SCORE Journal

2019 Ram Rebel This next generation off-road truck continues to improve in technology, efficiency, and capability By DAN Sanchez Snce its debut in 2015, the Ram Rebel quietly entered the off-road truck market, emerging from the shadow of the brand’s legendary Power Wagon Pickup. But from the beginning, the Ram Rebel was a different type of truck, one that was meant to be more nimble, capable, and fuel-efficient than its Chuck Norris wielding older sibling. “The Ram pickup line currently offers a number of players in the off-road arena, including the most capable pickup in the market, Ram Power Wagon,” says Nick Cappa Ram PR. “With front and rear lockers, a standard 12k winch, 33-inch tires, Bilstein shocks and a factory lift, nothing beats it head to head. Building on the success of the Power Wagon we launched its baby brother, the Ram 1500 Rebel. Benefitting from an off-road-dominant link-coil rear suspension, 33-inch tires, a factory lift and Bilstein shocks, Rebel borrows a lot from the Power Wagon.” Although the Ram Rebel isn’t meant to be any less capable than the Power Wagon, it’s has evolved into its own from some influence from Baja experiences, and by engineers listening to off-road truck owners. They wanted a reliable, all-purpose truck that may not have the fastest high-speed capabilities on the desert, but does have great all-around capabilities that could be used in a variety of fast and slow off-roading conditions. This also meant that the truck needed to have better fuel economy, safety, and be capable of towing loads like a couple of side-by-sides on the weekends. The difference between the first generation Rebel and the 2019 model is significant. The latest version is in its own exciting category, one that is in-between the high-speed desert action truck, yet above the capabilities of those with an “off-road” package that is nothing more than decals and performance Bilstein shocks. “If you consider the volume production of autos available to the public, none spend more time off-road than pickups,” says Cappa. “Whether its a gravel road, favorite fishing spot, or flying through the San Felipe wash on a weekend run, Ram recognizes the demand and use. This is why we offer more off-road options/packages than any other truck manufacturer. The Ram Power Wagon, 4x4 Off-road Package on Ram 2500, Ram Rebel, and the 4x4 Off-road package on Ram 1500. Each of these offerings is more than a sticker. The suspension tuning, shocks, and electronics are engineered with the off-roader in mind.” From The Frame Up The 2019 model is the completely new truck, built on a new, lighter weight frame that is nearly 225 pounds lighter than previous Ram 1500 models. “For 2019, the Rebel also adds a rear e-locker and receives a longer wheelbase,” adds Cappa. “Also, the Rebels success has lead Ram to offer it in Quad Cab and Crew Cab. Although still available with air suspension, the Rebel now also offers a factory lift coil suspension. Rebel continues to feature a unique exterior and interior—all within a very affordable price (starts at $44k Crew Cab 4x2) According to Ram engineers, the frame features more high-strength steel and has a maximum trailer towing capacity of 12,750 pounds, with a maximum payload of 2,300 pounds. Although the Quad Cab with a long bed has a wheelbase of 140.5 inches, it was built with off-road enthusiasts in mind, as it has a short turning radius of 46.2 feet, curb-to-curb. Adding to its stronger frame, the truck has also been outfitted with a reliable and proven off-road style suspension system. Lightweight composite upper control arms with aluminum lower arms are part of the vehicle’s lighter design, but these are sturdy units that are connected to a new front coil-over shock design, and a rear five-link coil suspension. Ram engineers added new progressive coil springs to help give the truck improved articulation. Rebel model trucks come with off-road calibrated Bilstein shocks with remote reservoirs. A Higher Power 2019 Ram 1500 4x4 trucks now feature a 1-inch suspension lift and have an available air-suspension system that provides greater off-road capability and load-leveling. One very cool feature is the ability to lower the vehicle with the key fob, allowing easier entry into the vehicle for passengers and for loading cargo into the bed. The Rebel’s Bilstein shocks have been calibrated for off-road use and work with the available air suspension system Much to the needs of real off-road enthusiasts, Ram models equipped with the 4x4 Off-Road package (Rebel included), also have an electronic-locking rear differential that provides greater capability when rock climbing or when extreme traction is required. “Adding a feature just to say we have it is not a formula for success,” says Cappa. “At Ram, we innovate with the intention of delivering 100-percent of a features capability. The previous generation Rebel has benefitted from a limited-slip differential and brake-lock traction control with success. It wasn’t until we launched the all-new Ram 1500 that we felt a greater audience would benefit from an e-locker on our Ram 1500. Of course much more serious off-road drivers would have liked to see like the change back in 1970 to all pickups, but to be fair we need to consider the larger population and need beyond the addressing technologies already offered.” The Rebel also features six-lug heavy-duty axles that are available with a 3.92 gear ratio. Grip comes from a new set of 18-inch diameter wheels standard, (20-inch wheels are available) with 33-inch diameter Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires, while the Rebel’s stopping power is improved with a set of large 14.9-inch front disc brakes, and includes hill-descent control. To handle the rocks and dirt that may get kicked up during this kind of driving, the Rebel also includes skid plates in key areas such as the transfer case, steering, engine, and fuel tank. The Rebel 4x4 also features a hefty BorgWarner transfer case that is operated via a push-button control center on the instrument panel. Aluminum Where It’s Needed Many truck manufacturers are moving towards using lightweight aluminum components, but the Ram Rebel and the 1500 series model trucks, have aluminum in key areas where engineers felt it was more practical. Some of these areas include the tailgate, engine mount, front axle center section, steering system gears, front suspension cross member, and the transmission cross member. In other areas, a combination of composites with an integrated steel structure provides lighter weight with high durability. This includes components like the upper control arms and the air dam. Power To The People When it comes to balancing power with fuel economy, Ram made an excellent improvement in the entire 1500 model line by applying cylinder deactivation and an eTorque mild hybrid system on the Ram’s engine offerings. The eTorque hybrid system comes with the 3.6-liter V6, which replaces the alternator on the engine with a belt-driven generator. This provides power to a 48-volt battery pack that aids in the start/stop function of the engine, and provides additional torque to the engine’s crankshaft in certain driving situations. The generator also helps with brake energy regeneration. In all, the 3.6-liter V6 engine option on the Rebel and 1500 series Ram trucks is rated at 305 horsepower and 269 lb.-ft. of torque. The other engine option for the Rebel and the rest of the Ram 1500 series trucks, is the 5.7-Liter Hemi V8. The engine uses cylinder deactivation under light loads, as well as variable-valve timing to conserve fuel. Ram engineers also removed the engine’s electric/mechanical fan to an all-electric 850-watt electric fan mounted to the radiator. In all, the engine produces 395 horsepower and 410 lbs.-ft. of torque which can give the Rebel impressive performance both on and off-road. Coupled with both engine options is a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission that features a wider spread of gear ratios to keep either engine at optimum rpm for maximum power. The 3.6-liter uses the FCA 850RE eight-speed automatic, while 5.7-liter equipped models use the 8HP75 transmission. Both operate via a new generation computer that matches gear selections and shift points depending on a variety of conditions. Sporty At Any Speed Although the Ram Rebel definitely has the right equipment for some serious off-road action, its styling matches the truck’s aggressive nature. One of the truck’s design successes is its aerodynamics. According to Ram engineers, the truck is the most aerodynamic with a .357 coefficient of drag. While some might think that’s insignificant compared to sleeker automobiles, the idea seems to be that a bunch of small improvements add up to a much bigger gain. For the Rebel and 1500 model Ram trucks, this is another reason for the truck’s improved fuel efficiency. New LED lights feature an Adaptive Front-lighting system that features twin bi-functional projector headlamps, fog lamps, and tail lamps. For off-road enthusiasts who demand more lighting for night rides, the Rebel also includes a new switch bank with dedicated toggle switches that can be adapted to additional lighting or other accessories. The Rebel’s front grille sports the large RAM logo across it and features a black off-road style front bumper with skid plate, and a set of heavy-duty tow hooks. The rear bumper is also blacked out and features cut-outs for the chrome exhaust tips. From the front, the Rebel has an aggressive appearance with a sleek hood design that features a low-rise center hood bulge with two black heat extractor vents on each side and in front of the cowl. Loud Outside, Quiet Inside? One of the other new features in the Ram Rebel is a quieter cab. The truck features an electronic active noise cancellation system on 5.7-liter V8 models, that reduce ambient sounds from the cab. This allows truck owners to take advantage of a powerful Harmon Kardon audio system with 19 speakers and a 10-inch subwoofer. With five USB ports, driver and passengers can connect and rock out from a variety of mobile devices. The Rebel features a branded two-tone leather interior with seating featuring the Rebel logo and tire tracks on the seat cushions. Exterior color stitching accent the seating, steering wheel, door panels, while metalized exterior color accents are placed around the dash and instrument cluster. The large 12-inch touchscreen provides a variety of information from mobile device input to radio controls and available navigation. Wireless charging is available on the center console that can hold up to a small tablet. A deep pocket under the armrest can hold a 15-inch laptop, and opening the center armrest reveals a lined storage compartment. If the driver gets too distracted from the Rebel’s capabilities, it’s great to know that the truck also comes with a variety of safety features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind-spot monitoring, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Path detection, a Surround View Camera and many other advanced safety items. BaJa Ready? While the Ram Rebel continues to evolve, it’s proving that it’s definitely a serious off-road truck that can provide greater capabilities for the enthusiast who wants to hit the trails hard on weekends, but needs a reliable and fuel-efficient truck during the work week. SCORE fans and teams would benefit from having the Rebel as a chase vehicle or one that can get in and out of Baja without any difficulty. “The Rebel is an excellent solution for the off-road fan,” adds Cappa. “You could not upgrade a standard Crew Cab truck with a lift, new tires, and wheels, a custom interior and exterior, lockers, a 3:92 gear set, and Bilstein reservoir shocks for anywhere near the starting price of a Rebel. Let alone have an engineering team sign off on its dynamic capability and warranty its parts. That said the Rebel is an incredible value for those seeking an off-road bias, Crew Cab half-ton pickup.” SJ

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