Brakes aren't very inspiring!

[sman969]

Guys,
I've got just over 2200 miles on my RHO. One complaint I'd mention is the lack of braking power. I'm used to the brakes on my Porsche Cayenne and although this truck is much heavier. I'm feeling that in a panic situation I'd like more braking power! I saw this video on YouTube from Wilwood Brakes. This might be a good solution...

 

[sman969]

 

[tchokaeewe]

I saw a video of the TRX a few years ago ripping around the Nurburgring and its brakes were smoking. Driver comments on the subpar brakes.

At minimum some upgraded rotors and pads might help before dropping big coin on a full kit.

 

[NEBOYSA]

Guys,
I've got just over 2200 miles on my RHO. One complaint I'd mention is the lack of braking power. I'm used to the brakes on my Porsche Cayenne and although this truck is much heavier. I'm feeling that in a panic situation I'd like more braking power! I saw this video on YouTube from Wilwood Brakes. This might be a good solution...

First thing I've noticed pulling out of the dealer and my head went strait to trx I had 3 years ago. Damn thing definitely needs more brakes.

 

[JS59]

I saw a video of the TRX a few years ago ripping around the Nurburgring and its brakes were smoking. Driver comments on the subpar brakes.

At minimum some upgraded rotors and pads might help before dropping big coin on a full kit.

There was a towing video too - same thing. I think it might have been TFL truck. If you think about it, if these are the same brakes as the other Ram 1500s, the truck has quite a bit more weight - and the 35s have a lot more mechanical leverage on the brakes than smaller tires. So, I'm not surprised to hear this. I don't plan on towing anything of any meaningful weight, so not too worried about it.

 

[tbolts10]

Agree. I did some 1/4 mile testing over the weekend and slowing down was terrifying. My Rivian weighs significantly more and it stops so much better.

I'm going to order some pads and rotors for the front and see how much that helps.

 

[MattH89]

Agree. I did some 1/4 mile testing over the weekend and slowing down was terrifying. My Rivian weighs significantly more and it stops so much better.

I'm going to order some pads and rotors for the front and see how much that helps.

Keep us posted on how much this helps. I agree something needs to be done, but if I can get away with pads and rotors I will.

 

[Steadi]

I’ve had very good luck with a porterfield brake pad, stainless steel lines, and mogul RBF600 high temp brake fluid combo upgrade on sports cars in the past. Really good combo. Might be worth looking into here.

 

[RHOfan]

Pretty sure our trucks come with more aggressive pads than other 1500s. The front calipers are already pretty huge. 2 piston sliders, but that doesn’t limit clamping force…commercial trucks use sliders, just very big ones. More pistons & opposing piston, mono-block designs will give you more modulation, but not necessarily more clamping power.

The real limitation on our rigs is the heavy wheel/tire combo with lots of sidewall flex. Adding more braking power will only invite more instability if you don’t modify the chassis & wheel/tire package.

 

[Cautionary Tale]

I was checking out the TRX brake kits, not sure if they are compatible but only saw 2 on one of our vender sites. One required larger than 20" rims, which is hard pass for me but the other said its compatible with stock 18"s. Not sure if stock bead locks would work though.

I agree with you all, the braking is problematic at best. I get cut off quite a bit and if they hit the brakes there is no way I'm not gonna eat their vehicle. Until we add competency testing to driver's license requirements I'll need to remedy as much as I can on my own

 

[Nick797]

Agree. I did some 1/4 mile testing over the weekend and slowing down was terrifying. My Rivian weighs significantly more and it stops so much better.

I'm going to order some pads and rotors for the front and see how much that helps.

Let me know! We have options in stock and can help!

We also have a set of Alcon's here waiting to test fit on our trucks once they arrive which clear 18 inch & OEM wheels.

 

[Cautionary Tale]

Let me know! We have options in stock and can help!

We also have a set of Alcon's here waiting to test fit on our trucks once they arrive which clear 18 inch & OEM wheels.

Thats right! It was your site I was checking out. I'd be interested in doing the Alcon's if fit works with OEM Beadlocks and we could get some stopping data that shows significant improvement.

 

[RamFan]

Again, I know some of you guys are concerned with the brakes and getting used to big sidewall tires along with a lifted soft suspension but it’s braking distance is better than most.

Per MotorTrend:

Braking was always a strong suit of the Ram TRX, and those traits carry over to the RHO. From 60 mph, the hefty 6,638-pound truck slowed to a stop in 126 feet. The outgoing TRX took 129 feet, while the lighter Tungsten model Ram, which rides on street tires, took 133 feet to do the same. Ford’s Raptor needs a whopping 148 feet to get slowed from 60 mph. We found in testing that the RHO’s brake pedal offers a nice medium-to-long stroke that’s easy to modulate without being overly boosted, which is beneficial for a performance off-road truck.

https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2025-ram-1500-rho-first-test-review/

Chris

 

[RamFan]

Heck my Mercedes which I think has great brakes comes in here(yes it’s 10mph faster which makes a difference)

Braking, 70-0 mph: 165 ft

 

[Cautionary Tale]

Again, I know some of you guys are concerned with the brakes and getting used to big sidewall tires along with a lifted soft suspension but it’s braking distance is better than most.

Per MotorTrend:

Braking was always a strong suit of the Ram TRX, and those traits carry over to the RHO. From 60 mph, the hefty 6,638-pound truck slowed to a stop in 126 feet. The outgoing TRX took 129 feet, while the lighter Tungsten model Ram, which rides on street tires, took 133 feet to do the same. Ford’s Raptor needs a whopping 148 feet to get slowed from 60 mph. We found in testing that the RHO’s brake pedal offers a nice medium-to-long stroke that’s easy to modulate without being overly boosted, which is beneficial for a performance off-road truck.

https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2025-ram-1500-rho-first-test-review/

Chris

Good information. Real world driving in my neck of the woods and with my cargo (little guys) has me always wanting better stopping and I've had a couple VERY close calls that even an extra foot better would have been nice. Add in weight of new bumpers, overland gear and all that jazz and I feel like I'm going to be asking a bit much out of stock brake system.

 

[tbolts10]

Let me know! We have options in stock and can help!

We also have a set of Alcon's here waiting to test fit on our trucks once they arrive which clear 18 inch & OEM wheels.

I've been looking at the EBC kit w/greenstuff pads on your site

Just waiting until I know I'll have an afternoon to get the install done!

 

[MurphNH]

I think the biggest issue for me is how much pressure you need to apply to the pedal which is greater than I am use to. When I mash down on the brakes I feel like it stops well for the weight and size. Nothing a few extra squat sets per week can’t fix lol. I drove my wife’s grand Cherokee and almost sent the fam through the windshield at the first stop after driving the RHO solely for a week.

 

[NEBOYSA]

I think the biggest issue for me is how much pressure you need to apply to the pedal which is greater than I am use to. When I mash down on the brakes I feel like it stops well for the weight and size. Nothing a few extra squat sets per week can’t fix lol. I drove my wife’s grand Cherokee and almost sent the fam through the windshield at the first stop after driving the RHO solely for a week.

Yes its definitely different and needs time to get used to it. When I decided to not make this truck daily driver and driving my other 2 cars last 8 days and today finally getting truck out and needing to stop at red light quick today I pressed break and right away realized I need to press them a lot harder. Stopped just before his ass could barely see trunk.

 

[RamFan]

Good information. Real world driving in my neck of the woods and with my cargo (little guys) has me always wanting better stopping and I've had a couple VERY close calls that even an extra foot better would have been nice. Add in weight of new bumpers, overland gear and all that jazz and I feel like I'm going to be asking a bit much out of stock brake system.

I dont think you will have any issues. Like noted by others, its just a different feel and getting used to it. The same brakes were on our 2019 Laramie Longhorn 4x4 and when we towed our 5klb boat or our car etc, had zero issues slowing down or losing braking capabilities.

I think its more a placebo effect going on when not used to how it feels and the pressure required. My 66 Mustang has manual brakes, with aftermarket rotors/pads/shoes and has a very different feel but when you stand on them(not too hard or you'll lock em up, no ABS) they stop very well. BUT they seem ineffective at first when you compare it to car with power brakes.

Chris

 

[Chainsaw]

So to recap:

1. The brakes on the TRX/RHO are fine, and actually outperform similar trucks.

2. These are big trucks and not ideal for zippy driving in heavy traffic.

3. Put your purse down before pressing the brake pedal.