Dodge Ramcharger

First generation
Plymouth Trail Duster
Overview
Also called	Plymouth Trailduster (1974–1981)
Production	1974–1980
Body and chassis
Platform	Chrysler AD platform
Related	Dodge D Series Dodge Ram
Powertrain
Engine	318 cu in (5.2 L) V8 360 cu in (5.9 L) V8 400 cu in (6.6 L) V8 440 cu in (7.2 L)
Transmission	4-speed manual 3-speed TorqueFlite automatic

Second generation
Overview
Production	1981–1994 (1988–1996 In Mexico)
Body and chassis
Platform	Chrysler AD platform
Related	Dodge Ram
Powertrain
Engine	318 cu in (5.2 L) V8 360 cu in (5.9 L) V8
Transmission	3-speed automatic 4-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	106.0 in (2,692 mm)
Length	1988–1990: 184.6 in (4,689 mm) 1991–93: 188.0 in (4,775 mm)
Width	79.5 in (2,019 mm)
Height	1988–1990 2WD: 69.7 in (1,770 mm) 1988–1990 4WD: 73.1 in (1,857 mm) 1991–94 4WD: 74.1 in (1,882 mm) 1991–94 2WD: 70.6 in (1,793 mm)

Third generation
Overview
Production	1995–2002
Assembly	Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Body and chassis
Related	Dodge Ram
Powertrain
Engine	318 cu in (5.2 L) V8 360 cu in (5.9 L) V8
Transmission	4-speed automatic 4-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	113.7 in (2,888 mm)
Length	198 in (5,029 mm)
Curb weight	5,300 lb (2,404.0 kg)

The Dodge Ramcharger is a large sport utility vehicle built by Dodge from 1974 to 1993 (and from at least 1986 until 2001 in Mexico) based on the shortened wheelbase of the Dodge D Series/Ram pickup truck chassis. A Plymouth version, named the Trailduster was offered from 1974 to 1981, the brand's only SUV. It appeared after the International Harvester Scout was introduced in 1961; Ford introduced the Ford Bronco in 1966, with a subsequent introduction from GM called the Chevrolet Blazer/GMC Jimmy in 1969.

During development, it was known as the "Rhino".

The Ramcharger and Trailduster were built using a nine-inch (228.6 mm) shortened pickup Chrysler AD platform that was introduced for 1972. First available in four-wheel drive with a rear-wheel drive only version 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 in 1974 the big block 440 V8 was an option (the only year with the option). 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 vehicle was powered by the "LA" series Chrysler small block engines, the most common being the 318 cu in (5.2 L) V8, with the optional 360 cu in (5.9 L) V8. Also, available were the larger big-block "B" and "RB" wedge series 400 cu in (6.6 L) V8 and B 440 cu in (7.2 L) V8 as additional options.