What do you know about the Plymouth TrailDuster?
 

Hey all,
Well, even know I have a 94 Ram now and plan on getting on 03, it's always been a goal of mine to land an old RamCharger in good shape. However, I have yet to find one with a reasonable body or mileage or overall condition for sale.
But, last night, I stumbled upon a 1980 Plymouth TrailDuster in great condition! It has 90,000 total miles with a 318, 4x4. It was a Fire Dept truck originally, so the body and paint were kept in real good condition because of that, it's also cool since I'm on the local Fire Dept.
My question is: How rare are these? I knew they existed, but this is probably the first Plymouth TrailDuster I've seen, let alone driven. It drove really great. The 4wd works a hundred times better than my 94 Ram's does.
They were asking over $3,000 but I can land it for $2,800. Any thoughts? I am already one vehicle over my limit for space to park vehicles in my yard, but I am still debating buying this one. That's partially why I'm interested to know how rare it is.

It certainly is a beast!

I dont know how rare they are since I've seen a few just where I live. I'd get it though. That's a good old truck and you are already ahead of the game since it is in good condition.

Even out here where the bodies last for ever, you don't see very many Traildusters. They are rare, but I couldn't give you any production numbers. If you can get it without feeling too much pain, I would get it. If down the road you decide to sell, it will only be worth more than you paid, not less. Either way you win. Sounds like a deal to me.

HELL YEAH GET IT THERE AINT TOO MANY OF THOSE AROUND IN GOOD CONDITION. I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR A GOOD RAMCHARGER FOR A LONG TIME AND CANT FIND ONE.

yes, they are rare but don't carry any added value... sounds like a deal too me, i've had my eyes peeled for a deal on a pre 81 rc/trailduster for a while and most go for around 3k, and that's not in great condition. my dream play toy is a 74 ramcharger with a built 440/4 speed.

I would grab it right away because every one I see has got rusted rear quarters and the only place you would get a 4 wheel drive (in most cases)is in a snow area ..Snow=salt=rust hence the lack of any quality 4 wheel drive vehicles in good condition.Remember there were a couple of winters in the last 22 where it would have been hard to resist strapping on a snowplow and earning some cash....Keep it dry and wait 10 years.

My friends uncle let him borrow his trail duster a few months ago and he drove it to work. I was in beautiful condition with no rust. Nice red with a 3" suspension lift 35's equal length headers and flowmasters. Not to mention It had a 440. He paid nearly nothing for it. What a deal. I'd buy it if he decides to sell it.

85ramcharger 70 challenger old warlock 4 sale
 

rah just thought I'd drop a line... I just bought a 2000 quad cab... and need to get rid of a couple of dodges sitting here ... my ramcharger has been my daily driver for about a year and a half ... 360 4x4 runs fantastic went through the mud to pick up my deer really well last winter... no rust anywhere .... get back with me if you know of any one with interest/// $3000. Has 2000 16" rims off a 2000 ram truck with good tires/// thanks Wayne
:D
Can email pictures of any of the vehicles

well, I am looking for a scale model of a Trailduster and this forum popped up. So...I resurrect this thread from the dead of 10 years to tell you that I currently own a 1980 Plymouth Trailduster. It was red originally but is now primer gray.

It was a 318 originally, but now has a 413 big block from a Chrysler Imperial and the 4WD works great.

I just used it for a movie I filmed called The Truck.

The Trailduster is exactly like a Ramcharger, only different badging, pretty much. they are super cool!

It has the NP203 transfer case, which is a burly unit and is FULL TIME four-wheel drive. It takes 10 w 40, NOT gear oil or ATF. :D Ask me how I know.

Here’s a writeup I did on the 203:


NP203 Aricle

Very cool. I'll check that out. Yes, the Trailduster has a unique history as it's own badge. I'm proud to own one...and especially proud to have had it in a movie.

edit: Very good article. Good to know. Here's my question......

If my 1980 Trailduster has a 413 from a 1960's Chrysler Imperial, what transmission and transfer case might it have??? because damn...it works like a charm!

Selling my Trailduster if anyone is interested.