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67-485: Barletta Pontoon Boats Newmar RV Grand Design Recreational Vehicles Winnebago Industries, Inc. is an American manufacturer of motorhomes , a type of recreational vehicle (RV), in the United States. In 2018, the company expanded into motorboat manufacturing with the acquisition of Chris-Craft Corporation . Winnebago has also manufactured light-to-medium utility vehicles as well as other products. The company

134-571: A 225 cubic-inch Slant-6 and a 318 cubic-inch V8 . For 1972, the 198 was dropped with a 360 V8 becoming a second optional V8. For 1976, B200 and B300 vans gained the option of big-block 400 and 440 cubic-inch V8s. A three-speed manual was standard, with the options of a 4-speed manual (added in 1976 ) and a 3-speed automatic. During its production, the first-generation vans saw gradual changes added each year. For 1972, front disc brakes were added along with full chrome door handles (replacing black push buttons). For 1973, electronic ignition replaced

201-567: A Sydney businessman, Bruce Binns, had "intentionally hijacked" the well-known American brand "in a bold attempt to preempt Winnebago's opening its doors here". Versions of Winnebago models were manufactured in Australia by Binns's Knott Investments, using a logo which bore a striking resemblance to Winnebago's U.S. logo, from about 1982. In 1992, Winnebago and Binns signed a settlement for him to stop passing off his products as those of Winnebago, yet he continued to do so. In 1997 he registered Winnebago as

268-530: A central place in American road culture, according to former English professor James B. Twitchell . When assembled together in a circle, the vehicles can be reminiscent of the covered wagons of the Old West . Choices of camping ground can vary from the slickly corporate Kampgrounds of America to the anarchistic Slab City, California . German politician Guido Westerwelle ( FDP ) used a Winnebago Elanté 37 painted in

335-626: A factory customization package called the "Street Van" package. This was advertised alongside the Lil' Red Express and Warlock trucks as "Adult Toys." The Street Van package consisted of a "Street Van" logo on the passenger and driver's side door in lieu of the Tradesman logos, chrome trim on the grille and windshield, simulated wood grain inlays in the steering wheel horn cover and passenger-side glare shield, five-slot chrome wheels or white spoked "off-road" type wheels, chrome front and rear bumpers, chrome trim on

402-481: A line of smaller units slightly larger than a passenger van, built using various bodies and powerplants from two European automobile and truck manufacturers. The LeSharo was based on the Renault Trafic van with a 2.2 L 4-cylinder motor, and the "Rialta" had a Volkswagen Transporter (T4) (a.k.a. "EuroVan") cab, the 2.5-liter five-cylinder motor, 2.8-liter VR6 with 140 BHP or 2.8 V6 engine with 201 BHP. Distinct from

469-501: A motorhome is referred to as a Wohnmobil . In Sweden , the term husbil means motorhome. In France , a motorhome is called a camping-car . In Italy , the term camper is used to mean motorhome in general, and the term motorhome refers to Class A motorhomes in particular. Spain and Portugal use auto caravana or auto-caravana . In the Netherlands and in Poland , the term camper

536-503: A pattern common in RV history, in 1958 Frank designed and built his first motorhome so his family could take vacations to Florida and the mid-west ; it was 27 feet (8.2 m) long and mounted on a Dodge chassis. Soon afterwards, other campers took an interest in the design and asked Frank to build them one too. By 1960, the Franks had sold seven motorhomes, and decided to open Frank Motor Homes, Inc.

603-498: A price approximately half of what was being charged for competitors' models, which led to its ubiquity and popularity in the RV community. The brand name has become synonymous with "motorhome" and is commonly used as a generic trademark for such vehicles, whether they were produced by the company or not. In March 2015, Winnebago announced that it was opening a production center to employ 70 in Waverly, Iowa, due to labor shortage issues in

670-410: A trademark in Australia. The court ordered the cancellation of this Winnebago trademark in Australia. On appeal in 2013, Chief Justice Allsop found that "...Knott and Mr Binns had from the outset deliberately sought to obtain some connection with Winnebago and take advantage of any reputation Winnebago may have had in Australia as at 1978. However, the fact that Knott had manufactured and sold RVs under

737-405: Is either fixed or converted from another part of the motorhome's interior, usually a fold-out sofa. A kitchenette area contains cooking equipment. The type of equipment included differs depending on the motorhome make and model, but generally a kitchenette has a stovetop, oven, refrigerator, and sink. More luxury models may also provide a microwave . A small bathroom with a shower, sink and toilet

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804-504: Is named after Winnebago County , Iowa, where it used to be headquartered. The county is named after the Native American tribe who have historically lived in the area. During the 1970s and 1980s, Winnebago Industries depended on Native American history and traditions in naming their products, for example "Chieftain" and "Brave." They also used Native American iconography and patterns in their designs and period advertisements. The company

871-600: Is not well documented, but is estimated at only six or seven of the S-55 and S-58 versions combined. In the 1980s and 1990s, Winnebago also manufactured light- and medium-duty utility vehicles using techniques and knowledge derived from motorhome production. Their "Route Van" was an aluminum-bodied step-through van with front-wheel drive. Engines were Cummins 4BTA diesel four-cylinders producing between 105 and 120 hp (78 and 89 kW). Model codes were W650, W750, W850, and W950 depending on weight rating. The company also developed

938-424: Is used. In Australia and New Zealand , the term campervan is frequently used for smaller vans, either with a low top or high top that do not have a toilet and shower. In New Zealand , the term housebus is frequently used for larger motorhomes. In some countries, the proprietary name Winnebago has been largely genericised to refer to any motorhome. The origins of the motorhome date back to 1910, when

1005-466: Is usually also located in the motorhome. On smaller motorhomes, the toilet may be of the "cassette toilet" type, which is a kind of portable toilet or container-based toilet . The toilet sometimes swivels to provide extra room and can be accessed from outside the motorhome for easy emptying. Larger motorhomes usually have a separate shower cubicle. A motorhome also has a cab area with a driver and passenger seat. These seats often swivel to become part of

1072-627: The Chrysler K cars ), with all production subsequently sourced from Pillette Road Truck Assembly. For 1980, the windows were revised, with sliding side doors receiving a single-pane window (in line with the single-panel rear door). For 1981, the model line underwent a major rebranding. In line with its pickup truck counterpart (which became the Dodge Ram pickup ), the Dodge Tradesman and Sportsman nameplates were retired in favor of Dodge Ram Van and Wagon;

1139-632: The Pierce-Arrow motor company introduced the Touring Landau model at the Madison Square Garden auto show. The Pierce-Arrow's entry was specialized for the camper in mind—providing cargo compartments for camping equipment and even an on-board toilet. In the 1920s, individual builders and manufactures began to convert panel trucks and buses to be used for camping. Designers patterned these "housecars" after airplanes, boats, and buses. One of

1206-537: The Winnebago Heli-Home . The S-58 version featured a larger kitchenette, sleeping accommodations for six, a minibar, and an entertainment system; optional floats were offered for amphibious operations. The aircraft were featured in several American popular magazines and reportedly drew large crowds at RV shows and dealerships, but their high purchase price and prodigious fuel consumption together with rising 1970s fuel prices resulted in very limited sales; production

1273-653: The "Rialta", Volkswagen contracted to have the camper conversions of the T4 be done by Winnebago Industries, a radical departure from using the Germany-based Westfalia company that had become famous for building the VW Type 2 campmobile models from the 1950s through 1991. This tradition continues today with Winnebago's use of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Fiat Ducato chassis. The Winnebago and other motorhomes occupy

1340-550: The "Winnie Wagon" with a low profile and pop-top. In the early 1970s, Orlando Helicopter Airways developed a novel RV conversion of the Sikorsky S-55 helicopter, the Heli-Camper , featuring a built-in mini-kitchen and sleeping accommodations for four. Later in that decade, Orlando developed an enhanced version based on the larger Sikorsky S-58 , and participated in a joint effort with Winnebago Industries to market both aircraft as

1407-536: The 1971 model year. Using a one-welded-piece "Uniframe" design, the platform was lighter and stronger, giving a lower cargo floor than previous American designs. While at the expense of noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), the resulting lower center of gravity improved handling versus competing products with full frames. Produced over three distinct generations, the B-series van utilized the majority of body sheetmetal from 1971 to 2003. Alongside passenger and cargo vans,

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1474-510: The 1971 to 2003 model years. Replacing the Dodge A100 , the Ram Van transitioned to a front-engine drivetrain configuration. Mostly offered as a cargo van and a passenger van, the model line was also initially offered as a cutaway van chassis . The B-series van line was produced across 32 years of production, making it among the longest-lived platform designs in American automotive history. Much of

1541-527: The 3.9 L V6, 5.2 L V8, and 5.9 L V8 from the 1994 model revision, a 3-speed automatic was paired with the V6 and a 4-speed automatic was paired with the V8 engines. Dodge vans, particularly Tradesman vans from the 1971–1977 model years, were very popular as the basis for many custom vans during the custom van craze that occurred during the mid- to late 1970s and early 1980s. Dodge capitalized on this craze, creating

1608-627: The B-series nomenclature remained, revised to B150, B250, and B350. Derived from the B150, the Mini-Ram was a higher-trim passenger van with a larger fuel tank. For 1984, the Dodge Mini Ram and the Plymouth Voyager were retired from the B-series line, as both nameplates became part of the Chrysler minivan line; Plymouth would not again offer a full-size truck prior to its discontinuation. For 1986,

1675-600: The B-series van: the Dodge Tradesman cargo van and the Dodge Sportsman passenger van. In line with the D-series pickup truck (which underwent a final redesign for 1972), the van was marketed with three payload series: ½ -ton "100", ¾ -ton "200", and 1-ton "300". Only five inches longer than its A100/A108 predecessor, moving the front axle forward allowed for a substantial increase in interior space. Dodge introduced

1742-526: The B-series. A factory-produced cutaway van fitted with a cube van rear body, the Kary Van was produced in 10- and 12-foot lengths and two widths (derived from single- or dual-rear-wheel axle configuration). Derived from the B300 Tradesman, the cutaway body of the Kary Van would also serve as a basis underpinning bodies for Type C recreational vehicles during the 1970s. In 1979, Chrysler ended production of

1809-469: The Dodge Caravan. For 1998, the third-generation B-series van was released. The most substantial revision of the model line since 1971, the body structure was upgraded to improve crash protection. Along with further reinforcement of the bodyshell, the powertrain was relocated further forward in the chassis (though wheelbases remained carryover), requiring a longer hood and front fenders. Alongside

1876-591: The Eden Prairie location effective December 1, but that the company's manufacturing presence would be maintained in Forest City. In 2019, Winnebago Industries acquired luxury RV maker Newmar. In July 2021, Winnebago Industries announced it would purchase Barletta Pontoon Boats, a privately held maker of pontoon boats , for over $ 300 million. In July 2012, a Justice of the Federal Court of Australia determined that

1943-612: The FDP colours yellow and blue and called "Guidomobil" during his campaign for the 2002 German federal election , which received much media attention. Gorillaz 's bassist, Murdoc Niccals, previously lived in a Winnebago in Essex . The band temporarily all lived in the vehicle after their studio and living quarters collapsed. Niccals' Winnebago appeared in the music videos for DARE and Strange Timez . Motorhome Motorhomes usually have sleeping spaces for two to eight people. Each sleeping space

2010-572: The Forest City area. The company now employs about 2,400 workers in Forest City, 200 in Charles City and 60 in Lake Mills, plus additional employees in Middlebury, Indiana. In 2016 when CEO Mike Happe was brought in, Winnebago Industries established their management offices in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. In 2021 the company announced it would be relocating its corporate headquarters from Forest City, Iowa to

2077-525: The Minnie Winnie, built on the Dodge B-series van chassis. It was about 19-1/2 feet (5.9 m) long (despite the name, longer than the shortest contemporary Brave model). Longer models were added through the years. This model continued (using Chevrolet or Ford chassis after 1980) to be built into the 21st century. As fuel prices went up over time, the company continued to make smaller models available, such as

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2144-526: The Tradesman and Sportsman in two wheelbases: 109 inches and 127 inches. Initially introduced in two body lengths, an extended-length "Maxivan/Maxiwagon" variant was introduced during 1971. Consisting of an 18-inch rear body extension, the Sportsman Maxiwagon could be fitted with four rows of rear seats, allowing for up to 15 passengers. While the Tradesman was offered strictly as a cargo van, the Sportsman

2211-465: The United States. Motorhomes can be roughly categorized into three categories: There are many different motorhome layouts available with each manufacturer offering a range of options. One layout innovation that started in 1999 was the development of a slide out or slide room. As seen on the floor plan of the Thor Motor Coach, a slide out is an area that increases the square footage living space of

2278-499: The Voyager in this format through 1983, after which the nameplate was transferred to the new minivan that was introduced for 1984 as a rebadged Dodge Caravan . For 1979, Dodge completed the two-year transition to its second-generation B-series vans, with the front portion of the body undergoing a redesign. The front fascia received a taller hoodline and grille (styled in line with Dodge Ram pickup trucks), with parking lamps wrapping into

2345-512: The Winnebago name and logo to their premium range of RV products. This announcement came just one month before Winnebago Industries announced they were entering the Australian market for the first time. Binns is currently opposing the registration of the Winnebago trademark in Australia, despite having been refused permission to hold the trademark himself. In 1973, the company introduced a new model,

2412-461: The Winnebago name in Australia for 32 years, 25 years of which was with the knowledge of Winnebago, was an unusual situation which could not be overlooked". Accordingly, Allsop held that it was appropriate that Knott be permitted to continue to use the Winnebago name and logos, provided the distinction between its business and Winnebago's was made clear. As a result of the case, a disclaimer was required to be made clear on any vehicles made by Knott in

2479-422: The chassis upgrades, the interior underwent its first major redesign since 1978. Coinciding with its relocation forward, the engine cover was reduced in size, increasing space both between the front seats and for both front-seat passengers. The dashboard was redesigned, both to allow for the introduction of dual airbags and shared componentry with contemporary Chrysler vehicles. The front doors were distinguished by

2546-455: The chassis. In ten years, Winnebago had grown from 415 employees to 1,252 in 1969 with over $ 3 million in sales. While Winnebago was the market leader, other companies were also growing. In 1969 a total of 23,100 motorhomes were sold. While the gas crunch of the 1970s drove many manufacturers out of business—including Frank Motorhomes (then known as Travco) —today, the motorhome market continues to be strong. In 2014, 43,900 motorhomes were sold in

2613-592: The collapse of Chrysler Europe, the model line continued to be manufactured by Renault, which phased out the Dodge branding entirely after 1987. After 1993, Renault phased out the model line in favor of its own Renault Master . In 2012, Chrysler's Ram brand revived the Tradesman nameplate as the Dodge Grand Caravan C/V cargo van was rebranded as the Ram C/V Tradesman. Sold only as a two-passenger cargo van,

2680-477: The compatibility of components across various model years. In two size extremes to the market segment, Dodge was the first American manufacturer to popularize extended-length passenger vans, with the 1971 "Maxiwagon" introducing 15-passenger seating. Conversely, the Ram van was the final full-size short-wheelbase van, as the 109-inch wheelbase B1500 was offered through 2003. From 1971 to 1978, Dodge produced two models of

2747-420: The deletion of the front vent windows, with the sideview mirrors relocated in their place (shared with the Dodge Ram / Dodge Dakota , bringing power-operated mirrors for the first time). To free up interior cargo space, the spare tire was moved from the interior to an underfloor location. Through its production, the third-generation van saw few functional changes following its 1998 introduction. Carrying over

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2814-538: The earliest known RVs is the "Gypsy Van," built in 1915 by Roland and Mary Conklin. The Gypsy Van was essentially a motorhome constructed on a bus chassis, featuring a range of amenities that were considered quite luxurious for its time. RV production was halted during World War Two and would not resume for the domestic market until the 1950s. When production did begin again, designers began grafting trailer bodies onto truck or bus chassis. Raymond Frank gave these housecars their contemporary name of “motorhome". Following

2881-606: The exterior and chassis underpinnings saw only gradual changes during their entire production, with three distinct generations developed. Alongside its use by Dodge, the full-size van range saw rebranding during the 1970s for both Fargo Trucks and Plymouth (marking the debut of the Plymouth Voyager nameplate). For much of its entire production run, Chrysler produced B-platform vans at the now-demolished Pillette Road Truck Assembly plant in Windsor, Ontario , Canada; prior to 1980,

2948-428: The final full-size van line to standardize automatic transmissions. In 1991, Chrysler began development of a CNG-fueled version of the Ram Van, using the 5.2 L V8. After a short initial prototype production period, the variant was launched into larger-scale production for 1992; approximately 2,000 were produced primarily for fleet sales. From 1994 to 1998, Chrysler continued development with CNG powertrains using

3015-502: The front fenders. Higher-trim Sportsman vans were fitted with four rectangular headlamps while lower-trim versions (and Tradesman cargo vans) were fitted with dual round headlamps. In a change that would prove beneficial to Chrysler, the government reclassified the Sportsman passenger van as a truck (instead of a passenger car), substantially increasing the ability of the company to meet CAFE implementation. After 1980, production ended at Saint Louis North Assembly (retooled to produce

3082-454: The future, and on any advertising and promotional material. Further, all future consumers of Australian Winnebago/Avida products are required to sign a disclaimer declaring they have been made aware that they are not purchasing a United States Winnebago product. The disclaimer reads "These vehicles were not manufactured by, or by anyone having any association with, Winnebago of the United States." In 2014, Avida RV announced they would reintroduce

3149-510: The gauges, smaller chrome side-view mirrors, patterns and plans to create custom interiors, and membership in the "Dodge Van Clan." For 1976 and 1977 only, the YH 3 Street Van could be ordered with a single driver seat, no dash pad, plain steering wheel, and Street Van door decal delete. The decals were placed in the glovebox at time of manufacture. Most of these were sent to conversion companies to be customized to customer specification. This package

3216-490: The grille and badging trim were revised in line with Ram pickup trucks. In a safety upgrade, outboard seating positions received 3-point seatbelts for 1992. For 1994, the model line underwent its most substantial revision since 1978. Distinguished by new front sheetmetal (adopting a grille styled in line with the redesigned Dodge Ram pickup trucks), the body shell underwent structural enhancements to improve crash protection. To modernize its appearance, exterior chrome brightwork

3283-462: The living space. A dinette area provides a table and seating space typically used for eating meals. A lounge may also be included, consisting of either a U-shaped sofa located in the rear of the motorhome or a side lounge. In the United Kingdom and the United States, the word motorhome is commonly used. On occasion, other synonyms are used, such as motor home and motor caravan . In Germany ,

3350-524: The model line also served as a basis for cutaway chassis during the 1970s, serving both commercial markets and as a basis for recreational vehicles. Though popular in the latter market, Chrysler Corporation would end production of that design as a consequence of its late 1970s financial difficulties. The relatively limited changes for the model line across its production made the Dodge Ram van popular with fleet buyers, service companies, and upbuilders because of

3417-542: The model line was also produced at Saint Louis North Assembly ( Fenton, Missouri ). In 2003, the Dodge Sprinter (a rebranding of its Mercedes-Benz namesake ) was introduced, replacing the B-series van entirely from 2004 to 2009. Since 2014, the Ram division has offered the ProMaster to the full-size van market, a rebranded Fiat Ducato . Built on the B platform (later AB), the Dodge full-size vans entered production for

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3484-419: The motorhome. These slide out(s) extend to allow for more living space while parked and retract while driving. As with most innovations, the original slide outs were considered a luxury item, whereas they are now standard on most of today's motorhomes. Dodge Ram van The Dodge Ram Van (also known as the Dodge B-series ) is a range of full-size vans that were produced by Chrysler Corporation from

3551-493: The name of the company was changed to Winnebago Industries. To improve quality, Winnebago Industries manufactured furniture and other components designed specifically for its travel trailers. One such innovation was the "Thermo-Panel", a strong, lightweight sidewall that was a characteristic of Winnebago products. In 1966, the first motorhome rolled off the Winnebago Industries assembly lines. These motorhomes were sold at

3618-534: The next year. With the stylish fiberglass construction and contemporary color palette, the Frank motorhomes became an acceptable option for 1960s suburbanites who wanted an RV but scoffed at the travel trailer . Soon other firms began to manufacture these mainstream motorhomes. In 1958, one of the most recognizable names in motorhomes was launched— Winnebago . Under the direction of John Hanson, Winnebago began to produce nearly all of their motorhomes' components other than

3685-459: The option was shelved. For 1980, the 3-speed column-shifted manual was retired in favor of the overdrive-equipped 4-speed (floor-shifted) manual. For 1988, the standard transmission became a 5-speed manual (with the 3.9 L V6); a 4-speed automatic became optional for the V6 and the 5.2 L V8, with a heavy-duty 4-speed automatic for the 5.9 L V8 added in 1990. As part of the 1994 update, manual transmissions were discontinued; Dodge became

3752-470: The powertrain line. Following the retirement of the big-block 400 and 440 V8s by Chrysler, the 360 V8 now served as the largest-displacement engine (doing so through 2003). The long-running 225 Slant-Six returned as the standard engine (later advertised in its 3.7 L metric displacement); in 1988, it was replaced by a 3.9 L LA V6 adopted from the Dodge Dakota. The 318 (later 5.2 L) returned as

3819-434: The previous points-type system and power brakes became standard. For 1974, a redesigned plastic grille was added (moving the Dodge lettering to the hood). To better match its Ford and GM competitors, the model line received a sliding door; initially offered on Maxivans/Maxiwagons, the configuration later became an option for the entire model line. For 1975, an optional single-piece rear door became an option for Sportsman vans;

3886-527: The rear doors was revised, deleting the filler panel of long-wheelbase vans; the side and rear windows now extended slightly below the beltline of the front doors; and the taillamps were enlarged, switching from a horizontal orientation to a vertical one. The interior underwent a major revision with an all-new dashboard, trim, and seats; upgraded interior controls were now shared with Chrysler cars. In another revision, smaller engine covers increased space for front-seat passengers. The extended-length Maxivan/Maxivan

3953-514: The rear side doors are separated by a filler panel (with a small window), with all body lengths (including the Maxiwagon) sharing the same side glass. The side windows are smaller in size, sharing a beltline with the front door glass. Sharing its powertrain with the Dodge D-series pickup truck (redesigned for 1972), the van line was initially released with a 198 cubic-inch Slant-6 along with

4020-461: The side-opening door remained unique to the B-series line through the end of its production. 1976 saw the launch of the Street Van customization package for Tradesman vans (see below), with minor interior revisions; in 1977, the single-panel rear door became standard on all Sportsman vans. For 1978, the B-series van began a two-year transition towards its second generation. Much of the body behind of

4087-463: The standard V8 option, adopting fuel injection for 1988 (the 5.9 L V8 doing so for 1989). For 1992, the "Magnum" generation of the 3.9 L and 5.2 L engines was introduced, featuring multiport fuel injection; the 5.9 L followed suit for 1993. For 1979, Dodge planned to offer the Mitsubishi 4.0 L (243 CID) inline-six diesel engine (offered as an option on Dodge pickup trucks), but

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4154-502: The variant in response to its financial difficulties. The Dodge 50 series is a light commercial vehicle that was built by Chrysler Europe (and later Renault Trucks ) from 1979 to 1993. Using the cab assembly of the 1971–1978 Dodge Kary Van, the Dodge 50 mated the American-designed cab with a British-designed chassis. The model line was powered by Peugeot/Renault gasoline engines and Perkins 4-cylinder diesel engines. Following

4221-400: Was available from the 1976 model year until it was discontinued in the early 1980s.This was not an overly popular option from the factory, and Street Vans are somewhat rare. The chrome-plated metal Street Van emblems found on later Street Vans (emblems through mid-1978 were stickers) in good shape are quite valuable to collectors or restorers. For 1973, Dodge introduced the Kary Van variant of

4288-586: Was founded by Forest City, Iowa businessman John K. Hanson in February 1958. At the time, the town, located in Winnebago County, Iowa , was undergoing an economic downturn, so Hanson and a group of community leaders convinced a California firm, Modernistic Industries, to open a travel trailer factory in a bid to revive the local economy. Surviving a rough beginning, the entire operation was purchased by five Midwesterners, with Hanson serving as president. In 1960,

4355-583: Was now a 26-inch extension, with the Maxiwagon receiving wraparound corner windows to improve visibility. During the last two years of its existence, Fargo offered a rebadged variant of the Tradesman and Sportsman in Canada for 1971 and 1972 only. Plymouth also received a rebadged variant of the Sportsman, called the Voyager for the 1974 model year. While never as popular as the Dodge version, Plymouth marketed

4422-469: Was offered in three distinct trims: Sportsman, Custom Sportsman, and Royal Sportsman, with the latter rivaling the Dodge Royal Monaco station wagon in equipment and trim. Along with its highly sloped hoodline and short front fenders, this generation of the B-series van is distinguished by several exterior design features. On passenger vans with the 127-inch wheelbase, the front passenger door and

4489-456: Was reduced (limited to the bumpers and grille). While the dashboard introduced for 1978 remained carryover, the interior saw revisions to the door panels and seats. In a branding change, the van line adopted the nomenclature of the Dodge Ram pickup trucks, becoming the B1500, B2500, and B3500. For 1995, a driver-side airbag was added. For the second-generation Ram vans, several changes were made to

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