Dodge’s full-size van nameplate entered the Ram era for the 1981 model year, when the longtime B-series was rebranded and sold as the Ram Van and Ram Wagon. It carried forward the same basic front-engine, rear-wheel-drive formula that had made the earlier Dodge vans a favorite of fleets, tradespeople, campers, and custom-van builders, but the new Ram branding tied it more closely to Dodge’s truck lineup. Over time, the van went through several updates in trim, interior treatment, and front-end styling while retaining the rugged, square-shouldered character that defined the platform. The Ram Van became especially well known in commercial use and in the custom-van scene, where its roomy body and long production life made it a popular canvas for personalization. Production continued through the 2003 model year, after which Dodge moved to the Sprinter for its full-size van role. The Ram Van remains one of Dodge’s most recognizable traditional vans and a familiar sight from the era before the minivan and modern cargo vans took over the market.
MODEL HISTORY