Effective brand identity is crucial for creating consistent product demand in the cutthroat automotive space. In 1981, Chrysler created the first generation of RAM Trucks by partitioning the brand away from Dodge. This process began a laser-focused revitalization of the RAM and Dodge models.
The RAM nameplate has undergone five distinct generations from 1981 to the present. 2024 RAM sales are down a massive 19.5% and have sold a paltry 200,792, while Ford Trucks are running circles around their competition. A redesigned 2025 model of the RAM 1500 and others are expected to be released in the first quarter of next year. Hopefully to revitalize the brand.
RAM VIN Decoder
The RAM VIN provides the user with basic information on a specific vehicle. After 1981, the global automotive industry shifted to a standardized 17-digit alphanumeric VIN code. The 17-digit sequence of characters offers valuable basic information such as model, year, options, and powertrains, along with origin countries and plant locations.
Deciphering an RAM VIN
- 1
- F
- T
- 8
- W
- 3
- D
- T
- 8
- 5
- 5
- c
- 3
- 8
- 8
- 9
- 9
E Driver and passenger airbags
J or K Multistage airbags
H or L Front and side curtain airbags
A = Ram 2WD light duty
B = Durango 4WD
D = Durango 2WD
E = Dakota 2WD
L or R = Ram 2WD heavy duty
N = Chassis cab 2WD
S or X = Ram 4WD heavy duty
W = Dakota 4WD
1 = Economy
L = Low
M = Medium
N = High Line
4 = High
5 = Premium
S = Sport
7 = Special
8 = Truck
D = VAN
G = 3.5l V6
H = 5.7 l HEMI V8
W = 6.1L HEMI V8
Z = 8.3L V10
D = 3.0l turbo diesel
A = Auburn Hills, Michigan
J = St. Louis, Missouri
S = Dodge City, Warren, Michigan
D = Belvidere, Illinois
T = Toluca, Mexico
Locations of the RAM VIN
The NHTSA mandates two locations for the VIN on every American-made vehicle. The automaker is responsible for locating additional VINs around the vehicle.
- The first location is on the driver’s side dashboard, at the windshield. Users must be able to view the VIN through the glass.
- The second position is at the driver’s side door frame. The VIN is located on the door post and stamped on a small plate with other vital information.
- Other locations may include the firewall, steering column, and chassis.
- Any vehicle documentation, including insurance, title, registration, and a bill of sale, must record the VIN.
Popular RAM Models
RAM 1500 TRX
In 1994, during the second generation of the RAM Truck, the company debuted the now-famous RAM 1500, the moniker most recognizable today. In 2020, RAM sold 563,700 trucks in the US alone. RAM’s projected revenue is over $15 billion. RAM's 1500 TRX is a stunning example of how far the RAM Truck has evolved. Only 4000 TRX models are made available. The TRX features a 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 blasting out 702HP. A heads-up display, hand-stitched leather interiors, and premium audio make the TRX special. The RAM 1500 TRX beast boasts the highest chassis load in the industry.
RAM 3500
If an individual or company needs to trailer a massive amount of dead weight regularly, look no further than the RAM 3500, starting at $87,615. This one-ton dually monster, equipped with the 6.7 L Turbo Diesel I-6 offering 420 hp and 1075 lb. ft of torque and a 6-speed upgrade, can haul a jaw-dropping 37,090 pounds. The same platform with a V-8 gas engine produces a mere 7,680 pounds. Choose your towing and hauling needs carefully! The interior of the 3500 is nothing short of refined elegance with leather interiors, advanced digital navigation, and an infotainment system that is truly magnificent.
The RAM VIN
From the beginning of the Dodge brand, VINs were mostly production numbers of six to thirteen characters. The last truck model produced by the Dodge Brothers was introduced in 1925. Through the decades, including a depression, two world wars, and countless iterations of the Dodge Ram, it finally started life as its brand in 1981. In the same year, the NHTSA mandated its 17-digit alphanumeric code. The iconic Rams Head hood ornament also reappeared in 1981.
RAM VIN Lookup
A RAM VIN lookup is a way to discover detailed information using the unique 17-digit alphanumeric code assigned to the vehicle during production. Found on the driver’s side dashboard and door jam, a VIN lookup offers the retail and wholesale values, complete ownership timeline, recall data, and accident histories.
Use the GoodCar VIN Lookup service to uncover detailed information about a specific RAM Truck. GoodCar is an approved NMVTIS data provider. GoodCar information is gleaned from hundreds of public and private databases to give its users a highly detailed portrait of the RAM.
GoodCar RAM VIN Checks
A wealth of historical data is provided with a GoodCar VIN Check. Including the myriad of title brands that appear in every GoodCar vehicle report. Make sure the title is clean so proper ownership can be transferred. Look out for title brands such as salvage and rebuilt, which indicate a severe accident and total loss by the insurance company.
Sales history timelines and odometer checks are vital for prospective buyers. Odometer fraud is a fast-growing automotive crime that can be discovered by keeping a sharp eye on all GoodCar mileage readings.
Prospective buyers, current owners, fleet managers, and others should know the value of their vehicles. GoodCar reports offer comprehensive retail, trade-in, and wholesale values, as well as sales to a private party. Historical reports uncover any current and historical recalls on specific brand models. Recall notices explain the issue in detail, along with what action the consumer should take.
Technical Service Bulletins
January 2023, TSB 08-025-23, Ram Trucks equipped with the 5.7L V8 HEMI MDS VVT eTorque engine may have a host of faulty engine light warnings, which may give the driver false information leading to a crash event. Customers should call their dealership for the necessary next action step.
Recalls
March 2024, NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 24V199000, Stellantis is recalling several RAM truck models; a steering column control module may not be adequately welded, which prevents the driver's airbag from deploying in a crash, increasing the risk of serious injury. Dealers will inspect and/or replace the steering column control module free of charge.
In June 2022, Chrysler recalled Z46/NHTSA 22V-406 for possible failure of a high-pressure fuel pump. This recall affects 2014-2019 RAM 1500 Trucks with the 3.0 EcoDiesel powerplant. A faulty fuel pump may let internal debris into the system, causing a serious condition. Dealers will replace the HPFP free of charge and inspect all other fuel system parts.
The largest recall in RAM Truck history occurred in January 2024, when the DOJ recalled 600,000 RAM Trucks and illegally installed Cummins emission control software, skirting emissions testing. The recall affects RAM 2500 and 3500 trucks. Owners should head to the dealership immediately to have the software and all affected parts replaced. Cummins has been ordered to pay $1.675 billion in civil penalties and $325 million in pollution remedies.