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Dodge Ramcharger
Manufacturer	Chrysler Corporation
Also called	Plymouth Trailduster (1974-1981)
Production	1974–1993
Successor	Dodge Durango
Class	Full-size SUV
Body style(s)	2-door SUV
Platform	FR/AWD AD
Engine(s)	318 in³ LA V8 360 in³ LA V8 440 in³ RB V8
Transmission(s)	4-speed manual 3-speed TorqueFlite automatic
Wheelbase	106.0 in (2692 mm)
Length	188.8 in (4796 mm)
Width	79.5 in (2019 mm)
Height	69.7 in (1770 mm)
Related	Dodge D Series Dodge Ram

The Dodge Ramcharger was a large sport utility vehicle built by Dodge from 1974 to 1993, and based on a shortened-wheelbase version of the Dodge D Series/Ram pickup truck chassis. A Plymouth version, named the Trailduster and offered from 1974 to 1981, was Plymouth's only SUV. The 1981 Plymouth Trailduster, though essentially the same as the Dodge Ramcharger in most respects, has the unique distinction of being the first year of production for the non-removable top/rear lift hatch, the ONLY year for the same, and the LAST year of production for the Trailduster. Additionally, now that Daimler-Chrysler/Mopar has dropped the Plymouth moniker altogether, it's now considered to be a rare bird indeed! The Ramcharger was primarily produced as a two-door, fulltime four wheel drive vehicle although a two wheel drive version was available beginning in 1975. 1974 through 1980 models have a removable top, there are also softops available. First year model differs to others so that its door pillars are attached to removable roof. The vehicle was usually powered by a Chrysler LA engine, the most common was the 318 in³ (5.2 L) with the 360 in³ (5.9 L) and even big-block RB 440 in³ (7.2 L) engines in the early years. As a fullsize SUV, it competed with the Chevrolet K5 Blazer and the full-size Ford Bronco. Like many vehicles, the Ramcharger was used in rallying, although its use was very limited. It did have some success, as demonstrated by achieving first place at Sno*Drift in 1975.

A second generation Ramcharger was produced in Mexico based on the second generation Ram pickup in 1999 (it was not marketed for the U.S. market), however, the model never enjoyed the sales of the first generation Ramcharger and was discontinued around 2002. One of the most interesting features of this generation was a small folding seat in the cargo area, facing sideways, not a full-sized seat, making it uncomfortable for long trips. Why the Mexican-market Ramcharger was not marketed in the U.S. - DaimlerChrysler had two profitable mid-sized SUVs (Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango); the SUV market was favoring 4 or 5-door SUVs as opposed to 2-doors (2-door SUV sales have been declining to which GM ended production of its 2-door Tahoe and Yukon).

Mexican-market Dodge Ramcharger

1970s Dodge Ramcharger

• List of Dodge automobiles