of finesse to your whole vehicle.
Floor Mats and Liners
These also make for a great upgrade option. If you live in an area that experiences unpredictable weather like heavy rain and snow very often, you definitely need a good floor mat or liner. This will not only enhance the look inside your truck but will also help maintain the inside.
Imagine having to walk inside the truck after soaking in the rain or walking in mud. These liners, especially ones made with plastic or rubber, will help absorb water and are relatively cheap.
Performance Chips
These performance chips are extremely efficient and play an integral part in enhancing the fuel economy and gas flow of your engines. Your truck will come with a factory chip that offers limited performance and isn’t as good as a performance-upgraded chip. These aren’t very expensive and can offer better output for a longer time.
Exhaust Upgrades
To improve the horsepower and fuel economy, you might want to consider adding exhaust upgrades to your Ram 1500. These aftermarket exhaust systems are extremely competitive and can provide better performance than factory fitted exhausts.
Perks of Upgrading Your Dodge Ram
A lot of people get really excited about upgrading their vehicles, especially their Dodge rams. This is because these upgrades are a great way of achieving greater protection, diversity, and a beautiful look for your beloved truck, but that’s not all. Here are all the perks of upgrading your RAM 1500:
Diversity
The best thing about upgrades is that they allow you to completely change the way your truck functions. There are so many great options available in the market that will allow you to enhance performance. A good liner will offer you greater protection, whereas a chip will increase your fuel economy. Similarly, you can add tonneau covers to protect your luggage from damage.
Economical
Contrary to what people think, these upgrades aren’t very expensive. But regardless of the lower costs, they end up being worth so much more. You can make these small changes to your truck and diversify the ways in which you can use it. Before an upgrade, you wouldn’t be able to carry perishable goods to a nearby location, but after an upgrade, this would be really convenient.
Enhanced Performance
When it comes to large trucks such as the Dodge RAM, fuel consumption is a real issue. This not only increases the money spent but also decreases the overall output of your vehicle. Making upgrades in the chips and exhausts can greatly enhance performance. These aren’t very expensive and hence can last for a longer time too.
Attractive Look
This might not be a priority for a lot of users, but it can be a small benefit that you can achieve with upgrades. You can add attractive tonneau covers or bed liners on your RAM 1500. These won’t just protect your luggage but will also make your model stand out in the crowd.
Conclusion
People are often wary of upgrading their vehicles because they don’t want to spend tons of money, but that won’t be the case here. You can make a number of changes to your Dodge RAM without burdening your pocket. There is a lot of diversity there, too, with the options of exhaust updates, liner and floor updates, chip updates, and a plethora of others.
All these enhance performance one way or the other. But before you decide on the next upgrade, just make sure you access the company policy and warranty options. This will help you find a reliable and long-lasting upgrade for your beloved vehicle.
