Dodge Ram Van

Introduction

A full size van which had its marketing done by the brand Dodge, this B-Series was designated the title of Dodge Ram Van. The years between 1971 and 1998 saw its marketing as part of the renowned Chrysler Corporation but with 1998, until its last production year 2003, the Dodge Ram Van along with its passenger variant flourishing by the name of Plymouth Voyager and Dodge Ram Wagon was marketed under Daimler Chrysler. This B-Series or Dodge Ram Van was ceased to be produced after having been in the market for more than 30 years and as per orders from its parent company the Daimler Chrysler a new model by the name of Dodge Sprinter came to replace it.

Models & Features

These vehicles were produced throughout its stint in the market in a single plant, the Pillette Road Truck Assembly, situated in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. The plant has since been known to be demolished after the production of Van stopped. This full size Ram Van, built on B-platform, commenced development for the model year of 1971 and it being a “Uniframe” design, that is a one welded piece, the vehicle supported a stronger, lighter platform. The NVH resulted in the van’s lower cargo floor and a consequent lower centre of gravity which resulted in an improved handling found in this Dodge Van model as compared to the other competitive vehicles which emerged in the market at a simultaneous time. The year 1970 brought with it financial constraints appearing for Dodge when Chrysler filed for bankruptcy and with it the marketing of this Ram Van which had become famous and popularised as a cab choice, came to an end. It would again emerge under the company Daimler Chrysler.

Every new model year sees a re-emergence of the Van with the basic features retaining similar construction and only a few and minor variations seem to become part of the model. If one is to point at the most pronounced alterations to be seen over the years one needs to look over at the exteriors. The trellis, hood, bumpers, front fenders among other things seem to bear all the changes, giving the Van with each passing year a more modern look. The main motive behind such drastic alterations was the need to meet the standards of Federal “crashworthiness”.

A hit with the most up-builders lend to the reliability of the brand and the easy approach of its design (that is, it a redesigning with every year was not necessary with this full size van), made it a huge success in all its years of production. For 32 years the Dodge Van was continued to be produced with the similar design panel. The first generation of this model saw side door mounted back a several inches which were carried out with the help of a fixed panel. The panel appeared between side door and passenger’s side front door. The addition of this provision resulted in greater access to the side door and less interference with the passenger’s front seat. The model was found to be very much in compatibility with the several options made available every year for installation. This feature also made Dodge Ram Van a popular choice among other service companies.

As a brand Dodge has been popular owing to its compatibility and that it served well practical purposes of life. The conversions this van experienced made it popular even more and suitable for purposes including the use of the Van as an Ambulance to a class-C Recreational Vehicle. The brand is known as a pioneer to the 15 passenger extended van version. The vehicle boasted of sliding doors along with full width window. The vehicle was used predominantly by church groups as well as educational institutions. This kind of conversion into a utility vehicle made the vehicle a popular name in the market, dominated it all until the 1990s, when Ford had a sudden take over.

Technical Specifications

This B-Series by Dodge, more famously known as the Dodge Van Ram used all kinds of engines available for use in a rear-wheel drive Chrysler product. Hence, under its hood could be found 6-cylinder engines employing 225 in3 Slant six I6. This kind was part of the engine between 1971 and 1987. Another in the six-cylinder category was the 3.9 L LA V6, which worked wonders for the model between 1998 and 1991; and lastly from 1992 till its last production in 2003 the vehicle employed a 3.9 L Magnum V6 engine. Also becoming part of the range were V8 Small-block and Big-block engines. There were certain models in the later years of production which came with an optional 5.2litre engine and utilized efficiently CNG (Compressed Natural Engine).

Option & Fuel Economy

This range claimed a full 300 miles of range on a full tank and they were classified as Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle, taking the market by storm in 1999. It became the last of the top 4 full size van makers to have also marketed a passenger wagon and short wheelbase van. As early as in 1990s the other Big Three took off the market, their shortest full size vans. The 2003 Dodge Ram Van was the last model to be produced in the full-size vans range. It had new 16-inch wheels and came in three sizes and three capacity ratings. These were the 1500, 2500 and 3500; half-ton, three-quarter-ton and one-ton respectively. The engine under the hood was a 5.2 litre, 225cc V8 one with a deliverance of 175 horse power. Another option was of a V6 3.9litre engine. Antilock brakes acting on all Dodge’s rear wheels was a feature used for ensuring safety, although a four-wheel ABS was optional. Also part of the installation was front seat belts and airbags, the side impact airbags were not available though.

The Daimler Chrysler after 2003 discontinued its production and replaced it with M-B based Dodge Sprinter, the passenger Wagon was taken over by Chrysler pioneered minivan, and in the market came into fashion came these European style models which were comparatively more fuel efficient than the full size American style vans.