Lucas Bell 
With the introduction of the 2021 model year Ram trucks not far away, much of the attention has been placed on the upcoming Hellcat-powered Ram TRX. While the all-new Raptor-fighting off-roader is certainly worthy of the hype, it appears that the standard 2021 Ram 1500 will also be seeing some updates. Thanks to the folks over at 5thGenRams.com, we have some clues as to what those changes may be.
As the fifth-generation Ram 1500 enters its third year in production, we don’t expect any radical changes for the new model year. However, 5thGenRams.com posted a few spy shots of a 2021 Ram 1500 Quad Cab prototype that hints at the presence of some bits of tech that will be trickling down from the larger Ram Heavy Duty models. You’ll have to visit 5thGenRams to see them.
Looking at the mirror arms on this prototype, one can clearly see the added plastic that has been home to a camera on the larger Ram models since 2019. The smaller Ram 1500 has not yet been equipped with the company’s tow mirrors and 360-degree camera system, though this spy shot almost confirms it will be present in some fashion next year. This feature is great for buyers who intend to use their truck to do some towing, which seems to be a theme Ram is gunning for for 2021.
Ram’s Heavy Duty pickup trucks have offered a rearward facing camera mounted in the third brake light for a few years now, and this prototype appears to borrow this piece of kit as well. We first saw this applied to the TRX prototypes that have been out testing, but it seems like it is also destined for the regular 1500 models as well. This camera aids in the 360-degree camera system, and it helps drivers keep an eye on their cargo without having to crane their necks.
The 2021 Ram Rebel TRX prototypes have also been spotted with an F-150-like trailer steering knob inside the cab, and it is likely that we will see this carry over to the standard truck as well. A video below demonstrates how these systems work. Combine with the aforementioned camera systems, and Ram could very well have themselves the best half-ton for towing that money can buy. The EcoDiesel equipped 1500 already ranks best in class with its 12,560 pounds rating, and it’s possible that the 2021 Ram 1500 will make better use of that capability.
