100,000 miles of regret | My RAM Promaster camper van 

Over the years I lost interest in riding and slowly unsubscribed from the many MTB channels I followed.. except yours. I stayed more for the personality rather than the content (which is great too). I'm thankful for this kind of 'extra' content, other than the riding videos. It is truly inspiring to watch the path you took and still on. Looking forward to see what is coming next. Thanks.

Find a reputable independent repair shop and stop going to the dealer. You'll save lots of money and get better quality work.

Great video! Very thoughtful comments at the end. I have another 18 month before I can retire and get out there. Can't wait!

41 is still young. I'm 56 and still shredding and doing epic all dayers on the bike. You still have many years of biking and YouTubing ahead of you. Keep it up because we're all looking forward to more of your videos.

Engine replacement on your dime at 75k miles is a pretty big negative IMO. I was considering a van for a while but I have decided instead to go with a truck and add an overlanding style camper on it which will allow sleeping space as well as internal bike storage. The real issue with vans for me is the overinflated value they have at this point on the used market. I am seeing 200k E250 vans with the 5.4 Triton (yuck) going for 10k+ with utility racks still in them. I think vanlife in general killed vanlife as a reality for most people.

Update: Credit where credit is due - those who followed my Wayfarer Vans saga. Happy to say, they stood behind their work and made things right. Thank you Wayfarer Vans and Mitch, for ultimately doing the right thing. Kudos to small companies like this, who take responsibility for their products.

Wise words in your conclusion…live to the point of tears!

Driving a Promaster like a grandma is key! The transmission just can't take a lot of hard shifting. Our 2017 Promaster has ZERO problems in 85k miles. It's a game changer for mountain biking in so many new, beautiful places!!

Vehicle prices are crazy. I remember being a teenager in the 90's and Lamborghini's were around $125,000. A fully furnished van costing something similar in 2023 is mind blowing.

I CANNOT believe this engine required a rebuilt at only 75K miles. That is wild to me. RAM is the worst for that. So sorry you had to deal with that. If and when I get a large cargo van, I'll probably go with the Ford Transit. But you know, I really wish Toyota would break into this market. Then we'd have a cargo van we could trust would last. Some people import 25 year old Toyota Hiace Vans into the states, but they come with their own pros and cons too. Anyway, best of luck!

Awesome to see how far you’ve come and where your van has taken you. I’ve been watching your channel since you were riding that Santa Cruz waaaay back, before you bought your first van, before you collaborated with Seth and STS, before you went to Japan, and rode around the world. You were just another guy posting mountain biking videos on youtube. It inspired me and motivated me to get into cycling myself. Cheers man! Another great vid.

This is a terrific video. 2019 was the year I got the OVRLND pop-up camper for my Nissan Frontier. I also benefitted during COVID and enjoyed hundreds of days, camping through the lower 48 states. I am 70 years old and enjoying every minute. I can relate to just about everything in this video. Nice job, conveying your thoughts and ideas.

17,000 dollars is almost the same as a new mountain bike? I serious hope no one is spending that much on a mountain bike

Thanks for the review and happy new year!

Glad I watched to the end! The Ram annoying chime now remedied with your solution! After building a van years ago I agree with many of your observations. Never needed a bathroom or shower, a power station is now so much simpler (on my new build) and I never installed a sink. Just a jug and a bin. Worked great!

Nice to hear your uncle Dennis still inspires you! Mine (who passed away a year or so ago) still inspires me too. It's as much the attitude you pick up when you remember them! And indeed, just do something, it will lead to many positives. Don't delay over all the choices we have, just make one and get going. Will learn a lot and have adventures.

I don't ever really plan on buying a ram promaster, but I watched this video just to see what issues you've had and whatnot. Glad I stuck around, the last minute made it worth it ;)

Brian, you have influenced my life in such a positive way. Keep up the good work in the new year!

I too have a 2019 Promaster with 65K miles, which I fully built out myself (my COVID project). I am soooo happy to have made the decision to get the van. My wife and I (and our dog until he passed) have traveled all over the west mountain biking, skiing, hiking, and enjoying the great outdoors. The DIY buildout was challenging at times, but nothing I think most people with some construction/renovation skills can't handle. And the beauty of building it yourself is that you know about every system and component in the van - no mysteries. Thanks for all the MTB stoke as well as the Promaster stoke (when you're not getting towed) Brian. I have thoroughly enjoyed your channel and perhaps we'll swing over to your little paradise and say hello sometime!

Great video, appreciate the candid discussion of your experience!

Cool to know you met your wife through this adventure! Great story!

Inspiring Brian. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I'm retiring in about 3 years so I'm thinking about doing this. All the best to you, Sarah and your family in 2024!

Great video. I'm contemplating building a van and your tips are spot on. Thank you

Love your channel....super job on reflection and story telling. Have a wonderful 2024 Brian.

The absolute best video I've seen about Van life. Honest and well presented. Great job!

I’m going overseas next year, taking a year out from the daily drag of work. But I’m already thinking about what I’ll do when I return home, and something like a van was something I was considering. So this is a handy eye opener and I’m rethinking. Keep up the good work Brian.

brian is a huge inspiration to me. i was still new to MTB when i started to watching his videos in early covid, since then ive ridden tons of cool spots including sedona, santa cruz, whistler, big bear, and the sierras. im 10/50 into my 50 state shred!

Love your content, Brian. Great stuff always. Happy new year

Love your channel - its just so honest and real

Mine has 520k miles . Engine was replaced at 420k. Original transmission is still good knock on wood. It runs perfect. Drives like new No lie. Headlights do suck. I replaced the clearance lights because the originals will leak after awhile . Upgraded the factory Brembo brakes too drilled and slotted, Its a 2500 with the factory big brakes Which are awesome.

Needed this video. Was at so many dealers looking at vans but was starting to get cold feet. Thanks for the nudge!

Some really good tips and info. I appreciate you posting it!

I loved my 2016 Dodge 1500 Promaster work van. The six cylinder FWD was really nice. Although the van had ISSUES and was quirky. My company tried to deliver TWO new vans and I refused. But accepted a brand new Chevrolet van in 2021 and retired Jan 2, 2022.

Great review/reflection on van life! Thanks for sharing your journey!!!

Thanks for the update BK. Every time I talk myself out of buying a fancy new van I'm so grateful for my old Ford Econoline. I've got to give it a bit of a refresh and hang on to it for a while - no payment and so functional. But someday I'll get that upgrade...

The van was a smart call. Always love having a home base in my travels. I run a truck and camper setup which works well for hauling my kayak trailer.

The worse thing that can happen is end up on parent's couch for a couple years. Thank you Brian for that motivational talk :D

I just discovered you thru a a Wayfayer link. Shocked at the cost increases on vans since 2020. Very informative video! I’m going to continue to car camp for a while. Looking forward to your future videos to remind me to live intentionally!!

Hey happy new year Brian to you and Sarah! Guess what just want to say I appreciate you so much and ur awesome content…you are the best remember number 1 haha!!!!

Best MTB channel out there. Thanks for all the great content Brian!

Great video B !!! Lol .. I still remeber when you weren't even sure about quiting your day job to do Yourube Damn, You came a long way dude in a pretty short time. Thanks for letting us all come along. This shit has been incredible !!! 💯👍

Just did my first test ride on my new Ibis RIpley XT, it was awesome. Decided on an Ibis years ago after watching your channel, much appreciated, thanks.

Fellow promaster owner here (4 years, 55K) and occasional MTB'r and have watched some of your videos over the years and took some of your advice (for van stuff & Bentonville trails) Thanks for doing what ya do!

You have been a positive and very different inspiration since I first started to watch "vanlife" (2019??) to learn and immerse into panel vans. This video follows the same positive, enriching pattern. So much to learn about so many of all those little big things. All very positive. Thank you.

I replaced the headlights on my 2019 with and LED conversion kit. Worked great!

I haven't rode in years, college got in the way and I've outgrown my bike, but I remember watching every single one of your videos after school back in 2019-2020. I must say watching you and seeing how the van has held up was very nostalgic

The philosophical aspect, yes! Enjoyed hearing about the van experience intertwined with the MTB / lifestyle piece.

Thanks Man, you're going to be my new uncle Dennis. Superb video by the way.

Loved the video and loved the philosophy, it was great advice 👌🏼

I definitely need to start living life more to the fullest and get on some of those adventures like your uncle did. Great message bro!

Just happened to randomly catch this video come across my screen. It was of interest to me as we just recently purchased a 2023 Travato on a 3500 Ram Promaster chassis. They fixed most of the issues you mentioned plus I do all of my own maintenance. This is my fourth RV in 30 years and I plan to keep this for a long time. I was curious to see how others feel about the van after 100 K miles. So far so good.

Nice vid Brian. Happy new year!

Great Video packed with good practical tips and philosophical nuggets !!!

Amazing video , really love the ending.

Came here for a van build and Brian's character explanations of his gear. Got some well worded philosophy on life. Well done.

When shopping for my van, I excluded Promasters and Transits from my search. Chevy Express or Ford E-Series for solid reliability.

What an awesome testimony with your wife congratulations ❤

You never really think about the drive train warranty (5yrs/60K miles) on a van like this...until it fails and they tell you the entire engine needs to be replaced...at your cost, because it's 15K out of warranty. There's just no excuse for that. Nowadays, given how far modern engines have come, you should see 200-300K out of a gas engine before you start to have major issues. I really like the look and setup of the Promaster compared to the Ford Transit or GMC Savanna, but hearing about complete engine failure at 75K is one of those things that would make me think twice before buying one. That and the front seat adjustment paddles have to be the weirdest thing I've ever seen in a car or truck. I'd definitely pay for electric adjustment if they offered it (which they don't).

Ex Chrysler mechanic here. The company spends all their money on marketing, not quality parts or engineering. If you want to be busy work for Chrysler, if you want to be bored work for Toyota and Honda like I later on did. Out of all the options I bought a Ford Transit ecoboost. Now with two 220k+ mile ecoboost engines I would recommend a standard 3.7L v6 Transit for 90% of van owners. Thanks for the review after all these years! You helped inspire me to build a van and make YT channel with my wife.

I have forever wanted to see a review like this. When asking owners how they feel about their Promaster Van (or most any new vehicle), they always want to mention positives and steer clear of negatives. A $17k engine replacement - after meticulous and expensive regular maintenance - at 75,000 miles? Whether it's Promaster/Fiat, Ford, or Mercedes/Sprinter, I truly just wish Toyota sold their cargo or camper vans in the U.S.

We bought a used 2019, 2500 Promaster that had already been built-out at Wayfarer. The build was similar to yours. My wife and I drove cross-country and back from Maine over 7-months. We covered 14,000 miles and 40-states-all during Covid. Some of the best adventure-time we've ever shared together. I agree completely with your idea to add a rear window over the bed area. Also, getting a good lithium battery for your accessories. I'm thinking of doing it again. I might go with the 1500, and size-down a tiny bit, and go with the newer Wayfarer builds which look even better than before. There's nothing quite as great as having your independence out on the highway.

Merry Xmas and happy new year🥳 hoping you have a super fun 2024

I love this story line! Get out and experience the world! Thanks for reinforcing the message Brian! I hope to ride with you sometime up in Annadel in Sonoma County or better yet, find you in the middle of Montanta on a great trail! who knows!

Thanks for the seat belt extender idea. I am going to get one!

Love the rawness of this video

To say you got in at the right time is an understatement. Great price for the van and build....happy trails to you.

Thanks you so much for this video. You are singing my song! In 2018 I bought a Promaster strictly because I heard about Wayfarer. My van was bought new, but on a special for around 27K. Then, the Wayfarer conversion was a bit over 8K. I was reluctant to spend that much (who knew how much both would cost in the future). I also drove to Colorado and had the kit installed in the morning as I toured Garden of the Gods using Ian's minivan (mini truck) to get there. I have really liked the conversion, which is solid, but had the same complaint about the sink. I never used it as I had campers before and never wanted to deal with grey water. I also use a spray bottle (vinegar) for dishes, and use wipes, and sponge baths for me when I can't access a shower. No one has complained. You can't keep pretty clean using non-traditional methods. Every year I manage to find something to upgrade. Two years ago I upgraded the sound system with a Kenwood head unit and speakers. Like you, I'm not blown away with the sound, but I like the higher quality camera view (I had to replace the rear camera with a better one), Airplay, and the unit also gave me onboard GPS when I'm out of cellular range. This last summer my friend and I took out the kitchen (I gave it away to another Wayfarer) and built a new one that completely removed the sink and added a drawer for an induction burner and a cabinet for a small microwave. I agree completely with the idea of going with a power station (solar generator). I started with a Yeti 1250-which worked for the basics. I now have a Pecron E3000 which gives me 3KW (naturally, I have a lot of solar, etc). It is powerful enough for me to use the induction hotplate, the microwave, and even a small electric pressure cooker. Naturally, one at a time with careful monitoring of the sun (for the panels) and the time used on the appliance. For instance, I use the microwave for 4-6 minutes at a time. I sort of have a window regret. I put one on the side slide, which is a must when backing out. Sometimes I wish I put one on the driver's side too. Not a huge deal. I do have rain guards and can open my front windows. That seems to work OK for ventilation. Everything you said about the positives of owning the van are so true. There is nothing like being exhausted and having the option of pulling into a rest stop and sleep (for hours or overnight). When I drive somewhere I always have what I need with me. The weather changed and getting cold? No problem, I have a coat in the van. I'm starving and the only restaurant that I can find looks like it is in need of a health inspection? I have a whole kitchen right in the back! Etc. Would I spend 50K for a new van and 20K for a build-out? Hmm, that would be tough for me, but that is just me. Again, thank you for your very nice video.

I'll watch video soon. Hope you had a good Christmas and have a happy new year

What a great video this was. Thanks for the inspiration, I am going to get a van!

That's awesome! Sounds like the van was a great life investment. =) Thanks for sharing! We're in a very long process of building out our van, since it's a family hauler first, and will eventually become a super cruiser with some RV upgrades.

Amen Brian! Great video and message. Life is short!

Promasters regularly get 400-500K miles on original transmissions and engines. There are things that fail all the time and there are things you shouldn’t do with a Promaster. I’d recommend watching Promaster’s Only channel. He shows you how to fix everything on Promasters. He has one with over 700K on it. I have 140K on mine with original everything and no issues at all. It can be done.

I LOVE this video! I've been wanting to hit the road and explore now that my kids are grown, but I've struggled with feeling like I shouldn't....that I'm being a little crazy. Well, I bought a shorty bus, had it built out and then sold it an never went anywhere with it. I've now bought a Ford Transit Medium roof 130 wheel base and I'm doing a "minor" buildout in it. I'm definitely going to try this one out and if I like it, I'll go full time and see the U.S.! Thank you for commenting on the "plug n play" with the self contained power packs. I actually got a Jackery 1500 and that's what I'm going to use with solar panels that I'll have to set out for now to recharge. Eventually I'll get a couple panels for the roof. Thanks for the "push" to just try it! I'm IN!! 🙂

i'm more or less going with a 'run what you brung' approach to road trips but a lot of your suggestions/regrets are helpful regardless - nice vid :)

Hey Brian, honestly I don't like your biking videos so much. But this kind of content I really love. Especially when you become philosophical. And man, the time flyes! I remember you purchasing the van just a "few months ago"...

Such a huge fan of yours. Feels like you’re a long lost friend. Wishing you all the best in 2024. Much love from Long Island NY.

great recap video!!! very informative thank you!!👍👊

💯 Happy New Year my brother!

Alex, The Singletrack "Grandma Drivin'" Sampler who "Lives Free, Rides Hard, and Gets Stoked!" Love it.

That was awesome, thank you. Unfortunately, we found black mold in our used 2014 Sprinter. I had no choice but to gut it and start over. The bank still wants it’s monthly payment on a $80K loan. Even though our van is always under construction (a hot mess), we take trips everywhere. Yes! I love it! Happy New Year and God bless.

It’s been quite a journey watching all your van videos and all the places it has taken you. I can’t believe that the 50 state shred happened a few years ago. Time just keeps doing it’s thing. I love watching your videos Bryan, keep up the good work!

Thanks for the review. Those price increases are criminal. No excuses- simply criminal.

Ive been living in a 2023 ProMaster for 7 months now. Insulated only with copious fabric and tapestries. Had a bunk/parking heater installed in it.

I still remember the episode when you met Sarah! I've watched your channel for years, and hope to for many more.

Sink stink can be helped with some plumbing. Some pipes and a plumbing vent(P trap and air admittance valve). It's like a $50-100 to DIY and a $500-$1000 to hire someone else to do it. It won't help with cleaning stinky tanks, but it will keep the stinky air inside the tank.

7yrs into following BKXC, have done numerous mtb trips inspired by your wanderings (and musings), dont really follow any other mtb channels anymore other than STS and Seth occasionally…loved this video, love what you do and why you do it, love that you found love and you keep on aspiring and inspiring….keep the wheels turning (and the water droplets off the GoPro ha! )

You’ve had some awesome adventures! Can’t wait to see what’s next. Hopefully we can get together and ride again 👍

9,000 to 20,000? I’m paying off my same 2020 Van, at 15,000 left. To owe more for a conversion, as old as this is? I think I just need a bed across the back. In Arizona, I saw 2 kinds of mice, and one got inside, it had drowned in a bucket of water half full, where it drowned. I learned from a neighbor, to use a small dollar tree black handled bucket, to set a small foam food tray with any mouse food on it, they slip in to get the food, then can’t get back out. They said don’t put poisons in that they carry back, and die in your walls.

Stop by Oregon this summer. You know where to find me. Cheers!

That soliloquy at the end 🔥

I agree with not having the shower and bathroom space inside the van. Cool vid! Happy trails

Live life to the fullest!

I have a 2017 159 2500, with 187,xxx miles on it. I do most of my own maintenance on it and haven't had anything that wasn't self inflicted. I hit a deer and had to replace some stuff on the front. I also damaged my brakes by hitting a deep snowbank in Wyoming. One thing I've noticed recently is that I just started getting that engine tick sound. So I'm hoping to get that fixed before it becomes an issue. The headlights are ass. I have had them both go out on me in the middle of the night during a blizzard. Swapping them out during that is awful. I'm not sure if it makes a difference but I drive with tow/haul engaged at all times. I also drive like a grandma. Slow to brake, slow to accelerate

“That’s almost as much as a new mountain bike”. Holy crap!!!

You deserve the happiness you experience as a result of all the happiness you have inspired for hundreds of thousands of people. Your courage is only exceeded by your great big heart and balls. : )

I'm 54 and enjoy your videos. Keep 'em coming!

brian, that mouse story was hilarious 😂 i'm glad it kind of turned out ok (r.i.p. ceiling). i have a 2019 Promaster but i somehow put more miles on it than you did to yours (125K). i drive like a grandma, and it's paid off so far. Have a great new year man! hope to run into you in the wild.

I found very affordable, easy-to-install (plug & play) led bulbs(high and low) a few years ago for my 2017 Promaster 1500 134" wheelbase. I also installed a 19" light bar mounted above the front license plate. Night driving is no longer painful for this 69-year-old geezer who always had poor eyesight. Sorry, I don't remember the brand. Vermont has very few street lights and the painted road lines are usually worn out. I only use the light bar on the back roads. Excellent video less is more. And never listen to dealer regarding repairs.

Toyota needs a big camper van 🤔💯🏆

I'm finally out of collage and I can finally can start saving up that last bit for a van. My goal is to have it by the end of the year and slowly work on it next year, ill likely take it on a some week long camping trips here and there until its good enough. just like you said with your loss, I lost my dad and he had a lot of regrets because he everyone was telling him how to live. i do not want to make that mistake and i know if i dont do this ill regret it for the rest of my life.