When summer cottage season winds down and the leaves start changing around Magnetawan and Mikisew Provincial Park, the real adventure begins on Ontario's backroads. While Highway 11 gets you to Sundridge, it's the gravel concession roads and cottage lanes that lead to the places worth exploring. The Ram 1500 Rebel isn't just another pickup truck—it's specifically engineered for drivers who refuse to let pavement dictate their weekend plans.
Built for the rugged terrain that defines cottage country life in Ontario, the Rebel comes standard with hardware that transforms challenging drives into confident journeys. From the rocky trails near Midlothian to the seasonal roads that wind through Almaguin Highlands, this truck delivers the capability that adventurous drivers in Sundridge have been waiting for.
At a Glance: Ram 1500 Rebel Off-Road Specifications
Feature
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Ram 1500 Rebel
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Benefit for Ontario Backroads
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Factory Lift
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1-inch raised ride height
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Enhanced ground clearance for rocky terrain
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Shock Absorbers
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Bilstein performance-tuned front and rear
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Superior control over washboard gravel roads
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Tires
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All-terrain tires (standard)
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Improved traction on loose surfaces
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Locking Differential
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Rear electronic Elocker
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Maintains traction when one wheel loses grip
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Skid Plates
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Comprehensive underbody protection
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Guards against rocks and debris damage
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Performance and Capability
The Rebel's 1-inch factory lift provides 21.7 cm (8.7 inches) of ground clearance, allowing you to navigate the uneven terrain common on cottage access roads. This isn't just about looking rugged—the extra height prevents damage from rocks, fallen branches, and the occasional pothole that appears after spring thaw.
Bilstein performance-tuned shock absorbers work continuously to smooth out the jarring impacts that come with gravel driving. Whether you're heading down a washboard concession road or navigating the seasonal trails that lead to remote fishing spots, these shocks maintain control and comfort that standard suspension simply can't match.
- All-terrain tires provide the grip needed for loose gravel, wet leaves, and muddy cottage driveways
- Electronic rear locking differential automatically sends power to the wheel with the most traction
- Hill-descent control manages speed on steep cottage driveway descents
- Comprehensive skid plate protection shields critical components from trail damage
Technology That Adapts to Ontario Terrain
The Rebel includes five selectable drive modes that adjust the truck's behaviour based on conditions. Off-Road mode optimizes throttle response, transmission shifting, and traction control for unpaved surfaces. When exploring the back trails around Mikisew Provincial Park, this mode allows the truck to maintain steady progress over challenging terrain.
The available four-corner air suspension can raise the vehicle an additional 5.1 cm (2 inches) in Off-Road mode, providing maximum clearance when you need it most. This system also offers Entry/Exit mode, which lowers the truck for easier access—particularly useful when loading gear for weekend camping trips.
Built for Real-World Adventure

Unlike trucks that offer style without substance, the Rebel delivers proven capability through thoughtful engineering. The 4x4 Off-road Group comes standard and includes features that cottage country drivers actually use: tow hooks for recovery situations, multiple skid plates for protection, and the electronic locking rear axle that ensures you can navigate challenging terrain with confidence.
The truck's frame-mounted recovery points aren't just decorative—they're designed to handle real recovery loads when you venture beyond maintained roads. Combined with the Rebel's 3,900-kilogram (8,560-pound) towing capacity, this capability makes it equally suited for hauling boats to remote launches or trailers loaded with camping equipment.
Which Rebel Configuration Suits Your Needs?
The Ram 1500 Rebel is available in both Quad Cab and Crew Cab configurations, each offering the same off-road capability with different passenger and cargo arrangements.
Quad Cab Configuration:
- Extended cab with rear-hinged doors for occasional rear passengers
- 1.9-metre (6-foot, 4-inch) pickup box for maximum cargo capacity
- Ideal for drivers who prioritize hauling capability over rear-seat comfort
- Perfect for work trucks that occasionally handle recreation duties
Crew Cab Configuration:
- Four full-sized doors with comfortable rear seating for adults
- Choice of 1.7-metre (5-foot, 7-inch) or 1.9-metre (6-foot, 4-inch) pickup box
- Better suited for families who need both passenger comfort and off-road capability
- Recommended for drivers who regularly carry passengers on backcountry adventures
Comparing the Rebel to Standard Ram 1500 Models
Feature
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Standard Ram 1500
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Ram 1500 Rebel
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Advantage
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Ground Clearance
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20.3 cm (8.0 in)
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21.7 cm (8.7 in)
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Better obstacle clearance
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Shock Absorbers
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Standard twin-tube
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Bilstein performance-tuned
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Superior off-road control
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Tires
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Highway tires
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All-terrain tires
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Enhanced traction on unpaved surfaces
|
Locking Differential
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Optional
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Standard rear Elocker
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Improved traction in challenging conditions
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Skid Plates
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Limited protection
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Comprehensive coverage
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Better protection from trail damage
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Your Off-Road Adventure Starts at Mac Lang Sundridge
The Ram 1500 Rebel represents more than just another truck option—it's a purpose-built tool for drivers in Ontario who refuse to let road conditions limit their adventures. With factory-installed off-road hardware that's ready for real-world use, the Rebel eliminates the guesswork and aftermarket modifications that other trucks require.
Experience the Rebel's capability firsthand by visiting our team at Mac Lang Sundridge in Sundridge. Our knowledgeable staff can demonstrate how the Rebel's off-road systems work and help you configure the perfect truck for your Ontario backroad adventures.