2014 RAM ProMaster Commercial Cargo Van Review and Road Test

2014 RAM ProMaster Commercial Cargo Van Review and Road Test
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[@gkk2001]

You did far more homework to understand this van backwards and forwards. So well done. I really appreciate this level of detail. Best Promaster review on YT by far.

[@King_Kenny66]

Wow, can't believe I just watched a cargo van review. That's a direct reflection on how much I enjoy your videos Alex, keep up the great work!

[@feschum]

The review did not mention width; however, this van has the widest body of any delivery van in its class. The extra half a foot of width makes a big difference to usability. It means it can have two sets of full two-foot wide shelves and a two and a half foot alley. I asked a UPS driver how he liked his Sprinter, and he said he hated it because it wasn't wide enough. He preferred his older, and wider, stepvan.

[@Grumpy_old_Boot]

Allow me to be a bit long winded here ... */start long post* I have been a cargo van driver in the past, where I drove a Citroen Jumper (2006 model), but it had a 2.9 liter turbo charged diesel engine with common rail fuel injection and a 5-speed manual gearbox, AKA it was a second generation Fiat Ducato (which is somewhat related to this RAM promaster), but with the 160 multijet engine from the third generation Fiat ducato. Don't know why they sold it with that engine, but I enjoyed it a lot. I suspect they were deperate to sell the old second generation vans once the third generation model game out. However, I could draw a few conclusions from my experience. First of all, I had no issues with the frontwheel drive, as long as there were good tires on *all 4 corners*! Don't just have a good set in the front and a bad set in the back, you will unbalance the van and you'll end up slidig off the road, don't do it. Second of all, that turbocharged 2.9 liter diesel engine was a great fit for the van. Yes, it was very slow at accelerating from 0 to 60, but it had a crushing amount of low down torque (400 N·m / 300 lb·ft @ 1,400 rpm), which is what you really want in a city driving situation, when fully loaded. Heck, that van was easier to get going, than any other regular car I have ever had. I usually started in second gear, sometimes third. And if the van was empty, I could nudge it along in 4rth, or even 5th gear from a standstill all the way to the speed limit - Gotta love the torque of turbo diesels engines, don't be afraid of going turbo diesel, you will love it ! When loading a van for winter driving, make sure you have wintertires and put the heavy stuff in the MIDDLE of the car. That will put enough weight on your front wheels to get you going forward, but also enough weight on the rear wheels to keep you balanced through a turn, so you don't suddenly swipe out. Balance is key. In fact, if you have a balanced cargo load and good tires, that van can go a lot faster through corners than you'd expect - The trick is ofcourse to get the right entry speed to a corner, and then _stay away_ from both brakes and accelerator while going through the corner, in order to maximize grip, and then get back on the throttle as you leave the corner. even if you only apply the throttle moderately, you will often see people behind you be surprised at the speed you can carry and exit with, especially if you have a very compact cargo, that has a low slung center of gravity. Much fun was had with that, and even a few performance cars were left behind.. :) Really, the only real downside to that type of van, is that they are not good at carrying trailers - But if you need to carry trailers, a panel van is not really what you need to begin with. */end long post* *tl;dr :* - I drove a second gen derivative of the Ducato, and it was OK ! - I loved the torque of the turbocharged diesel engine. - And I trolled people with it's surprising good roadholing on several occasion. - Frontwheel drive works fine, if you put cargo in middle. - Get something else to pull trailers, don't use panel vans. :)

[@robertheyford2885]

That was the best review I've seen. Thanks. I've been looking at the Sprinter / MB Vans (but they are really expensive in my opinion starting at over $40k). Thanks for the great review!

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+Jeb Lopz, the Nissan NV honestly skipped my mind. It's an odd entry in this segment because it is by far the least space efficient because it has a real hood. The NV is easier to work on but early indications are that it is no more reliable than the other vans in the segment. The ProMaster is too new to tell so we will have to wait a few years before we can really comment on quality.

[@LiveWire276]

Sprinters may be expensive, but I've seen many last over 300,000 miles.

[@valefur72]

I own a 2.3 l diesel Fiat Ducato with 150 hp. The engine is strong enough to drive in every conditions with awesome fuel economy...I don't know why they don't introduce this engine in the US market, almost on the lighter versions. 25 MPG driving fast in mountains...

[@IlyaSamoylenko]

you are perfectly right. I look with envy at Europe with all those diesel vans. Here in Canada we only have Sprinter which has decent fuel consumption but it's horribly expensive. The rest are outdated fords and chevies with old inefficient engines

[@Sarasdad91]

Been driving Promasters since introduction. Have had 2014...15...18, and now I own a 2019. These are the 300K vans.....nooooo kidding either. Just drove it normally and did regular maintenance is all. Here's the Cons. ...Blows headlight bulbs more often than should ...Soft floor between seats covering wiring (that hatch he pointed out) and can cause damage to them when stepping on that part of floor. ...Coolant smell after driving. Could be leaking steam from coolant tank. ...Auto shift is usually when your going down a mountain, or steep hill, but can be annoying if your not expecting it. ...The 2019 has a driver air ride seat like big trucks. Can be good for people under 250 lbs, but back breaking for people over that weight. ...2015 had 2 accessory plugs. One on dash, and one in rear near cargo doors. Was very handy, but 2019 has one only, on dash. The 2019s do not have many more features than the 2014s did. The body style is basically the same.. Fuel econemy, ive gotten as much as 23mpg, and as little as 14mpg. Depends on where I get the gas, and the weather. However. The pros far outweigh the cons, so it's still a great van, IMO.

[@JCredTV]

The center grille can be ordered in silver if you don't like the black look. There are quite a few photos of the silver grille version online already. Personally I'd dip it in chrome.

[@jonmccormick8683]

Good explanation of the Ram Pick-Up 3.0 V6 diesel vs this 3.0L i4 diesel. Low floor height, pallets thru the back and side, the chassis is also heavily cross-beam braced -so much so it is being used for RVs. Issues may be with DEF freezing in winter (12 Deg F)

[@hidrotule2001]

Very much appreciated the "ease of maintenance" section (~5:00 - 6:00). Would love to see this in other future reviews.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

RAM is positioning the ProMaster as the answer to the E-Series, Express and Savana which are the big players. The Sprinter is a very small player in the market because of the high price tag.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

We are told that there will not be a factory passenger ProMaster but we should expect aftermarket companies to make them into everything from shuttle buses to camper vans.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I drove them all, but the 3500 was featured the most in the video.

[@joelleguina3316]

Just bought the Pro-master 1500 instead of the Sprinter.I have owned 10 vans in the last 25 years and currently have two other sprinters( 2008 ,2006).The reason for the decision to buy the Pro-master is to use for corporate pick up for dry-cleaning services. I do like the size of the van and turning radius,however can't wait until the diesel version is available.The MPG is AWFUL 12.5 to 13.2 in the city, currently not using it as much do to the POOR MPG !!! I will trade it in ASAP when the diesels are available.

[@LynxStarAuto]

8:20 - absolutely nothing odd about that. Major selling point! As a tech, when I was mobile, one of the first mods I did was make a cutout for fuel pump access.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

They grey and white vans were the 159 inch wheelbase and the red one was the 118. I spent most of the time in the 159-inch model.

[@Larnsdoon]

Nice thorough review. Thank you very much!

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Without the partition, essentially the same as the other cargo vans: loud. With the partition it becomes surprisingly minivan like.

[@tiagodeniz1422]

Just a heads up vans in Europe usually come with 3 seats as standard eg one driver seat and a double seat for 2 passengers maybe a new feature in the US but not in the world.

[@nickirhododendron7569]

The Promaster looks the best of all motor vehicles in the world. Better than the Mercedes Benz. Better than the sports cars. I love it. We are going to buy one in a few days, yeahhhh. In a few years we will trade it in for the same van in fully electric with solar roof.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

280HP is fine but 260lb-ft is a little weak for something that can haul more than 5,000lbs of payload. I would have liked to see about 300lb-ft at a lower RPM range.

[@MountainSalsa]

I'm in a Ram ProMaster rental And I find myself mixing up the turn signal And cruise control levers On the left side of the steering wheel. I don't love the driving position as I came from a Nissan NV 2500. Very respectable fuel economy with the ProMaster averaging 19 Mi per gallon

[@carpenterfamily6198]

Why do I see so many of these van for sale online? They are used, this years model (2017), very low miles for only ~$25K. 'Seems like a red flag.' Reviews are either terrible or great. If you are an owner please share your experience. I'd like to buy one used and convert to RV - but I can't have a lot of problems with the Van itself.

[@dstblj5222]

Lot of companies, have a very high churn rate on commercial vehicles, so thats not so shocking, and well, i think that FCA probably is basically giving them away in bulk to switch customers, and maybe giving them to customers who really don't want them or need them for a single application

[@Park_Place]

This is common. You see, these people realized that buying a ProMaster was a mistake, so they're selling it to try and make up for the cost of the van and buy a Transit/Sprinter.

[@ShakespeareCafe]

Don't let the low roof fool ya, if you're 5'8" or shorter you can stand up in the back or at least a gentle duck, not a full crouch. The side view mirrors are great for visibility behind

[@mattbabecki6938]

Bayward Boondocker was hoping to replae his cargo van with one of these. I can see why, they look nice and roomy for a bed and desk and fridge

[@kolhoznikizdubkov]

А нам такие движки и автомат да за такие деньги и не снились! Like

[@tom2step]

have had several small issues, with the Promaster 1500 I got new in Aug '15, van was a '14 model. Biggest small issue was the rear door handle cable just popping off on any random opening, real pain if your van is stuffed and you have to clime over whatever with needle nose to pull the cable down using the dimmest dome light ever. Dummest door locks too, if you dont fully close the door NONE of the doors lock when you hit the clicker, and if you are not looking at the van and miss the 5 flashes, all your stuff is unlocked, hardest head light bulb change EVER. Small gas tank and avg 12mpg. . BIG issue this week is the flywheel failed (I know the noise/sound) at 32,400. 9 days until warranty appointment the find out what is making the noise.

[@AdrianoCROST]

Well as i see now on wikipedia, the strongest model of Mercedes Sprinter (US market) have also 295lb-ft of torque (same as diesel version of this van). Others have same or even less than gasoline version of this van (260lb-ft).

[@mtbkr1030]

Ha, I rode this same route this morning on my road bike

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

118, 136, or 159 depending on the model.

[@dcanmore]

three-across seating has been available in European vans since the 1960s.

[@wopmf4345FxFDxdGaa20]

Well I don't know if the front bench seat in gargo vans is that rare. In european fiat that's the standard seat. Also Toyota and ford have 3 seats usually in a van at front. :)

[@divisioneight]

Alex; Can you test a diesel version of this van when possible. I am thinking of getting a short roof, short wheelbase for business use where cargo hauling is light, but driver comfort and cargo versatility is key. I carry about 200 pounds in more or less book and literature form plus some 40 pound samples that stow on a floor easily. The turning circle and mileage of the Promaster is appealing as I need something with some room and economy. The ProMaster City is not to my liking with the smaller 4 cylinder engine and silly looking sheet metal.

[@Libanass]

280HP for a van? This is crazy. US market is insane.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Yes we are. Until recently Ford's engine options in the E-Series van included a 7.3L V8 turbo diesel and a 6.8L gasoline V10.

[@Libanass]

Omg, I mean what for? For a pleasure of driving a car I could understand, but this is an utility vehicle, 150 HP would be far enough to tow or charge as much as the chassis can handle

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Elie Kh It's usually for towing. Depending on the configuration you can tow upwards of 10,000lbs with a traditional RWD American van.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Mark S Tractor trailers typically have between 8 and 18 forward gears and multiple reverse ratios as well this makes a huge difference when hauling.You also have to keep in mind that the 280HP option doesn't have that much torque, when you're talking 18 wheeler, you're talking a great deal of torque but lower horsepower. The needs of the segment are different however, tractor trailers are usually limited to lower speeds and different driving conditions.

[@AdmiralRustyShackleford]

Mark S Tractor trailers use their immense torque and gearing to pull the heavy loads, they make 1500-2000 ft/lbs of torque at 1000-1500rpm and they use a secondary gearbox for ultra-low gearing, they can pull a 53,000lb trailer from idle, you just let out the clutch and it takes off, don't need the throttle until after you start to pull away

[@4N2IN0JA]

Review the diesel ASAP :) do you think in a year or 2 they will put the 3.0 with the 8 - speed in that?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

It is unlikely. The ZF 8-speed Chrysler uses is a RWD transmission and the ProMaster is a FWD only platform. It is possible that at some point Chrysler may put the ZF 9-speed that is used in the new Cherokee into the ProMaster, but it really depends on demand, cost and the power ratings on that 9-speed. Plenty of unknowns there.

[@PremierAutoMan86]

Thanks for answering! I was thinking all of its competitors have passenger variants would be cool to see what this would look like as an airport shuttle LOL

[@cspennington12]

I wish they would put the 6.7L Cummins engine in these vans. They'd be a real seller if they did that.

[@calvinarena259]

Could I get updated 2021 pro master 2500 159” WB, video with invoice & specifications & fuel mileage, both gas & diesel cost/price Thank you very much Your pal cal

[@dutchurbanminer]

AVERAGE MPG in the US version = 16 MPG ??????? come on , wake up , the original Fiat Ducato diesel engine is good for 24 MPG , most of you only do 55 on the highway and tow a heavy load once a year , you've got a good European design fitted with a ,, thirsty US engine '' for what ???

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Keep in mind two things. First, the US gallon is 25% smaller than the imperial gallon, so that ends up being about 20MPG in Europe. Secondly, gasoline is less expensive in the USA so operating costs of the diesel and the gasoline version are not far apart but the gasoline engine is less expensive to buy. Also, in the USA you don't find diesel everywhere, infact according to the EPA just 35-50% of gas stations carry it and that varies greatly on region. So on this side of the world gasoline in vehicles like this makes sense to many.

[@dutchurbanminer]

Alex on Autos First , i'm from the Netherlands , so we dont use gallons but liters , 24 MPG is the correct figure , Second , Diesel is Always cheaper to produce , world round , so you pay too much for a ,,cheaper'' product , Third , a real ,,Truck '' so not the vehicles you call trucks , we call'm pickúps , are running on diesel so there must be enough gasstations.....

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

dutchurbanminer Well let's start off with the official numbers. The RAM ProMaster gasoline gets 18MPG in the EPA combined cycle while the diesel's score is 23MPG. That is a 20% improvement in fuel economy which is great. However, diesel is not always cheaper to produce because the refinery processes in the USA are not the same as in Europe. The process in the USA produces more gasoline than diesel because of regional demand. Second taxation is not the same across the board, this results in diesel being 10-15% more expensive than gasoline in the USA. And lastly the majority of pickups sold in America are gasoline (well over 90%). That is because aside from the new RAM 1500 diesel, only a small percentage of the trucks sold here are even capable of being ordered with a diesel engine. Just 22% of the pickup sales volume had the option of a diesel engine with take rates being around 20-25% depending on the brand.

[@dutchurbanminer]

Alex on Autos Well , its not a simple answer but lets say it this way; Your real trucks , so not the small pickup's or vans are running on real diesel , a ,,throw away '' product of the fuelindustry , wich is more expensive in your country or state , then gasoline , thats a way for the big oilfirms to make a lot of profit , here in Europe diesel is cheaper than gasoline so ,,real'' trucks Always , for 99,9 % , run on diesel . PS Why do you call those pickup's ,,trucks ?? You need an extra license here to drive a real truck , Has the US got 80 million ,, truckdrivers '' ??

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

dutchurbanminer It's a self-fulfilling prophecy on both sides in many ways. The cheaper fuel is more popular which ensures that the production is tuned to produce that fuel which helps it be more popular. This perpetuates the diesel sales in the EU and the gasoline sales in the USA. I should also add that diesel in the USA is more expensive despite being taxed at a lower rate here. Taxation is a big portion of why American cars have big engines and low MPG figures. Tax on a US gallon of gasoline is about $0.72 in California, one of the highest in the USA. In contrast the total tax on a US gallon of gasoline in the UK is $3.77. This largely accounts for the difference in fuel prices in the UK vs the USA. (I use the UK as an example as I am very familiar with their market). The trouble is that witch fuel this inexpensive, there is little incentive to save. So despite the 20% better economy, people don't want to pay more for the diesel engine because the payback is too far in the future. If all fuel was as expensive as it was in Europe, then there would likely be an attitude shift. The cost difference in operating a twin-turbo V12 Rolls Royce for 15,000 miles a year is just $5,000 more than operating a fuel-sipping Prius hybrid. With numbers like that there is just so little incentive.

[@devonfehn118]

Good job on the thorough review.

[@BarnabeeJones]

While the diesel economy sounds good, the $4k upcharge and especially the mandatory yet-to-be proven roboshifter make it a tougher sell. Gas V6 may be the way to go on this one. Like the van.

[@keithwelton]

It's strange that in the USA they still use such inefficient engines in commercial vehicles like vans and pick ups, trucks to the Americans. Throughout Europe there is no such thing as a petrol powered pick up or van for several years. Even with cars I have had diesel cars only since 1985. My current 2009 Honda Civic returns a minimum of 53mpg, imperial gallons of 4.54 litres, and a highway 63 mpg at 60 mph.

[@1guyin10]

Europeans drive small cars with tiny engines because their governments have largely forced them to do so (your taxes on fuel tend to exceed the actual cost of the fuel for example). The economics in the US are different and so are the requirements. We drive quite a few more miles than Europeans do so small cars are not favored. (I am reminded of a visitor from Germany who I was supposed to meet in Chattanooga, TN. His secretary booked him to fly into Memphis thinking that since it was in the state he could drive from there. Neither realized it was a 5 hour, 350 mile drive!) The small diesels that are available in Ducato in Europe would not offer acceptable performance for the US market. You also need to keep in mind that you are thinking in terms of imperial gallons, which are roughly 20% larger than US gallons. Add to that the roughly 10% reduction in economy caused by meeting US emissions requirements for diesels and you can start to understand why the diesel argument isn't as strong in the US, especially when diesel currently costs 30% more.

[@ChipLeach]

I've been waiting for us here in the states to finally start getting small diesels. I had a 2004 Sprinter with the 2.7 L. diesel. loved it. Now I have a 2013 Sprinter with the 3 L V6 diesel. the new Emissions, specifically the DEF system, is always causing trouble. I am afraid because of the new emissions, I will now have to go back to gas. what a shame.

[@keithwelton]

When European diesel vehicles are put on sale in the USA they sell well. In the UK the latest Volkswagen Passat is not even available as a petrol version as over 90% of the previous version sold as diesel. For example the Audi A3 diesel outsells the petrol version. The Ducato vans are very popular in RV conversions in Europe and becoming so in the USA have 130/150/180 bhp diesel engines and the current Euro6 pollution regulations are very similar to the USA regs. The addition of having to use DEF fluid actually reduces fuel consumption as there is no longer any need to control Nox in the engine as the catalyst removes it.

[@wopmf4345FxFDxdGaa20]

+1guyin10 Europe is a very diverse market, much more diverse than the USA. Driving habits are very different in different countries. For example middle Europeans and south Europeans prefer smaller cars, north Europeans bigger cars. Some drive a lot, some don't drive at all. The engines in European cars are more efficient. Europeans know that the engine size has very little to do with it's performance. At 80's there has already been 1500-2000hp engine with displacement of 1,5 litres. But especially in the case of gasoline engines the max power is directly proportional to the fuel consumption. Hence a gasoline engine is very inefficient at partial loads. This is why all commercial vehicles use diesel engines. They are efficient regardless how they are loaded. Diesel engines are also considered more durable. Taxi's drive 500 000 km in here, and they don't need engine overhaul during that period. And there is no problem with the performance of the smaller ducato diesels if thinking does it get the job done. It get's it easily done, and tows trailer happily at highway speeds. The only performance problem is between the ears of the driver, who has a weird need to accelerate one or two seconds faster from the traffic lights. That's indeed fun but it's not very rational. Like towing wise. At low speeds you always run out of traction long before you run out of power. You can put a 10 ton load behind the ducato, and try to tow it. It is illegal load but it will tow it happily at low speeds, and if it stops, it stops because of running out of traction. Not because of running out of engine power. Only place where you feel engine power when towing is if you are travelling at highway speed and a long uphill comes. But at the loads what the Ducato is allowed legally to transport, that's not a problem either.

[@1guyin10]

chip leach We have a 2012 Sprinter 3 liter. It made it to 90,000 miles before the emissions started giving problems and would not pass emissions testing. The dealer could not get the check engine light to go off. MB issued a reflash that was supposed to solve the problem we were having. It caused the van to go into "limp home" mode every few days. The van was down for about 3 months while MB worked on a solution. They finally got it going again, but now nearing 200,000 it rarely makes it past two oil changes without a $2,000+ visit to the service bay. I'm hoping Nissan will hurry up and offer the Cummins in the NV, but really expect to have to replace the Sprinter with what will probably be a Transit before then.

[@dino33ca]

This would make an awesome camper van!

[@nicolareddwoodd4681]

Nice van.

[@glennhinatsu1797]

Would it be possible for you to do an indepth review of the Promaster 2500 Gas in the winter on snow covered roads?

[@mikebennett3432]

Great review Alex!

[@castanedamarketingservices8335]

HI - I am thinking on buying a Promaster. I would like to use it as my da-to-day vwhiclw; movil office; regular surfing; and some weekend camping. Which one would you recommend for me to convert to accommodate best all of those activities...with fuel efficiency? Thanks!

[@hugolafhugolaf]

Think of it as the «next generation Ducato»? Well, Europe got the updated and facelited version in 2014, just as we got the already-old model.

[@dfloyd888]

The Sprinter is completely split off, and is Mercedes/Freightliner. It appears this van will have as it's main competition the Ford Transit coming out summer 2014. The Transit will eventually replace the Econoline van.

[@theo8326]

excellent review!! I'm a subscriber now

[@danross4299]

I really enjoyed the video, very informational and detailed. I was wondering if you happen to know what the interior cargo area height is for the Promaster low roof version. How tall can you be and still stand up fully in the low roof model? thank you !

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

The low roof is about 65 inches inside or about 11 inches shorter than the high roof version.

[@danross4299]

Thank You, Keep up the great video reviews !

[@BootTrackStories]

FWD= better handling in snow. Sweet.

[@msterpeter1]

well I live up in Quebec,Canada work for the govt and we have 1 3500 jumbo promaster,,piece of crap,,its a grand caravan on steroids, thing is crap on roads that are twisting and also it has about 10 000 miles so far and the transmission is already starting to give some shifting problems, the mechanics say its the same issues as in the grand caravan, cheap parts. unfortunately because of laws the govt when buying vans or any vehicules they take what they get its all in the how much you pay. Doesn't mean its the best. we are supposed to get next month a transit 3500 jumbo now that will be super because the guys that work for DOT also itch a 15ft trailer in the back with all sort of equipment that right now they need to use a F350 dually with a camper box/work office to do the job.

[@martinmartin5904]

Love those front nose ( probably i'm the only one ) . Would like to love this Fiat design but ... fix it again tony can't get off my head . FCA isn't better for reliability record .Even before having mechanical problems please improve this not tilting adjustable steering column .

[@MAGA1440-s2m]

martin martin , that van is nice!

[@PremierAutoMan86]

Is there going to be a passenger version Alex?

[@U.S.SlaveOfficial]

Seems very light duty. They lighten frames on newer vans. I know minivans can't hit curb w/o bending shock, arm, etc... I'm looking at going old school. Early 70's Chevy van w/350 v8

[@U.S.SlaveOfficial]

Good review though

[@choppermfg]

GREAT REVIEW

[@ThorMaxx]

Is this RAM's answer to the Sprinter? or is the Sprinter still sold through Dodge / Ram, or is it now only through Mercedes?

[@jeepurz57]

SO can you get a 12' long roll of carpet in one of these and shut the back doors???? What is cargo length from back doors to back of seats??

[@WillyHambone]

According to the spec sheet, the extended version has just over 12' from the passenger section to the back doors. The Sprinter extended version has 14' from back doors to the passenger compartment.

[@jeepurz57]

believe it or not, finally I found a dealership that read a tape meas and actually had the ambition to go freaking check. 11.8 with doors shut , the doors close into cargo area. this is why searching for vehicles makes me freaking crazy. Ive been on the quest for 2 weeks now. wtf!!!!!! Every vid shows how easy it is to load pallets in one, who the hell loads pallets in em?? Guess its find a 2014 econoline or a chevy van extended cuz these Euro vans are stupid! Rant over.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Jeffrey Hammel Chrysler has been fiddling with the official specs as I discovered after a company I consult for purchased 25 RAM vans. The interior dimensions were off vs the spec sheet as well. The wheel well is slightly taller than the spec (about 1/2 an inch) but the distance between the wheel wells was actually larger than spec. Chrysler says that some things got lost in translation from the EU market van to the US market van and they are being corrected. Hopefully soon...

[@OrlandoReyessonido]

i own a Promaster 2500 and from the rear of the seat to the door (shut) is actually 12'.2" , 6' wide, extended version is about 14' long

[@jimo096]

If you get the 3500 extended version no problem, and it will carry 5000 pounds--thats a lot of carpet.

[@krispeterson1021]

Great job..thanks

[@djwashx]

very impressive

[@choppermfg]

I am ready for one. Diesel 3500 long cab double side it sliding doors, no windows in the cab, divider please .........3 passenber seat. I want one.......... the problem is that Ram/Chrysler are not taking orders...... they are sitting on the best WORKING VAN

[@TorqueEffect]

God $4k more for a 4 banger diesel is fucking ridiculous.

[@divisioneight]

The diesel transmission has no park setting. To lock the van up, you put it in neutral, and set the manual handled parking brake. Odd, but that's the way Fiat made it.

[@wopmf4345FxFDxdGaa20]

+divisioneight I have understood it is not a traditional automatic. It is technically like a manual where the computer controls the change. It has clutch and no torque converter.

[@divisioneight]

wopmf4345FxFDxdGaa20 Correct!

[@kimmarcelo6131]

I can tell that you know about what you are saying. Thanks!

[@eugenemuller923]

On the official sprinter website

[@sofabike]

8:05 What is under passenger Front-Seat? What kind of a box is there? I am planning to remove passenger seat, for a long items, longer than 160"

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

There isn't anything under there, it should be easy to remove and you can ask the dealer to disable the occupancy sensor in the seat so you don't have an airbag light.

[@villenik1]

In Europe Commericial vans are always with 1+2 seats. You need to pay extra, if you want 1+1 seats. Citroen Jumper and Peugeot Boxer are also same car as Fiat Ducato and RAM ProMaster. They are also the cheapest s**t what you can buy in Europe. In my country three new Fiat Ducatos cost less than one new RAM 1500 =)

[@estebanquito545]

but that pick up can not do the same work that a ducato does, two different things.The Ram has 0 functionality, it is all looks and nothing else.Like with almost every american vehicle, all energy in its design is destined to it looks.

[@villenik1]

Thats why we are using diesel commercial vans and pick-up trucks are only expensive toys...

[@beedee9534]

Pro Master Smart Good in snow Transit 350 Junk i know i had one 2016 no parts

[@mibars]

Whats wrong with this (and only this) video? It stops at about 5:25 with sound still going on two different PCs, dispays error on phone, using three different internet connections. Sometimes displays KZbin error screen... Anyone else experiencing this problem?

[@mibars]

OK, it was temporary problem, today it works fine!

[@destinjohnny007]

drove it yesterday. its an Armanie suit with a 25 cent tie. The seats suck so bad it is so uncomfortable, after 20 minutes my neck hurt. I love so many things about it but there was just no thought in the comfort.

[@embrj1453]

So much for so little, where are all the small , diesel, really efficient trucks? no trans stick it means you need to take it to a dealer to have it checked and filled $$$, 4k extra for a Diesel engine? i don't know what it is but there seems to be something always pushing toward gas engines in America, where cars and trucks are more expensive and the fuel itself is more expensive, as opposed to other countries

[@adamvondran]

It's heavily controlled by the car companies. Heck, Ford makes a 1.6L BlueTec that's capable of an estimated 60 m.p.g. hwy but they can't legally sell it here in the U.S.A.

[@1voiceofstl]

Where is the passenger version?

[@misamisa2677]

I hated the def with the diesel it smells awful inside giving me a rash. How much can you carry Weight Width Height Type of heaters available they are super cold in winter With diesel cant idle so heating is extremely important!!!

[@bobl.2213]

2021 and still no tilt wheel or 8 speed trans like the trucks

[@nicolitas123]

Front wheel drive? No thaks

[@daranks100]

Hi Alex,is there any Toyota or Honda or other reliable and dependable Japanese mid size or full size cargo Vans( like Nissan Nv,Mitsubishi,Mazda etc, or German cargo van-Mercedes Metris or Sprinter known for their reliability,good gas mileage,4 or 6 cylinders,FWD, that can last up to 500,000 or more miles you can recommend sold in the US market ? F.o.r.d. is known as Found on road dead. I will hate to invest in an American mid size or full size Cargo van which will not last up to 500,000 and up miles without having serious problems.Honda and Toyota generally just need regular maintenance and drive until the wheels literally fall off!!!.I would appreciate anyone's input .

[@BTC909]

Does the co-host have a name?

[@hakansari9068]

2014 DODGE PRO MASTER IS JINKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK

[@JSTRonline2]

I hate fwd commercial vehicles, problem 1 where's all the weight going to be? In the back. Where's the drive wheels? In the front.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I know it sounds wrong and I had my doubts, but I did 10 trips of 4,500lb pallets in the back up and over a 2,200 ft mountain pass and on moderately steep gravel roads and didn't have a problem.

[@wopmf4345FxFDxdGaa20]

Which is better depends of use for the van. If you drive it with low to moderate loads, the fwd will give you better traction, because everything technical of the car is in the front, even the fuel tank. While if you have always heavy loads, you probably should get rwd van. RWD van has it's problems with low load; they get stuck everywhere at winter time without load. Another useful feature of the FWD is that the floor of the cargo area is very low. Third good feature is that, it's easy to build structures on the chassis version of the vehicle; you can move the rear axle to the position where you want it to be easily. This is probably one reason why it's the most popular motorhome base in Europe. Ford offers both options in the transit, you can choose do you want FWD or RWD. Fiat used to offer 4wd too, but I don't know do they do they offer it in the promaster. The vehicle has been produces for about 30 years with the same concept, so it has proved to be practical at least with European loads.

[@feschum]

I drove for Fedex Ground in Minnesota. The rear wheel drive vans, which were the only type available, had terrible winter traction. Even with a load they would slide around, unlike my front wheel drive minivans. Even when grossly overloaded, far beyond manufacturers specs, my minivans never got stuck or lacked traction. Recently, I asked my local Fedex Ground driver running a rear-wheel drive Sprinter how his traction was in that van. He said that about half a dozen times a year he has to chain up because he could not get up hills with it, hills that I have no trouble going up in a front wheel drive minivan.

[@wopmf4345FxFDxdGaa20]

FWD, RWD, or even 4WD, with all of these, you would greatly benefit of proper winter tires! Tires are much more important than the drive system because they improve also braking and cornering considerably. Here in Finland it's illegal to drive at winter without winter tires. :) And I think it's a good law.

[@jam5103]

Just bought 2015 ram promaster 2500 eco diesel to carry carpet. Not the extended version will a 12 ft roll fit behind seats. Also really dying to know what kind of mpg the diesel is giving

[@AnytimeAssemblypros]

Would you recommend a promaster?

[@jam5103]

Jah Domination absolutely not !!! Absolute garbage

[@jam5103]

sidecarnutz yes

[@AnytimeAssemblypros]

@@jam5103 Ok. Can you tell me how?

[@jam5103]

Jah Domination Rear emergency brake is defective twice$5000 Glow plug stuck in head at 80k premature by 120 k $2000 Broken struts and mounts, drive shafts, ball joints , starters, shorted air conditioning twice multiple sensors headlight connections are burnt, and the nail in the coffin was the transmission transmission 6500 to fix a shifting mechanism plus it was misdiagnosed and spent 2000 on a wiring harness . The mechanics at fCA have told me that this truck in their own words was a piece of garbage, was never designed for North America. Just to put in perspective this truck has been meticulously maintained and never worked hard never driven hard . I have had 2 Chevy trucks that lasted 500k easily with out almost every having a problem . I would never buy an FCA product again

[@Sergio-rv5ei]

Why would u make video of the ram

[@Unknowcreation]

Three across seeting is very comon in European vans

[@AdrianoCROST]

So 280 HP is not enough ? Vans are not for racing !

[@eugenemuller923]

Sprinter is the best!!!

[@HB45175]

Odd that there's no divider between cargo and driving compartment!

[@msterpeter1]

divider is an option available, not standard!!!like many other things they have 2 or 3 different model some with window, sliding window, fixed window ,without window

[@Wadef16]

Im sorry i should have said, more torque

[@eugenemuller923]

To get biggest Pro-master(with diesel motor what not standart) it gonna cost $41,145 to get bigger sprinter(with diesel motor standard)$43,505. Pro-master is JUNK!

[@Ummmmmkay88]

Wish it was a Diesel engine

[@pinksnowbirdie2938]

It's ugly but it's better looking than the new Ford Transit, I don't get why the European design screams Mercedes Sprinter loudly. For Cargo Vans, Box Trucks, and Smaller RVs I think I'd rather see a ProMaster than a Ford Transit.

[@estebanquito545]

people who buy these vehicles pay attention to functionality, not looks.

[@AdmiralRustyShackleford]

Esteban Quito and the Transit functions much better than the Promaster

[@CandycaneBeyond]

Anyone else notice the random chair on the side of the road. Lol

[@Wadef16]

I love the space.. other than that.. its ugly, needs more power..

[@235x16]

c'est un fiat ducato version us ..

[@PaulHojda]

more power? you're kidding me right -_-

[@nathanrector5584]

that the ulgiest thing ever made,I wouldn't be caught dead in one.

[@smiley37greg]

Better watch what you say, this may be the ambulance base chassis of the future. But I agree, it almost seams purposely unattractive.

[@JSTRonline2]

So Chrysler has decided to just take European cars and make them american. Another thing I dislike about this. That and no diesel idk why automotive corporations hate bringing diesel cars to a America, where all the highways are, and where that extended range would come in handy. Volkswagen is the only one I think that understands that.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

There is a diesel available. It is a 3.0L IVECO/Fiat four-cylinder turbo diesel.

[@cdutchmanpanama]

Alex on Autos the 3.0L diesel iveco/fiat is a real good engine i am from europe and seen ducato"s run easy 350.000 miles and more when maintained properly also good fuel economics.

[@adam200784]

Alex on Autos Its not an Iveco/Fiat engine. Fiat Commerical buy it off another Fiat group company. They buy it off Fiat Powertrains which is its own company. They make & design nearly all the engines for Fiat. The even design Ferrari engines

[@micheleabate146]

adam Robinson Fiat Powertrain belong to Fiat-Chrysler, as Iveco do to CNH Industrial ( former Fiat Industrial). CNH Industrial have the same CEO and the same Chairmen as FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobil) do, namly Sergio Marchionne and John Elkann. Until recently, everything belongend to Fiat SPA, CNH employees in North America are being offered the opportunity to participate in a vehicle employee purchase plan - FCA EMPLOYEE ADVANTAGE DISCOUNT VEHICLE PURCHASING PROGRAM.

[@1voiceofstl]

+JustaKoreanGuy Ford also has decided to just take European cars and make them american.

[@LiveWire276]

Transit is clearly a better choice than the promaster heres why Its rear wheel drive It can tow 9,000 pound unlike the promaster's measly 4,000 Diesel engine was available at launch Has better styling More functional Not Front Wheel Drive Has a more powerful v6 Has a more powerful diesel engine. Winner: transit

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

It depends on what you need out of your van. Even according to Ford the percentage of van owners that tow is fairly small. The ProMaster will have a tighter turning circle, supposedly better fuel economy, a lower load floor and step in height and a few other areas where it will compete well. The Transit will appeal to traditional RWD van owners with the high towing numbers, rear-drive layout and the diesel is very attractive. The ProMaster is targeting people who don't need to tow but are interested in the low load floor and high fuel economy. Overall the Transit appears to be much more polished on the inside, but Chrysler claims that repair and maintenance parts will be less expensive. The real winner is the consumer who finally has options in this long-stagnant segment.

[@1guyin10]

Alex on Autos There is also a payload advantage with the ProMaster. Some of the freight expediters I deal with are replacing their 3500 Sprinters with 2500 Promasters because it is close enough in capacity while being substantially less expensive. The dually Sprinter doesn't get great fuel mileage so they actually end up a bit ahead in operating cost. In most states the 2500 ProMaster will not require a CDL to operate and that can also be an important consideration for a small business. There are places where ProMaster will have some advantage. I do think they will have to come up with a more acceptable transmission for the diesel and possibly offer AWD or they will hit a wall with sales. The Ford is a very strong product and will likely retain the bulk of the market for some time. It is good to have choices though!

[@adam200784]

I run a few Ford Transit 125bhp (manual), Mercedes Sprinter 130bhp (Auto), Iveco Daily 130bhp (Auto) & Fiat Ducato 160bhp (Auto) in England on high speed next day deliveries all over Europe. They do up to 150,000 miles a year. The Ford Transit & Sprinter last 400,000 miles before they cost too much to run. The Iveco lasts 500,000+ & Fiat gives up around 200-250,000 miles before I get rid. All are serviced by the dealer every 28 days. The Ford & Mercedes return around 24 MPG US (29mpg). The Iveco & Fiat just over 20 MPG US. Drivers like the Ford & Mercedes but the payload on the Fiat is around 150kg better, where the Iveco is 300kg heavier than the Fiat. The new Transit has the best mix of them all. Great dealers, strong, cheap, good payload & drivers like them. I don't tow just use a curtain side box body but all run at 3500kg / 7900lbs. They run full 95% of the time and run their engines for 12+hrs a day. The Fiat is really heavy of front tyres seeing around 25,000 miles on the fronts, 35k rears. The others see 40k fronts and 35k rears as they are rwd

[@daranks100]

Is there any Toyota or Honda or other Japanese mid size or full size cargo Vans( like Nissan Nv,Mitsubishi,Mazda etc, or German cargo van-Mercedes Metris or Sprinter known for their reliability that can last up to 500,000 or more miles you can recommend sold in the US market ? F.o.r.d. is known as Found on road dead. I will hate to invest in an American mid size or full size Cargo van which will not last up to 500,000 and up miles without having serious problems.Honda and Toyota generally just need regular maintenance and drive until the wheels literally fall off!!!.I would appreciate anyone's input .

[@LiveWire276]

Randy N Crown Victorias can last 550,000-600,000 miles, better than a shitty Fiat anyday. Fiat = Found inside a trashbin.

[@sflscott11]

Blast from the past... the diesel has come and gone...

[@chadchad3663]

front wheel drive Chrysler van? wow who wants a crappy Chrysler.. front wheel drive sucks is not reliable, especially in commercial vehicles..