The Ram engineers wanted to make sure that if the TRX gets any air time while playing off-road, it won’t run into frame failures like some Ford Raptors, so the engineers started with a new chassis. This new frame is comprised of greater amounts of high strength steel, with fully boxed side rails and hydroforming that removes the needs for some welding. All of those lead to a stronger frame without adding loads of weight. There are also five skidplates to protect the drivetrain bits.
In terms of suspension, the Ram 1500 TRX uses a similar system to the other half-ton trucks in the lineup with coil springs out back, but every aspect of the system has been revamped. This begins with 2.5-inch BilsteinBlack Hawk e2 adaptive dampers at all four corners.
These dampers allow the driver to select whether they want more ride comfort or more off-road capabilities, helping the TRX conquer any footing. Up front, there are new aluminum upper and lower control arms, with the front axle being shifted forward 20 millimeters to make more room for the 35-inch tires.
Out back, the Bilstein dampers are integrated into the segment-exclusive five-link coil spring system, featuring the longest coil springs in the segment. The Ram brand’s Active Terrain Dynamics suspension management system makes constant adjustments based on the Drive Mode chosen, making this the most capable suspension system in the segment.
The 2021 Ram 1500 TRX offers 13 inches of wheel travel at all four corners, while the 2-inch lift gives the truck 11.8 inches of ground clearance. The supercharged Ram also offers an approach angle of 30.2 degrees, a breakover angle of 21.9 degrees, a departure angle of 23.5 degrees and the ability to drive through 32 inches of water. The TRX beats the Raptor in ground clearance, breakover angle and departure angle while matching the Ford in approach angle and water-fording depth.
Finally, the Ram TRX has the biggest brakes in the segment, with 15-inch rotors in the front and rear. The fronts use 2-piston calipers while the rears use a single piston setup, affording this big, powerful truck incredible stopping power.
The combination of the supercharged Hemi, the strengthened frame and the adaptive suspension leads to the most capable truck in the world in terms of off-roading abilities, but it can serve as a great work horse, too. The TRX can haul up to 1,310 pounds and tow 8,100 pounds.
‘Ram TRX is the Quickest, Fastest & Most Powerful Truck in the World’ continued…
"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.
"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.
"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.
"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.
"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.
