Ram VIN Decoder

Decoding Your Ram Truck

2019 – DT – RAM 1500 PICKUP – 3.6L V6 UPG I W/BSG (eTorque)

00 – Vehicle Data/Vehicle Information/Vehicle Identification Number/Description

Understanding Your Ram Truck VIN

Every Ram truck has a unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that encodes important information about its origin, equipment and build specifications. VINs are standardized 17‑character codes comprised of letters and numbers, and understanding them is key for ordering parts, confirming recalls and verifying factory options. Before you start shopping for upgrades or verifying your vehicle’s history, take a few minutes to decode your VIN.

What Each Character Means

A 17‑digit VIN is divided into sections, and each position provides different information:

• Positions 1–3: World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) – The first three characters identify the manufacturer and vehicle type. For Ram trucks built by FCA US LLC, the WMI may start with “1C6,” indicating FCA US and a truck body style.
• Position 4: Brake System and GVWR – The fourth character identifies the type of brake system (hydraulic or electric) and the gross vehicle weight rating range. For example, a letter “R” means a hydraulic brake system and a GVWR of 6,001–7,000 pounds.
• Positions 5–7: Body Type and Series – These characters describe the cab style (regular, Quad, Crew), drive wheels (2WD or 4WD), and trim level such as Tradesman, Big Horn, Rebel or Laramie. Each combination corresponds to a particular cab length and equipment series.
• Position 8: Engine – The eighth character reveals the engine code, displacement and cylinder count. Common Ram engine codes include “G” for a 3.6‑liter V6, “T” for a 5.7‑liter HEMI V8 and “C” for the Cummins diesel.
• Position 9: Check Digit – This character is calculated from the other digits to detect input errors. It can be a number from 0–9 or the letter “X.”
• Position 10: Model Year – A single letter or number designates the model year. For example, “K” represents 2019, “L” 2020 and “M” 2021.
• Position 11: Assembly Plant – This character identifies where the truck was assembled, such as the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in Michigan (“N”) or the Warren Truck Assembly Plant (“J”).
• Positions 12–17: Plant Sequence Number – The last six characters are a unique serial number assigned by the assembly plant. This number distinguishes your truck from others built on the same day.

How to Use a VIN Decoder

Decoding your VIN doesn’t require specialized equipment — just a careful eye and access to a decoding table. Here’s a simple process you can follow at home:

1. Locate the VIN. On Ram trucks, the VIN is visible through the windshield at the lower left corner near the A‑pillar. It is also printed on the safety certification label on the driver’s door jamb and on the equipment identification plate under the hood. Make sure the VIN matches in all locations.
2. Write down all 17 characters. Copy the VIN exactly as printed, noting any zeros or letters that could be mistaken for numbers. Avoid confusing “O” with zero or “I” with one.
3. Break the VIN into sections. Use the guide above to separate the characters into groups (1–3, 4, 5–7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12–17). Each grouping corresponds to a specific aspect of your truck.
4. Reference a decoding chart. Cross‑reference each character with a trusted decoding chart, such as the tables provided by Chrysler or published in technical manuals. For example, if the seventh digit is “E,” the chart may indicate a Quad Cab body style.
5. Verify your findings. Once you have decoded each character, verify that the information matches your truck’s equipment. If the VIN code indicates a 5.7‑liter engine but your truck has a V6, there may be an error in the VIN or the truck may have been modified.

Why Decode Your Ram VIN?

Accurately decoding your VIN isn’t just an interesting trivia exercise. It provides practical benefits for Ram owners:

• Order the right upgrades. Many infotainment and accessory upgrades are designed for specific model years, trim levels and engine types. By decoding your VIN, you can confirm compatibility before ordering a new touchscreen, navigation system or performance module.
• Validate the vehicle’s history. When buying a used Ram truck, the VIN can be used to check the build date, factory options and recall history. Cross‑checking the decoded information with service records can reveal undisclosed modifications or accidents.
• Assist with insurance and financing. Accurate VIN data ensures that your truck is insured and financed correctly. Mistakes in the VIN can lead to coverage issues or claim delays.
• Prevent fraud and theft. Scratched or altered VIN plates are a red flag. If the VIN on the dashboard doesn’t match other labels, the vehicle may have been tampered with. Decoding helps you spot inconsistencies quickly.

Example: Decoding a Sample VIN

To illustrate the process, let’s decode this sample Ram VIN: 1C6RRFBG0KN123456.

• 1C6 – FCA US LLC (Ram) truck manufactured in the United States.
• R – Hydraulic brakes with a GVWR between 6,001 and 7,000 pounds.
• RFB – Crew Cab Short Bed Big Horn trim with four‑wheel drive.
• G – 3.6‑liter V6 gasoline engine producing 305 horsepower.
• 0 – Check digit (verifies that the VIN is valid).
• K – Model year 2019.
• N – Assembled at the Sterling Heights plant in Michigan.
• 123456 – Plant sequence number. This unique number identifies where your truck fell in the production run.

By following the same method, you can decode your own VIN and confirm each part of your Ram truck’s identity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ram VIN Decoding

Where can I find my VIN if it’s not visible through the windshield?
If the windshield plate is obscured, look for the VIN on the driver’s side door jamb, on the equipment identification plate under the hood or on the vehicle safety certification label. Some documentation such as the title and registration will also list the VIN.

Does the VIN tell me my truck’s original options?
Yes. Positions 5–7 indicate the cab configuration, drive system and trim series, while position 8 reveals the engine. Cross‑reference these codes with factory charts to confirm what your truck was originally equipped with. Aftermarket modifications won’t change the VIN.

Can I use an online VIN decoder for free?
Many websites offer free VIN decoding. However, not all are accurate. For the most reliable results, consult factory service manuals or official databases that specialize in FCA vehicles.

Are older Ram trucks decoded the same way?
VIN decoding standards were standardized in 1981. Ram trucks built before that year may have shorter VINs or different coding schemes. Consult a classic vehicle guide for decoding older models.

Putting Your Knowledge to Work

Understanding how to decode your Ram truck’s VIN empowers you to make informed decisions about upgrades, maintenance and resale. Whether you’re shopping for a new infotainment system, verifying that a used truck hasn’t been misrepresented or simply curious about your vehicle’s heritage, a decoded VIN is your roadmap to accurate information. Once you’ve confirmed your truck’s specifications, you can confidently explore upgrade options that fit your exact model. For inspiration, check out our top Ram truck upgrades article for ideas on performance, technology and styling enhancements that are compatible with your truck.

POSITIONS 1 – 3: WORLD MANUFACTURER IDENTIFIER

1	2	3	MANUFACTURER	VEHICLE TYPE
1	C	6	FCA US LLC	Truck

POSITION 4: BRAKE SYSTEM & GVWR

Brake System	GVWR Range	GVWR Range	Active Belts, Air Bags	Active Belts, Air Bags, Side Bags- Front Row	Active Belts, Air Bags, Side Bags- All Rows	Active Belts, No Air Bags	Active Belts, GVWR > 10, 000 lbs.
	Pounds	Kilograms
Hydraulic	6001 – 7000	(2722 – 3175 KG)			R
Hydraulic	7001 – 8000	(3176 – 3628 KG)			S

POSITIONS 5 – 7

Define the following: brand, marketing name, drive wheels, cab/body type, drive position, and price series.

Ram 1500 (DT) Left Hand Drive Truck Single Rear Wheels

2WD	2WD	2WD	4WD	4WD	4WD	Cab Type	Series
R	E	A	—	—	—		HFE (High Fuel Efficiency)
R	E	B	R	F	B	Quad Cab	Big Horn
R	E	C	R	F	C	Quad Cab	Tradesman
R	E	D	R	F	D	Quad Cab	Laramie
R	E	E	R	F	E	Quad Cab	Rebel (U,BUX) Sport 2TL pkg / Rebel 2TW pkg (Can)
R	E	F	R	F	F	Crew Cab Short Bed	Big Horn
R	E	G	R	F	G	Crew Cab Short Bed	Tradesman
R	E	H	R	F	H	Crew Cab Short Bed	Limited
R	E	J	R	F	J	Crew Cab Short Bed	Laramie
R	E	K	R	F	K	Crew Cab Short Bed	Longhorn
R	E	L	R	F	L	Crew Cab Short Bed	Rebel (U,BUX) Sport 2TL pkg / Rebel 2TW pkg (Can)
R	E	M	R	F	M	Crew Cab Long Bed	Big Horn
R	E	N	R	F	N	Crew Cab Long Bed	Tradesman
R	E	P	R	F	P	Crew Cab Long Bed	Limited
R	E	R	R	F	R	Crew Cab Long Bed	Laramie
R	E	S	R	F	S	Crew Cab Long Bed	Longhorn
R	E	T	R	F	T	Crew Cab Long Bed	Sport

POSITION 8: ENGINE – HORSEPOWER CHART

Engine Code Displacement Cylinders Fuel Manufacturer	G	T
	3.6L	5.7L
	V6	V8
	Gas	Gas
	FCA	FCA
Horse Power Rating	305	395

NOTE: All values in chart are horsepower.

POSITION 9: CHECK DIGIT

0 through 9 or X

POSITION 10: MODEL YEAR

K = 2019

POSITION 11: ASSEMBLY PLANT

Code	Plant	City	State	Country
N	Sterling Heights Assembly Plant	Sterling Heights	MI	USA

POSITION 12 – 17: PLANT SEQUENCE NUMBER

A six digit number assigned by assembly plant.