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Dodge Ram 2009-Present: Aftermarket Modifications

The aftermarket modification options for the Dodge Ram, and most any other truck, are quite plentiful. Take a look at a few options in this article and start saving up!

By Nick Vaughn - July 24, 2015

This article applies to the Dodge Ram (2009-present).

The Dodge Ram was first produced in 1981, and we are pretty sure that the aftermarket options started pouring in right then and there. Today we are going to narrow down that modification range to the 4th generation, 2009 to present Dodge Ram. While the list of options is nearly endless, we'll do our best to try and narrow it down to three. From there it will be your decision to figure out which ones you are going to install on your truck.

Aftermarket Modifications

OEM Style Replacement HID Headlights

DIY Cost – $200-800

Professional Cost – $500-1,500

Skill Level – Moderate

One of the best things about the Ram is that part swaps can be fairly easy at times. Depending on the headlights you choose, this could be an easy swap or a fairly difficult one. Some are simply plug and play, while others may need additional power options and would take more time. In all situations this can be one of the fastest ways to separate your truck from the next one at the stop light.

Step Bars aka Nerf Bars

DIY Cost – $150 to over $1,300

Professional Cost – $300 to over $2,500

Skill Level – Moderate to extreme skill may be necessary depending on what option you go with.

Some small u-shaped applications can be installed fairly quickly and with little effort. Other options such as a power retracting side step will require a lot of electrical expertise and would likely be something that you would want to leave to an expert to install. There are literally hundreds of different designs and options available on the market. If you cannot find something you like the look of, perhaps you haven't looked long enough!

Bed Covers aka Tonneau Covers

DIY Cost – $200 to over $3,000

Professional Cost – $300-5,000

Skill Level – Simple to expert level may be required.

As with all of the previous items we have talked about, a bed cover and the available options are numerous; from soft simple snap covers that install down the bed rails to hard shelled body color matched options, to electric motor for retracting in to a self contained box. Other options can include locking mechanisms or tri-folding hard covers. One thing to keep in mind while looking for an option for your truck, beyond pricing, is how you use your truck. Some have a truck simply because they like driving trucks, while others use a truck for work. The point is that some covers, when open, can block bed storage. Obviously, most of the hard shell options cannot be left open while driving.

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