Ford
Words by Perry Mack
The existing FX4 package is still offered but like other ‘off-road’ truck trims including the Z71 from Chevy, it is more boast and badge than performance. The Tremor package in the 2021 F-150 is noticeably different. The front and rear springs are retuned for added ground clearance and better traction through improved ground contact for the wheels while rolling. This is matched to the Tremor-specific monotube shocks up front and twin tube in the rear, which are tuned for softer damping at low speeds and with extra damping and for harsher off-road terrain and higher speeds. It is a passive not active damping system, so there is no on-the-fly tuning for the shocks. Ford says the front hub knuckles and upper control arms have also been revised with upgraded ball joint and bushing materials compared to the outgoing F-150 model. This all adds up to 1.5 inches more total travel in the rear and an additional inch of total travel in front.
Extra ground clearance and an extra 1” in width comes from the 33” General Grabber A/T tires circling 18” wheels resulting in an approach angle of 27.6 degrees, breakover angle of 21.2 degrees and departure angle of 24.3. If the approach angle and ground clearance prove inadequate you’ll be testing the Raptor-style bash plate below the front bumper.
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Check out the wheel travel by looking at the front vs rear tires
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High flow twin exhaust tips are tucked up high in the cut-out bumper.
In the end, and at the beginning, it is all about traction. Ford has decided to include a locking rear differential as standard equipment and promises an optional upgrade to a Torsen limited slip differential (LSD) up front at a future date. The Torsen LSD is exceptional at improving traction and steering control in deep sand (i.e. Baja mode) and the F-150 Tremor uses the same one as in the F-150 Raptor, but packaged to fit in the F-150 architecture. If you’re not familiar with Torsen (short for torque sensing), it is significantly different from a typical limited slip diff. You can watch a good 3D animation and explanation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEiSTzK-A2A. Also similar to the F-150 Raptor is an available torque-on-demand transfer case that merges all-wheel drive and four-wheel-drive.
As we mentioned earlier, functional work and play muscle is good with a max tow of 10,900 lb and max payload of 1,885 lb. And you can get the 2.0 kW Pro Power Onboard to conveniently charge battery power tools and run air compressors etc.
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The side steps are tucked up out of the way close to the body.
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Tolerances are low for the 33” wheels so don’t expect to get anything larger in the well without a lift.
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Uniquely tuned twin tube shocks in the rear don’t escape the Tremor badging.
Other off-road features include fixed close-to-the-body running boards to avoid rock damage, front and rear recovery hooks, and an auxiliary power switch pack to control optional winches, lights, and compressors.
Ford loves tech (and so do we) so many of the features available in the Ford Bronco and other off-road enhanced Ford models are here including the 360° camera system to see obstacles around you including a front camera system that shows the driver the predicted path of the tires. The Ford Trail Toolbox is a set of off-road driver assist apps including Trail One Pedal Drive for rock crawling, Trail Turn Assist to make tighter turns, and the ‘usual’ selectable drive modes - Normal, Sport, Tow/Haul, Eco, Slippery and Deep Snow/Sand, and Mud/Rut modes. In addition, Tremor has Rock Crawl mode, which automatically turns on the rear locking differential, turns off stability and traction control, eases off throttle response, adjusts the shift points and displays the available 360-degree camera view on the centre screen.
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Your right hand in cm’s away from trailer controls including Pro Trailer Assist and the trailer brake controller.
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The now familiar switch panel is overhead ready to connect all your after-market accessories.
Old favourites are also standard like Hill Descent Control and lest we forget Trail Control - the cruise control for tough terrain – just set the speed and focus on steering.
Ford made sure folks will know you invested in the Tremor package creating a more aggressive front by redesigning the hood, adding a black-out front grill, with hits of the Tremor Active Orange to the Ford oval, front tow hooks, and badging on the fenders, bedsides and tailgate. The orange continues to the interior in the seat trim, stitching as well as the materials and finishes to the instrument panel, dash and doors.
The truck should be great for avid off-roaders who want to take their toys into the backcountry and are looking for a complete solution direct from the manufacturer complete with warranty. The F-150 Tremor from Ford will let you get most of what you need in an off-road truck, with usually low financing or even a lease if you can write it off in your company.
Ford says the F-150 Tremor will be available ‘next summer’, but no exact date has been set. Ford also says that there will be more news including pricing and pre-orders in early 2021.
Ford
Aggressive styling including the Tremor orange accents make big splash (pardon the pun).
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