Buying a van can be overwhelming. Promaster, Transit or a Sprinter. Which should you pick? We’ll give you an honest opinion of the Ram Promaster after completing many conversions on the platform. #vanlife #promasterconversion #campervan
I drive a 2018 Promaster 2500 for work. Day one, transmission module went. Happened again around 9000 miles. So far, both headlight bulbs have blown about 6 times each. $ 50 a pop. The headlight housings are both so melted and burnt that it reminds me of a Salvador Dali painting. The dealer said they looked and could not find any problem. Driving around town, you see most other Promasters winking at you with a headlight out. Two of our other Promasters have similar issues. The e brake had to be rebuilt 6 months after picking up the van. The biggest issue has been an oil leak that the dealer couldn't repair for over 2 months. 2 to 3 quarts a week. A known issue with the plastic oil filter housing cracking. The dealer told us that " we don't know when we can get the part, there are over 7000 complaints on this ". Imagine trying to run a business or live out of a van leaking that much oil everywhere and no resolution. I would go with the Ford, folks.
I own a 2018 Ram ProMaster that I bought new and I use it for work as well as for personal use. Other than a loose trim piece that the dealer replaced, I've had absolutely no problems. It's been so reliable, it's boring.
@@patdthomas Nice try, tell me how someone damages a headlight bulb, causing it to blow multiple times and ultimately melt the housing on both sides? Our other vans never did this, so I'm wondering why suddenly it begins? Also, the transmission issues started immediately, curious how you see that as abuse, unless of course you are just a punk who likes to talk nonsense because he knows he's safe.
DO MORE VIDEOS LIKE THIS!!!!!! Your experience is very valuable to us and you should point out all common problems you see and which ones are most reliable etc! Love it!!!!
FYI every Ram Dealer should be willing to work on Promaster's however, only Ram Commercial Dealer's are allowed to perform warranty work and recalls on them. That's maybe 1 out of 10 Ram Dealer's. Also parts come from Italy and if Mopar is out of stock it can take months for parts to come from Italy.
I found this out the hard way. My local dealer was not permitted to work on mine and the next closest dealer that could was 75 miles away. Also since parts come from France if what you need is not available here it will take 2+ months do get it.
Thanks for the great and honest information you put in this video. I’ve been doing a ton of research on these vans and still haven’t decided. Thanks again
I have 2014 3500 ext one, doing lots of highway miles working in expediting business. Got it in 2018 with 28k miles on it. From 30k miles to 240k miles used it occasionally to tow 7*14 enclosed trailer (empty 2200lbs up to 5k-6k GTW) about 70k miles with that trailer and maybe 30k with smaller ones like 5*8 or 6*12 Uhaul ones. First year fall - about 60k miles went through rocky mountains in CO with full trailer 5k lbs I think and empty van - that was a mistake. Overheated trans and it failed. Luckily still had factory warranty - was about to expire in a few months)) New dealer trans (could cost me 7k if paying out of pocket). since then replaced alternator, belt and bearings. Battery, spark plugs and tires. Oil change every 8-10k with semi sintetic HM oil. Almost 300k miles now. Changed trans fluid twice (160k and 290k), since 240k using occasionally to tow only small trailers. Lots of dash lights on for a while (air bags sensor, oil pressure sensor and some minor ones). Overall very pleased with grandpa PROMaster - few tips - dont go over 3,5k rpms, don't tow anything really heavy over the Rockys or in some tough parts at NE and other Appalachian mountains. GL and HF))
I have had my Promaster 2019 for over a year now. I have never noticed any moisture in my lights. I will keep an eye out but pretty sure for some reason its not an issue, at least not yet maybe. Maybe it won't be either. Mine bought at 15,000 miles now almost at 31,000. I have driven long hours and also have no issue with comfort. I also sleep in my seat for medical reasons right now. I have zero issues. I have plenty of room for my legs too but then again I'm petite. One thing I will say about it is going up hills suck. It gets stuck at like 60/65 mph at times and hitting the gas does nothing. Almost feels like it drives like a 4 cyl compared to the 6cyl that it is a d I know because I have driven many many different makes, models, years and engine sizes in my lifetime. Peppy it isn't most of the time. I love driving it despite. I havrle great vision fields in every mirror and the back up camera is a lifesaver to me. I went from driving a Camry before this van was bought and was pretty comfortable driving this van just a few short weeks in.
Bought a 2019 , 2500 series. Moisture in drivers front light has the turn singnal very dim but i don't worry abt it the drivers rear view blinker is still bright. Had a transmission parking engagement recall but they fixed that free
I was driving my promaster and made a turn. My knee hit the keys and accidentally turned the car off. That was scary to say the least. There should be a recall on that. No safety key switch lock. Please be careful out there and don’t have too many keys dangling. I wasn’t going at full speed otherwise it could have done real damage to the tranny or cause a very bad accident.
I swear this just happened to me this past week. I still don't know what happened. I was saying the very same thing to my Mom. Luckily going 80 on cruise control the van just glided along until I realized what happened and nobody was in my vacinity to pull off to the shoulder at my leisure. Now I'm thinking that's probably exactly what happened to me. The knee. All I know was one minute I was looking over talking to my pooch and trying to reach him and boom
@@living9377 I just went out to recreate what happened to you with your knee. My knee is about 8 inches away from the keyhole. I don't know how it is even possible. The seat adjusts up and forward or down and backward. Unless you are 7 ft tall with extra long legs it's near impossible. I would just go with the key fob and a short leather lanyard on it. When you say wall do you mean a bulkhead or a wall you constructed as part of your buildout?
I drive a Promaster 3500 for Amazon and I have to say, these vans are a lot more practical than the Ford Transit. Better turning radius, seat is higher to be able to stand up easier, they handle in the wind better, and the sliding doors are easy to open/close and actually shut properly. My only complaint is there is no "real" handle to close the sliding door.
Same, the Promaster is totally favorable to the Transit for delivery work. The Transit and Sprinter both have objects that are super easy to bash your knee/shin on when getting out of the seat to get into the back. If only the Promaster could have the steering wheel and seat of a Sprinter.... then it would be perfect!
Only problem with my promaster is every time i park to camp , bees try to make nests in all the cracks of the doors, and rear lights etc. had a crazy yellowjacket nest in my rear brake light.
You can get lower seat bases for the driver and passenger seat. Brings the swivel down to standard height. I've driven over a thousand miles in a day in both the Sprinters and Promasters. Sprinter is more comfortable but Promaster is doable. I've driven over 300k miles between two Sprinters. About 30k in a Promaster. Each one has strengths and weaknesses.
Totally agree. Every person is comfortable in different ways. Our son can sleep on concrete while we need a nice plush bed lol. We just got in our 2021 Transit... super comfortable.
My Promaster burned up 3 transmissions before 100k. Traded it in at 105k for a new Sprinter because my warranty was up and also my head gaskets were leaking and the transmission was starting to go out again. These vans are disposable cheap trash.
Nissan has 5.6l engine 11 m/g in city, but they offer 5/100000 warranty and after that lifetime for power train. But in Europe full size Nissan400 totally different vehicles design similar to Sprinter. One in US designed by American and selling only in North America. But drivers seating position most comfortable from another brands. I sold my last year because gas mileage. But fleets liked them they run up to half million miles.
So the ford transit sounds like the way to go, if you can’t afford a sprinter. I am 5’4” tall so the height and width of the Ford is fine for me. I just want something reliable but easy and cheap to fix when needed. It sounds like the Dodge would be too much of a worry with the mechanical and design problems. Thank you so much...I am so glad I saw this video.
I had issues with moisture in my headlight and did a couple things to fix it. Part of the upper area of the assembly was snapped, I fixed it with a ton of JB weld and looked for any other holes and sealed those too. I replaced the bulbs with LEDs because they would constantly burn out, had to get additional resistor kits with the LEDs but they work amazing now. I also replaced the running lights. The main thing however was the tiny drain tube in the gutter area below the dash, on both sides I cleared that out with a hose, and silicone sealed the tubes down to the plastic. They get blocked easily and then water pools and drains around the tube, which is a problem. It should drain through the tubes and out via the wheel wells. It's a shitty design, but since sticking them down I have had no problems. I'm also careful to clear debris out from below the windshield regularly.
Okay, so here are my two cents. The RAM Promaster, and its problems, are well known. And to be honest, they are relatively easy vehicles to work on. Even the famous Pentastar click with the rocker arm issues can be addressed with a relatively skilled home mechanic. Now I know, no one is like that. But at least it's doable. Plus it's a gasoline motor, and you don't have to worry about what biodiesel goes into the sprinter. Mercedes will only warranty B5, no more than that. Along with a very complex emission system, very expensive service (unless one tackles it themselves), it is a very expensive vehicle to live with. That's the bottom line. You can easily replace an entire Promaster drivetrain for a fraction of a similar cost for Mercedes. If you do not want the diesel, the Promaster is really the only viable option. The Mercedes four-cylinder gasoline motor is anemic for its size. The Ford transit, though nice, has strange wheelbase roof height combinations. The high roof, extended length for transit looks incredibly odd with its huge rear overhang. Just my humble opinion of course.
Agreed with the RAM and Benz offers. Seriously, I cannot see why folks buy into the Sprinter line and there are many that I've spoken with are going to quit them on their next purchase. A bit odd looking indeed is the Transit but the guys I talk to here that have them are well pleased and plan on getting them again when the time comes. I've ridden in both the RAM and Transit and have to say that the Transit has RAM solidly beat in several areas such as ride, finish and total cargo space. Maintenance has not been an issue from what I'm being told verses RAM's. I could use a cargo van but I'm doing fine with my Hino box truck for now.
I work with these vans. I love them except one huge problems. The key sucks! Do you know anything about this issue. I worked in so many where the key won't turn over or it sticks.
I agree to driving all 4 types of vans. I was smart about it. I joined Amazon and got to drive all 4 vans and actually got to work in all four of them. The Ford was the most uncomfortable as far as the seat goes. It fits like a cockpit and is difficult to get in and out of. The Ram was the most comfortable van to get in and out of and has the best head room. The doors on the Mercedes always mess your arm up. The Nissan was difficult getting from front to rear like the Ford. The two complaints about the Ram are the left headlight-moisture and the engine RPMs. It revs up where the other vans don't. It feels like I am pushing the engine when I have to step on the gas. It revs much higher than the other vans. This also goes against Amazon delivery drivers on the driving app as the app doesn't differentiate the different engine types. So I actually got a lot of experience with different modeled vans before making my decision. I went with the Ram Promaster 2500, 136" wheel base hightop van. I have enjoyed it very much. Again, that seat is by far the most comfortable and the widest. So, if you are a fat bottom person (which isn't me), you will definitely enjoy Ram over the other 3 brands.
I guess we are just lucky. Have been in a Promaster for 3 years. My 6’3” boyfriend has no issue with the seat height, and we have the swivel seats upgrade. We find the seats comfortable for long rides, and have had zero issues with headlights. We are on a forum for Roadtrek vans built on the Promaster and haven’t seen these issues posted by owners.
Just wait I've got 245000 on mine it's on its 3rd transmission I believe. Hard to remember because the transmission bracket engine mounts are a terrible design and they end up shearing the bolts and then your in for a ride. Transmission dragging the ground everything is torn to hell underneath it when this happens very costly and very dangerous so be careful with this van.
Coming from a fleet setting that works on Transits / Promaster's, the Promaster is hands down a much better vehicle than the Transit. Pains me to say it but Ford has a worse build quality and are way more complicated. The Promaster is simple and lasts a long time. They do have minor issues, but Ford's have more major issues such as driveshaft, Ecoboost turbo problems, cooling system problems. Etc
Watched my buddy's transit fail on him quite a few times. We both built camper vans right around the same time coincidently. The promaster shell (and powertrain) is just better all around if you're going for a high roof van. The pentastars (post 2014) are much more reliable than what Ford offers. (They wouldn't have built over 10 million of those engines if they thought it wasn't worth it.) With that being said, the suspension and front end components do need to be inspected frequently to avoid costly repairs... Anyways, my buddy's transit has mechanically failed on him numerous times at this point. He ended up trying to rebuild everything but it still gave him issues that left him stranded... Not knocking on Ford (since I also drive a Ranger), but the Transits are a risky platform to go with overall. Vans have never been a strongsuit for Ford, ever since they stopped producing the Windstar.
I honestly love the Promasters. I've rode in a 2009 and 2013 Chevy Express Cargo, 2021 Ford Transit Passenger and a 2019 RAM Promaster 1500 Low Roof 136". Granted, the Promasters are FWD, but I would take a Promaster over any van, any day. They are tremendously comfortable, very practical, a lot of room, and just overall a very good van.
Bought my Promaster 2500 in 2016 with 43 miles. It has 620,000 miles now. Never had a problem but this weekend iam changing the oil housing and coolant and doing the injectors too. Literally it runs like new.
They switched out the transmission to a different type in the 2022 model. The Transit is wide enough at window height to sleep side to side. It’s only about an inch different because the walls flair out.
I have a 2018 Pro-Master 3500 that Winnebago use's for their Travato RV. The RV weigh's about 9,200 lbs, fuel mileage is ok, 17 to 18 mpg. I added the Sumo springs to the front and rear, that made a huge difference in the ride....................for the better. We have not had any issues with the van, quality seems to be very good.
Thanks for the review. I have a Promaster 136 and put in swivel seats that are the same height as stock non-swivel, makes a big difference. As for comfort, recently did a run from Colorado to California and aside from being tired of traffic found it comfortable. With that said I wish that the steering wheel could be adjusted up and down instead of just telescoping. Advantage I see to the Promaster is being front wheel drive meaning the rear deck is lower. If you want 4x4 or all wheel drive the Sprinter or Tansit is for you. As with all van and van builds, it is about options.
I agree with you. I was wishing the steering wheel wasn't so dang big. And definately could use sitting higher as opposed to feeling like its practically in my lap. Definately wish I could move it upwards
In 2015 I bought 118 inch diesel Promaster. Great mileage, great transmission for winter driving but I trade in 2019 for Nissan NV 2500 tons problems one of very dangerous when after random miles on long distance turbo go off, happens 8 times likely no body behind, dealers never figure out what caused that. Point to buy Nissan only one, warranty 5 years/100000 miles, after that lifetime for power train with 100 dollars deductible. Of course gas mileage atrocious. But for work van warranty more important.
Hi, thanks for a great overview of the pro master 👍. I’m looking at the Ducato for a build out here in the U.K. I’m wondering if the same failures are common on both sides of the pond. Most vehicles over here are manual transmission. Are the common transmission failures in automatic or manual transmissions or perhaps both? Given the common failure of the transmission and light unit on the pro master is it possible to be proactive to prevent the issues? I assume there are common failure points, a seal that fails for example. What do Dodge do to fix the issues under warranty? Do they replace the units with different models do they repair/upgrade the failed parts to deal with what sounds like a design flaw in the van?
Also worth considering the promaster is the only option with front wheel drive. If you're not willing to shell out the bucks for an AWD platform and you're looking to drive in some snowy conditions then FWD is the way to go over RWD. That's what sold me on the Promaster.
I'm not sold on FWD being better than RWD. One of my favorite cars I've owned was a RWD 4Runner. It was by far the best 2WD car I've ever owned in the snow. Best traction control. We normally put a good deal of weight over the rear axel between water and batteries which I feel definitely helps and maybe cancels out the argument. We have multiple clients with Promaster who have been stuck in snow, mud and sand. If you take risks and go on questionable ground you might get stuck... even with AWD or 4WD.
@@ILoveProperty Totally fair. I think it's more a matter of being able to steer with the power rather than having the power steer you. Especially in a big van once that thing start moving sideways at speed it's going to be tough to get it under control. Just like to avoid that whole situation in something so heavy. Slow speeds no prob but it's at highway speeds the RWD really can catch you off guard. Usually not as big a deal in a smaller car. In terms of either though, get good tires :)
Don't discount the 118" You may not be able to stand up straight but you only need to bend slightly and it's roomy for1 or 2 people. Install the 15x30" sunroof and you can remove the glass and stand up easily to prep food. I installed the Alurack and it increases the utility tremendously.
Rocker arm issues when u start hearing a tick get it done quickly or u will be replacing cam also. Headlights change them to led or u will be replacing headlights very frequently. Ive got 2 of these with over 400grand on both
I must be weird. I’m 5’6”” and both front seats swivel and I have driven my 21foot Promaster 12 hours at a time with no discomfort. At a mere 17,000 miles my headlights work and I don’t grind the transmission like I’m racing. So far so good. And parking is simple with front wheel drive and plenty of overhangs I stick it anywhere. I am weird then.
Not at all. My 2018 ProMaster has been great as well. I also have the swivel seat option but the upgraded stationary seats adjust up and down as well as tilt. It's easy to find a good driving position. Just wish tilt steering was available. That's my biggest gripe.
Isn't the pro master front wheel drive? If so, what's your opinion ? Seems like with the load you have with a camper van, rear wheel drive would be better.
How’s your pro master holding up now Joseph? I’m looking to purchase a 2015 Promaster 1500 136 WB with 100k miles and wanted some advice. I’ve never owned a ram .
@@michaels.8663FWD only struggles going uphill on loose terrain, places where you probably shouldn't go in a van in the first place. You can use the backup technique but not everyone is comfortable backing uphill.
2014 Ram Promaster 2500 self build 2nd owner…no headlight problem…no transmission problem so far….I’ve put 50k miles in 2 yrs …. I also tow a trailer for my business for 3/4 of the miles i put on it…love my promaster. Male friend (not tall but a big guy) is a delivery driver for fedex they just changed him from promaster to sprinter ….he misses the promaster.
I heard the transmission issue was addressed after 2016. Does anyone know how valid that is? I have a 2017 2500 159WB HR 3.6L with 101k miles. I have no complaints. My transmission has had no issue. I use Tow/Haul Mode when in the mountains and drive it like I want it to last (slow to start and slow to stop). I've never had moisture in my headlamp. I regularly drive this thing 8+hours in a stretch and can't complain about comfort other than the steering wheel is too far forward. I hear you can get one of those knobs to mitigate this. I do my own maintenance and have nothing out of regular maintenance for this puppy. The engine bay is small and a bit painful to work on. The reason I recommend this vehicle first and foremost is the length of vehicle/cargo space is unparalleled. I can fit my 159wb in any parking stall - with a three-point turn when there's cars on both sides. Since it's FWD it not only does well in the snow with chains, but there's no drive train under the cargo bay. So the loading deck is the lowest in it's class. Which means you can fit in drive-thru's with the high roof. I am 6'3" and the seat is absolutely too high. But I can't complain about height in any other situation. The bed from side to side is clutch. The van is boxier than other vans so it's easier to build out, as well. It's seems unreasonable for me to go with any other van. I lived in mine on Mt Hood for a year and can't complain about the van's performance.
The seat has two heights, if you pull the tab on the side you can force it down (have to force down front and back separately because they're sprung). You may already know this but I just thought I'd mention it. I'm also 6'3 and I like the driving position and line of sight personally (2017 159" Ext). The turning radius is awesome also. 👍
@@will_and_rory I thought I was responding to myself with you similar name 😂 I had no idea. I'm going to try that out today. You don't feel like you're sitting too low with the lower setting? Like the steering wheel isn't more uncomfortable?
I have drove 2 promaster Van's 2016 2019 both of then have had new transmission at 40 and 52 thousand miles water leaks from day one smell of anti freeze engine check lights numbers times one had a xmas dash lights everything lit up and flashed like a xmas tree 13 mpg best I could get out them . Good van but thay need to get rid of the crap engine and transmission put the European engine in headlights let water in on the plus side bit easier to load great turning circle in winter you need snow stud tiers or it will not move .
My employer bought a pro master as a utility vehicle that I drive often. I will not touch on the multiple issues with it and I would also not purchase one at any price for any purpose.
Make sure you use grease around your oil filter cap to prevent cracking the oil filter housing when changing oil filter,$500 to $1500 repair if you go to a shop with a Conscience! Anything higher than this price range you are getting screwed! If you are mechanically inclined and have the type of tools which is roughly 3 or four different handtools you can successfully remove the components associated with this repair yourself it isn’t as hard as it looks! If you try to do this yourself hit me up and I will pass on what I know because there’s very few videos demonstrating this on RU-vid, always change your own oil with a low profile socket and a stubby wrench this will make it the easiest way to take the cap off without damaging the cap on the oil filter housing, and keep in mind to Grease the oil filter cap before reapplying to prevent damaging the oil filter housing, oil alone will not lubricate the threads like you would think Grease works the best. The moisture in the driver side headlight may also be moisture in the overhead bin and I’m leaning towards it might be one of the overhead running lights above the windshield leaking, just guessing on this
Thanks for the great info. I'm loving all your builds and how creative you got with space in a 136 WB Promaster. A full wet bath Wow and the beautiful finishes. Nice!!! I'm looking at a Promaster for the ease of build and the ability to sleep East/West. Though, I love the Mercedes, and if money was no object, I'd consider that, however I also took into consideration finding a Mercedes Dealer or mechanic when traveling to more rural areas and away from big cities. Then, the parts, labour and maintnance too. I heard oil changes are close to $200. Great advice on taking all htree Van models for a test drive. But my heart will break when I leave the Merceds lot. LOL! Did all your Vans come new from the dealer or the customer bought resale? I'm currently looking and put myself on YOUR waitlist. Hopefully we get to work together some day! Keep up the great work!
It's really hard to say no to a Mercedes lol. Look at the transit. We fit a full size bed in our last one without flares. Regarding new v. used.. we only buy new for spec builds as we want our spec customers to have full warranties and worry free living. About 50% of our builds where clients provide the vans are used. If you buy used, be sure to get an extended power tran warranty... especially with the Promaster. We see people every week that have under 40K miles who have transmission issues and many with engine issues. They really have a quality issue with their vans... hopefully they have made some improvements with the 2021's. We really love building on the platform... so hopefully these issues will be resolved. Sorry for the slow response!!
Great info and I appreciate your honest advice and knowledgeable input. Why no love or even mention of a Chevy Express? With all the emphasis on which platform a high dollar conversion could be potentially built on, I find the engine, maintenance costs, and longevity of that engine to be one of the most if not the most important consideration. I do realize they don't offer a high top roof express. Imo the obsession with high roof vans is strange. Having a low roof van that runs for well over 200k miles vs being able to stand in a van that has engine/transmission problems within the first 30k miles, to me, is a huge concern and consideration. Most of the time, while at home, we're sitting more than standing anyway. Also, if I'm doing outdoor traveling nomadic type of adventures in a conversion, I'd be spending most of my non driving/parked time outside rather than in the van. Not complaining about your review, just my 2 cents. Thanks for your experienced based advice.
my guess for the high top roof fascination would be specifically for van life dwellers...just more comfortability when cooking & maybe showering inside it
If it has sitting water, drill a small hole at the lowest point. Drain, allowed to sit outside in the sun with a fan blowing into it for the day. Then when it's completely dry in the inside reinstall it and you should be good.
Realize that your comments about the seat are very personal. We've had our PM for almost six years, I love the seat. I've done a 7 day drive cross-country, never uncomfortable with the seat. I find it great for 12 hour drives, no problem. Also, while I have heard of the headlight condensation problem, I don't think it is as prevalent as what you have seen. I follow a few different PM groups, and while it does come up occasionally, its really not that much. The far more common headlight complaint is the lack of good light, which is resolved by changing to LED bulbs. But, we are starting to look for our second van, and I will be considering the Transit. We looked at it a bit long ago, and I really liked that the PM was much easier to move from the driver seat to the back. The console on the Transit seemed to be more in the way. The PM also has a good choice for roof height. Seems like the Transit you're either just barely too short with the mid-roof, or you're driving a skyscraper with the high roof. But yeah, the PM has some weak spots. Ya gotta realize that its just a minivan drivetrain; same engine, same transmission. Would be great to see a change there, but I doubt that will happen for another 5-10 years.
Agreed! Thanks for the comment. Can’t wait to get our hands on our 2021 Transit we ordered. Should be here by April. We just started on the Sprinter build... it’s a great van too... just very pricey.
Chrysler/Fiat had a recall on the transmission module. Mine was replaced by the dealer last year. No headlight fogging after 30,000 miles, but I live in the desert.
@@waterheaterservices thanks for the comeback but if you had to choose between ford and chevy which would it be? i'm going for my first van about 3 years old maybe 4 and can't decide.and not a vehicle person thanks
Chevrolet doesn't have a van to compete with sprinters, promasters, transits, etc. They still stick with the traditional size van and do have the small box truck option. If Chevrolet came out with a sprinter like van then I think they would make a killing.
Can you offer Antoinette link? Also, I would like to ask this of all presenters, is to really enunciate when speaking models or products, as new people are learning. If I d you all in the field are very versed, but new folks are not…so we don’t now all the things you speak of, it’s the first time we hear these things! Vs feel you need to rush the info out, etc.! Appreciate the efforts for sure to make these videos!
You said that Ford Transit drive much better than the Pro Master. If I install a 4x4 offroad conversion kit on it. Do you think that will make the driving experience much much better?
Around the world they ship these vans Diesel with Manual Transmission. It actually sounds quite strange thinking about these vans running with gas + automatic. BTW, thanks for the vídeo. We need more vídeos like these in the community. Another van available everywhere (except US) are the IVECOS. They are belived to best stronger than anything else, including Sprinter.
Italian designed and built in Mexico for you guys. Here in Italy they are not even used by many parcel companies. A cheap disposal van, unlike Ford, Mercedes or VW.
The Ram pm I heard has an issue with the transmission as you mentioned a control module going out but that may not be the case I heard if you have a diagnostic tool that the Dealer has or a high end Snap on has you can reset the code for the what I think was called the VLP and once it resets that code it drives fine it’s not necessarily the control module as you said in this video which would be a huge savings.explained in video 👉ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-PzBKIFbGJ4w.html
Great video with good information. I just bought a ProMaster and actually picking it up later today. Do you how the moisture is getting in the headlight? Would silicone work to prevent that issue possibly? Thanks
There's a little drain tube in the gutter below the windshield. My hypothesis is that it gets blocked and then water pools and drains around the tube and along the back of the headlight assembly which is a problem. I stuck the tubes down with silicon around the edge. I also sealed some cracks in my headlight assembly with silicone. No issues since. I do recommend getting aftermarket LED headlights off Amazon because the OEM bulbs and/or the circuitry behind the light sucks pretty bad, the burn out a lot. LEDs will last forever. I did have to also JB weld the clips for the LED bulbs in place.
@@dontcare3430 i really liked working out of the high top van. Caution, they're horrible driving in the snow though. I sold my hvac company, vans,etc so I no longer have it but sure would've been nice to have one of them throughout my career 👍
@@chucktrivette5723im a chimney sweep and my high top promaster 136" wheelbase gets me around fine in snow. U just need snow tires and or easy chains to put on.
Thank you for this information...I am 56 year old retired veteran and grandmother who is ELEATED to start my van life journey and plan to purchase my van within the next 12 to 18 months and I am trying my best to research as much as possible. Do you offer moderations like getting full van build over time? I am on a budget so my build will not happen immediately, however I am already purchasing 'camping' equipment so that I can function and live out of my van in the mean time.
I went with a 2021 Ford E350 cutaway van $47k new. It has a 14'5 box and 80" width. I got the high roof option so I can stand, im 5'16". 12,500 towing capacity.
Thanks for your observations. I guess these seats are like motorcycle seats, one person says they’re great, next says terrible. Great advice on driving all three regardless of budget.
Respectfully, the USA is not strong on engines (if we speak about reliability). They have had massive displacements compared to European and Japanese manufacturers especially when gas was $0.25 per gallon.
I would have to agree… especially in the 90s and early 2000s. USA quality on engines has grown a ton since. Much more reliable and some are crazy powerful and still reliable daily drivers… like the Hellcat…
I have a Ford Transit with AWD. IT'S A CLASS B+ RV AND IT HAS HEATED TANKS RATED AT -35 BELOW 0. MILEAGE FOR FUEL IS 15 IN THE CITY 24 ON THE HIGHWAY. HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH IT AND IT MY HOME AWAY FROM HOME WHEN IN THE WINTER I GO TO FLORIDA OR ARIZONA.
Sleeping side-to-side ('east/west') is also commonly known as 'perpendicular'. Ford also offers the 'Econoline' (used market). Chevy offers (new) the 'Express'/GMC Savana. MB Sprinters.
I have an RV built on a2015 ram pro master, 3500 series chassis. It is a Dynamax rev. I actually love the seats, I’m 6 foot two and don’t have the issue of feeling like I am too high, my headlights do not get moisture in them, and I have 20,000 miles with no transmission issues yet. I just wanted to put this info out there because I have a slightly different opinion, but I do appreciate videos like this to give everybody both sides of the story.
DO NOT BUY A PROMASTER UNLESS YOU HAVE A BACKUP VEHICLE TO USE BECAUSE IT WILL ALWAYS BE BROKEN. I'm a contractor that needs a reliable vehicle this is not it. I have a 2017 . now I have 108,000 miles on it here is a list of repairs that I can remember. 3- engines , 2 transmissions, 3- radiators,1- fuel sending unit,1-set cooling fans,1- catalytic converter,1- starter,1-set of drive axles , wheel bearings, eats front tires like crazy even with aliments, 1-mset manifolds, 1- oil filter housing, axle gaskets, rear main seal on third engine, GPS shot, slider broke 3 times ,lost spare tire that I never used because cable holding tire rusted and broke, 7- head light bulbs, uncomfortable, misc. computer and sensor problems, lost down times sometimes repairs take weeks. The worst was when the first engine went at 68,000 it was 8,000 passed min warranty. they did not cover because I missed 1 oil change. Argued with dealer about that so the truck sat at dealer for 8 months. Then dealer said I ran truck out of oil took service manager out to truck and pulled dip stick out and there was oil on it. still wouldn't warranty . Cost me $8,600 to get new engine at another dealership when they could find one. They told me the head gasket went. The second engine lasted 4,700 miles. Opps sorry defective engine. They replaced got truck back 4 weeks later. O yeah that second engine before it was defective truck went back 6 times before they changed it. And no lemon law in NJ does not apply to commercial vehicles. And 3/4 of this stuff listed was not under warranty. Chrysler says wear and tear. So read this make up your own mind. Please spend the extra money and buy anything but a POS Promaster.
That's how I drained my headlight housing. I accidentally forgot to put the back cover back on, and it ended up with condensation and standing water. Drained it, allowed it to dry outside for the day with a fan. Reinstalled it and didn't have an issue.
So I bought a ram pro master 2500 van for my construction crew to use last year it was used and the used dealer told us it only had 38,000 miles and we were in a pinch we needed a newer van bad and we couldn’t find a good transit van so we settled and went for the pro master. Now I do own a 1500 ram it’s got 90,000 miles it’s a 2016 and it is a great truck and a good price but you definitely can’t say that about a ram van. Right out the gate about 3 weeks into owning the van the transmission went and it needed to be replaced. Next in august of 2021 the entire engine and transmission literally fell out of the truck while the guys were driving because the motor mounts went. And today January 25 2022 it happened again the mount completely snapped in half. It’s a complete headache the van has been nothing but a problem since we got it and we might just cut our losses and just get a transit van they might be a bit more expensive but we have a couple old ford vans that have well over 150,000 miles and we have not one problem with them. That’s my little story thanks for listening 😂
Damn, that's horrible. For a work van I love the Sprinter. You treat it right and it will go and go and go. 4x2 version is actually cheaper than a Transit right now with all this shortage BS
@@ILoveProperty nice my biggest concern is buying a sprinter but then having to pay stupid money when it brakes. No matter what brand you will have to pay to replace or fix something and I know Mercedes is definitely the most expensive. But I will have to look into it.
Good information. Watch the van life you tube videos and you see people with Transit and Ram problems all the time. Its why I have an E350. No, its not new and cool. Bonus. It has nothing that goes bong bong bong except if you leave the headlights on.
