First generation: 1974–1980
During development, it was known as the "Rhino".Off-Road Adventures, June 2007: page 90 The Ramcharger/Trail Duster were built using a version of the Dodge Ram's Chrysler AD platform with a nine-inch shorter wheelbase. Originally available in four-wheel drive exclusively, a rear-wheel drive only version was available starting in 1975. The 1974 through 1980 models came without a roof, with a dealer-installed fabric top, or an optional removable steel roof with a flip up rear tailgate window. The early 1974 year model differs from the others in that its door pillars are attached to the removable roof. The "half doors" were used up to the build date of 6-10-74, afterwards the roof was changed to use normal pickup style doors. Marketed as a basic utility vehicle, only the driver's seat was standard equipment with the passenger seat optional up to 1976. Also available was an insulated center console for keeping items cool when filled with ice. The Ramcharger was entered in rallying and placed first in the 1975 Sno*Drift event. The standard engine was a Slant Six. and versions of the "LA" series Chrysler small block V8 were available, along with the larger big-block "B" and "RB" wedge series in and . In 1978 the output was . In 1979, the , was rated at .Second generation: 1981–1993
The Ramcharger and Trail Duster followed the D-series pickup's 1981 redesign into the Ram and is considered the second generation. They had an egg crate-style grille which was used until the 1986 model year, when the front was redesigned to the crosshair grille that remains common on many Dodges today. In 1991, there were another batch of grill changes that lasted until 1993 when American Ramcharger production stopped. The generation two trucks had a few different trim and interior option levels, but not much changed over the years. These models had a non-removable welded steel top instead of the removable top. The Trail Duster was only available for one year with the Ram design and steel non-removable top, as it was dropped after the 1981 model year. From 1981 through 1987, all models were carbureted, but in 1988, throttle-body fuel injection (TBI) was added to the 318 ci V8 engine. Fuel injection was added to the 360 ci V8 engine in 1989. Power output for the TBI 318 was and of torque. The 360 with TBI was rated at and of torque. In 1992, the multiport fuel injected Magnum 318 was the standard engine while the LA 360 with TBI was still offered as an option. In 1993, the Magnum 360 replaced the LA engine. ManyThird generation: 1999–2001
The third generation Ramcharger was produced in Mexico from 1998 for the 1999 model year, based on the same platform as the Dodge Ram pickup and sharing most of its componentry with the Ram as well. It had also shared some of its parts and components with the third generation Chrysler minivans (Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan/Plymouth Voyager) as well. It was only sold in Mexico where the previous generation Ramcharger had been successful. It was available in the ST, SLT, SLT Plus and Sport trim levels. Powered by the or Magnum V8 engines and offered only in rear-wheel drive versions, it was discontinued after the 2001 model year. One of the features of this generation was a small third row folding seat in the cargo area that faced sideways, making it less practical for long trips. The rear of the vehicle had looked very similar to the 1996-2000 model Chrysler minivans. * * *See also
* List of Dodge automobilesReferences
External links
{{Plymouth Timeline Ramcharger Rear-wheel-drive vehicles All-wheel-drive vehicles Full-size sport utility vehicles Cars introduced in 1974 1980s cars 1990s cars