To me there was really only two choices to choose from the Ford Transit or the RAM ProMaster.

There is a third option out there which is a Mercades. This was not a option for 3 reasons. First, they break down faster than the Ford and the RAM. I have never owned one so I am purely going off of reviews from other people. Secondly, parts are very hard to come at this time. Third, they are expensive to buy and fix.

There are AWD and 4×4 in vans however they are hard to comeby and more expensive at this time. I went and closed myself in the back of both the promaster and transit to figure out what size I would want and what one felt better for me. Since I am going to work and live in this van full time this was important. I suggest if you will be living in your van full time to really consider how much space you will need to feel comfortable.

The Ford transits are a bit more narrow and boxey. The inside roof of the Transits are curved inward so there is less space near the ceiling. When standing in a empty van for me it felt more closed in. If I was to get one it would definitely need to be a high roof. Transits are rear wheel drive vans. When you have a build it is not a big deal for the most part because you will have a decent amount of weight in the van. Most vanlifers are not going off road or through blizzards in the winter.

The RAM ProMaster was my number one choice. I liked the fact the roof did not curve in and it is front wheel drive. The medium roof hight only gave me a few inches higher than my head which made me feel really closed in. I went with a 2500 159 wheelbase high roof van.

The wheelbase aka how long it is comes in 136, 159 and 159 extended (if you can find one). The 2500 is really the weight they can hold. There is 1500, 2500 and 3500. The 2500 is perfect as a typical build is not heavy for it even loaded with 20gal of water and gear. The 3500 is great but not needed for a vanbuild.

05/26/2022