1999 Dodge Ram...Continued

The Dodge Ram Van and Wagon are available in 1500, 2500 and 3500 models and in three body lengths, as well as two wheel bases. New front and rear light-duty and heavy-duty brakes with twin piston caliper and increased lining area reduce stopping distance and brake drag and increase pad life. Heavy-duty brake pedal feel is greatly improved, while the parking brake is redesigned for a quieter, car-like operation. Rear-wheel anti-lock brakes with improved diagnostics are standard on all Ram Van and Wagon models. The optional next-generation four-wheel anti-lock brakes reduce stopping distances and improve directional control during braking.

Two areas that a customer may want to pay special attention to are air conditioning and entry ease. With the extra volume, more passenger use and taller height, these aspects can create unexpected problems. Fortunately, there are easy solutions. Uprated or additional a/c units will make long summer drives endurable for the "Are we there yet?" crowd in back. Steps and grab handles are appreciated by those at the other extreme of the age continuum.

"Our focus is firmly on the functional requirements of the customers and how they will use the vehicle in their specific field," said Ray Fisher, General Manager of the Dodge Division. "By viewing the vehicle as a blank canvas, we are able to work with our customers and converters to adapt the vehicle to fit their needs. Flexibility of conversion is a key for this product with the many conversion companies in the business striving for that unique look and appeal," Fisher said. "We involve the conversion companies on a true long-term information sharing basis so that they know where we're headed and can anticipate our plans."

Dodge has entered into an unprecedented partnership with two major conversion companies to jointly develop conversion van design concepts. Designers from Chrysler's design studio guided the design process to ensure that the end product theme -- both the conversion and the factory chassis -- was well integrated. "By participating in their design process, we are able to build on the original design intent of the vehicle, thereby keeping our Dodge brand queues," said Dennis Myles, Dodge Truck exterior design. "And by working with them early in the process, a higher quality standard is set. Quality control on behalf of the vehicle manufacturer is paramount in the van conversion business," Fisher said. "Our retail customer depends on both the van converter and the factory to deliver a quality van that can be serviced by our Dodge dealers. One of the great features of a conversion van is that each is custom-built or modified, so each van is tailored to specific needs and desires."