At VA Fabrication we pride ourselves on developing roll cages for the most demanding vehicles in the motorsport world. One of the most exciting projects we have worked on recently is the roll cage for the Dodge RAM TRX of the famous De Rooy Dakar Team. This project is a perfect reflection of our expertise, engineering prowess and dedication to safety and performance.
A New Challenge: The Dodge RAM TRX
The Dodge RAM TRX is a beast of a vehicle. For the De Rooy Dakar Team it was important that this TRX, which went as a press car to the Dakar Rally, was equipped with a safe roll cage. Instead of normally working in a completely stripped car, we now had to deal with a RAM with the entire interior still in it.
We made a 3D scan of the cabin including the interior, and based on this we made the roll cage design. Then we made a welding jig which allowed us to make the roll cage completely outside the car, and screw it into the car later.
The Roll Cage: Precision and Innovation
The roll cage we developed for the Dodge RAM TRX is specially designed to provide optimum safety without having to modify any interior components. For installation, it is necessary to replace the standard seats and rear bench with bucket seats, which further increase safety. This clever design ensures that the roll cage can be easily installed and removed, so that the truck can be returned to its original condition if necessary - which can be important for the rally.
The roll cage is equipped with belt tubes, allowing four seats to be safely equipped with shoulder belts. This provides extra protection for both the driver and the navigator, which is essential at the high speeds and extreme conditions of a rally like the Dakar.
We have chosen 25CrMo4 material for the construction of the roll cage, a type of steel known for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio. This choice ensures that the roll cage can withstand the heavy forces of the rally, without unnecessarily increasing the weight of the vehicle.
Optimally Integrated Reinforcements
In addition to the roll cage itself, we have also added strategic reinforcements in the cabin and chassis. These additional reinforcements not only improve the rigidity of the vehicle, but also ensure that the vehicle can withstand the enormous forces experienced during a rally. The impact forces of a crash or a hard landing are optimally distributed, which increases the safety of the crew.
Testing under Extreme Conditions
Safety is only truly tested when a vehicle is exposed to the conditions of the rally itself. Our roll cage for the Dodge RAM TRX has proven itself in the most extreme rally conditions. The Rooy Dakar Team tested the roll cage extensively during their preparations for the Dakar Rally, and the results were promising. Not only was the team's safety assured, but the vehicle also demonstrated improved stability and more predictable handling, essential for success in a rally of this caliber.
Why VA Fabrication?
What sets VA Fabrication apart is our dedication to quality and customization. We work closely with our clients to ensure that every project is not only technically perfect, but also fully compliant with the unique demands of the vehicle and the rally conditions. Our team of engineers, technicians and craftsmen ensure that every detail is correct, from the 3D scan to the final weld.
The roll cage for the De Rooy Dakar Team's Dodge RAM TRX is an example of how we use our years of experience and innovation to take the safety, performance and reliability of rally vehicles to the next level.
Features of the Roll Cage:
- Specially designed for the Dodge RAM (TRX).
- No modifications to interior parts required.
- Suitable for mounting bucket seats in the front and rear.
- Equipped with belt tubes for four safe seats.
- Made of durable and high quality 25CrMo4 material.
- Easy to assemble and disassemble for return to original condition.
- Powder coated in a colour of your choice.
- Manufactured in the Netherlands by VA Fabrication BV.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Protection for Rally Vehicles
Working with the De Rooy Dakar Team was an opportunity to create a roll cage that not only meets the demands of rallying, but exceeds them. We are proud of the results and the fact that our roll cage makes a crucial contribution to the safety and performance of this impressive rally vehicle. Whether it is the Dakar Rally or another extreme challenge, VA Fabrication remains the leading name in the world of motorsport safety.
Curious about what we can do for your rally vehicle? Contact us and discover how we can equip your vehicle with a custom roll cage that combines safety and performance at the highest level!
