Get perception into why the RAM ProMaster 2500 was the chosen van for vanlife for vacationers Allie and Danella from Wander Free and Queer.
We now have been in our 42-foot 2018 Keystone Alpine fifth-wheel for over 5 years now, and we nonetheless largely love residing this way of life. We now have traveled the nation and lived stationary in our tiny home-on-wheels, studying the ins and outs of RV life, and have largely beloved navigating each nomadic and stationary residing in our small area. Earlier this 12 months, we determined our fifth-wheel is probably going staying stationary as we deepen our roots within the foothills of Mt. Hood, Oregon.
We often spoke about touring in a van as an possibility we by no means really imagined was attainable for us. We at all times stated, “We are huge women with huge goals and want a giant area to accommodate all of us.” As huge of an area as we might get whereas retaining it easy and cell. Our fifth wheel gave us simply sufficient room to roam and to even be actual about what we wanted in a residing state of affairs.
Through the years, we’ve dreamed of making an attempt out van life. We puzzled what it might be prefer to be extra cell and off-grid to simplify our life and our journey with a smaller area. We by no means dreamed we might fall in love with every part touring in a van might provide. After researching, speaking with others residing and touring in vans, and our personal individualized wants and desires, we determined to make the leap on constructing our personal journey van.
Why We Selected a RAM ProMaster 2500 Van for Our Journey Construct
After in depth analysis, we selected the RAM ProMaster 2500 for our camper van. We really feel that that is the most suitable choice for us as we need to construct out our van with our personal flooring plan, important objects, and our journey wants in thoughts. We additionally plan to make use of our van to assist maintain and haul our market and honest objects once we are off merchandising our merchandise and crochet objects.
On this put up, we’ll share the highest the explanation why the ProMaster 2500 was the right match for our journey adventures and why it would work for others. Whether or not you’re seeking to construct a camper van for weekend getaways or planning a full-time van life journey, this put up will enable you perceive the advantages of selecting a RAM ProMaster 2500 van conversion.
1. Inside Area and Construct-Pleasant Design
One of many greatest benefits of the RAM ProMaster 2500 is its boxy, build-friendly form. In contrast to many different vans that taper on the high, the ProMaster has vertical partitions, which is a game-changer for DIY van conversions. This implies extra usable area, one thing at a premium once you’re working with much less room than you’re used to. This form additionally makes it simpler to put in cupboards, cabinets, and beds with out difficult customized cuts. We selected the 159” wheelbase ProMaster 2500 excessive roof mannequin, which implies we are able to stand in our van! The standing room and a surprisingly spacious inside don’t take care of the van being too lengthy to drive and park comfortably.
2. Entrance-Wheel Drive Benefit
This can be a huge consideration in our decision-making course of. We thought of when, the place, and the way we wished to make use of our van. Initially, we had wished a four-wheel drive possibility, however we got here to appreciate that front-wheel drive would go well with us and our wants proper now. The ProMaster is the one full-size van within the U.S. market that comes with front-wheel drive. In contrast to rear-wheel drive vans that battle in snowy or slippery circumstances, the front-wheel-drive structure provides the ProMaster higher traction, particularly when the again of the van is loaded.
Entrance-wheel drive additionally permits for a decrease flooring top, which implies we are able to arise comfortably contained in the van, and it’s simpler to step out and in, particularly when loading gear or pets. Though it’s decrease, we additionally bought ourselves a sturdy step stool for our two journey pups! The improved dealing with in inclement climate and higher management on tough roads gave us the peace of thoughts we wanted to discover with confidence, whether or not that’s a snowy mountain move or a muddy forest street.
3. Value-Efficient and Extensively Obtainable
In comparison with different fashionable vans just like the Mercedes Sprinter or Ford Transit, the RAM ProMaster 2500 was in our finances. The bottom mannequin is usually hundreds of {dollars} cheaper, and components and repairs are extra inexpensive since RAM automobiles are extensively supported within the U.S. We traded in our 2016 RAM 3500 for our 2023 RAM Promaster Van with out breaking the financial institution.
As a result of we didn’t go over finances on the van buy, we freed up extra of our finances for the precise van conversion. When you’re seeking to construct a camper van on a finances, the ProMaster is tough to beat. We knew that objects akin to insulation, home windows, and flooring can be massive upfront prices, so we didn’t need to sacrifice the construct for a greater model.
Closing Ideas
Selecting a van (similar to selecting an RV, an condominium, or a sticks-and-bricks dwelling) is a deeply private choice, and there’s no one-size-fits-all reply. Nevertheless, for us, the RAM ProMaster 2500 hit the candy spot between affordability, performance, ease of conversion, and reliability. It gave us the liberty to design our good tiny dwelling on wheels and the arrogance to journey anyplace from nationwide parks to downtown metropolis streets.
When you’re planning to construct a camper van and are weighing your choices, we extremely advocate taking a critical take a look at the ProMaster. It’s a confirmed favourite amongst van lifers for good cause—and we couldn’t be happier with our alternative. We’re already planning our first trial run journey to see how we might need to arrange our flooring plan. Our van, GoGo the Getaway Van, is the following section of our life-on-the-road journey.
Need to see what a RAM ProMaster 2500 appears like with a full conversion? Try a totally transformed ProMaster from an RVshare Worker!
One of the best ways to essentially know what van fashion is greatest for you is to strive earlier than shopping for, hire a van to expertise your alternative earlier than committing.
Get the spec particulars of the RAM ProMaster 2500 from its producer, Ram Vans.
Unsure if you wish to purchase a RAM ProMaster 2500 new or used? Examine why a brand new one is value it from van builders and vacationers.
