The vast array of cabs, beds, powertrains, trim levels, and optional equipment offered on any new pickup virtually assures the statistical possibility of no two trucks being exactly alike, but for some folks, the factory order book—no matter how extensive—can never fully scratch the itch for originality. For these individualists, Mopar has readied a catalog of 217 parts for the new 2019 Ram 1500 pickup that broke cover last month in Detroit. The coolest of these have been mounted to a Flame Red Big Horn Sport 4×4 and unveiled at the 2018 Chicago Auto Show.
Most of the items that follow will be available in March, with the rest coming just a few months later. Most can be ordered for installation at an upfit center adjacent to the factory, in which case they’re fully covered by your new-vehicle warranty, they show up on your Monroney price label, and they can be financed into your loan or lease. Sadly, no pricing info has been finalized on the new parts as yet.
Read about the 2019 Ram 1500 in our First Look here.
Ram Rack
Mopar frequently tests new ideas at the SEMA show, and this one bowed as part of the 2016 show’s Macho Power Wagon concept to great acclaim. Presented carrying a pair of large touring kayaks, these two rack parts mount to the available production bed utility rails (which can be ordered from the factory or through Mopar). The rear one can be positioned anywhere from right up against the front bar to the far rear of the bed, depending on what you’re looking to carry. A retractable Mopar bed step makes it easier to climb into the bed to fasten items to the rack.
Mopar 18-Inch, Six-Lug Off-Road Beadlock-Capable Wheels
These new wheels can be used conventionally—with the tire inflated against the inside of the rim—or bead-lock style for extreme off-roading events. They come equipped for normal inflation with a trim ring that gives a bead-lock look. Then, when you’re planning to go rock climbing or mud running, you deflate the tires, pull the outer beads outside the wheel rims, and install the actual bead-lock rings (sold separately). Note that Mopar has prepared six different accessory wheel designs in the initial 2019 Ram 1500 catalog.
Cast Aluminum Running Boards
These rugged full body-length assist steps tuck up extra close to the body to allow maximum break-over angle when off-roading. They feature a slip-resistant black finish, and they’re slotted in the hopes that water spray off the wheels can clean them.
Mopar “Ram Airflow” Cold-Air Intake System
In part because of packaging requirements for the Hemi V-8’s 48-volt mild-hybrid system, the throttle body is positioned vertically in contrast to the vast majority of such parts that are horizontal. Mopar has created a special cold-air intake duct to fit this setup that collects cool air from above and ahead of the radiator. A low-restriction air cleaner improves breathing as does the new catalyst-back exhaust system, which is constructed from AL409 stainless steel. We’re assured it deepens the exhaust note. Such improvements can boost performance and/or fuel efficiency depending on how you tune or drive them, but so far Mopar is mum on horsepower or mpg improvements attributable to either system.
2-inch Lift Kit
Many companies make taller springs that’ll trade rebound travel for jounce travel, but when a lift kit gets engineered in by the folks who designed the normal suspension, far fewer compromises get made in terms of ride, handling, and safety. Buyers can also be assured of the suspension’s durability. This kit also makes room for the oversize large-tread 35-inch tires that wrap the above-mentioned wheels. Mopar wheel flares extend to cover those big tires.
Mopar All-Weather Floor Mats
Technically these qualify as floor liners because they extend up the tunnel and down to the sills, protecting the carpet thoroughly. Fun fact: they are manufactured in the USA just a few miles from the factory where WeatherTech mats are made, but these feature a Ram logo molded in. They’re designed to look great with Mopar brushed aluminum door sill guards, which carry the RAM wordmark.
Katzkin Leather Seats
Shown in black with red accent stitching and a red embroidered Ram’s head logo, these front- and rear-seat covers are designed to reupholster cloth seats in such a way as to look like factory leather but with a slightly custom flair.
Blacked Out Badging
The finishing touches to this ultimate Mopar Ram 1500 include a pair of black hood stripes that fade as they approach the windshield, blacked out Ram emblems and badging all around, and a set of black tow hooks in front.