Getting a prerunner bumper RAM 1500 owners can trust is the upgrade your truck needs, especially for serious trail adventures. 

Whether you’re looking for a 2013 RAM 1500 bumper or a different model, Road Armor is proud to provide you with something that works as your off-road steel front armor. Here’s the quick process for installing a bolt-on prerunner bumper.

Step #1: Check fitment and prep for your heavy duty RAM bumper installation.

Make sure the RAM bumper upgrade matches your model and sensors.

Your truck demands the right bumper fit, particularly if it’s a newer model with parking sensors. At Road Armor, we cater to this with the Stealth series, compatible with sensor-equipped trucks, while the Vaquero Series suits 2013-2018 models with pre-sensors or different setups. 

However, keep in mind that we also have choices for your back end, including a rear bumper for 2014 RAM 1500 trucks and beyond.

Know what having a prerunner RAM front bumper entails.

A prerunner hoop offers a leaner profile, focusing on the center grille area without overwhelming your truck’s front end. Lightweight and simple, this is a prerunner bumper RAM 1500 drivers can get behind, as the design protects what matters without the heft. 

Gather all the tools listed in Road Armor’s install guide and prepare a safe, level workspace.

Ensure your toolkit includes sockets, screwdrivers, a trusty torque wrench, or anything else mentioned in the Road Armor install guide. 

Next, park your truck on a flat, stable surface, set the brakes into place, and even use some wheel chocks for good measure; a level base supports the heavy-duty steel. Lastly, no matter if you’re installing a prerunner bumper RAM 1500 owners would love or even a 2002 Dodge RAM 1500 rear bumper, safety glasses and gloves will keep you protected throughout this procedure.

Step #2: Remove the stock bumper safely.

Disconnect the battery and unplug the bumper wiring.

This crucial step helps you avoid short circuits or any knocks on the airbag sensors while you tackle the front end. Modern RAM 1500s, especially those with factory fog lights or parking sensors, have their wiring harnesses right behind the bumper. 

Gently unplug these connectors and keep them tucked out of your work area. This way, you won’t have wires trailing or tearing when you pull off that stock bumper, especially in quick preparation for a prerunner bumper RAM 1500 owners depend on.

Unbolt and remove the factory bumper with help.

Bolts around the frame horns and support brackets usually grip everything. Loosen and remove these fasteners to detach the bumper, and use penetrating oil if they’re rusted tight. Now, enlist a friend’s help to lift the bumper straight off to avoid any snags on the fenders or brackets.

Removing the OEM bumper then shows you the substantial weight difference between it and a prerunner bumper RAM 1500 truck owners rely on. Since they have a similar setup, this also goes for something like a RAM 2500 rear bumper. 

Aftermarket options like Road Armor’s off-road bumper for RAM 1500 trucks bring more heft, like the Vaquero series, weighing in at around 250 lbs, far more compared to those thin stock ones.

Transfer sensors and lights to the new RAM 1500 prerunner off-road build.

Road Armor bumpers, including the Stealth series, often accommodate existing sensors with pre-cut holes matching your factory setup. Carefully detach the sensors from the old bumper, usually a case of releasing clips or grommets, and fit them into their new slots on the Road Armor bumper.

The same goes for fog lights or driving lights, as the prerunner bumper RAM 1500 trucks use may have dedicated OEM or aftermarket mounting points. Given their similarities and trail use, the RAM 2500 bumper winch-ready setups follow this procedure as well. Afterward, ensure you route any wiring safely through the grommets or looms provided, preventing pinching along the way.

Step #3: Install the new bumper on the frame.

Install any supplied frame brackets or mounting plates first.

A prerunner bumper RAM 1500 owners can count on is built with robust 1/4" thick steel brackets that anchor to your truck’s frame rails. They are the backbone of your bumper installation. 

Secure these brackets using the provided high-strength bolts at factory mounting points. With the smart design, there’s typically no need for drilling, as Road Armor uses existing frame holes for a simple bolt-on process. Get them snug, but hold off on torquing completely unless specified otherwise. This is particularly crucial for options like the 2018 RAM 2500 front bumper, as there may be slight differences. 

Position and tighten all mounting bolts for RAM prerunner bumper protection and functionality.

Align the bumper with precision against the brackets or frame horns. While one person holds or props up one side (or through the use of a floor jack cushioned with padding), the other threads in the bolts. 

Ensure all bolts start by hand without cross-threading, as this preliminary setup allows you to fine-tune the bumper’s position. Focus on centering it side-to-side, leveling, and getting the ideal height, like ensuring a neat gap under the headlights.

Then, lock in the fit with proper alignment. Once completed, the prerunner bumper RAM 1500 owners adore effectively becomes an integral extension of the truck frame. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How durable is a prerunner bumper for off-road use?

A prerunner bumper RAM 1500 owners trust is extremely durable and designed for various harsh conditions. Road Armor’s prerunner bumpers use thick steel, typically featuring a 3/16" outer shell with 1/4" internal reinforcements, crafted to withstand impact without deforming. 

And similar to a prerunner bumper’s toughness, a durable rear bumper RAM 2500 owners use also stands out in off-road resilience, demonstrating protection at both vehicle ends.

Does the prerunner bumper support winch or light installations?

Yes, it does. You can find a Road Armor winch-compatible prerunner bumper, like those in the Stealth series. These include provisions for winch mounts and LED light installations. This setup means you can enhance your vehicle with recovery options and improved visibility without any aftermarket tinkering.

Is the prerunner bumper a direct bolt-on or does it require modifications?

It’s a direct bolt-on installation. Road Armor bumpers are crafted for straightforward installation using the factory mounting points. This means no cutting, drilling, or welding is necessary, which keeps the process simple and quick while maintaining your truck’s structural integrity.

Drive confidently with Road Armor’s prerunner protection.

Elevate your RAM 1500’s off-road readiness with a Road Armor prerunner bumper. This lifted RAM 1500 bumper offers increased ground clearance and a lightweight profile, allowing for drives across challenging terrains. Plus, our lifetime structural guarantee assures long-term durability.

Build now by choosing the protection only Road Armor provides.