Dodge’s SUV lineup in the United States through the 1990s and 2000s is pretty easy to follow: The Ramcharger existed until 1993, then nothing until the Durango showed up in 1998. Other than the Nitro and Journey crossovers, that was that. Now, we know that the original D-series based Ramcharger continued on in Mexico and Canada until 1996, and that the Mexican market got a version based on the 1990s Ram pickup that lasted from 1999-2002. That one we’ve shown you before, and your response was pretty typical for what we’ve heard before elsewhere: it looks like the love child of a 1994 Ram 1500 and a 1996 Dodge Caravan, and that’s not exactly a flattering statement.

But then there is this vehicle, which was sent to us by Fred Timmons. This is called a “TrailCharger”, and it’s the first one we’ve ever seen in any kind of condition, ever. Unlike the Mexican Ramcharger, the TrailCharger has a more squared-off look…it makes us think of a larger version of a ZJ-era Grand Cherokee, especially around the clamshell area. It’s based on a shortbed Ram 1500 chassis and…well, here is a story the seller found on the Internet about what this truck could be all about:

“Hey. I have one of these 96 Dodge trailchargers (made from Ram 1500 extended cab). It is a red , 2wd, auto, 318, gray leather interior, sunroof, etc. Will try to send a pic soon of it. Me and my dad purchase the suv brand new in Bryan, TX (Bossier dodge) while I was in school and it sat on the lot for a month and no one bought it. We love it and wished so bad we had another one. We also meet the head of the project at Show Trucks USA and she added some things to it for free. It is one of 36 they made for Dodge to show around the country. There was only 36 of the 1st gen. then they made no more. One of the designers took over and made a few more in Rockwall, TX and next to Show Trucks USA in Terrell, TX. We saw one being made. Everything is steel except the rear hatch which is fiberglass made from a mole. The rear seat is from a Dakota front seat, side rear glass is special made, rear glass is from a Jeep grand cherkee, and a few other pieces from other vehicles. The bed of the truck is welded to the cab with pieces of the roof using body filer. Tell you more later. It still gets looks everywhere we go. People wondering what it is and never seen one of those. Me and dad got pull over the night we got it going home to Texarkana that night with a small town cop asking what this was when he walked up to the window. I know that Show Trucks USA went out of business a few years ago and do not know what happen to the info for the trailcharger. I would like to get that and find other people. I have seen other Trailcharger in Atlanta, TX and in the Plano, tx area. If anyone knows of any other owners let me know.”

Fancy a full-size Dodge SUV but didn’t like the Mexican Ramcharger? If you’ve got $12,500 you could have a TrailCharger of your own!

Craigslist Link: 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 “TrailCharger” conversion by Show Truck U.S.A.