If you are looking to enhance the accessibility and sleek profile of your RAM truck, motorized drop-down steps are one of the most functional upgrades you can make. Recently, Austin from the Out Jeeping YouTube channel got his hands on a set of our Westin Automotive Pro-e Electric Power Running Boards and walked his viewers through a comprehensive installation on his 2016 Ram 1500.
Pro-e running boards give your rig a clean, factory-finished appearance while offering effortless cabin access. They automatically deploy when any door opens and smoothly retract against the rocker panel when closed.
Here is a breakdown of Austin’s installation process – which applies to all Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 models from 2009 to 2023 – and his thoughts on the build quality of the Pro-e system.
What Comes in the Kit?
The Westin Pro-e kit arrives with everything you need to get your truck outfitted with power steps. A quick unboxing revealed:
- Driver and passenger side 6-inch wide aluminum running boards.
- Four motor-equipped brackets (actuators) with IP68 waterproof ratings.
- A comprehensive wiring harness, control module, and manual override switch.
- Magnetic induction door sensors.
- Integrated LED step lights.
- All necessary mounting brackets, zip ties, and hardware.
Installation Summary: A Two-Part Process
Austin broke the installation down into two main phases:
- Interior electrical wiring.
- Exterior mechanical mounting.
Phase 1: Interior Wiring and Door Sensors
Safety always comes first, so the process begins with disconnecting the negative battery terminal.
From there, Austin moved into the cab to route the main wiring harness. After removing the plastic sill plates and B-pillar trim panels, he utilized an empty factory floorboard grommet under the driver’s seat to feed the primary wiring from the exterior up into the cab.
The brains of the operation rely on magnetic induction modules mounted at each door jamb. When a door opens, the magnetic connection is broken, signaling the motors to drop the step. Austin carefully measured and adhered the magnetic switches below the door strikers, routing the wires under the weatherstripping for a clean, hidden look. He then routed the passenger-side wiring under the rear seats and carpet, keeping everything secured and away from the seatbelt mechanisms.
Phase 2: Mechanical Mounting and Underbody Routing
Moving to the underside of the RAM, Austin started by mounting the main control module to the inner rocker panel using the factory-installed nutserts.
Next came the heavy lifting: installing the motorized actuators. RAM trucks in rust-belt states often need extra care, and Austin made sure to use anti-seize on his bolts to protect against future corrosion. He loosely mounted the heavy-duty reinforcement plates and actuator brackets to all four corners of the cab.
With the actuators in place, the Pro-e Power Running Boards slide perfectly onto the brackets using a clever T-slotted frame design. This allows for horizontal adjustability so you can set the steps to your preferred position before torquing the M6 and M8 hardware down to specification.
Final Details: Lighting and Power
To finish the exterior, Austin routed the underbody harness along the frame rail, securing it with zip ties and running it over the transmission crossmember to reach the passenger side.
He then installed the included LED step lights – measuring carefully to center them under the doors – which illuminate the step surface every time the boards deploy. Finally, he routed the main power cables up to the engine bay, connected them to the battery, and tested the system.
The result? The doors opened, the LED lights turned on, and the durable aluminum boards slid into place…success!
The Verdict on Westin Pro-e Running Boards
After confirming that every door switch operated flawlessly and the manual override switch was safely tucked away, Austin shared his final thoughts on the upgrade:
“Overall, I am very impressed with how they work. Time will tell how they hold up, but overall, the quality is on the high end for this product.”
– Austin, Out Jeeping
Step Up Your Game with Westin Automotive
The verdict? Pro-e boards deliver a premium experience without sacrificing your vehicle’s ground clearance. If you’re ready to equip your truck with the same high-end functionality, check out our complete lineup to your perfect fit, and reach out to us if you have any questions. Shop online at Westin Automotive for great-looking, functional products for your truck, Jeep, or SUV today!
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