2021 Ford F-150 Tremor Offers a Whole Lotta Shakin'

Ford has introduced the all-new 2021 F-150 Tremor, the latest addition to its roster of off-road trucks. Tremor’s improved suspension and driveline, increased suspension travel, and approach, breakover and departure angles, are expected to keep Ford in the hunt for off-road buyers.

A new series in the F-150 range, F-150 Tremor is available in three versions, each with an F-150 Raptor-style skid plate, off-road running boards, plus distinctive hood, grille, trim, and technology packages. More off-road capable than the F-150 with the FX4 package, it’s an extension of what Ford started with the Super Duty and Ranger Tremors.

F-150s are built on a high-strength steel frame, with a military-grade, aluminum alloy body. Tremor as a SuperCrew comes with a 5.5-foot box, 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission, plus standard four-wheel drive.

What’s different is the retuned springs for added ground clearance and to keep tires in contact with the terrain. Revised front hub knuckles, upper control arms, Tremor-specific front monotube and rear twin tube shocks lessen vibration at low speeds, with added off-road control.

Eighteen-inch wheels with 33-inch General all-terrain tires provide more ground clearance and a 1-inch wider stance for greater stability, with a bash plate to protect front end components. These modifications result in a 27.6 degree approach, 21.2 degree breakover, and a 24.3 degree departure angle, plus 1.5 inches more travel in the rear and an inch in front.

Running gear includes locking front and rear differentials, with a Torsen limited-slip front as an option. High series Tremor owners get a torque-on-demand transfer case which merges all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive capabilities to handle almost any off-road environment.

Every F-150 pickup can tow 10,900 pounds, and has a maximum payload rating of 1,885 pounds. Tremor maintains the work day capabilities that you’d expect. Where it shines is its function as a recreational vehicle, either as a means to get your gear from here to there, or as an off-roader itself. Did Ford say overlanding? Tremor, like other F-150 models equipped with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, offers at extra cost Pro Power Onboard, 2.0 kilowatts of exportable power in the bed for a portable refrigerator/freezer, generator, stove, or heater to extend your adventure travel.

The redesigned hood and front end has a more masculine, aggressive look. A blacked-out Ford oval highlights the grille. Running boards mounted close to the body may limit damage, but aren’t a substitute for sliders. The rear bumper cutout denotes the dual exhaust, flanked by two more recovery hooks. Badging on the fenders, bed sides and tailgate lets neighbors know this isn’t a garden variety F-150.

The interior has special Tremor seat trim with stitching, materials and finishes for the instrument panel, center console and doors, and more orange accents. An auxiliary power switch pack mounted in the overhead console allows the addition of an off-road winch, air compressor, and a glut of lights that aren’t street legal.

If you get deep into trouble, Tremor’s optional 360-degree camera package lets you see what’s happening, and what you’re facing. The front-view camera provides an overlay of the path ahead, and what your wheels will scrape. Three-hundred-sixty-degree and rear views can show any damage that may have incurred.

Ford’s Trail Toolbox contains off-road assist features meant to help those who can’t help themselves. In tight situations, when you’d typically use both throttle and brake to go forward while avoiding damage, Trail One-Pedal Drive combines the two into just the throttle activation. Press to move forward, release to brake, and the truck will apply the brakes as you lift.

Tremor has selectable modes, Normal, Sport, Tow/Haul, Eco, Slippery and Deep Snow/Sand, and Mud/Rut, in case you can’t fathom how to drive in different conditions. In Rock Crawl mode, Tremor engages the rear locking differential, turns off stability and traction control, reduces throttle response, and adjusts shift points. Trail Turn Assist reduces steering radius in tight off-road terrain situations by applying brakes to the inside rear wheel, allowing for tighter turns in low-speed maneuvers, and you guessed it, it’s an option.

In addition to standard Hill Descent Control, Tremor’s optional Trail Control is said to operate like an off-road cruise control. Select a speed, set it and the truck will take care of throttle and braking, so that you may focus on steering. This is not autonomous driving, and will still require that you to watch where you’re going, and not text messaging or checking your email.

The 2021 Ford F-150 Tremor will be available next summer, just in time to hitch your adventure trailer and go. Where that may be is questionable, but at least you’ll know what you’re driving.

[Images: Ford]