1981 Dodge Ram 150 Conventional Cab Short Bed (D/W) Dimensions, Size & Specs

Yes, the Dodge Ram 150 Conventional Cab Short Bed generally fits into a standard residential garage. With a length of 4846 mm (190.7 inches) and a width of 2019 mm (79.5 inches) including mirrors, it is somewhat on the larger side but still within the typical size constraints of most single-car garages, which commonly measure about 6 meters (20 feet) in depth and 3 meters (10 feet) in width. However, drivers should be mindful of the mirrors as they increase the width, so folding them in might be necessary to ensure easier access and avoid damage within a tighter garage space.

At 2019 mm (79.5 inches) wide with opened mirrors, the Dodge Ram 150 Conventional Cab Short Bed was competitive for its time. Many full-size pickups in the early to mid-1980s fell into a width range of around 1900 mm to 2100 mm. This width positioned the Ram 150 as a capable and stable vehicle on the road, granting a good cabin and bed width for work utility without being excessively wide for urban or rural driving scenarios. The width also played a role in overall road presence and handling characteristics, making it comparable or slightly wider than some competitors from Ford and Chevrolet of the same period.

The 1981-1987 Dodge Ram 150 Conventional Cab Short Bed has a curb weight of approximately 1570 kg (3462 lbs). This relatively moderate weight for a full-size pickup of its day strikes a balance between sturdiness and fuel economy. Heavier trucks tend to offer greater towing capacity and durability but at the cost of fuel consumption and sometimes agility. This Ram 150 weight figure contributed to its durability and reliability as a work truck while helping maintain reasonable performance and fuel efficiency considering the technology available during the 1980s.

The Dodge Ram 150 Conventional Cab Short Bed from 1981 to 1987 has a maximum weight or gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 2177 kg (4798 lbs). GVWR refers to the total maximum weight of the vehicle including its own weight plus passengers, cargo, and any towed load within safe limits. With a curb weight of 1570 kg (3462 lbs), this leaves a payload capacity of roughly 600 kg (1323 lbs), allowing the truck to carry substantial gear or materials, suitable for light to medium-duty hauling. This GVWR also implies a moderate towing capacity, consistent with light trucks of that era, making it practical for personal, farm, or small business use.

The Dodge Ram 150 Conventional Cab Short Bed uses rims sized 5.5J x 15 paired with tire sizes 195/75 R15. These relatively narrow tires on a 15-inch rim reflect tire technologies typical of the 1980s pickup trucks, prioritizing durability and load-handling over sporty handling characteristics. The 195 mm tire width and 75% sidewall height balance ride comfort and sidewall flexibility, absorbing rough road conditions and contributing to a stable ride, especially when carrying cargo. While not designed for high-speed cornering or performance driving, this tire and rim setup supported the truck’s primary function as a dependable utility vehicle.

Compared to its predecessor generation, the 1981 Dodge Ram 150 Conventional Cab Short Bed introduced a notable increase in size and weight. The 1981-1987 model is longer at 4846 mm (190.7 inches) and wider at 2019 mm (79.5 inches) with mirrors, generally offering more interior space and cargo bed length than earlier models. This change improved comfort, utility, and road presence. Additionally, the truck got a more modern design and construction, with improvements in aerodynamics and structural integrity, which translated into better handling and durability relative to the older, more utilitarian pickups it replaced.

Compared to contemporaries like the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet C/K series of the early to mid-1980s, the Dodge Ram 150 Conventional Cab Short Bed holds its own fairly well in terms of size and capability. Its length of 4846 mm (190.7 inches) and width of 2019 mm (79.5 inches) place it in the same class size-wise, making it competitive for workspace capacity and overall road presence. Payload and towing capacities were also similar, with all these pickups aiming at the light-duty market. Dodge’s Ram, with a curb weight of 1570 kg (3462 lbs), was generally on par with its peers, offering a good balance of ruggedness and manageable size.

The 1981-1987 Dodge Ram 150 Conventional Cab Short Bed features a straightforward, rugged design typical of early 1980s pickups. The conventional cab layout means a two-door truck with a short bed optimized for maneuverability and moderate cargo capacity. The truck’s relatively compact length for a pickup at 4846 mm (190.7 inches) makes it easier to navigate tighter spaces compared to longer bed models. The design emphasizes durability and work readiness, including a strong frame and simple mechanics, making repair and maintenance easier and part replacements more accessible for owners, supporting its reputation as a dependable utility vehicle.

While the 1981-1987 Dodge Ram 150 Conventional Cab Short Bed is larger than many modern compact vehicles, its length of 4846 mm (190.7 inches) and width of 2019 mm (79.5 inches) with mirrors mean it can still be practical in urban driving settings, especially for drivers accustomed to full-size pickups. It’s more manageable than extended-cab or long-bed trucks, making parking in city environments feasible, though drivers might need to exercise caution due to its width and size. Folding mirrors when parked, careful maneuvering, and awareness of blind spots are advisable. Though not as compact as smaller modern trucks or SUVs, it retains a balance between utility and urban usability.