*5 YEAR REVIEW, AND LET ME HELP YOU SPEND MONEY

@OnTheReel, how do you like the Paragon tonneau cover and how is it holding up? Looks like a solid alternative to the canister options from the pictures but everyone has their 3 cents on which one is best.
I like it. Retrax was another option I considered, but the Peragon is like half the weight which is pretty important with low payload. You can also completely remove it rather quickly if you need the whole bed space.

Anyway, I haven’t had any issues with it. I had a Bak Revolver X4 on my last truck and it was already showing it’s age at 1 year, and was pretty well smoked by 3 years. I won’t buy another from that brand.
 
Thanks Jerk, I just bought wipers I didn't need because of you... I can't remember the last time it rained here. :p




j/k... Nice write up
I had em in the cart and almost checked out until i said to myself i dont even have 2k miles on the odo WTF am i doing haha
 
Well, I’m at the 1 year mark with my lovely 2021 TRX Level 2.
View attachment 49110View attachment 49111
Just under 8000 miles. It uses no oil, no coolant, no clunk, and no leaks. Lifetime fuel economy has crept up to 9.9 MPG according to the lie-o-meter. In the winter it was pegged between 7 and 8. So she hasn’t lived an easy life by any stretch with the majority of time spent in sport mode.

There has been no warranty work needed, but I have fixed a few things myself. First, the minor fit and finish things such as exhaust tip and hood alignment. Also, my ambient lighting wasn’t working from day one, traced and repaired a pinched wire on the rear door panel. I did have to take it in to have the VVT harness under the blower replaced, but that was the fault of a tree-rat chewing the wire, not the truck. Everything has been pretty much perfect and I’ve had a blast doing my small, subtle improvements over the past year.

Which brings me to the other point of this thread. As we get more and more members taking delivery of their trucks (or waiting), I figured I’d share what I’ve done with part numbers and/ or links when I can. Some of the mods are common, but others may be something you haven’t seen or thought of. And maybe I can support your truck spending addiction.

Once I got it home, literally same day job was for me to install the Mopar power steps. I like the low profile looks and factory integration. The part number at the time was 82215287AE and they were around $1400 bucks. I’m sure it went up since.

Next were color matched mirror caps. Billet Silver part numbers 6RP44JSCAA and 6RP45JSCAA. Usually around $35 on eBay, plus another $5 for a suction cup makes for a nice cheap mod.

At this time I also put on Adam’s Graphene ceramic coating as well as fluid changes. The coating has held up amazing and the fluid changes were a necessity due to under-filled transfer case and front diffs, Hercules-tight oil filter, and hand-tight oil cooler drain. Trust me, it’s better to just start over fresh if you’re capable.

I am currently using Redline 0w40, MO-041 filter, and a Votex magnetic drain plug.

Drivetrain got Redline 75w140 rear diff, Redline 75w85 front diff, and Mopar 68049954AC for the transfer case.

From there I did a barrage of small things over the following months.

Matte screen protector:

OEM Hitch cover:

Peragon tonneau cover:
https://www.peragon.com/shop/covers/Ram/1500/2021

WeatherTech bed mat:
https://justboltons.com/weathertech...ram-trx-new-body-without-ram-box-36701-3tg13/

Tazer DT: https://www.zautomotive.com/product/z_tzr_dt/#accessories

Bosch Icon 24A wiper blades, stock ones are lousy:

Gorilla 96644BDX black lugs:
https://smile.amazon.com/Gorilla-Automotive-96644BDX-Factory-24-Pack/dp/B01N2ABJME/?tag=ramtrx05-20

I was also the first to get my mitts on WeatherTech mud flaps:
https://justboltons.com/weathertech...ront-rear-set-for-2021-ram-trx-110137-120137/

————————————

2022 brought some more modding and out of control spending, mainly in a stereo. I posted a long thread on the process. I didn’t update that thread but I actually went up to an active 3 way after posting it. And then subsequently back to stock due to annoying drone without ANC that made itself much more apparent towing my boat. The decision to go back to stock was also helped along by a new addition coming to our family and some other projects needing attention.

I am still running the JL Stealthbox, JL VX1000/1 amp, and the PAC interface. I am able to use factory ANC and enjoy my peace and quiet and blower whine. But with some extra bump when I want it.

Stealthbox:
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_13694677/JL-Audio-Stealthbox-Black.html
Amp:
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_13698631/JL-Audio-VX1000-1i.html
Interface:
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_541AP4CH41/PAC-AmpPRO-AP4-CH41-Aftermarket-Amplifier-Interface.html

To complement the sub box and allow easier access to the RamBins, I bought the carpet rear floor mat to replace the rubber. Part number is: 82215409
View attachment 49117
While doing the stereo I also installed the Paragoptics red lighting kit since everything was apart:
https://www.paragoptics.com/dt-ram-abl-crew-cab
View attachment 49116
Some more reasonably priced mods followed.

Brighter reverse lights were a needed improvement:
https://www.shiftsandgrinsfabricati...mics-ssc1-pro-lights-and-wiring-harness/1249?
View attachment 49119View attachment 49120

Sway bar corrected the lean and added some sporty handling to boot. I am running it on the max stiffness setting:
https://justboltons.com/hellwig-rear-sway-bar-kit-for-2009-2021-ram-1500-4wd-with-2-4-lift-7883/
View attachment 49112
This hardware was needed to complete the install:

While I was back there I added the black chrome Borla tips, easy bolt on improvement:
https://justboltons.com/borla-black-chrome-5-tips-304-stainless-steel-for-2021-2022-ram-trx-60718bc/View attachment 49118

Underhood mods are limited to the UPR catch can, and S&B intake.
View attachment 49113
S&B:
https://solisracinggroup.com/jeep-dodge-performance-parts/sb-cold-air-intake-ram-trx-2021-2022/
Catch can:
https://www.uprproducts.com/15-21-d...eye-z-bracket-oil-catch-can-6-2l-plug-n-play/

Other interior mods & accessories include a Valentine 1 Gen 2 radar detector installed with mirror tap:
And a 3D printed windshield mount:
View attachment 49115

I found the 2022 bright pedals and also came up with these cool seat shields from a 2022+ Ram Limited. They replace the plain plastic with TRX matching black chrome trimmed parts that look fancier. Parts:
6VF061X7AB (passenger)
6VF071X7AB (driver)
View attachment 49114
View attachment 49121

I also came up with a quick and easy kill switch to at least slightly reduce the theft risk. It is not a huge concern in my area but I sleep better with it:
https://www.ram-trx.com/threads/“plug-and-play”-anti-theft-kill-switch.10323/

Think that about covers it. I don’t have many other things planned, at least while under warranty. Truck is basically perfect anyway. But I will update if I get bored and find something else to improve!
Awesome post Nice Truck, tons of great info .
 
Loving mine as well. I have had mine since April. I'm at 7k miles with about 1k miles on dirt. Thanks for bringing up the hood adjustment topic - I had been wondering about that for some time.


My only mods so far are light related and armor.

https://sdhqoffroad.com/collections...ram-1500-trx-sdhq-built-a-pillar-light-mounts + https://www.bajadesigns.com/products/xl80-led-auxiliary-light-pod-pair/

https://bulletproofdiesel.com/colle...19-2021-ram-1500-with-baja-designs-led-lights - for instructions: https://www.ram-trx.com/conversatio...ake-light-with-bd-2s.11516/#convMessage-44644

Foutz armor:

1) https://www.foutzmotorsports.com/co...2021-ram-trx-rear-differential-skid-plate-kit
2) https://www.foutzmotorsports.com/co...ts/2021-ram-trx-skid-plate-kit-under-body-kit
3) https://www.foutzmotorsports.com/co...trx-rear-shock-guard-kit-by-foutz-motorsports



The thing I am thinking about getting, but am hesitating about is:

1) https://brawlerfab.com/product/fabricated-battery-box/
2) https://brawlerfab.com/product/arb-dual-compressor-mount/

I'm hesitating because I don't like the idea of the compressor being over all of the AUX cables. It'll make future integrations a real pain in the ass.

That being said, our trucks are phat as hell and lawn dart way more then my Gen2 raptor did. My last run I kept thinking to myself "Why does it feel like my feet keep hitting the ground?" Got out and front skid plate had several kisses.
I will say that with all of the off-roading, what I absolutely love about our trucks is that I still have no squeaks. Coming from a Gen 2 Raptor, the TRX is far superior; As I would hope with the price difference.

Check out our video!

I'm at 3:05, 3:42-4:01, and 4:44. I'm the 2nd one from the right at the 5:50 scene.
 
Which paragon cover did you go with/recommend? I like the lightness factor of it.
I got the “Platinum” version because it comes with better installation hardware and locks. On sale it was $1084 to my door, which I think is pretty fair. Not sure what promos they are running right now, but I’m happy with my purchase.
 
Loving mine as well. I have had mine since April. I'm at 7k miles with about 1k miles on dirt. Thanks for bringing up the hood adjustment topic - I had been wondering about that for some time.


My only mods so far are light related and armor.

https://sdhqoffroad.com/collections...ram-1500-trx-sdhq-built-a-pillar-light-mounts + https://www.bajadesigns.com/products/xl80-led-auxiliary-light-pod-pair/

https://bulletproofdiesel.com/colle...19-2021-ram-1500-with-baja-designs-led-lights - for instructions: https://www.ram-trx.com/conversatio...ake-light-with-bd-2s.11516/#convMessage-44644

Foutz armor:

1) https://www.foutzmotorsports.com/co...2021-ram-trx-rear-differential-skid-plate-kit
2) https://www.foutzmotorsports.com/co...ts/2021-ram-trx-skid-plate-kit-under-body-kit
3) https://www.foutzmotorsports.com/co...trx-rear-shock-guard-kit-by-foutz-motorsports



The thing I am thinking about getting, but am hesitating about is:

1) https://brawlerfab.com/product/fabricated-battery-box/
2) https://brawlerfab.com/product/arb-dual-compressor-mount/

I'm hesitating because I don't like the idea of the compressor being over all of the AUX cables. It'll make future integrations a real pain in the ass.

That being said, our trucks are phat as hell and lawn dart way more then my Gen2 raptor did. My last run I kept thinking to myself "Why does it feel like my feet keep hitting the ground?" Got out and front skid plate had several kisses.
I will say that with all of the off-roading, what I absolutely love about our trucks is that I still have no squeaks. Coming from a Gen 2 Raptor, the TRX is far superior; As I would hope with the price difference.

Check out our video!

I'm at 3:05, 3:42-4:01, and 4:44. I'm the 2nd one from the right at the 5:50 scene.
Would you buy all the Foutz skids if u did it over again? Was def looking at their shock skids.
 
I feel the same about my 2021 at just over 17,000 miles. Love this pickup and all it can do. It's my daily. I haven't done many mods since it has almost everything.
 
Well, I’m at the 1 year mark with my lovely 2021 TRX Level 2.
View attachment 49110View attachment 49111
Just under 8000 miles. It uses no oil, no coolant, no clunk, and no leaks. Lifetime fuel economy has crept up to 9.9 MPG according to the lie-o-meter. In the winter it was pegged between 7 and 8. So she hasn’t lived an easy life by any stretch with the majority of time spent in sport mode.

There has been no warranty work needed, but I have fixed a few things myself. First, the minor fit and finish things such as exhaust tip and hood alignment. Also, my ambient lighting wasn’t working from day one, traced and repaired a pinched wire on the rear door panel. I did have to take it in to have the VVT harness under the blower replaced, but that was the fault of a tree-rat chewing the wire, not the truck. Everything has been pretty much perfect and I’ve had a blast doing my small, subtle improvements over the past year.

Which brings me to the other point of this thread. As we get more and more members taking delivery of their trucks (or waiting), I figured I’d share what I’ve done with part numbers and/ or links when I can. Some of the mods are common, but others may be something you haven’t seen or thought of. And maybe I can support your truck spending addiction.

Once I got it home, literally same day job was for me to install the Mopar power steps. I like the low profile looks and factory integration. The part number at the time was 82215287AE and they were around $1400 bucks. I’m sure it went up since.

Next were color matched mirror caps. Billet Silver part numbers 6RP44JSCAA and 6RP45JSCAA. Usually around $35 on eBay, plus another $5 for a suction cup makes for a nice cheap mod.

At this time I also put on Adam’s Graphene ceramic coating as well as fluid changes. The coating has held up amazing and the fluid changes were a necessity due to under-filled transfer case and front diffs, Hercules-tight oil filter, and hand-tight oil cooler drain. Trust me, it’s better to just start over fresh if you’re capable.

I am currently using Redline 0w40, MO-041 filter, and a Votex magnetic drain plug.

Drivetrain got Redline 75w140 rear diff, Redline 75w85 front diff, and Mopar 68049954AC for the transfer case.

From there I did a barrage of small things over the following months.

Matte screen protector:

OEM Hitch cover:

Peragon tonneau cover:
https://www.peragon.com/shop/covers/Ram/1500/2021

WeatherTech bed mat:
https://justboltons.com/weathertech...ram-trx-new-body-without-ram-box-36701-3tg13/

Tazer DT: https://www.zautomotive.com/product/z_tzr_dt/#accessories

Bosch Icon 24A wiper blades, stock ones are lousy:

Gorilla 96644BDX black lugs:
https://smile.amazon.com/Gorilla-Automotive-96644BDX-Factory-24-Pack/dp/B01N2ABJME/?tag=ramtrx05-20

I was also the first to get my mitts on WeatherTech mud flaps:
https://justboltons.com/weathertech...ront-rear-set-for-2021-ram-trx-110137-120137/

————————————

2022 brought some more modding and out of control spending, mainly in a stereo. I posted a long thread on the process. I didn’t update that thread but I actually went up to an active 3 way after posting it. And then subsequently back to stock due to annoying drone without ANC that made itself much more apparent towing my boat. The decision to go back to stock was also helped along by a new addition coming to our family and some other projects needing attention.

I am still running the JL Stealthbox, JL VX1000/1 amp, and the PAC interface. I am able to use factory ANC and enjoy my peace and quiet and blower whine. But with some extra bump when I want it.

Stealthbox:
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_13694677/JL-Audio-Stealthbox-Black.html
Amp:
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_13698631/JL-Audio-VX1000-1i.html
Interface:
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_541AP4CH41/PAC-AmpPRO-AP4-CH41-Aftermarket-Amplifier-Interface.html

To complement the sub box and allow easier access to the RamBins, I bought the carpet rear floor mat to replace the rubber. Part number is: 82215409
View attachment 49117
While doing the stereo I also installed the Paragoptics red lighting kit since everything was apart:
https://www.paragoptics.com/dt-ram-abl-crew-cab
View attachment 49116
Some more reasonably priced mods followed.

Brighter reverse lights were a needed improvement:
https://www.shiftsandgrinsfabricati...mics-ssc1-pro-lights-and-wiring-harness/1249?
View attachment 49119View attachment 49120

Sway bar corrected the lean and added some sporty handling to boot. I am running it on the max stiffness setting:
https://justboltons.com/hellwig-rear-sway-bar-kit-for-2009-2021-ram-1500-4wd-with-2-4-lift-7883/
View attachment 49112
This hardware was needed to complete the install:

While I was back there I added the black chrome Borla tips, easy bolt on improvement:
https://justboltons.com/borla-black-chrome-5-tips-304-stainless-steel-for-2021-2022-ram-trx-60718bc/View attachment 49118

Underhood mods are limited to the UPR catch can, and S&B intake.
View attachment 49113
S&B:
https://solisracinggroup.com/jeep-dodge-performance-parts/sb-cold-air-intake-ram-trx-2021-2022/
Catch can:
https://www.uprproducts.com/15-21-d...eye-z-bracket-oil-catch-can-6-2l-plug-n-play/

Other interior mods & accessories include a Valentine 1 Gen 2 radar detector installed with mirror tap:
And a 3D printed windshield mount:
View attachment 49115

I found the 2022 bright pedals and also came up with these cool seat shields from a 2022+ Ram Limited. They replace the plain plastic with TRX matching black chrome trimmed parts that look fancier. Parts:
6VF061X7AB (passenger)
6VF071X7AB (driver)
View attachment 49114
View attachment 49121

I also came up with a quick and easy kill switch to at least slightly reduce the theft risk. It is not a huge concern in my area but I sleep better with it:
https://www.ram-trx.com/threads/“plug-and-play”-anti-theft-kill-switch.10323/

Think that about covers it. I don’t have many other things planned, at least while under warranty. Truck is basically perfect anyway. But I will update if I get bored and find something else to improve!
Great info and post...thanks
 
Would you buy all the Foutz skids if u did it over again? Was def looking at their shock skids.
Yeah it’s a good peace of mind. I do a lot of rock crawling as well. This is my 2nd truck that I’ve had Foutz on. I previously had them on my gen 2 raptor.

Additionally, the main underbody skid plates I suspect help with friction when sliding around in sand or snow.
 
Thanks for sharing. Some good info in your post that will benefit folks who are just starting out in the mod process.
 
I got the “Platinum” version because it comes with better installation hardware and locks. On sale it was $1084 to my door, which I think is pretty fair. Not sure what promos they are running right now, but I’m happy with my purchase.
OnTheReel: Did you install it yourself? How easy was it? The local truck acc place doesnt carry it so of course they said they have heard bad reviews from it. (leaking) I still think that is the one i want. Wondering how difficult to install. Thanks!
 
OnTheReel: Did you install it yourself? How easy was it? The local truck acc place doesnt carry it so of course they said they have heard bad reviews from it. (leaking) I still think that is the one i want. Wondering how difficult to install. Thanks!
Yeah, installed it myself. And because it’s so lightweight, I was actually able to do it alone without killing myself. There are good step by step YouTube videos that I used.

I do get very small leaks in the corners, but I’ve had that with the 2 Baks that came before it too. I believe it could be addressed with a little more weatherstripping but I haven’t messed with it. Not a big deal.
 
Just gonna add some updates here on stuff I do, and have done since the original post. And some ramblings of course.

A week or two ago I replaced the Hellwig end links for ones from Core4x4. Definitely the way to go. They come with all the right hardware, grease-able, and look way better too.
E6D734B1-2762-460F-8B7D-D9B29787ECC3.webp
DC37E226-84D2-4E51-AA65-69A646C5E6EC.webp

Then today I drained Red Line 0w40, sent out a sample, and installed Pennzoil Euro 0w40. Nope, not the magical SRT oil. But coming into winter, I do have fuel and moisture dilution concerns with my driving habits. And since no oil tolerates that well, my rationale is that I can change it twice with the Euro for less than the SRT costs for one change. And will be way better for it by keeping dilution to a minimum. $25 a jug plus a $25 rebate on two. Since mine only wants to take 7 quarts even with the filter and oil cooler drain, I am getting nearly 3 oil changes for $50 (plus filter costs).View attachment 53000
69E4A7B5-BC9E-40EB-BA98-B7FC24209C53.webp

Finally, the SRT filter held up great. Looks really good.
74F7A07D-1341-4ABE-A27C-6D50412A2678.webp
 
Thanks for this post. Lots of nice little tips!
 

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