4.5 or 5th gen HD?

[Vman]

Okay, so regarding the 2021 Ram 2500 I just bought. I need help figuring out what gen truck this is. I went to buy some nerf bars/step rails the other day and when they showed up they didnt align with my truck, upon further examination the seller said it was for new body style only. Also, was shopping online for different grills and had a hard time finding exact matches. Would someone please tell me what I have, finding compatible aftermarket parts is very frustrating. Is it a true 5th gen or a 4.5 hybrid/classic? Sorry, seems like Ram did a switch over late 2020/early 2021, unfortunately my VIN and build sheet doesnt really specify. Appreciate your input, thanks!

 

[crazykid1994]

New body style sounds like it’s referring to the 1500. The 2500 did not get a new body. Just a face lift to match the new 1500. Technically the 2500 is a 4th gen and a half. However I don’t know if the 4th gen 2500 steps fit since I have a 2017 1500. Sorry I’m not more help.

 

[mtnrider]

I don't think the new HD has an official designation but most refer to it as a 4.5 gen. The 1500's are a complete redesigned 5th gen

Most 4th gen parts will fit it (HD trucks), 5th gen parts will not


.

 

[Vman]

Thanks, I think you’re right. When I look at the bolt hole pattern for the step rails, it seems identical to my 2016 Ram 1500. The grill gets a bit trickier though, it’s not a 4th gen grill from what I can ascertain, and the filter on Amazon and eBay doesn’t really work well for my truck. Guess when I find a part I’m interested in, I’ll just contact the seller to confirm compatibility to be safe.

 

[Dean2]

2500 side steps fit from at least 2019 on, some fit further back than that. The Grill on the 2021 is different than 2018 and earlier, though I don't know if they mount the same way, I would highly doubt it though. Problem with a lot of vendors is they do not have quality search info and think you can use Gen instead of the actual year and 1500, 2500 and 3500 as the selection parameters. A Gen 4 1500 and Gen 4 2500 don't use the same accessories, at least not often.

 

[tjfdesmo]

Gen 4.5

 

[JayLeonard]

I had Ram side steps put on my 2021 before i bought it. Then changed steps and sold them to a guy with a 2013 2500. They fit perfectly.

 

[Irishthreeper]

I went through some frustration with my ‘21 2500 too, especially with step rails. Ended up buying wheel to wheel from MOPAR. More expensive but they plug in the VIN and order that way. Did the same thing with my 5th wheel assembly for the factory prep I had. $600 but it took 5 minutes to drop it in and lock it in place.
Sliding hitch adapter and hitch took another 5-10 minutes. If you’re a veteran they give you 10% off.

 

[Vman]

Thanks all for the info!