GM’s cross-town rival – the one with the blue oval – just rolled out the new Ford Tremor that’s looking to shake things up in the off-roader segment, dropping in as “the most capable, off-road Super Duty ever.” The help pad, the heavy-duty pickup’s agility in the rough stuff, the Ford Tremor – a package for the Super Duty F-250 and F-350 – comes equipped with a slew of new equipment, including a new suspension setup with a 2-inch lift, new running boards that tuck under the body, skid plates sourced from the FX4, and 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac off-roading tires mounted to unique 18-inch matte black wheels.
All told, the Ford Tremor offers some impressive specs, with 33 inches of water fording capability and 10.8 inches of ground clearance, as well as a 31.65-degree approach angle and 24.51-degree departure angle.
To help it grab the terra with tenacity, the Ford Tremor is equipped with a locking rear differential with electronic shift-on-the-fly engagement, as well as a Dana limited-slip front differential. There’s also electronic Trail Control, the same system offered on the F-150 Raptor and Ranger, plus a unique rock-crawl mode with 4×4-low engagement.
Essentially, the Ford Tremor is the Blue Oval brand’s answer to the GMC Sierra HD AT4 and Ram Rebel. However, while the AT4 is a standalone trim level that occupies the high-end of the Sierra line, the Ford Tremor is an optional package offered with every F-Series Super Duty model – XLT, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum; the only exceptions are the XL baser and the Limited range-topper.
The Ford Tremor package requires the Super Duty with a SuperCrew and 6.75-foot box and single-rear-wheel configuration, along with 4×4. F-250 models also require the high-capacity trailer tow package.
Unfortunately, GM’s Chevrolet currently does not offer a Trail Boss model of the Silverado HD, nor does it seem to have any plans to offer such a model in the foreseeable future. And that means the Bow Tie brand has no answer to this new off-road threat from Ford, putting it at somewhat of a competitive disadvantage. And while GMC does have the sweet Sierra HD AT4, it’s only a high-end trim level – leaving The General without a direct answer to the Tremor.
More details about the Ford Tremor package can be found at our sister publication, Ford Authority.
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Comments
Ford did a good job packaging the Tremor. A meaningful package, available over a large range of their pickups. It will be successful, likely largely so if the price is reasonable. GM came first, but as typical it seems in a way too conservative way. At some point GM has got be aggressive. The AT4 was a great idea, a friend of mine just got his and it looks great, but no HD offering, and the way it is packaged will strangle its appeal. Damn, GM is frustrating.
Well, there is a Sierra HD AT4… but the problem still remains that it’s a high-end trim level, rather than a package. This shows a competitive disadvantage for GM, as AT4 and Trail Boss should be packages available on all/most trims, rather than being standalone models/trims.
I agree.
I believe GM could crush the competition if they would just allow the customer to get what the customer wants.
When my 2020 HD Denali Duramax arrives I will replace the Denali grill, with an AT4 or SLT grill.
And I will replace the Denali wheels with the 6 spoke SLT wheels.
I would have ordered an AT4 but wanted the Denali seats so this will be an easier swap for me.
But just one more time, GMs highest price truck and the customer still can not get what they want.
Make zero since to me.
And absolutely no one at GM to talk to, or help, no GM customer service !!
Ford does this crazy thing called “giving their customers options”.
There is a reason why Ford will offer multiple transmissions with the PS diesel in the new F250. There is a reason why Ford offeres things like “remote vehicle start” and “trailer tow mirrors” as standalone options on the F150. There is a reason why Ford doesnt limit what color a truck can be based on trim (for the most part). The reason? BECAUSE CUSTOMERS WANT IT!!!
Some people do not want to have to buy a package that includes a ton of other stuff they may not want/will never use while still paying for it.
GM needs to realize that not every diesel HD customer tows max load. Not every person wants keyless ignition and a black interior. Not every person would rather have “CHEVROLET” spelled out across the front of their truck over a traditional gold bow-tie. and not every person who wants towing mirrors wants the max tow package with an additional 3k pounds of towing capacity. Its nice to have, but some people only tow light loads frequently and do not want the extra cost.
I LOVE my ’19 Silverado Classic, but if the design/trim structure/”forcing customers into high end trucks” continues on the GM trucks, I would have little trouble considering another brand.
But Chevy does realize that it’s buyers are more price conscientious than Ford robots. That’s why the average transaction price of Ford super duties is so much higher than Chevy’s. When you custom order its almost impossible to get deals and incentives. I can get a high country Silverado hd for the same price as this tremor in XLT. Which is the better truck? Most Chevy buyers buy because of price, that’s why Chevy max manufactures certain trims, to offer those lower prices. It payed off. In 2017 and 2016 gm sold more trucks combined than Ford.
For me and 90% of the people, the Z71 package is more than enough. I have a 2009 Silverado with a crawl ratio of 33.1:1, with the 3.21 final ratio. Im sure that is increased with the modern 8 and 10 speeds. All Z71’s have the skid plates, locking rear axle and limited slip front axel. The Z71 rancho shocks are not up to the same standard, nor is the suspension travel. For the price though, loosing 1 inch of lift on a truck that is jacked up on a huge frame and tires, and 2″ of suspension travel isn’t a priority for me. This is an additional 5K for a badge that says “tremor.” Considering that the average transaction price of a Super duty over a SilveradoHD was 10k 2 years ago, ill save that 15k and buy a Z71.
The one thing that disappointed me about the AT4 is that it didn’t come with the 2” lift like its little brother. Now Ford of course comes out with the 2 “ lift and 35’s on nearly all trim levels. At a minimum the AT4 HD should receive the 2” factory lift and Chevy should have a Trail Boss HD equivalent.
well the new SilveradoHD is high enough that a 2″ lift is unnecessary and in some ways a little overbearing for utility. A trailboss package should be available definitely!
I would for sure agree with its high enough.
For me I wish I could take 4″ off the height, I know its probably not possible do to necessary clearances.
But I am an old, give me a 1500 with 2500 frame and springs that can PULL !
And with this pulling amount that is probably what we have with the 2020 HD.
@steven
I understand your point but if they want to be taken seriously they need to keep up with the competition. Both Ram and now Ford have a taller stance on their HD off-road packages. It allows more tire and ground clearance, both important in an off-road package IMO.
Ford and Dodge also have SFA’s though. Getting a higher stance and more tire is a bit easier up front with that. I’d love to see a Chevy HD TrailBoss with a true SFA like the other two but it will never happen.
THE PROBLEM IS THAT 80 PERCENT OF THESE TRUCKS WILL NEVER LEAVE THE ASPHALT