RAM 1500 TRX TrailCore Tray & Canopy Overlanding Build

Nearly a year ago, the Utemaster team put a RAM 1500 TRX through one of the biggest transformations we've ever filmed. Three episodes of upgrades for the best performing tray and canopy setup on a RAM TRX.

Most tray and canopy builds start with a blank tub. This one started with a 700-horsepower factory truck wrapped in sensors, cameras and radar, and a brief that said nothing could be lost in the swap. The result is a serious overlanding setup built on a Utemaster TrailCore Tray & Canopy, engineered from scan data to finished build across three stages of design, fabrication and assembly.

Episode 1: Follows the brief, the design thinking and the early planning behind the build.

Built Around the TRX

The RAM 1500 TRX is a high-performance factory truck with over 700hp, a wide body stance, performance suspension and serious off-road capability straight from the factory.

That meant the build had to add capability without taking anything away. Weight distribution, wide stance and electronics were all designed specifically around the TRX platform.

Key dimensions for the build:

• Tray length: 1,800mm
• Tray and canopy width: 2,000mm
• Total width with custom radius guards: just over 2.2m
• Custom radius guards matched to the factory wide body flares for a clean, integrated look

Weight placement was a key consideration throughout. The goal was to keep mass forward and not overload behind the rear axle.

The Design Phase

With the factory tub removed, the real engineering work began.

The TRX runs a full suite of factory electronics: reverse sensors, cameras, blind spot assistance modules and radar. All of this had to keep working once it was relocated after the tub came off.

We mapped every factory system before anything was touched:

• Factory reverse sensors were 3D scanned so they could be relocated with precise positioning
• Cargo reverse camera moved from the rear cab area to the top of the TrailCore canopy
• Tailgate reverse camera relocated underneath the tray for reversing and towball visibility
• Blind spot assistance modules, originally housed in the factory tail lights, were incorporated into the new bumper area

Poorly relocated sensors trigger warning lights, disable safety systems and make a truck frustrating to drive daily. But done right, like we see here, the TRX drives exactly as it did from the factory, but with more capability.

Episode 2 takes the build from scan data to fabrication, showing how the TrailCore system is cut, folded, welded, powder coated and assembled.

With the bare chassis cleaned and prepared, 3D scanning targets were placed across the frame. A handheld scanner captured every mounting point and chassis detail with high accuracy, producing the scan data that the entire build was designed from.

A CAD model was created from that data. From there, the TrailCore tray and canopy were engineered to suit the TRX platform.

Final assembly brought everything together: doors, seals, wiring, lights and quality checks before the build left the workshop.

The Final Fit-Out

With the TrailCore tray and canopy on the chassis, the build came together across four areas. Episode 3 covers the full walk-through.

Episode 3 brings the build together, from suspension and final assembly through to the complete walk-through.

Suspension and Protection

An ADD bullbar and NAVA driving lights up front. A 2-inch lift with upgraded springs, rear airbags and factory Bilstein active suspension retained underneath. Maxxis Razr Mud Terrains on ROH Black Rock bronze wheels, custom wide radius mudguards and a cab-to-canopy infill panel that ties the whole thing together.

Factory Features, Retained

Every factory system was relocated, not removed. Blind spot assistance, reverse cameras, parking sensors and radar all work exactly as they did from the factory.

Storage Built In

The under-tray drawer runs the full length of the tray. Side toolboxes, lockable wheel storage, a jerrycan holder, fold-down ladder and a hidden fuel filler round out the exterior storage.

Touring Fit-Out

Inside the canopy: a pull-out pantry, fold-down prep benches, internal drawers, T-track shelving and a Redarc total vehicle management system. A 50L water tank sits low between the chassis rails, keeping weight where it belongs.

Gear Fit

Inspired by this RAM TRX build? Explore the Utemaster TrailCore Tray & Canopy or talk to the team about building a setup for the way you work, tour and explore.