Who makes the 4th gen OEM nerf bars?

[Rand Kibodeaux]

Have you tried 4wheelparts.com? I recently bought a pair for my 2018 2500.

 

[JohnM45]

Well, I just checked the stock running boards and not a sticker or number to be found. Looks like you got the Westins ordered up, so I hope they work well!

 

[dieselshadow]

Yeah, they were less than half what the dealer wanted. Hopefully they aren’t half the quality.

 

[JohnM45]

I'm sure they'll be just fine.

 

[tazpal15]

Westin is better than some. But the best ones I bought were from Smitty Built. They were strong steps, that protected the truck when I scrubbed the guard rail trying to keep from getting hit on the freeway. No scratch on my truck. Love them.

 

[12LaramieHO]

I begrudgingly ordered a set of Westins. They are fully enclosed tubes with welded end caps. The brackets are a tad wimpy looking and and have a cover over them to simulate the OEM bracket look. I haven’t found any bad reviews, but I read them with a grain of salt anyway.

I’ll show some pics once they show up.

Diesel,
On my 2012 CC 4x4 CTD I went with a set of Westin Platinum Stainless Steel Ovals since the truck was new. Matter of fact I was going recommend you check Westin since I was a little delayed responding to your original post. Now I see you went with the Westins.
No complaints here about them. They were about the best compromise back when the truck was new. Might be a little slick on the steps when wet and wearing certain shoes/boots, but nothing that can't be worked around. In other words I am just a little more careful when they are wet, that's it.
I think you'll be satisfied with your choice after you have them on a while.
Let us know if you find any shortcomings after you get them on.
~Chad

 

[dieselshadow]

So they came in today. I do have to admit, they don’t look all that bad. The brackets are heavy enough, the tubes themselves showed up looking good and bright. There’s a sharp edge/burr or two on the brackets. Nothing a file won’t fix. The tube ends are fully welded and blended in for a seamless look. This is one of the few nerf bars on the market that are actual tubes, not an open channel on the bottom. The plastics bracket covers look cheap and say Westin on them, as do the step pads themselves. I hate when manufacturers feel the need to plaster their name all over stuff, kinda ruins the product if you ask me. Hopefully the Westin name doesn’t jump out at you once installed.

Pics to come later.

 

[dieselshadow]

I got the passenger step installed this evening before the bugs got crazy.

I had a barley pop or two while installing this. Overall they seem ok. They do flex a bit when stepping up on them, but I guess that’s to be expected. So far so good.

I’ll have some more pics as the driver’s side goes on.

 

[12LaramieHO]

Lo.
Looks really good to me!
Post the pics when the install is completed, but looks GREAT so far! And let us know how satisfied overall when you get them on and have used them for a bit.
~C

 

[JohnM45]

Sharp looking truck, DieselShadow. The steps look fantastic...err, I should say, "the step looks fantastic." At the risk of having rotten tomatoes thrown at me, I love Ford trucks.....but dang, that Ram dually is the best-looking dually out there! Oh, and the Ram single-cab, long-bed....its the best looking one there, too.

 

[dieselshadow]

I love Ford trucks.....

We all make mistakes John.

 

[dieselshadow]

Job complete.

You can see how I really think the chrome/polished stainless steel really compliments this truck. A set of DuraFlap mud flaps were also in order.

All I need now is a few barley pops and maybe a dip in the neighbors pool!

I’d like to get the bed lined and the windows tinted. I think I’d be pretty close to being done at that point.

Have I mentioned how much I really like this truck?

 

[dieselshadow]

So I said screw it, I’m currently sitting at the tint shop. Got to get ‘er done. LOL

 

[AH64ID]

So I said screw it, I’m currently sitting at the tint shop. Got to get ‘er done. LOL

Tint and bedliner are on my short list of things to do.

 

[dieselshadow]

Bed liner is next, for sure. Haven’t even placed a piece of paper in the bed yet. LOL

 

[AH64ID]

Bed liner is next, for sure. Haven’t even placed a piece of paper in the bed yet. LOL

I've been using it and it looks like crap with just the paint. I don't understand why they all aren't OEM lined.

I'm sure there might be an exception, but I can't think of any applications where painted is better than lined.

 

[TCDiesel]

The bed rug is unbelievably tough, if I was going to have Tonneau cover or topper I would opt out of the Spray liner. I moved My Bed rug from My 2012 to 14 to my 15, it would be in My 2019 if it would have fit. Cant do that with spray liner Heeeheee

 

[dieselshadow]

I like the idea of a bed rug, but it’s not conducive to having a gooseneck trailer hooked up. No tonneau cover for me, so it seems a liner is the best option. I may still throw a bed mat in there as well. Cut a few holes in it for the anchor points or pull it out when towing. The sheet metal on these newer trucks is so much easier to dent and mess up compared to older trucks.

 

[dieselshadow]

I've been using it and it looks like crap with just the paint. I don't understand why they all aren't OEM lined.

I'm sure there might be an exception, but I can't think of any applications where painted is better than lined.

Agreed. A liner IMHO should be standard, but then guys who want the bed rug or something along those lines wouldn’t be happy. Another option I guess.

 

[AH64ID]

I kept the bed mat from my 05 and then cut the 5 holes in it for the 5er prep group. I didn't need them all cut as I'll rarely use them, but the mat sits flatter and puts less pressure on the plastic plugs with my ATV rack in the bed.