I’ll never forget the first time I saw a RAM TRX in action. My buddy Dave, who’s obsessed with trucks the way some people are with coffee, invited me to an off-road trail last summer.
We’re talking rocks the size of small dogs, mud that could swallow your boots, and a hill so steep I thought we’d need a helicopter to get back down.
Dave’s black RAM TRX—looking like a beast straight out of a sci-fi movie—handled it all like it was a Sunday drive to the grocery store. I was floored. How does a truck this massive, this powerful, make off-roading look so… effortless?
Turns out, it’s not just the 702 horsepower or the mean grille that screams “get out of my way.” There are some clever, little-known upgrades tucked into this beast that make it a true off-road king—upgrades that keep you safe while you’re tearing through the wilderness.
Let’s dive into the top six that make the RAM TRX a monster you’ll want to take on every trail.
The Suspension That Laughs at Rocks
First up, let’s talk about the TRX’s suspension system—specifically, its Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive shocks. Now, I know “adaptive shocks” sounds like something you’d find on a spaceship, but bear with me.
These shocks are like the truck’s personal therapist—they read the terrain and adjust on the fly to keep the ride smooth. Whether you’re crawling over boulders or flying over a dune, the shocks use sensors to tweak their stiffness in real-time.
This means less bouncing around for you and your passengers, which, let’s be honest, is a lifesaver for your spine on a long off-road trip.
I remember watching Dave hit a rocky patch at what I thought was a reckless speed. I braced myself, expecting us to rattle like a tin can full of marbles. But nope—the TRX soaked it all up. It was like the rocks were apologizing for even trying to mess with us.
Those shocks don’t just make the ride comfy; they keep the tires glued to the ground, giving you better control and reducing the risk of tipping on uneven terrain.
Safety first, right? If you’re curious about more off-road tech, check out our post on off-road suspension systems for a deeper dive.
Tires That Grip Like a Hungry Bear
Next, the TRX rolls on 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory all-terrain tires, and let me tell you, these things are grippy. They’re designed specifically for the TRX, with a tread pattern that bites into mud, sand, and gravel like a bear grabbing its lunch.
The sidewalls are beefy too, so you’re less likely to get a puncture when you’re out in the middle of nowhere. I mean, the last thing you want is to be changing a tire while a storm’s rolling in—or worse, while some curious wildlife decides to say hi.
One time, Dave and I got stuck in a muddy rut after a surprise rain. I thought we were done for—my little sedan would’ve been a goner in that mess. But the TRX’s tires dug in, and with a low growl, we were out in seconds.
It was like the truck was saying, “Mud? What mud?” Those tires aren’t just about getting you through tough spots; they’re about keeping you safe by ensuring you don’t lose traction when the trail gets wild.
Want to geek out more on tires? We’ve got a great piece on all-terrain tire technology that’s worth a read.
Skid Plates That Say “Bring It On”
Underneath the TRX, you’ll find heavy-duty skid plates that protect its underbelly like a knight’s armor. These plates cover the front axle, transfer case, and fuel tank, shielding them from rocks, stumps, or anything else that wants to take a swing at your truck.
Off-roading can be brutal on a vehicle’s underside, and a damaged fuel tank in the middle of nowhere is a safety nightmare I wouldn’t wish on anyone.
I’ve got a bit of a confession—I’m a little paranoid about undercarriage damage ever since I scraped my old car on a hidden rock during a camping trip. The sound of metal grinding still haunts me. But with the TRX, I wouldn’t have batted an eye.
Those skid plates are like a security blanket, letting you tackle rough trails without worrying about a costly—or dangerous—breakdown. It’s one of those upgrades you don’t think about until you need it, and then you’re thanking your lucky stars it’s there.
A Launch Mode That’s Smarter Than You Think
Okay, this one’s a bit of a hidden gem: the TRX’s Launch Control mode isn’t just for drag racing. I know, I know—when you hear “launch control” on a truck with 702 horsepower, you’re probably thinking of burning rubber at a stoplight.
But off-road, this feature helps you rocket out of tricky spots with precision. It manages wheel spin and power delivery, so you don’t just sit there spinning your tires in the sand while your buddies laugh from the sidelines.
Dave let me take the wheel for a bit on that trip, and I decided to test this out on a sandy incline. I engaged Launch Control, floored it, and the TRX shot forward like it had a personal vendetta against gravity.
No wheel spin, no drama—just pure, controlled power. It’s not just fun; it’s a safety feature in disguise. Getting unstuck quickly means less time stranded in a spot where you might be at risk from the elements or other hazards. Pretty cool, huh?
Fenders That Aren’t Just for Show
The TRX’s wide fender flares aren’t just there to make it look like a bodybuilder on wheels—though they definitely do that. They’re functional, giving the truck extra clearance for those massive tires and allowing for more suspension travel.
More travel means the wheels can move up and down further without the tires rubbing against the body, which is a game-changer on uneven terrain. It keeps you stable and safe when you’re navigating crazy angles.
I’ll admit, I thought the fenders were just for aesthetics at first. But then Dave pointed out how they let the TRX handle a steep ditch without scraping. I felt like a kid learning that candy could be good for you—mind blown!
Those fenders are like the truck’s secret weapon, quietly making sure you don’t get hung up on a trail. If you’re into truck mods, you might like our post on fender flare benefits for more insights.
A Cooling System That Keeps Its Cool
Last but not least, the TRX has an upgraded cooling system that keeps its supercharged engine from overheating, even when you’re pushing it hard off-road. The system includes a high-capacity radiator and extra air intakes to keep things chill under the hood.
Overheating on a trail isn’t just a bummer—it can leave you stranded in a spot where help is hours away, which is a safety risk you don’t want to mess with.
I’ve had my share of overheating scares in the past—my old car once decided to throw a tantrum in the middle of a desert road trip. I was sweating more than the engine, let me tell you.
But the TRX? It stayed cool as a cucumber while we climbed a dusty hill in the blazing sun. That cooling system is like a trusty sidekick, making sure your off-road adventures don’t turn into a roadside nightmare.
Wrapping It Up with a Bow
So, there you have it—six little-known upgrades that make the RAM TRX an absolute beast off-road, all while keeping you safe on the trail. From its terrain-reading shocks to its grippy tires and protective skid plates, this truck is built to tackle the wild without breaking a sweat.
I think what I love most about the TRX is how it makes you feel invincible without sacrificing safety. It’s like having a best friend who’s always got your back, whether you’re crawling over rocks or blasting through sand.
If you’re thinking about taking your TRX off-road—or if you’re just dreaming of owning one—my advice is simple: don’t be afraid to push its limits. These upgrades are there to keep you safe while you have the time of your life.
As the great off-road legend Ivan Stewart once said, “If you’re not living on the edge, you’re taking up too much space.” So go out there, get a little dirty, and let the TRX show you what it’s made of!