Mecum’s “Summer Special” auction in August 2020 included three examples of the 1980s Ramcharger. The one that did the best was a 1986 Royal S.E.—the top-of-the-line for that year. Its hammer price was $15,500.
“Tough in the Rough.”
For 1986, Dodge’s Ramcharger SUV received a new crosshair grille that strongly resembled the design seen on Dodge’s early 1970s pickup trucks. The side mirror assemblies were simplified, but otherwise, there was little change, aside from new colors.
The Ramcharger’s standard engine was an LA 150 bhp 5.2 liter/318 ci V8 with a two-barrel carburetor. It came with a four-speed manual transmission if four-wheel drive was chosen, and a three-speed automatic transmission if two-wheel drive was preferred. An LA 175 bhp 5.9 liter/360 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor went for an additional $261. With the base powertrain, fuel economy was rated at an uninspiring (and somewhat uncompetitive) 11 city/14 highway by the day’s standards in an SUV with a curb weight starting at 4,045 pounds. A capacious 35-gallon gas tank gave a respectable 360 to 395-mile range with a 10% fuel reserve.
The Ramcharger’s base price was $11,534—about $34,400 in today’s dollars, which is about 20% less than a 2026 Durango GT SUV goes for. Standard exterior and mechanical equipment included tinted glass, chrome front and rear bumpers, two-wheel drive, power-assisted front disc/rear drum brakes, power steering, and P235/75R15 tires (a size still readily available) on 15 x 6.5-inch wheels with bright hubcaps. Inside, Deluxe vinyl low-back front bucket seats and an ETR AM radio with a digital clock were included. The four-wheel-drive version of the Ramcharger went for an additional $1,229.
Individual Options, Option Packages, & Production Numbers
Among the many individual options available were aluminum road wheels ($350), a heavy-duty alternator ($145), intermittent windshield wipers ($55), air conditioning ($740), and an ETR AM stereo/FM stereo radio with a cassette player and a clock ($360).
A few option packages were available. Prospector Package I ($768) included a bright grille, Deluxe wheel covers, a Ram’s Head hood ornament, Prospector nameplates, and a convenience package. Prospector Package II ($1,251) added the Royal S.E. décor package and power door locks. Finally, the top-of-the-line Prospector Package III ($3,269 2WD/$3,186 4WD) added two-tone paint, air conditioning, power windows, speed control, and a tilt steering column.
The Ramcharger’s sales peaked at 37,055 in the 1985 model year and would never again come close to that level. With little changed for 1986, sales slipped substantially, with only 20,815 Ramchargers produced compared to 37,310 Chevrolet Blazers and 57,488 Ford Broncos.
The View From 2025
Along with other eighties SUVS, Ramchargers are attracting significant collector interest. According to Hagerty’s valuation tools, a loaded 1986 Ramcharger Royal S.E. 4×4 in #1/Concours condition is $45,100, while a far more normal #3/Good condition AD-100 version goes for $16,300. Ramchargers are often available in the Hemmings Motor News classifieds, on eBay Motors, and on Bring a Trailer. As I update this post in December 2025, a Black 1986 Ramcharger Prospecter with black bucket seats and 38,000 miles is for sale on Hemmings, asking $26,000.
Make mine Charcoal Gray Metallic, please.
Other Dodges I have written about include the 1983 Shelby Charger hatchback coupe, the 1984 Daytona Turbo Z hatchback coupe, the 1985 600 Club Coupe, the 1985 Omni GLH hatchback sedan, the 1985 Shelby Charger hatchback coupe, the 1987 Aries LE sedan, and the 1989 Diplomat sedan. I have also written about the 1985 Chevrolet K5 Blazer SUV and the 1985 Ford Eddie Bauer Bronco SUV.
Last updated December 2025.
Eighties Cars 
I have an 86 royal se 4×4360 great metallic for sale