Smart Add-Ons: How to Save Money on a New Car and Upgrade Later

The 2026 RAM 1500 Rebel and the 2026 RAM 1500 RHO are both built for outdoor adventure, but they target very different types of truck buyers. The Rebel is designed to balance daily driving with camping trips, towing, mountain travel, and weekend off-roading throughout North Carolina. The RHO takes things much further, combining premium luxury with aggressive off-road capability, advanced suspension technology, and high-speed dirt-road performance. Both trucks can handle muddy backroads, mountain trails, fishing trips, and rough weather with confidence. The real question is whether the RHO’s added performance and technology justify the higher price for the way you actually plan to use your truck. For some buyers, the Rebel will be the smarter all-around adventure vehicle. For others, the RHO delivers a level of capability and refinement that few factory trucks can match. Dirt Road Performance vs Everyday Adventure In North Carolina, most off-road truck owners are not racing across desert dunes. They are driving gravel mountain roads near Boone and Blowing Rock, pulling campers through muddy campground entrances, navigating forest service roads, and heading to fishing spots deep in the Appalachians. That is where the differences between the Rebel and the RHO start to matter. The Rebel is designed to comfortably balance daily driving with weekend outdoor adventure, while the RHO is engineered for more aggressive off-road capability, advanced suspension performance, and premium refinement on rough terrain. Suspension Differences: Bilstein Technology Matters The suspension setup is one of the largest differences between these trucks. The Ram Rebel uses a proven off-road suspension with Bilstein shocks and a factory lift that delivers excellent ride quality on pavement while still handling rough trails comfortably. The RHO takes suspension technology much further. It uses the advanced Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive shock system, which constantly monitors: Steering input Throttle position Terrain conditions Vehicle movement The system automatically adjusts damping in real time to help keep the truck stable, controlled, and comfortable across changing terrain conditions. This gives the RHO an incredibly controlled ride over rough dirt roads, washboard surfaces, and uneven terrain. One of the most surprising things reviewers consistently mention is how refined the RHO still feels on the highway despite its aggressive off-road hardware. Truck Width, Garage Fit, Height Clearance, and Everyday Usability The RHO’s wider stance, 35-inch tires, and aggressive fender flares create incredible road presence, but they can also make: Garage fit tighter Parking decks more stressful Narrow mountain roads trickier Daily maneuvering slightly more challenging The Rebel is still a full-size truck, but its slightly narrower setup and 33-inch tires make it feel more manageable in suburban neighborhoods, older garages, and mountain-town environments. For buyers in North Carolina, garage fit is worth considering before purchase, especially in older homes where garage dimensions may be smaller than modern standards. Measurement Ram Rebel Ram RHO Average 1-Car Garage Average 2-Car Garage Width (Without Mirrors) 82.1 inches 88 inches 144 inches wide 240 inches wide Remaining Width Clearance 61.9 inches 56 inches — — Clearance Per Side 30.95 inches 28 inches — — Approximate Height 77.6 inches 80.9 inches 84-inch garage opening 84-inch garage opening Remaining Height Clearance 6.4 inches 3.1 inches — — Many truck owners online mention that rooftop tents and 35-inch tire setups can quickly create clearance problems with garage doors and parking decks. For buyers planning future camping or overlanding upgrades, the Rebel’s slightly lower stance may offer more flexibility for everyday garage use, while the RHO delivers a much more aggressive appearance and commanding off-road presence. Ground Clearance Differences Ground clearance matters more than many buyers realize, especially on uneven forest roads, muddy campsites, and rocky mountain access trails. Approximate ground clearance: Ram Rebel: 9.7 inches Ram RHO: 11.8 inches The additional clearance on the RHO helps protect the underbody during more aggressive off-road driving and allows the truck to clear obstacles more easily. Still, the Rebel offers more than enough clearance for most camping, fishing, and outdoor travel situations throughout North Carolina and Virginia. Camping Features and Rooftop Tent Compatibility Both trucks can absolutely become excellent camping and overlanding rigs. The Rebel may actually be the easier and more affordable platform for many camping enthusiasts because owners often feel more comfortable modifying it with: Rooftop Tents |  Bed Racks |  Cargo Systems |  Recovery Gear |  Camping Accessories  |  Split Tailgate The RHO can certainly handle rooftop tents and overlanding setups, but many buyers hesitate to heavily modify such an expensive high-performance truck. Because the Rebel sits slightly lower and uses smaller tires, rooftop tent access can also feel a little easier for everyday camping use. Both trucks offer large bed space, power outlets, towing capability, cargo flexibility, and strong aftermarket support for outdoor adventure builds. The Hurricane Twin-Turbo Engine Explained One of the biggest differences between the Rebel and the RHO is the version of Ram’s new Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six engine used in each truck. Feature RAM Rebel RAM RHO Engine 3.0L Hurricane Twin-Turbo Inline-6 High-Output 3.0L Hurricane Twin-Turbo Inline-6 Horsepower 420 HP 540 HP Torque 469 lb-ft 521 lb-ft Driving Characteristics Balanced power for towing, daily driving, and outdoor adventure Extreme acceleration and aggressive off-road performance Power Delivery Smooth low-end turbo torque with strong everyday responsiveness Massive turbocharged torque with high-performance tuning and rapid acceleration Fuel Efficiency Compared to Older V8s Improved efficiency with strong towing capability Better efficiency than previous high-output V8 performance trucks The power delivery in both trucks feels very different from older naturally aspirated V8 trucks. Turbocharged torque arrives quickly and smoothly, making both the Rebel and the RHO feel responsive even at lower RPMs. The Rebel focuses more on balanced everyday usability, while the RHO delivers significantly more aggressive acceleration and high-performance driving characteristics. Interior Comparison: RAM Rebel vs RAM RHO The interior differences between the Rebel and the RHO become much more noticeable once you get inside the truck. While both models offer modern technology, large touchscreens, and premium comfort features, the RHO pushes further into luxury-truck territory with more upscale materials and high-end technology. Feature RAM Rebel RAM RHO Interior Characteristics Rugged, practical, outdoor-focused Premium, high-tech, luxury-oriented 12-Inch Touchscreen Standard or available depending on trim Standard 14.5-Inch Touchscreen Not typically available Available / Often equipped Passenger Interactive Display Not available on most Rebel configurations Available option Massaging Front Seats Not available Available option Leather / Suede Seating Available depending on package Standard or commonly equipped Harman Kardon Premium Audio Available option Available / Frequently equipped Carbon Fiber Interior Accents Not typical Available Advanced Driver Assistance Features Available depending on package More comprehensive package availability Everyday Driving Comfort Excellent balance of comfort and utility Luxury-truck comfort with aggressive off-road capability Rebel Interior with Red Accents RHO Interior Luxury Comfort Seats The Rebel still offers impressive comfort and technology for everyday driving, camping trips, towing, and mountain travel. The RHO simply adds another level of premium materials, advanced technology, and luxury-focused features for buyers wanting a more upscale off-road truck experience. Which Truck Is More Appropriate for North Carolina Mountain Driving? North Carolina mountain driving presents very different challenges than wide-open off-road terrain. Drivers regularly deal with tight winding roads, steep elevation changes, gravel backroads, heavy rain, occasional snow, and narrow campground or trail entrances throughout the Appalachians. These conditions make everyday maneuverability, suspension comfort, traction, and overall truck size especially important when deciding between the Ram Rebel and the more aggressive Ram RHO. For many buyers, the Rebel may feel easier to maneuver every day because it is slightly less aggressive in overall width, tire size, and ride height. The RHO shines on rough dirt roads and uneven terrain where its advanced suspension system can fully show its capabilities. Buyers whose lifestyle includes long mountain drives, towing campers, rough access roads, outdoor recreation, and daily commuting may find the Rebel offers the better overall balance of comfort, practicality, and capability. Buyers looking for maximum off-road performance, premium luxury, aggressive styling, and trophy-truck-inspired characteristics will likely find the RHO far more appealing. Bed Utility and Tailgate Features Both the Ram Rebel and the Ram RHO are designed to handle outdoor gear and active lifestyles, whether you are loading fishing equipment, coolers, camping supplies, mountain bikes, kayaks, or towing accessories. Both trucks come standard with: Bed lighting Trailer towing technology Trailer assistance features Multiple cargo tie-down points Easy-access tailgate functionality Available features on both trucks, depending on configuration and option packages, may include: Power outlets in the bed Adjustable cargo management systems Spray-in bedliners Power tailgate functionality Advanced trailer camera systems Ram’s tailgate design remains one of the most practical in the truck industry, especially for loading heavier outdoor equipment and camping gear. Buyers planning to tow boats, campers, or outdoor trailers will find both trucks highly capable, although the Rebel may appeal more to buyers prioritizing towing balance while the RHO leans further toward premium off-road performance. Recovery Points and Skid Plates Recovery points and skid plates are two of the most important features on a serious off-road truck, especially for drivers exploring mountain roads and remote outdoor areas in North Carolina. Recovery points, often called tow hooks or recovery hooks, provide secure attachment locations for tow straps, winches, or recovery gear if a truck becomes stuck in mud, snow, loose gravel, or uneven terrain. They are especially valuable on steep mountain trails, muddy campground entrances, and rough forest service roads where traction conditions can change quickly. Skid plates are heavy-duty protective panels mounted underneath the truck to help shield critical components like the engine, transmission, fuel tank, and transfer case from rocks, ruts, tree stumps, and rough terrain. In mountain environments with uneven access roads and hidden obstacles, skid plates can help prevent extremely expensive damage underneath the vehicle. Both the Ram Rebel and the Ram RHO come equipped with serious off-road protection. Depending on configuration, buyers may find: Skid plates Tow hooks and recovery points Locking rear differentials Off-road drive modes Upgraded transfer cases The RHO takes things further with more aggressive underbody protection and additional suspension travel designed for higher-speed off-road capability and rough terrain performance. The Rebel remains extremely capable for the type of driving most North Carolina truck owners are realistically doing, including muddy trails, hunting property access roads, mountain travel, snow, and campground or fishing access roads throughout the Appalachian region. Towing Comparison One surprise for many buyers is that the Rebel can actually out-tow the RHO when properly configured. Approximate towing capacity: Rebel: Up to 11,140 lbs RHO: Around 8,360 lbs That matters for buyers towing: Campers Fishing boats Enclosed trailers Side-by-sides Outdoor equipment The RHO prioritizes suspension travel and high-speed off-road performance, while the Rebel retains stronger towing flexibility for many real-world truck owners. Choose the RAM Rebel if you want: Choose the RAM RHO if you want: Everyday practicality Strong towing capability Outdoor adventure versatility Easier mountain driving Better garage friendliness Lower ownership cost Balanced daily comfort A more manageable everyday driving experience Maximum off-road performance Premium luxury features Advanced adaptive suspension Factory 35-inch tires Trophy-truck-inspired characteristics High-speed dirt-road capability A more aggressive off-road appearance One of the most advanced Ram trucks ever built For many North Carolina buyers, the Rebel may ultimately be the smarter all-around adventure truck thanks to its balance of comfort, practicality, towing capability, and everyday usability. However, buyers looking for the ultimate Ram off-road experience will find that the RHO delivers an impressive combination of power, luxury, suspension technology, and aggressive off-road capability that few factory trucks can match.

It’s getting to that time of year again, the one when you struggle to find gifts for friends and family—even yourself! This year, make it easy and get those you love something that can make life more convenient and comfortable. Car accessories, add-ons, tools, and enhancements are abundant and are the perfect gift for those hard-to-buy-for individuals. Make travel easier and more fun by creating your own Christmas list for your vehicle. What should make your vehicle Christmas list? All things that enhance your driving experience in terms of convenience, comfort, and safety are worth considering. Honestly, there are so many options out there when it comes to personalizing your vehicle that it can become a bit overwhelming, which is why Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram has culled a list of this year’s 10 best vehicle add-ons. Check out what we found: 1. The TWC-01. Car vacuum—$25 on Amazon. Keeping a car clean can be difficult, especially when children are involved. The presence of a compact, powerful car vacuum can help you to clean messes up in the moment. Especially handy for those longer car rides, the TWC-01 comes with a 16-foot cord that plugs into the car itself, allowing for cleaning in even the hardest-to-reach areas. 2. Amazon Echo Auto—$50 on Amazon. Anyone who uses Alexa regularly will benefit from this gift. The Echo Auto is a small gadget that connects Alexa to your car and lets you use the virtual assistant safely. Once the Echo is incorporated, you can use it for entertainment and navigation by speaking into any of the eight built-in microphones. 3. Reverse Travel Umbrella—$26 on Amazon. What makes this umbrella special is that it is both wind resistant and it folds inside of itself, which keeps it from leaking over the interior of your car (everyone hates that terrible mess of trying to quickly enter the car while simultaneously folding up the umbrella only so it can then pour all the rainwater it collected over you and the inside of your car; kind of defeats the purpose of the umbrella). It also comes with a lifetime warranty and is offered in a variety of colors. In other words, you'll be dry and stylin’! 4. Bluetooth 5.0 FM Transmitter—$40 at Amazon. Feeling bad because you don’t have the latest and greatest infotainment inside your car? Worry no more with the 5.0 Transmitter that charges phones, transmits the radio, and manages phone calls. This tool’s multifunctionality makes it effective on multiple levels—it can even play audio files, act as a virtual assistant, and light up! 5. One-Touch Cup Holder Car Mount—$29 at Amazon. Using this car mount is a great way to put that extra, unused cup holder to use. The base of the phone mount locks into place, ensuring it won’t move or fall out while driving, so your phone can securely charge and navigate as you drive. It even comes with a magnetic cord organizer to keep wires from being strewn about the car—and it's compatible with any modern smartphone brand. 6. RAD 480i Laser Radar Detector—$150 Amazon. Hmmm, what’s the perfect gift for that speed demon in the family? A radar detector! And not just any radar either, the RAD 480i accurately detects both laser and radar plenty in advance for the driver to make any necessary adjustments to speed. The accuracy is due to the app’s real-time updates combined with its ability to discern false alerts. Hopefully, this handy gadget will teach responsibility rather than encourage poor driving behaviors… 7. RESQME Keychain Car Escape Tool—$10 Amazon. It should be standard that everyone has an emergency escape tool inside the car. We hate to even think about getting stuck inside or having someone stuck inside the car, but it happens. The RESQME tool can quickly break glass and cut seat belts. It’s also incredibly lightweight and easy to store—and it comes in tons of colors. $10 isn’t much when it comes to keeping yourself and your loved ones safe. 8. The Drive Bin—$12 Amazon. Rather than using the car floorboards as a communal trash bin, allow your children the privilege of tossing garbage into an actual garbage bin. It's so hard to keep a car clean, but it’s amazing what a perfectly sized little trashcan can do. The Drive Bin is waterproof (leaky drinks!) and comes with disposable plastic bags. Even better, it can adjust in shape,  so it fits just about anywhere you like inside your car—even attached to your headrest. 9. Riparo Motorsports Driving Gloves—$50 Amazon. Ergonomically crafted with quality soft leather, the Riparo Driving Gloves are an excellent gift for anyone who drives—short or long distances. The perforated areas of the glove help to grip the wheel, and as they age, they mold to your hands and develop a patina. These come in multiple sizes and clip at the wrist for a secure fit. 10. Tile Pro Bluetooth Tracker—$25 Amazon. As frustrating as it is to lose your car keys (why is it always when we're in a rush that this happens?), you would think everyone would have this product. The Tile Pro can track your keys from as far as 400 miles away, and it’s waterproof. For $25, this should be in every stocking this year. Our Favorite Travel Apps Even with the best add-ons and apps and devices, traveling can be tricky, especially when the whole family is involved. Over the holidays any form of travel feels extra difficult—scurrying for flights, vying for parking spots, and learning new ways to get stuck in traffic. Luckily, these days there are plenty of apps to download that can keep you relaxed and on time to all of your destinations this holiday season. Here are the travel apps we are most excited about this year: Flightradar24 Get up-to-date information on any flight you want 24 hours a day. With this app, you will get notice of delays, cancellations, changes in locations, etc. so that you're always in the know of your flight status. Once you register with this app, you can view all fights from the past, as well as current ones, and you'll always get accurate information. Skyscanner Since the costs of flights fluctuate so much, it’s best to have an app like this one that can scour the internet to find you the cheapest flight possible. All you need to know are your travel dates, and Skyscanner will do the rest. You can also filter flight times, number of stops, and other characteristics. Another nice aspect to this app is that it stores all your information, so you always know where you are in terms of purchasing tickets. PackPoint This unique app literally helps you pack your suitcases. Sounds crazy, but it works! Simply download the app, answer a few specific questions about your upcoming trip, and the app will create a packing list of things you need. These things will be based on weather forecasts in the area you are heading, and it will even provide locations of fun activities, gas stations, and anything else you specify as needed. Even better, the generated list is always customizable so you can make minor adjustments where necessary. Waze Getting lost is awful, but getting caught in severe traffic might be worse (at least you are moving while lost). Waze not only points you in the right direction, it considers traffic patterns in real-time and it makes adjustments while you're driving—these tweaks in direction are updated as drivers make notes on the app itself: if there is a car accident and you make note of it in Waze, it will update the entire system. Waze gets you where you're going by people helping people. Safe travels this holiday season, and best of luck—not that you’ll need it with these apps!

If you've ever had someone swear by premium fuel, or have a vehicle enthusiast in the family, you've probably had a debate or two at the gas pump. Some people believe premium gasoline is always better. Others won't spend a penny more than they have to. So, who's right? The answer is... both. Unlike many manufacturers that recommend the same fuel for nearly every vehicle, the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and FIAT family includes everything from fuel-efficient commuter vehicles and work trucks to high-performance muscle cars, luxury SUVs, diesel trucks and fully electric vehicles. That means the right fuel depends on what you're driving. The good news is that choosing the correct fuel isn't nearly as complicated as it looks when you're standing at the pump. The Best Fuel Isn't Always the Cheapest... or the Most Expensive One of the biggest misconceptions in the automotive world is that premium gasoline is simply "better" gasoline.  It isn't. Premium fuel isn't cleaner. It doesn't contain more energy. It doesn't automatically make your engine last longer. Instead, the best fuel is the fuel your vehicle's engineers designed it to use. Putting premium gasoline in a Jeep Compass usually won't make it perform any better. On the other hand, putting regular gasoline into a Wrangler 392 or another high-performance engine isn't doing it any favors.  Think of fuel like prescription medicine. The correct prescription works best. Taking more doesn't necessarily improve the results. A Simple Guide to Fuel Recommendations Fortunately, choosing the correct fuel doesn't have to be confusing. Fuel Type Typical Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Fiat Vehicles 87 Regular Unleaded Most Jeep Compass, Cherokee, Wrangler, Gladiator, Grand Cherokee V6, Chrysler Pacifica, Ram 1500 Pentastar V6, Ram ProMaster, FIAT 500L 89 Mid-Grade Many HEMI® V8-powered Ram trucks and Dodge/Jeep SUVs 91+Premium Wrangler 392, SRT® models, Grand Wagoneer Hurricane, Ram 1500 Hurricane High Output, FIAT 500X, FIAT 500 Abarth, FIAT 124 Spider Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) Ram 2500 & 3500 Cummins® Turbo Diesel trucks, EcoDiesel-equipped Jeep and Ram model s Electricity Jeep Recon, Wagoneer S, FIAT 500e Important: Always check your owner's manual and the label inside your fuel door for your specific vehicle. Different engines and trim levels can have different fuel recommendations. Why Do Some Vehicles Need Premium Fuel? This is where many people get confused.  Premium gasoline isn't designed to make an engine more powerful.  Instead, it helps prevent engine knock in engines that produce very high cylinder pressures. For example, a Jeep Compass develops around 200 horsepower and is engineered to run efficiently on regular 87-octane gasoline.  Compare that to a Wrangler 392 with its legendary 6.4-liter HEMI V8 producing approximately 470 horsepower, or the new Grand Wagoneer equipped with Stellantis' twin-turbo Hurricane engine producing well over 500 horsepower.  Those engines generate dramatically higher combustion pressures, requiring gasoline with greater resistance to premature combustion. That's exactly what premium fuel provides. Premium gasoline isn't a luxury.  It's simply the correct fuel for certain high-performance engines. What Is Octane? Octane is one of the most misunderstood words you'll see at the gas station.  Here's the simple explanation: Octane measures a gasoline's resistance to premature combustion inside the engine. Higher octane does not mean: More horsepower Better quality gasoline Cleaner fuel Longer engine life It simply means the fuel is better suited for engines designed to operate under higher pressures.  That's why so many Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles are perfectly happy using regular gasoline, while certain HEMI®, Hurricane and SRT® engines are engineered for premium fuel. What About Mid-Grade Gasoline? Many HEMI-powered trucks and SUVs recommend 89-octane mid-grade gasoline. Can they operate on 87?  In many situations, yes.  Modern engine computers can adjust ignition timing to compensate for lower octane.  However, using the recommended 89-octane fuel allows the engine to perform as its engineers intended, especially while towing, climbing mountains or accelerating under heavy loads. If your owner's manual recommends 89 octane, that's still the best choice. Diesel Is a Completely Different Fuel Ram's legendary Cummins® Turbo Diesel trucks don't use gasoline at all.  They require Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD). Diesel engines ignite fuel differently than gasoline engines.  Gasoline engines use spark plugs.  Diesel engines ignite fuel through extremely high compression.  Because of this completely different design, gasoline should never be pumped into a diesel vehicle, and diesel should never be pumped into a gasoline-powered vehicle. What Happens If You Accidentally Put Diesel Into a Gasoline Vehicle? It happens more often than you might think. If you accidentally pump diesel into your gasoline-powered vehicle: Don't start the engine. If the mistake is caught before starting the vehicle, repairs are often limited to draining the fuel tank and flushing the fuel system. Once the engine has been started, diesel fuel can circulate through the injectors, fuel lines and spark plugs, increasing the cost of repairs. The sooner the mistake is discovered, the better. What About FIAT Vehicles? Although FIAT models make up a smaller portion of our inventory, they follow exactly the same rule as every other vehicle we sell.  Use the fuel recommended by the manufacturer. Some FIAT models, including the FIAT 500X, FIAT 500 Abarth and FIAT 124 Spider, feature turbocharged performance engines that recommend premium gasoline to deliver their intended performance.  Others, like the FIAT 500L, are engineered to operate on regular 87-octane gasoline.  The all-electric FIAT 500e doesn't visit the gas station at all. Once again, the best fuel isn't the most expensive fuel—it's simply the fuel your vehicle was designed to use. Buying a Used Vehicle? Don't Guess. One advantage of shopping at Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT is the variety of vehicles we offer. That also means fuel recommendations can vary significantly from one vehicle to another. For example: A used Jeep Grand Cherokee with the Pentastar V6 uses different fuel than a Grand Cherokee SRT. One Dodge Charger may be perfectly happy on regular gasoline, while another equipped with a high-performance engine recommends premium. One Ram 1500 may use regular gasoline, while another with the new Hurricane High Output engine performs best on premium. A used FIAT 500L and a FIAT 500 Abarth have different fuel recommendations, even though they're both FIAT vehicles. Don't assume every vehicle from the same manufacturer uses the same fuel.  When in doubt, check the owner's manual, look inside the fuel door or ask one of our product specialists.  We're always happy to help. Fuel Quality Matters, Too Regardless of the octane rating, we recommend purchasing fuel from reputable stations that sell Top Tier™ Detergent Gasoline whenever possible.  Top Tier gasoline contains enhanced detergent additives that help reduce deposits on fuel injectors, intake valves and combustion chambers, helping modern engines stay cleaner over time.  It's one of the easiest ways to help protect your investment. In Summary ... Many Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and FIAT vehicles are engineered to run perfectly on regular 87-octane gasoline. Some HEMI-powered vehicles perform best on 89-octane mid-grade. High-performance vehicles like the Wrangler 392, SRT models, Grand Wagoneer Hurricane, certain Hurricane-powered Ram trucks and several FIAT performance models are designed for premium gasoline. Diesel trucks require Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel. Electric vehicles don't require gasoline at all. The important thing isn't buying the most expensive fuel. It's buying the right fuel for the vehicle you're driving.  If you're ever unsure, stop by Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT. Our team will gladly help you identify the correct fuel for your vehicle, explain why it's recommended and answer any questions you may have.  Because getting the most out of your vehicle starts with putting the right fuel in the tank.