2015 RAM ProMaster 1500 Cargo Van Test Drive Video Review

[@busprowler]

I've had my Promaster 118" wb van for a week now. Apart from tangling with the hand brake and falling 2 stories to the ground severely injuring my tailbone, I love it. Going on 500 miles now. Love the visibility and comfort. I'm a bus driver/supervisor by trade so this style fits me. The Fiat design mated to the venerable Pennastar V6 and the proven 6 speed transmission sold me. So far, so great. Hope I don't have to edit this post.

[@jwurm327]

6 years later... How is your experience so far? What kind of mileage did you average?

[@realrusskij1]

Perfect van. Last August I have 2 weeks trip 16 state 6500 miles. Diesel doing very well in mountains. Fun driving in Colorado Pikes Peak 14,115 elevation. I have before 2005 Sprinter it's broke in rust after first winter. Promaster after winter perfectly clean. And just for info Mercedes new cargo Metris run on premium gasoline.

[@Another69Dimension]

Thanks, informative. What kid of MPG's did you average & did you recall or record differences in city or highway compared to rated 21/29? Also in different states/regions like Colorado mountains, hills vs flat, also August hot, day vs night cooler air. Does it have a built in Mpg Avg. computer?Thanks in advance.

[@tiefblau94]

We have loads of these in italy as commercial vehicles. what to say? they're TOUGH, reliable and offer plenty of room and customizing possibilities. Its the best selling cargo in the market. The front might not look appealing, but why a commercial van has to look appealing? Practicality first, then looks..for exaple that big front plastic bumper is composed of multiple parts so in case of accident its easy and cheap to repair. Headlights are located in a retreated position below the windshield so that they are the further away from impact zone.

[@gweflj]

These vans are selling like crazy. Compared to the old crappy Dodge vans these Fiats are another world. The European auto industry is vastly more evolved than the North American market, the options on these vans in Europe alone proves that. I say that as a Brit living in Canada.

[@gweflj]

What model is that? I was actually looking at a Promaster today and the dealer said the Fiat vans are vastly superior. Obviously he's likely biased but I don't think many of these 5ltr V8 vans with 4 speed autos would do very well in Europe against vans like the Transporter.

[@alvitransport8982]

sploofmonkey your an idiot!

[@1voiceofstl]

@sploofmonkey They discontuned it to sell the promaster city, the caravan is better.

[@americanrambler4972]

FYI. Electric heated 6 way seats are an available option on all models. I am not a fan of the ergonomics of the front door entry method. Also for those who sit tall in the saddle, the visibility out the windshield is limited due to sitting so high in the chair. Even the low roof model is listed as having a height spec of 88 inches. A little difficult to fit into a standard height garage with a 7 foot opening (84 inches). Bear in mind, things we take for granted on North American designed trucks are either different or not available on the Promaster. The diesel is an european engine equipped wth a manual clutched transmission shifted by automated computer control. It has no park position. So all you guys wanting a diesel with a manual have it on the option list. There is just a computer between you and the transmission. You can order a drivers side sliding cargo door, including a window option for all the sliders and rear barn doors. The reason it comes with clearance lights on the roof is the van is wide enough that DOT requires them. This is a very wide van. I suggest you get the power folding mirror option. You will probably need it. Most people will be happier with the pentastar gasser v6 and 6 speed automatic rather than the diesel with the slow shifting 6 speed automated manual transmission. There are a number of web comments about the cargo floor having a weak spot at the front which cracks or tears. So if your carrying heavy items, maybe the plywood floor cover option should be considered. I myself would order the rubber cargo mat and the cargo LED light option along with the rear entry grab handles. And I would also order the factory tow package. At some point I always pull a trailer. But that front end styling is seriously homely. I like the current front end styling of the Ducato a lot better.

[@Another69Dimension]

9:00 MARCEDES! LMAO!

[@ShakespeareCafe]

You don't even need that diminutive rear view camera....the mirrors on this beast are superlative and give you a commanding rear view when backing up....

[@leonlawre]

Had one. At 30,000 km it started on fire after I parked. Had 30,000 invested in a lease and was going to buy. Chrysler took the insurance to pay themselves for a faulty van and left me with nothing. Was probably the main battery cable the fire inspector said. Chrysler didn’t do anything for me. Buyer beware.

[@MrRemo71]

I wish there was instructions on how to change the bulbs in those dang roof marker lights!

[@VoIPPortland]

I have a 2014 PM. Easy! Just a Phillips screwdriver and a stepladder. What happens is Ram used white bulbs with an amber coating. The coating by year there starts peeling off. Replace with LEDs. Amazon about $20 for ten; you need 5. NOTE: When you remove the housing with the two screws, use a piece of tape temporarily around the wire when you are replacing the bulb. You don't want the 12v connector and wire falling back down through the hole and into the headliner!

[@MrRemo71]

@@VoIPPortland Thank you, I'll be doing this soon then!

[@divisioneight]

118" WB, diesel and some insulation, panels, RV windows and solar panels on the roof and I'll have a neat little off the grid rolling office / light RV. The diesel option is a steep price increase and not worth the premium. Payoff on investment would take a very long time with gasoline so low in price.

[@Laplander.]

This is the old model of Peugeot, Citroen and Fiat.

[@mikezeke7041]

My boss has 2500 136wb with iveco diesel. It has 2000lb+ of tools and matetials, no ladder rack. He gets 20 city, 23 highway. Hope they get me that 159wb soon...

[@12vLife]

Red looks nice. 9:00 was it really 23k MSRP in 2015??

[@michaelpyle7226]

The ProMaster does in fact have heated seats. It's manually turned on when you sit. Just kidding! A question about what was said @ 5m:49s, Does the EPA run tests on the fuel efficiency of diesel vs gasoline engines? Thanks for the video!

[@k.r.v.4219]

Michael Pyle that’s right! It all depends on how many beans you eat!

[@douglasmartinez2756]

great review! Thank you!

[@1guyin10]

Even though its all relative I would really like to see what kind of mileage the diesel gets. Our route van (a Sprinter) is getting a little long in the tooth. How well the diesel performs in this would be a handy bit of information to have.

[@davidcardoso826]

Is it just me or this looks exactly like the Peugeot Boxer/Citroen Jumper/Fiat Ducato

[@Candisa]

That's because it is the same van, only the US gets only the strongest diesel, and a petrol engine we don't have in the EU. Fiat now owns Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep. There is also a RAM Promaster City which is a Fiat Dobló with a 2.4liter petrol engine and the Fiat 500X is based on a Jeep Renegade platform.

[@raydavies3278]

YES,YES AND YES.

[@barsdogukankarakoyun8798]

David Cardoso Its all the same vehicle actually just diffrent engines we have Dodge Promaster as Fiat Ducato and Promaster City as Fiat Doblo in Turkey.

[@wout3705]

we have an peugeot boxer wich has and 2.8L diesel. i live in Europe so yeah.

[@matthewhagan12]

David Cardoso It’s because it is.

[@hypnosiscenternyc]

Excellent Review !

[@mumzer55]

Took a tall roof 159 wheelbase with a diesel out for a test drive . From zero to thirty the van can't get out of it's own way. It does well on the freeway once it gets past 65 mph. Just by the test drive I would have to say that you are not going to like the way the van drives. Since there is no park gear for the transmission, you have to put the trans into neutral and pull up the hand brake when parked. The hand brake level is on the left side of the seat and in the way when in the up position and you go to get out of the van. The van does have loads of room and the floor is lowest in class. The 2016 models are out and there are still new 2014 Promasters diesels out there. That ought to tell you something.

[@realrusskij1]

mumzer55 I personally start driving using manual mode and when I rich speed I switch to automatic mode. it's easy and go very fast.

[@k.r.v.4219]

mumzer55 the 2014 are still there because the epa stopped the sale of them!

[@ultimate56]

one thing they forgot to tell you americans that this van is part made in partnership with the french citroen/pegeout and italy fiat so be prepared for it to brake alot

[@Candisa]

The french have little to do in this generation. The van is developed by Fiat Professional and is much better built than the older generations. Fiat has really stepped up their game in the last years. They've set their own high standards instead of following those of the french and are nowadays leading the van market and beating Mercedes and Ford in terms of reliability and rust prevention. As long as you avoid the 2liter diesel (french, not available in the US) and the first batches of the 3liter diesel (long before it was available in the US), you're pretty safe. The RAM petrol engine and gearbox are US parts, we don't even get those in the EU vans. The 2.3 liter 150hp diesel is the most popular one over here because it consumes less fuel than the 3liter and saves a little weight.

[@davidownunder]

Does that mean it stops well? Or will it break more frequently?

[@abmsquad2309]

whats the model name for this one that has a back window

[@RotarianBlog]

Check out the Automatic Door Opener to add to the vehicle. AdorUSA.com Ador openers are designed for commercial use and much more sustainable to cold weather conditions then our competitors. Designed for 500 operations a day Resource (not less) 800 000 cycles Opens: 1. Key remote controller (could be programmed to original remote car key. done independently) 2. Button from driver seat 3. Passenger interior button next to the door. Power consumption (max) 250 Watt Open/Close 1foot/sec Manufacturer warranty 1 year. Safety: Opener is programed with safety futures that will stop operation if something is on the way. In emergency situations, very simple operation will let use the door manually.

[@xajactor]

what is the maximum load capacity of this truck? How does it compare to other brands like Toyota Hiace, Ford Transit, Peugeot, Renault,etc.

[@1voiceofstl]

it beats the ford

[@DavidisDawei]

it is unfortunate they only offer automatic transmission - much better driving experience using a stick. diesel fuel is not only more expensive than unleaded gas, but the EPA now requires owners to add a fuel additive with every tank of diesel; increasing cost and complexity of going diesel. therefore, Cost per mile is less expensive using unleaded

[@AL197845w34832479823]

Questions...Where I can read this thing about diesel and epa?(show me a page please don't tell my uncle say this).Second question how they enforce this?Do they have agent at the pumps?

[@realrusskij1]

DavidisDawei man you totally wrong. Don't add additives to fuel, it's have separate tank 5 gallon for adblue ( urine ) for 4000 miles. and diesel promaster run on mechanical transmission dual clutch control by computer or manual mode. I have diesel promaster for over year.

[@husseinallaw337]

DavidisDawei diesel is better on commercial vehicles

[@fratermus5502]

The diesel uses an automated manual, not an automatic.

[@Shan-ShanH]

I was hoping for actual measurements of the inside.

[@Jtzist]

I cant find one video yet installing a wheelchair to tie down and with seat belt

[@PurlyGates1]

Just did short test on 136" 1500. Did 70 on highway for 40 miles - got 16.25 mi/gal....... with an empty V-6 van...... WTF? Van has 30k miles on it, was a rental. Would it be a whole lot better driving @ 60-65mph? What do y'all get with yours, with no or light load?

[@fratermus5502]

What did you think a fullsize gasser would get? 16-18mpg is normal.

[@luigigrand717]

Will it fit 8ft 2x4

[@MAGA1440-s2m]

Nice van!!

[@MyHairyChin]

The diesel is a nightmare, stay clear and do uour homework on the diesel

[@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.

[@k.r.v.4219]

Carpenter Family just look at all the RV manufacturers that use these, plus the Mercedes to convert into RV’s Everyone I know, or follow on KZbin with the Promaster have less problems than the Mercedes Sprinters. Not to mention at least 20k less at purchase time! Sure the MB comes with a diesel, but the mileage and power is not any greater! Matter of fact the Promaster gas engines have at least 100 more hp! That equals passing power in the hyw. .

[@fratermus5502]

I bought a 2017 for my own campervan conversion. It's been great, and is very roomy inside.

[@johannaenderson1884]

WTF it looks like a Renault VAN

[@georgepatton8693]

Johanna Enderson Fiat Ducato

[@maticsorn2784]

Wtf thats a fiat ..i was expecting ram front looks

[@user-kd4wf4gt5k]

v6 4.3?

[@krypellt]

is this the MPG-O-Matic guy????

[@autobytel]

Yup this sure is "Dan the Man"

[@godfatherNYC]

Perfect vehicle for this guy, because he looks like he would live "In a van, down by the river."

[@PostSpasmodicCat]

With some government cheese, perhaps?

[@PurlyGates1]

Oh, and it's a LOW roof!

[@21boxhead]

Get in the RAM VAN :)

[@brownbuter]

whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

[@newstart49]

Anyone with any experience carrying a load all day, like tools that weigh in at 1,400 lbs, knows better than to go with a 6 cylinder engine. The gas mileage and transmission will suffer. You must have a V8. I had a 6 in a truck and it was worn out at 140k miles. My now V8 is 12 years old, 180k miles and going strong. You will get better mileage with a bigger engine if you carry consistent weight- hands down!

[@Candisa]

In Europe most vans this size are 2-2.5 liter 4 cylinder diesels, many of them are constantly loaded... There are some 5 and 6cyl vans, but they are quite rare... Your comment says more about how 'good' US engineering is when it comes to smaller engines, than about the relation between the number of cylinders and reliability. Most EU manufacturers chose 4cyl long before the whole eco thing because of reliability and torque-per-liter.

[@wopmf4345FxFDxdGaa20]

+newstart49 No need V8, in Europe they are driven all the time with 4 cyl diesels and they are doing great. Also this vehicle has quite cheap spare parts at least in Europe. It's also the most common base for RV, been already for 30 years. No reliability issues what so ever. The reliability problems that there are, are mainly for other reasons. Actually engine size has very little to do with reliability or strength. Smaller engine can be stronger, if it is well designed and built. It is a question about materials, gearbox, clutch, drivetrain, nothing to do with amount of cylinders (You can have the same gearbox behind V8 and V6, if something is going to damage it, it is the more powerful V8). 3 and 4 cylinder engines are still common in tractors, and they do much heavier work what cars or trucks ever do. Also gas mileage depends in gasoline engine mostly of the max power and engine size. The higher the max power, the worse is the gas mileage in gasoline engine. That is why gasoline engine is not ideal for varying loads. If you have varying loads, diesel engine is most efficient. Diesel engine is efficient at partial loads what gasoline engine is not. Modern 100hp diesel would be quite good for fuel efficiency for this type of vehicle and has enough power to do the job well.

[@newstart49]

They won't put diesels in our vans here, that is why the gas 6 cylinders are too weak and for carrying loads you must have a V8. Gas mileage is good with the 6 if the van is empty, but once it is loaded that mileage drops fast.

[@k.r.v.4219]

You do realize these latest V6 gas engines are producing the same, or more hp and tq than the V8 of just 10 years ago! With more trans speeds. That Pentastar engine is a fine runner!

[@campuskh956]

the original is Peugeot Boxer

[@scimatarpictures]

This is a European van

[@CymbalVault]

Fix It Again Tony

[@311hitwall]

Can't anybody make a decent vehicle these days or do all the manufacturers just say we are going to stick together and build crap vehicles?

[@alolipa]

I bet it can't handle a pallet of tile on the back

[@wiibaron]

+alolipa Since he says 3900 lbs cargo capacity on this mid WB model 1500, that is probably the lowest # they can handle...

[@blueaardvark1717]

He really thinks that Box trucks are going to be replaced by a van.. LOL Not a clue what he is talking about at that point....

[@k.r.v.4219]

Brendan Stanczyk actually he’s is correct, but only with the high top vans, with the long wheelbase. If you use the math, the total amount of room is not all that different. Sure there are times you come to loading docks, but most time the smaller box trucks are too low, plus the advantage of using a fork lift is a non issue because you still cannot drive one in that size box truck. But when your hauling lots of small items that do not weigh a lot. The benefits of a large high cube van that you can stand up in and park in many more areas, with savings in gas/fuel and tolls? To me the high top can makes a lot of sense! Especially in bad weather, the fwd of the Promaster really helps!

[@md-detailing]

Its a nice Peugeot.

[@boypanot1509]

If i became homeless ,can i ask if is illegal to live here.

[@TheKindredTimes]

boy panot it’s legal, you just have to look into parking laws in your state

[@1voiceofstl]

He missed a importeant point. The lowest step in hieght in its class.

[@jeffrey3498]

Loving my 6.0L V8 Chevy Express 2500 even more after watching this, if possible. I'd be embarrassed to drive that thing.

[@dallasbreault289]

I WISH GM would make one with 160/170" wheelbase, High Roof, and a V-8 of course (LS-3 option too)

[@jeffrey3498]

Dallas Breault My 2500 extended has a 155" wb. You could always install an aftermarket hightop, and the 6L Vortec has a more durable cast iron block.

[@legionz5025]

I drive an extended 6.0L V8 Chevy Express 3500 and a 3.7L V6 Ford Transit Mid Roof 250. The L96 V8 in the chevy definitely has a lot of power even when loaded. I've loaded similar loads in the Transit but it has never struggled. The Transit is pretty light and the Chevy feels moderate. Loads are mostly metal plates with pipe/drape. The bonus with the high roof vans are being able to stand inside and stacking higher cargo. I hope Chevy eventually makes a high roof van. They should do something similar like the Nissan NV. High top with a V8.

[@311hitwall]

@@legionz5025 Have you had any issues with either. Can't decide between the Ford or Chevy. Seems like from what i have seen the Chevy has less issues, but now they have gone with a 4.3 with that dread active fuel mgmt crap i read so much about causing issues. I don't believe i would even think about buying this Ram van - read too much crap about anything Chrysler builds.

[@1voiceofstl]

If your towing a trailer of bricks or hauling cinder blocks the old chevy express is the way to go..anything else get Promaster.

[@kobbetop]

Welcome to this century America! The notorious chicken tax can't stop this from happening because these are built in Mexico...If only americans would accept to have 3 seats in front and a wall between the cargo area, you would be just like everyone else ;-)

[@1guyin10]

Cargo dividers and the three seat setup are options on this van. Most of the vans destined for fleet cargo duty will have at least the divider. It just isn't safe to operate one without that protection.

[@1guyin10]

If you are hauling cargo and have to make an emergency stop and the cargo isn't secured properly or happens to break loose it can slide forward and impact the driver's area. I have actually seen someone severely injured that way. Imagine a 2,500 lb skid of parts impacting the back of your seat at even 20 mph. It wouldn't be fun.

[@kobbetop]

And having no divider is really bad if you live in a cold area, the heater is trying to heat the whole van instead of just a little part of it.

[@1guyin10]

Kobbetop If you live in a hot area the same is true of A/C. Unfortunately the divider in our Sprinter is perforated metal so it doesn't help at all.

[@jimwebster4267]

Put some duct tape.

[@timw4369]

The diesel is no longer plus it's harder and harder to get diesel

[@furiobellissimo1933]

Looks like a Fiat Ducato

[@samil1491]

Made in Republic of Turkey

[@k.r.v.4219]

Sentepai 1990 not the full size Promaster! Just the smaller Promaster Cityvans are built in Turkey.

[@fratermus5502]

The fullsize PM are assembled in Mexico. The Doblo based City versions are built in Turkey, as KRV stated.

[@stephanegenest6793]

marcedes or mercedes

[@stu0500]

Fiat/IVECO crap.

[@Sennbrink]

It is a Fiat. Badge engineering sucks.

[@blueaardvark1717]

"the days are numbered for a lot of those" really.. I guess all big trucks are going away so we will have millions of vans on the road to makeup for the "annoying" big trucks that slow up down.... this guy... typical NJ guy, has no clue about trucks or the trucking industry

[@dstblj5222]

not for long distance, but for the average trademan, and that sort of thing you bet they will

[@yannick41]

i hate this Van... Looks like a Fiat Ducato

[@1voiceofstl]

I love it.

[@jmac8778]

One ugly van ,I'll stick with chevy and ford

[@jcas]

Too European. It's ugly.

[@Laplander.]

This is the old model of Peugeot, Citroen and Fiat.