What is the Dodge Ram van called?
The Dodge Ram van is historically known as the Dodge Ram Van (also called Ram Wagon), the brand’s long-running full-size passenger and cargo van. Today, the direct successor in the Ram lineup is the Ram ProMaster.
Historical naming and generations
Over the decades, Dodge’s full-size van lineup used several names, with the passenger-focused versions commonly referred to as the Ram Van or Ram Wagon. The model evolved through multiple generations and configurations, including cargo and passenger variants, as Chrysler reorganized its truck and van branding and shifted toward the Ram name for commercial vehicles.
What follows is a concise outline of how the van was marketed and how the branding shifted through the years.
- The B-Series-based full-size vans carried Dodge’s commercial and family van roles, with the passenger variant commonly called the Dodge Ram Van and often nicknamed the Ram Wagon by owners and press.
- In the 1990s and early 2000s, the Ram Van remained the primary full-size cargo and passenger van, offered in multiple configurations (passenger, cargo, and conversion variants).
- In the early 2000s, Dodge/Chrysler began relying more on the Mercedes-based Sprinter for some markets, which led to a gradual decrease in the traditional Ram Van naming for North American models.
- Beginning in the mid-2010s, Ram introduced the ProMaster, a modern, Ducato-based front-wheel-drive van that serves as the current mainstream Ram cargo/crew van in North America.
In short, the old Dodge Ram Van name referred to the historic full-size van lineup, while today the direct successor is the Ram ProMaster, which aligns with Ram’s current commercial-vehicle strategy.
The modern successor: Ram ProMaster
Today, Ram’s primary van offering for commercial and upfit use is the Ram ProMaster. It marks a shift from traditional rear-drive, body-on-frame vans to a modular, front-wheel-drive design based on the Fiat Ducato platform, allowing flexible configurations for cargo, crew, and upfitting needs.
Key facts about the Ram ProMaster include:
- Available in multiple wheelbase lengths and roof heights to maximize cargo capacity and cargo-door access.
- Configured as cargo vans or crew vans, with a wide range of upfit possibilities for fleets, deliveries, or passenger transport.
- Drivetrain emphasizes front-wheel drive with a low load floor, improving ease of loading and overall efficiency; modern safety and driver-assistance options are available.
- Based on the Fiat/Ducato platform, designed for North American use with Ram branding, representing the current generation of Ram’s commercial vans.
Key variants at a glance
The Ram ProMaster lineup covers a broad set of commercial needs, offering several configurations to match specific applications.
- ProMaster 1500, 2500, and 3500 series for varying payloads and capabilities.
- Multiple wheelbase options and roof heights for different cargo profiles and on-site access requirements.
- Cargo van, crew van, and chassis cab configurations to support different upfit and fleet applications.
Understanding these options helps buyers compare the modern Ram van to the historical Dodge Ram Van and to competing commercial vans in the market.
Summary
The Dodge Ram van refers to the historic line of full-size vans marketed as the Dodge Ram Van or Ram Wagon, which evolved through several generations. The current Ram-branded van is the Ram ProMaster, a Ducato-based, front-wheel-drive cargo/crew van that serves as Ram’s primary commercial van offering in North America. This transition reflects a broader industry shift toward standardized global platforms and versatile upfit-ready configurations.
Summary: The Dodge Ram van’s name changed over time—from Ram Van/Ram Wagon to the modern Ram ProMaster—which remains the principal Ram van today.
