RAM 1500. The first giant ‘ram’
The RAM 1500 is a full-size pickup produced under the auspices of Stellantis NV (former FCA). It was designed by Dodge Ram, which had produced four generations of the pickup. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has launched new generations and modifications of the 1500. In 2021, Israeli buyers can purchase the fifth generation of the 2018 model pickup.
The name ‘Ram’ was first used in 1981 for pickups based on Dodge’s D-series light truck range. The pickup was designed for heavy work, but Dodge tried to make the vehicle more comfortable. Subsequently, this focus on comfort has led to creating premium RAM versions, which you can easily drive to attend any fancy event.
Currently, RAMs are mainly full-size utility pickups, body-on-frame vehicles with mixed suspension, with a plug-in all-wheel or front-wheel drive (mostly). The brutal RAM, impressively large and powerful, has long been considered a living legend. Although for many years of its history, it has long stepped over the boundaries of the class.
The first generation
It was produced from 1981 to 1993. The design of the first-generation 1500 RAM pickup was almost the same as that of the Dodge D pickup, which had been in production since 1972. The RAM had enlarged taillights, more angular body lines and a modernized powertrain.
The RAM 1500 had a bench seat, cruise control, air conditioning, bumper protection, tilting steering column, power door locks and windows, an AM/FM stereo system with a cassette recorder. The options included the rear ABS, which was the most advanced version for that time.
The RAM was standardly equipped with a 3.6-liter 6-cylinder engine with 95 hp and 5.9-liter 8-cylinder engine with 230 hp. In 1989, the more powerful version had a throttle fuel injection system for an increase in power by 20 hp. Dodge added an automatic overdrive transmission that reduced fuel consumption.
In 1992-1993, the engines were again modernized, acquired new manifolds, a new fuel injection system and a cylinder with a higher compression ratio, an automatic transmission for severe operating conditions. The engine range included the well-proven Cummins-B series engine with a 5-speed automatic or manual transmission.
The second generation
It was produced from 1993 to 2002. The second generation was supposed to appear back in 1991. When the designers showed their materials, top managers of Dodge said: ‘This is not a Dodge, it looks like a truck from a different company,’ and gave them six months to redesign. As a result, the exterior of the 1500 acquired features that are still the hallmark of RAMs. As time has shown, Dodge’s managers were right, the second generation RAM, launched in 1994, turned out to be the first very successful model. In 1993, the volume of sales grew from 78 thousand units to 240 thousand units in 1994 and continued to grow in subsequent years.
The second generation offered the same engine options as the first one: 3.9-liter V6, 5.2-liter V8, as well as a number of new ones, including a 5.9-liter V8 engine, 5.9-liter turbocharged Cummins I6 engine and a monstrous 8-liter V10 engine.
The vehicle has more storage space, which was lacking in the previous version, a larger glove compartment, additional storage space behind the seat and space in the center armrest. The dashboard was modernized. In 1998, the pickup acquired double airbags, rounded rear-view mirrors instead of square ones, a digital odometer, a reinforced bumper and a radiator grille.
The third generation
It was produced from 2001 to 2008. The third RAM underwent major restyling, acquiring a new frame, a new transmission, a new suspension and interior elements. The previous drive axles were replaced with independent front suspension. Now it was possible to install a 6.7 liter Cummins engine with 350 hp. In 2006, the cab was expanded, acquiring half a meter of free space, a voluminous cargo box, a full-screen navigation system that was integrated into the dashboard.
The fourth generation
It has been produced from 2011 to the present. The latest generation of Dodge RAMs was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in late 2008 in Detroit. In 2011, RAM became a separate brand within the FCA. After moving under the wing of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, the RAM 1500 range was expanded to three versions: RAM 1500 Classic, RAM 1500 TRX and RAM 1500.
RAM 1500 Classic
The RAM 1500 Classic is positioned as a direct continuation of the iconic Dodge RAM, which has been continuously developed since 1981. The fourth generation vehicle had three cab types:
- Crew Cab is a four-door version with an enlarged tailgate and ample space for rear passengers;
- Quad Cab is a four-door modification with reduced volume for the rear seats;
- Regular Cab is a modification with two doors and two or three rear seats.
The length of the vehicle varies from 5,308 to 5,817 mm, the height is from 1,894 to 1,923 mm, the width in all modifications is 2,017 mm, and the front wheels are moved away from the rear ones at a distance from 3,061 to 3,570 mm, depending on the modification.
The RAM 1500 Classic is positioned as a direct continuation of the iconic Dodge RAM, which has been continuously developed since 1981.
A standard 3.6-liter 6-cylinder engine is coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission. V8 engines were also available with a 6- or 8-speed automatic transmission. Options include a multifunctional 4-spoke steering wheel, an informative instrument cluster with analog dials and a 3.5-inch TFT display, a front panel with a massive console in the center, a 7-inch multimedia center screen with climate and music control units.
The useful volume of the cargo compartment varies from 1,424 to 2,016 liters, depending on the modification. The pickup is capable to transport cargo weighting up to 875 kg, while its towing capacity is up to 4,740 kg. In 2015, the RAM 1500 model range was upgraded, acquiring an improved chassis, even wider radiator grilles, and a new range of engines.
RAM 1500 TRX
It has been produced from 2020. The TRX is a full-size body-on-frame pickup produced by Stellantis NV Corporation (former FCA), built on the basis of the fourth generation of the RAM 1500. The RAM TRX is so different from the prototype that it was classified as a separate model of heavy-duty pickups with a perspective of further development.
The main engine of the all-wheel drive TRX is a 6.2 liter 8-cylinder unit generating 702 hp, coupled with an 8-speed gearbox. The ground clearance reaches 28 cm and the carrying capacity is 594 kg, while the towing capacity amounts to 3,674.5 kg.
The RAM TRX is so different from the prototype that it was classified as a separate model of heavy-duty pickups.
To deliver 702 horsepower, it was required to reconfigure the turbocharged Hemi V8 engine, which was originally developed by Chrysler for the upgraded muscle cars by Chrysler, Dodge and Plymouth. Accordingly, it was necessary to create a new suspension, adaptive shock absorbers, which were no longer used on any of the RAM models.
The TRX has a luxurious interior, as, in fact, it is a premium vehicle. There are a lot of additional options, infotainment devices and quality materials.
2018 RAM 1500. 5th generation
It has been produced from 2018 to the present (as of 2021). The fifth generation of the RAM 1500 is considered a separate model, but also continues the Dodge RAM line. It is produced in a large number of trim levels and modifications, including a hybrid version. The 2018/2019 RAM 1500 is smaller than the Dodge RAM 1500, it is more aerodynamic, and has a better quality exterior and interior design.
The fifth generation is standardly equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine generating 305 hp and a 5.7-liter V8 (395 hp) engine. Plus, there is a 3-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder EcoDiesel engine. In addition to the 6-speed automatic transmission, all engines come standard with an 8-speed automatic transmission. In 2020, the RAM 1500 started being equipped with a hybrid system to reduce fuel consumption.
The new RAM 1500 is smaller than the Dodge RAM 1500, it is more aerodynamic, and has a better quality exterior and interior design.
The new RAM 1500, like almost all RAMs, is produced in seven standard trim levels:
- Tradesman, HFE, Big Horn (or Lone Star for Texas) - for work and business;
- Rebel - for off-road;
- Laramie, Long Horn and Limited - premium models.
The ‘simple’ 1500 has many additional versions, features and options, including the most popular Built to Serve in military style with 4×4 Off-Road Group package, 20-inch wheels and matching body colors, as well as Black Edition and Night Edition packages, etc.
