Are you contemplating investing in a Promaster Metropolis Camper? Some van dwellers have made this selection and haven’t regretted it. It’s a dependable automotive, which is more likely to be saved stealth sufficient to camp in cities.
The Promaster Metropolis is an excellent selection for anybody who must journey on the weekend or on journey.
For many who need to go on prolonged journeys, you’ll ought to cram a variety of drugs in a small dwelling, nonetheless this may be achieved by along with a rooftop tent or a roof space.
Let’s have a look on the choices you will have for this van. We now have compiled an inventory of customized builds, conversion kits, and DIY conversions for you.
Nonetheless first, let’s have a look on the professionals and cons. As with every van, there are benefits and drawbacks to altering this mannequin.
Professionals & Cons Of A Promaster Metropolis Camper
Professionals
- The cargo model is totally customizable
- The gas consumption is nice – 24mpg on widespread
- At 17ft, it’s very nimble and straightforward to park
- The near-vertical partitions on the as soon as extra make it straightforward to transform DIY
Cons
- No headroom – you may’t stand up inside
- Restricted quantity of inside dwelling
- It burns a variety of oil
5 Nice Promaster Metropolis Camper Customized-made Builds
Hiring an organization to transform your van can take a variety of stress out of the van life prep. You presumably can preserve working and having pleasant alongside along with your evenings and weekends, whereas professionals protect the tactic.
The result’s a safe, lovely assemble with high quality components. The draw once more is that you simply simply’ll presumably ought to get on a ready tips. It could take months ahead of you will get your palms in your completed camper.
For a lot of who suppose that is the appropriate route for you, we now have chosen the most effective corporations providing customized builds on the market out there available on the market.
Ensure that to attempt these Two Customized-made Dodge Ram Promaster Vans Beneath $60k as correctly!
1) Contravans Promaster Metropolis Van Conversion
From: $7,498
Colorado-based company Contravans give consideration to altering numerous van fashions into campers. For small automobiles similar to the Ram Promaster Metropolis, they provide 4 choices, which they establish Turnkey Van Conversions:
- Bench seat – two benches and a desk that flip correct proper right into a mattress
- Storage drawers – a double mattress with pull-out storage beneath
- Single mattress – a everlasting bench-bed with a kitchenette in entrance of it
- Three-piece mattress – a double mattress that transforms correct proper right into a passenger bench
Select the design that bigger adapts to your tenting needs and ship off your van to get transformed. For a lot of who choose, you may fully customise your assemble. Contravans present an infinite number of choices and equipment, resembling awnings, rooftop tents, and a cassette bathroom.
For extra data, head over to the Contravans web site.
2) Cascade Campers Promaster Conversion
From: $8,000
Cascade Campers present good-value customized conversions, as a result of their standardized design and quick manufacturing line – they might ship as lots as 14 campers in a month.
Their conversion incorporates a chronic bench, which turns correct proper right into a 6ft4in double mattress. In entrance of it, there’s a kitchenette with sink, storage, and cooler. The blokes furthermore prepare an have an effect on system with {a photograph} voltaic panel, a freshwater tank, LED lights, and a fan.
The inside appears to be like cozy and fashionable, as a result of good and comfy colours of the picket and materials.
Be taught further on the Cascade Campers web site.
3) Voyager Campervans Promaster Metropolis Conversion
From: $12,495
Voyager Campervans have collected their prospects’ options to give you mainly primarily essentially the most good van assemble for a Ram Promaster Metropolis – the Minny V3.
This conversion design packs in a variety of intelligent concepts to revenue from the restricted room accessible.
The underside plan is easy. There’s a protracted sofa, which turns correct proper right into a mattress, that occupies quite a lot of the house. There’s furthermore a substantial amount of storage everywhere.
Half the sofa turns correct proper right into a kitchenette with a sink and cooler. Behind the automotive, there are sliding tables, which let you eat out of doors.
Try the Voyager Campervans web page to get the entire small print.
4) Craft Autoworks Ram Promaster Campervan Conversion
From: $29,900
For a lot of who’d barely use the inside of the Promaster Metropolis as a dwelling dwelling, you’ll should try the Craft Autoworks Scout.
This conversion comes with a rooftop tent, so the as soon as extra of the van incorporates a kitchenette and a bench. This may very well be a personalised assemble for essential van dwellers, who should dwell on the freeway for extended durations of time.
The conversion includes updated and gray water tanks, a scorching water heater, an open air bathe, a lithium battery pack with 2000 watt inverter, a DC fridge/freezer, image voltaic panels, and additional. The Scout has the entire objects you must get going.
Take a look on the gallery of earlier conversions on the Craft Autoworks web site.
5) Kuku Campers Ram Promaster Customized-made Conversion
From: $35,000
That is the most costly customized assemble out there available on the market. The rationale? It comes with an unbelievable quantity of medication, resembling a heater, a fridge, and {a photograph} voltaic panel.
The inside appears to be like fashionable and tidy after the conversion. The floorplan incorporates a u-shaped sofa with a desk inside the center, which turns correct proper right into a mattress. Behind the driving drive and passenger seats, there’s a kitchenette. There are furthermore a great deal of cupboards and storage packing containers.
Head over to the Kuku Campers web page to hunt out out further.
Sprinter vs. Transit: The Nitty Gritty
Let’s see how these two vans take into account in 4 important areas.
1. Upkeep Prices
Let’s face it: each automotive needs repairs, and taking wonderful care of things is necessary when your automotive could be your particular person home!
Other than budgeting for normal oil and tire modifications, you’re well-advised to have further financial monetary financial savings when one issue sudden occurs.
A Ford Transit is just not solely further low cost upfront, nonetheless it’s furthermore cheaper to keep up up.
Substitute components are low cost and extensively accessible, which is a gigantic bonus.
You’ll even have further peace of concepts in a worst-case state of affairs since Ford sellers and mechanics are in nearly each metropolis.
Upkeep is among the many many predominant causes solo US feminine van lifer Ricki (@rickiontheroad) chosen a Ford Transit to name dwelling: “I went with a Transit due to it’s cheaper and additional areas will service it. Whereas Sprinters may have repairs lots a lot much less usually, the thought-about needing repairs in a distant metropolis and nobody desirous to work on my automotive was sufficient to get a Transit.”
Colby and Eric (@engineerswhovanlife) agree with Ricki: “The advantage of repairs and servability of an American-made camper van was necessary for us. Dwelling on the freeway full time, we now have heard horror tales of Sprinter homeowners having to pay for 200+ mile tows as quickly as they break down, or components being actually troublesome to provide. Fords are everywhere correct proper right here, and we now have on no account had a problem with towing or components.”
Factors are a bit little bit of fully fully completely different just about proudly proudly proudly owning a Sprinter. Internet boards are filled with horror tales about DEF sensor failure, black dying, and the dreaded limp mode.
When a severe downside arises, a dealership is usually the one place capable of assist, so that you just’ll need to hunt out your technique to the closest massive metropolis.
Keith and Hannah (@keithandhannahh) are full-time van lifers who dwell in a Sprinter van, they usually additionally agree that the preliminary worth of the cargo van plus the dearer repairs prices are the one cons to deciding on a Sprinter vs. a Transit.
“In our opinion, the one con is the worth due to a Sprinter prices barely further (not regularly). You may spend further on components to revive it, nonetheless we purchased a mannequin new van and haven’t had any fixes due to we preserve with all the upkeep. We’ve regularly had expertise with Mercedes, notion in them as a model, and want to see how a lot they’ve embraced the van life dwelling,” acknowledged Keith and Hannah.
Add inside the truth that restore prices is more likely to be substantial and you will have to attend weeks for components to attain, and it’s no marvel it is a sticking stage for lots of people contained in the Ford Transit vs. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter debate.
2. AWD/4×4 Alternatives
For these touring as soon as extra roads, considerably all by way of winter, a 4×4 Sprinter is mainly primarily essentially the most partaking different. The draw once more is you’ll need to buy a 2022 mannequin (or earlier) since Mercedes-Benz not makes 4×4 Sprinters as of 2023.
A 4×4 Sprinter has a a lot elevated clearance than an on a regular basis 2WD mannequin, and it would go virtually wherever, making it preferrred for off-grid adventuring.
As of 2023, Mercedes-Benz makes AWD Sprinter vans with diesel engines. Though you’ll ought to spend further upfront for a Sprinter van with AWD or a 2022 (or earlier) mannequin with 4×4, it’s going to protect its worth for people who ever should advertise.
The AWD Transit and Transit Path have gotten more and more extra well-liked, although they’re solely accessible with a gasoline engine.
Colby and Eric (@engineerswhovanlife) wrote an article on their weblog about why they selected a Transit over a Sprinter (and ProMaster). They acknowledged they like how a Transit has “the shorter wheelbase of the Transit driving further like a automotive and the AWD drive observe.”
Though it’s an infinite step up from the 2WD Transit, you’ll ought to pay for a lifted suspension to make sure that you further clearance on an on a regular basis Transit. As talked about earlier, the Transit Path not decrease than has an unlimited carry of three.5” in contrast with the identical outdated Transit.
For a lot of who nonetheless need a 4×4 campervan and are leaning inside the path of a Ford Transit, you may pay for an after-market 4×4 conversion.
Though you’ll pay spherical $13,000 for a Quigley’s conversion from Sportsmobile, the ultimate worth may very successfully be lower than what you’d pay for a 4×4 Sprinter, leveling the having enjoyable with area contained in the Sprinter vs. Transit sport!
3. Suitability For Conversions
As we’ve already seen, there’s much more inside standing dwelling in a Excessive Roof Transit and Excessive Roof Transit Path, which might very successfully be the clincher for taller associates.
Though there’s lots a lot much less dwelling in a Transit, the sq. kind makes it straightforward to do a fast and low cost conversion.
One completely different massive plus is the Transit’s inside width, which makes it attainable to put in a mattress width-ways, releasing up further dwelling and home for storing contained inside the van.
Colby and Eric (@engineerswhovanlife) have chosen Transit vans twice (about to be thrice)! They acknowledged that one motive they like them for a conversion is the added peak: “The Transit is the tallest of the three further frequent chassis. The inside standing peak of the Transit is 4” taller than the Sprinter. Eric is tall so this was a must for us!”
When altering a Sprinter, a really highly effective revenue is the ample dwelling inside, considerably contained in the 170″ wheelbase prolonged mannequin.
For a lot of who plan on dwelling in your van full-time or with youngsters, the big dwelling inside a Sprinter may make it a transparent frontrunner.
Though you’ll presumably should sleep lengthways in your van in addition to you is more likely to be shorter and prepare flares, there are an extreme quantity of methods to combine home for storing into your design.
4. Diesel vs. Gasoline
When contemplating the Sprinter vs. Transit query, a couple of of the essential variations is the gas every van makes use of.
Most Sprinters have diesel engines, which suggests bigger gas financial system and an extended lifespan.
The gas financial system of a Sprinter is among the many many motive why van lifers Keith and Hannah (@keithandhannah) chosen a Sprinter for his or her DIY conversion: “Sprinter vans are nice dependable, have an superior gas financial system even after the vans are constructed out, and protect their worth. We’re not tall, so livability is sweet, and in our opinion, it appears to be like in all probability the best.”
That acknowledged, diesel is dearer on the pump, and discovering the Terribly Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) that Sprinters require may very successfully be an exact draw back for people who journey to Central or South America.
For a lot of who plan on prolonged overseas journeys in your camper van, you’re presumably bigger off going with a Ford Transit van, regardless of its inferior gas financial system.
Why I Chosen a Sprinter Van
When my husband and I shopped for a campervan to name our dwelling and dwell in full-time, we researched well-liked fashionable chassis, together with Sprinters, Transits, and ProMasters.
I assumed-about the Ford Transit Path over the Sprinter. I appreciated the cheaper price ticket, and my husband and I grew up driving Ford automobiles.
Plus, since my husband is tall at 6’5”, I puzzled if he may stand further comfortably in a Transit Path.
Nonetheless, I knew I wished an educated conversion and wished my van completed when my dwelling lease ended. I wished to rule out the Transit Path as these vans weren’t on the market then.
I lastly went with a 2022 Sprinter van to have 4×4, a dependable van for full-time dwelling, and a van with incredible resale worth.
I furthermore similar to the look of a Sprinter, and my husband discovered he may stand up inside it with out having to squat or bend.
I like having the peace of concepts of a 4-wheel drive van on steep, rocky roads and via winter circumstances in Colorado (the place we spend quite a lot of our time).
Ford doesn’t make 4×4 vans, so I already felt hesitant about going with a type of vans in case I ever discovered myself in a troublesome place on the freeway.
Since I take into account to dwell in my van full-time with my husband and canine, I wished a dependable and high-quality chassis.
Though suppliers on Sprinters are expensive, I like how Sprinter vans don’t needs to be serviced as usually and sometimes have components that want substitute since they’re made with high quality from the get-go (in my expertise).
I furthermore chosen a Sprinter over a Transit due to resale worth. I knew my household would do van life for 1-3 years and eventually need to promote the van.
I’ve not nevertheless reached the intention the place I’m making an attempt to promote my Sprinter van, nonetheless I truly actually really feel assured that I’ll get a fairly good return on funding when the time comes.
Look was not an infinite take into consideration our dedication, nonetheless since my husband is a photographer and enjoys taking drone footage of our van in epic areas, it’s a particular plus!
Ought to I Get a Sprinter or Transit?
For a lot of who’re hoping for a verdict on which automotive is healthier for van life, you’re out of luck!
Sprinter and Transit vans are incredible alternatives for van dwellers, and every has distinctive professionals and cons.
Though Keith and Hannah (@keithandhannahh) chosen a Sprinter van, they acknowledged, “A Transit van may very well be an in depth second!”
I agree and may merely see us switching from a Sprinter van to a Ford Transit (considerably the Transit Path) sometime, considerably if we buy a house and need a van for part-time touring.
I’ve nothing dangerous to say concerning the Sprinter aside from the preliminary excessive price ticket and costly service prices.
The Sprinter vs. Transit debate rages on, in order that you could weigh the professionals and cons and resolve which most practically matches your needs and funds.
I hope you’ve discovered this textual content material fascinating and useful in your quest to hunt out your dream van. Please be joyful to go away any questions or solutions beneath!
Fully completely different Van Life Tales You’ll Love:
Promaster Metropolis Camper Kits
For a lot of who’d need to keep away from occurring the DIY route nonetheless don’t should go all out on a personalised assemble, you might go for a conversion bundle deal. These are fashions you may prepare DIY and take away at any time.
So you must use your Promaster Metropolis as a cargo van when you must. They’re furthermore plenty cheaper than a full conversion.
We now have chosen the 2 greatest kits accessible for the Promaster Metropolis for you.
1) Wayfarer Vans Ram Promaster Bundle deal
From: $5,196
The Wally Camper Van Conversion Bundle deal for the Ram Promaster Metropolis Cargo is constructed to put in shortly and get you out on the freeway quick. Merely modify to the prepare movies and your van will flip correct proper right into a camper in minutes.
The furnishings is manufactured from Oregon birch, which suggests it’s gentle nonetheless sturdy, permitting you to revenue from the accessible dwelling.
The bundle deal includes:
- Insulating panels for the inside
- Flooring
- A foldable desk
- Camper packing containers (kitchen, mattress, and bench) with cushions
You presumably can select between three fully fully completely different colours: teal, pinon, and stone. Alternatively, you may go for customized material.
Your Promaster Metropolis will look fashionable and useful with this bundle deal. You presumably can, in any case, personalize it by along with mushy furnishing in your favourite colours and patterns.
Try the entire specs of the bundle deal on the Wayfarer Vans web site.
2) California Customized-made Vans Promaster Conversion Bundle deal
From: $2,999.99
This has acquired to be the proper and quickest bundle deal to put in in your Promaster Metropolis. It’s composed of two devices, which you merely want to slide into your van and guarded.
The bundle deal is principally a bench system, which turns correct proper right into a mattress. It selections a great deal of storage drawers and a sliding desk to rearrange dinner on. So the inside of your van turns correct proper right into a lounge, which you’ll make correct proper right into a mattress room at night time.
Each issue is manufactured from sustainably sourced uncooked lumber, which you’d presumably stain or paint so as in order so as to add a private contact. For a lot of who want the bundle deal altered to suit your van or needs, merely ask ahead of ordering and as well as you’ll get a personalised quote.
Want further particulars? Take a look by means of the California Customized-made Vans web site.
3) VanPackers Cargo Bundle deal
From: $4,395 CAD
Need further headroom? Try this conversion by VanPackers, which features a decrease mattress, benefiting from the vertical dwelling contained in the cargo home of your van.
The bundle deal consists of a flip-up platform mattress and a slide-out kitchen put together behind the automotive. The home for storing is certainly ample, permitting you to make the most of a double-burner differ, a sink, and a cooler concurrently while you’re out on the as soon as extra. The platform mattress lifts up, so you may merely entry the complete storage from the as soon as extra of the automotive. That’s nice intelligent and fairly distinctive.
The bundle deal is more likely to be put in with out drilling in only beneath 5 minutes.
Extra data is obtainable on the VanPackers web site.
Intelligent Promaster Metropolis DIY Conversions
Should go fully DIY? Get impressed by these low-cost, easy conversion concepts. It is going to presumably stop a variety of money, select each single little little little bit of bundle deal, and customise your assemble fully. Sounds good? Affirm them out.
1) Lea’s Residence And Workplace On The Street
Lea’s reworked her Promaster Metropolis correct proper right into a solo camper dwelling on wheels. Inside, there’s a single mattress and two cupboards, the place she retains all her tenting gear.
Every half could also be very straightforward and required little work to put in. The passenger seat is her workplace – correct proper right here she retains her laptop computer pc laptop computer and information. She carries a conveyable bathe and sink and an inverter.
That’s it – that is all she ought to dwell on the freeway.
2) Native Boy’s Mountain Van
Native Boy wished a van to go on snowboarding adventures with. Given how chilly it’s out of doors contained in the mountains, he take into account to spend all his time tenting inside.
Numerous the house is taken up by a slide-out mattress. Nonetheless, he left sufficient dwelling to go effectively with a conveyable bathroom and for him or his girlfriend to vary footwear. Native Boy furthermore constructed and put in a roof rack with a roof space, so it’s simpler to hold further gear.
3) J and Shay’s Journey Van
J & Shay go on extended journeys on their van, in order that they took the time to make it cozy and modify the alternatives they selected alongside one of many easiest methods.
Their conversion incorporates a bench, which turns correct proper right into a mattress. In entrance of it, there’s a kitchenette with a sink and burner. Furthermore they put in a roof rack, the place the fellows retailer their surfboards.
4) Mike And Stephanie’s Residence On Wheels
Mike and Stephanie chosen a barely fully fully completely different design. They opted for putting in a bench behind the doorway seats. This turns correct proper right into a mattress at night time. On the right-hand facet of the automotive, there’s a kitchenette with a sink, fridge, burner, and oven.
On account of the couple dwell on the van nearly full-time, they put in a variety of devices to make their life simpler and cozier. They even managed to put in a TV and conveyable bathroom.
Try 14 Campervan Kitchen Design Concepts for Van Life for some good van life kitchen inspiration!
Conclusion On Ram Promaster Metropolis Camper Conversions
For a lot of who suppose a Ram Promaster Metropolis is the appropriate automotive to take you on unforgettable freeway journeys, there are quite a few methods to level out it into the camper of your wants. You might save a variety of money and go DIY, select a conversion bundle deal to get going quick or go for a full-blown customized assemble.
If instead, you’re in quest of 1 issue a bit bit of higher, try our article on Sprinter vs Transit.
Try some further good van conversion concepts: