Are you looking for a van that is affordable, easy to build out, and will enable you to sleep sideways without adding expensive flares? Then the Ram ProMaster could be the perfect van for you, as long as you can live with its flaws.
Ram ProMaster – The Ugly Duckling
The Ram ProMaster, like the Ford Transit and the Mercedes Sprinter is another European import, although this time they at least changed the name. Across the pond, the ProMaster is known as the Fiat Ducato, although both the Peugeot Boxer, Citroen Jumper, and as of 2021 the Opel Movano, are all clones of the Ducato with some small badging differences.
In Europe, the Ducato is also the most common chassis for motorhomes, so whenever you see a European Class C in Europe, chances are it is based on the Fiat Ducato. It is also the most popular Class B base vehicle for European RV manufacturers. Although the heritage of this van is Italian, and the European models are indeed made in Italy, the Ram ProMaster cannot boast of having been made in the land of Ferrari; instead all North American models are built in Mexico.
Pros & Cons of Buying a Ram ProMaster Van
| Pros | Cons |
| Gas Engine | Lowest Interior Height of Full Size Vans (until 2023 model) |
| Cheapest Used Full Size Van | Low Ground Clearance |
| Good Standard Equipment | Uninspiring Appearance (personal opinion) |
| Good Service Coverage | Poor Build Quality |
| Affordable Servicing | Poor Reliability |
| Boxy Build | Front Wheel Drive Only |
| Largest Interior Width | |
| Best Exterior to Interior Length Ratio |
Different Sizes of the Ram ProMaster Van: Length and Height Options
This is where the ProMaster really stands out, and is the reason why, apart from the low price, that so many people buy them. The ProMaster boasts the widest floor at 75.6” (192 cm) of all the vans, which means that if you are of an average height you will probably be able to sleep sideways without having to install flares, or skimp on insulation in the window cavities.
Before you get too excited though, it is worth noting that the ProMaster also has the lowest max interior height at 76” (193 cm) of all the vans, which once again means that the ProMaster is best for people of an average height. The good news is that for the 2023 model year Ram did add a ‘super high roof’ option which gives you a max interior height of 85.5” (217cm), however it will take some time before this option becomes readily available on the used market, and it is only available on the 159” wheelbase 3500 model. As with all the van manufacturers the max interior height number is measured to the roof, and not the cross beams, this means you need to subtract a few inches from the interior height measurement to get a true idea of your built out interior height.
The Ram ProMaster is available in three different wheelbases, and four different lengths: 118”, 136”, 159”, and 159” Extended. Do bear in mind that only the 136” and 159” wheelbase models can be equipped with a high roof, and the super high roof is exclusively available on the 159” wheelbase.
The 136” wheelbase provides you with an interior length of 123” (312 cm) and the 159” wheelbase will give you an interior length of 146” (370 cm), whilst the longest 159” Extended ProMaster, will give you a total interior length of 160” (407 cm).
If the lower interior height is not a problem for you, you will find that the ProMaster benefits from a fairly boxy build compared to its rivals, and although curves are all the rage nowadays, a boxy build makes it a lot to easier to build in vertical items in your van, such as a shower / toilet, or cupboards.
Cost of a Ram ProMaster Van
When new, the Ram ProMaster is priced fairly in line with both the Ford Transit, and the Mercedes Sprinter, at least from an MSRP perspective. However, the used market is a different story, and here the ProMaster has the highest depreciation of all the van options. The benefit is that if you are on a tight budget, but want a newer van, then you can probably find a lightly used Ram ProMaster at a price you can afford. Although as with all vans, the prices have increased significantly since the pandemic.
Reliability of the Ram ProMaster
Anecdotally the ProMaster does not have a good reputation for reliability, it seems they generally suffer from transmission issues, as well as an overall poor build quality that can lead to persistent undiagnosable gremlins. This build quality extends to the inside of the van which in my experience feels very cheap, especially when compared to the Mercedes Sprinter.
According to the Fleet News annual survey of the 50 biggest leasing companies, none of the Fiat Ducato family of vans cracks the top 10 in terms of reliability. Naturally there are limitations to this survey, as European models are exclusively produced with diesel engines, but nonetheless I think it is a helpful perspective to bear in mind as the rest of the ProMaster is essentially the same as its European cousins.
Fuel Economy of a Ram ProMaster Van
Sporting a 3.6L V6 gas engine, the ProMaster is not going to be able to match the fuel economy numbers of the Mercedes Sprinter. According to user reported numbers on Fuelly, you should expect an average fuel economy between 14.2-15.2 MPG (16.56L/100km – 15.47L/100km). These numbers are very similar to the Ford Transit, which has a similarly sized gas engine.
Getting Your Ram ProMaster Serviced
You will definitely not have a hard time getting your Ram ProMaster serviced, with there being plenty of Ram dealerships scattered around North America that should be able to service your van. If you want to find an independent shop instead, you are unlikely to have too many difficulties, as the ProMaster uses a fairly common gas engine that is unlikely to pose too many challenges for small mechanics. Parts are also relatively affordable, with production taking place in Mexico they also do not have to travel as far as Mercedes parts do.
Resources Available for the Ram ProMaster
Although there are some North American van building resources available for the Ram ProMaster, they are not anywhere near as numerous as they are for the Sprinter or the Transit. However, if you are looking for tips or tricks for your DIY camper van build, then you will find a huge amount of resources online in English from owners in the UK. The trick to finding these resources is simply to search YouTube for “Fiat Ducato Van Build” for example, or any specific area you are looking to get some ideas for.
In terms of accessories, you will find even less than you do for the Ford Transit, but the market is slowly beginning to catch up. If you are ok with the shipping costs, you could always import any accessories that you are really keen on from Europe.
Could the Ugly Duckling Actually Be a Beautiful Swan? Final Thoughts on the Ram ProMaster
I really should not be too hard on the looks of the ProMaster, but for a van built and designed by an Italian company it simply does not live up to expectations. I honestly cannot think of anyone that has complimented the looks of the Ram ProMaster, or indeed any of the Fiat Ducato clones. Nevertheless, here are a few lines to make yourself feel a little bit better about buying a Ram ProMaster: ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder’ and ‘it’s what on the inside that matters’.
Moving past the exterior appearances, there is a lot to like about the Ram ProMaster. If you are on a tight budget, it can be a great way to afford a full size van for van life. Likewise, some people swear by FWD as it can be a little bit easier to handle in snowy conditions, although I personally prefer the way a RWD handles in those conditions. If you are not too tall then the extra width of the Ram ProMaster will leave you with more usable space, as it allows for a sideways fixed bed. Another important benefit, especially for your first van build, is that the boxy shape of the ProMaster will make building furniture, and walls a lot easier.
Personally, the Ram ProMaster or indeed the Fiat Ducato, has never been a contender for our van builds. Partially because at 6’2” (186 cm), I am simply too tall to stand up straight, in the most common high roof ProMaster, but also because from a sheer physics perspective, a FWD van is terrible in a typical van layout, where the vast majority of weight is in the rear of the van. The other downside of the ProMaster is the extremely low hanging rear stabiliser bar, which drastically reduces your ground clearance. Lastly, the Ram ProMaster simply does not have a good reputation for reliability, and although repairs may be cheaper than a Mercedes Sprinter, it is still a huge inconvenience when your van is also your home.
To get an overview of all the different van choices in North America, you can read our comparison article about the Ultimate Van for Van Life. You can also explore our in depth review of the Ford Transit and Mercedes Sprinter.
For a detailed comparison, and ranking, of the Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, and Ram Promaster, including reliability, take a look at our comprehensive ranking guide to find out which van wins the title of best van for van life.
