Get insight into why the RAM ProMaster 2500 was the selected van for vanlife for travelers Allie and Danella from Wander Free and Queer.
We have been in our 42-foot 2018 Keystone Alpine fifth-wheel for over five years now, and we still mostly love living this lifestyle. We have traveled the country and lived stationary in our tiny home-on-wheels, learning the ins and outs of RV life, and have mostly loved navigating both nomadic and stationary living in our small space. Earlier this year, we decided our fifth-wheel is likely staying stationary as we deepen our roots in the foothills of Mt. Hood, Oregon.
We regularly spoke about traveling in a van as an option we never actually imagined was possible for us. We always said, “We are big girls with big dreams and need a big space to accommodate all of us.” As big of a space as we could get while keeping it simple and mobile. Our fifth wheel gave us just enough room to roam and to also be real about what we needed in a living situation.
Over the years, we have dreamed of trying out van life. We wondered what it would be like to be more mobile and off-grid to simplify our life and our travel with a smaller space. We never dreamed we would fall in love with everything traveling in a van could offer. After researching, talking with others living and traveling in vans, and looking at our own individualized needs and wants, we decided to take the plunge on building our own adventure van.
Why We Chose a RAM ProMaster 2500 Van for Our Adventure Build
After extensive research, we chose the RAM ProMaster 2500 for our camper van. We feel that this is the best option for us as we want to build out our van with our own floor plan, essential items, and our travel needs in mind. We also plan to use our van to help hold and haul our market and fair items when we are off vending our merchandise and crochet items.
In this post, we’ll share the top reasons why the ProMaster 2500 was the perfect fit for our travel adventures and why it might work for others. Whether you’re looking to build a camper van for weekend getaways or planning a full-time van life journey, this post will help you understand the benefits of choosing a RAM ProMaster 2500 van conversion.
1. Interior Space and Build-Friendly Design
One of the biggest advantages of the RAM ProMaster 2500 is its boxy, build-friendly shape. Unlike many other vans that taper at the top, the ProMaster has vertical walls, which is a game-changer for DIY van conversions. This means more usable space, something at a premium when you’re working with less room than you’re used to. This shape also makes it easier to install cabinets, shelves, and beds without complicated custom cuts. We chose the 159” wheelbase ProMaster 2500 high roof model, which means we can stand in our van! The standing room and a surprisingly spacious interior do not contend with the van being too long to drive and park comfortably.
2. Front-Wheel Drive Advantage
This is a big consideration in our decision-making process. We considered when, where, and how we wanted to use our van. Initially, we had wanted a four-wheel drive option, but we came to realize that front-wheel drive would suit us and our needs right now. The ProMaster is the only full-size van in the U.S. market that comes with front-wheel drive. Unlike rear-wheel drive vans that struggle in snowy or slippery conditions, the front-wheel-drive layout gives the ProMaster better traction, especially when the back of the van is loaded.
Front-wheel drive also allows for a lower floor height, which means we can stand up comfortably inside the van, and it’s easier to step in and out, especially when loading gear or pets. Although it is lower, we also got ourselves a sturdy step stool for our two travel pups! The improved handling in inclement weather and better control on rough roads gave us the peace of mind we needed to explore with confidence, whether that’s a snowy mountain pass or a muddy forest road.
3. Cost-Effective and Widely Available
Compared to other popular vans like the Mercedes Sprinter or Ford Transit, the RAM ProMaster 2500 was in our budget. The base model is often thousands of dollars cheaper, and parts and repairs are more affordable since RAM vehicles are widely supported in the U.S. We traded in our 2016 RAM 3500 for our 2023 RAM Promaster Van without breaking the bank.
Because we didn’t go over budget on the van purchase, we freed up more of our budget for the actual van conversion. If you’re looking to build a camper van on a budget, the ProMaster is hard to beat. We knew that items such as insulation, windows, and flooring would be large upfront costs, so we didn’t want to sacrifice the build for a better brand.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a van (just like choosing an RV, an apartment, or a sticks-and-bricks home) is a deeply personal decision, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. However, for us, the RAM ProMaster 2500 hit the sweet spot between affordability, functionality, ease of conversion, and reliability. It gave us the freedom to design our perfect tiny home on wheels and the confidence to travel anywhere from national parks to downtown city streets.
If you’re planning to build a camper van and are weighing your options, we highly recommend taking a serious look at the ProMaster. It’s a proven favorite among van lifers for good reason—and we couldn’t be happier with our choice. We are already planning our first trial run trip to see how we may want to set up our floor plan. Our van, GoGo the Getaway Van, is the next phase of our life-on-the-road journey.
Want to see what a RAM ProMaster 2500 looks like with a full conversion? Check out a fully converted ProMaster from an RVshare Employee!
The best way to really know what van style is best for you is to try before buying, rent a van to experience your choice before committing.
Get the spec details of the RAM ProMaster 2500 from its producer, Ram Trucks.
Not sure if you want to buy a RAM ProMaster 2500 new or used? Read about why a new one is worth it from van builders and travelers.
