The Ram ProMaster van conversion has become a dream vehicle for those seeking adventure. But what makes this particular van such a popular choice for van lifers?
Let’s delve into the world of Promaster conversions, exploring the reasons behind its success and some key considerations for potential #vanlife enthusiasts.
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The Ram ProMaster: A Closer Look
Before we discuss why the Ram ProMaster is favored for van conversions, let’s first understand the vehicle itself. Manufactured by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), the Ram ProMaster is a full-size cargo van designed for commercial use.
Available in various configurations, including cargo and passenger models, the ProMaster boasts a distinctive front-wheel-drive layout, providing several advantages for conversion purposes.
Keep in mind that this van was not intended to be used as a campervan. But someone saw a shining opportunity and ran with it, making it now one of the market’s most desirable campervan conversion bases.
Since this trend was somewhat accidental, there are some cons, along with the pros of a Ram ProMaster van conversion. Let’s dive in!
Why the ProMaster Shines as a Conversion Base
The magic of the Ram ProMaster van conversion lies in its adaptability. Here’s what makes it such a great foundation for your dream home on wheels:
- Boxy Goodness: The ProMaster’s boxy interior provides a fantastic blank canvas for conversion companies and DIY enthusiasts alike. With fewer interior angles than a Ford Transit or Mercedes Sprinter, creating your home on wheels is easier, faster, and comes with fewer headaches.
- The Right Height: The high-roof option provides ample headroom for comfortable standing and creative layouts. With a high ceiling height, even taller individuals can stand comfortably inside, making it feel more like a small apartment on wheels than a traditional van.
- Spacious Interior: The ProMaster’s boxy design provides the most usable interior space of any campervan in its class. Thanks to its wide, square-shaped interior and minimal obstructions, a Ram ProMaster van conversion is a relatively straightforward process compared to other vehicles.
- Front-Wheel Drive: Unlike its rear-wheel-drive counterparts, the ProMaster’s front-wheel-drive configuration results in a lower floor height and a flat cargo area. This layout maximizes interior space and simplifies the conversion process by eliminating the need to accommodate a driveshaft tunnel.
- Visibility: Despite its large size, the ProMaster offers excellent visibility from the driver’s seat, thanks to its expansive windshield and elevated seating position.
- Maneuverability: The ProMaster comes in various wheelbase lengths, offering a balance between spacious living quarters and easy handling. Unlike some behemoth campervans, you won’t feel like a captain navigating a battleship through city streets or tight campsites.
- Fuel Efficiency: Its front-wheel-drive configuration contributes to better fuel efficiency than some rear-wheel-drive vans. Some people report up to 20 miles per gallon on the highway!
- Cost-Effective Choice: Compared to other popular campervan bases, the ProMaster offers a significant price advantage, especially when considering pre-owned models. This allows you to allocate more resources towards your van’s actual conversion and personalization.
Cons of a Ram ProMaster Van Conversion
No campervan base is perfect, so it’s important to understand some of the negative reviews users have shared after personally traveling in a Ram ProMaster van conversion.
- Limited Off-Road Capability: While the ProMaster excels on paved roads, its front-wheel-drive system and lower ground clearance may limit its ability to traverse rough terrain or poor road conditions. If you are an off-road enthusiast, this might not be the van for you.
- Stock Comfort: The ProMaster prioritizes function over creature comforts in its commercial van form. The seats might not be the most luxurious, and the overall ride might feel a bit utilitarian. But remember, this is a blank canvas—the conversion process can address these aspects entirely.
- Headlight Woes: Some ProMaster owners have reported headlight deficiencies, particularly on older models. Upgrading the headlight system might be necessary for improved nighttime visibility.
- Reliability: The reality is that the Ram ProMaster was made to make deliveries in cities, not traverse dirt roads on a daily basis and climb up mountain passes again and again. It’s not uncommon to hear about transmission issues, engine quirks, and basic components like brakes and shocks going out sooner rather than later. If possible, we recommend you purchase a Ram ProMaster with a warranty and upgrade parts that commonly fail to ensure you don’t spend extended periods of time in a mechanic’s shop.
- Limited Towing Capacity: If towing capabilities are essential for your lifestyle, the ProMaster’s towing capacity may fall short compared to some of its competitors.
- It Ain’t Pretty: A Ram ProMaster van conversion isn’t sexy on the outside. It looks kind of weird with that little hood up front and certainly won’t win any awards for bad-ass campervan status. But it does have a fun, quirky personality that can comfortably get you from adventure A to adventure B, and you have endless options for interior aesthetics.
Will You Choose a Ram ProMaster for Van Life?
The Ram ProMaster van conversion undeniably holds a special place in the hearts of vanlifers. While it’s not without shortcomings, its affordability, maneuverability, and conversion-friendly design make it a compelling choice for those ready to write their own stories on the open road.
So, are you ready to join the ProMaster Club and Find Your Outside™ with one of the most popular camper conversions on the market?
