Transit vs Promaster - Which Is Right For Your Van Conversion RV Build

In this video I am comparing the Ford Transit and the Ram Promaster. Our first build was in a Ram Promaster and our new build will be in a Ford Transit. I'll cover the pros and cons for each platform and why we ultimately chose the Transit for our new build. I'll also discuss why we eliminated the Mercedes Sprinter immediately.
Link To Promaster Build Series • Promaster Van Conversion
New Transit Build Series • Transit Van Conversion

[@arnenystrom4283]

I have both a 2023 Promaster and a 2017 Promaster. So far, both vehicles have been excellent with no issues. I will say that in 2023 there a been a ton of improvements including a larger cowl with larger drain tubes, so clogging isn't so much an issue, new upper intake design, so water collection isn't an issue, LED headlights which are incredibly bright and much more reliable. Since I do my own maintenance and repairs, I can tell you the new frontend design is much easier for servicing then the old one. As for the adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist, after a little custom configuration, I haven't had any issues and even went as far as to drive from Los Angeles to Riverside using entirely adaptive cruise and lane keeping assist during rush hour. Didn't touch the pedals at all during the trip and only had to keep my hand on the wheel to keep the computer from disengaging lane keeping. A little bit of a scary trip, since I don't really trust computers to drive, but the van did an excellent job of maintaining proper distance without performing harsh acceleration or panic braking, which I think is good considering I was in LA traffic.

[@theopinionatedbystander]

@@arnenystrom4283 to give you a promaster smile. It had many brands in Europe, same van, same factories, different brands and names.. and for 2025 it will also be rebadged as A TOYOTA for the UK market. Yes, same van as you have, with a Toyota badge.. if I’m not mistaken it will be called the Toyota ProAce MAX…or something like that..

[@theopinionatedbystander]

A very informative video.. thank you.. btw. I’ve owned all 3 vans, sprinter, Promaster, transit. And the ford is the best by far.. Sprinter has better build quality, Promaster is fragile, transit is best for reliability, cost of ownership, ease of repair and just basically lack of downtime.

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Thanks for the great perspective from someone who has owned all three.

[@theopinionatedbystander]

@@JackofAllMasterofNone my pleasure.. the video was knowledgeable and granular.. very good indeed.

[@terrancehorn846]

​@@theopinionatedbystandercan u email me with all the pros cons and the year of each van u have. I want to buy a used low roof cargo van to fit into parking garages at the gym. I just want the reliable year, model number, etc. Tyvm very helpful from your experience. I'm in California where there's not much space to park the van.tyvm

[@theopinionatedbystander]

@@terrancehorn846 My vehicles and dimensions will not help.. you’re better off researching based on your garage dimensions..

[@theopinionatedbystander]

@@terrancehorn846 so.. you get the parking space dimensions, you go down to your local swap meet and ask what the vendors think of their vehicles in Cally.. Cally is not American, and most Americans do not know what does or doesn’t work in Cally.. so ask the hardcore van drivers of Cally, the swap meet “PROFESSIONALS “. Then it’s a matter of your budget, your use, and that will give you the best answer.

[@sp1722]

Thank you soooo much. I have searched KZbin many days to understand the interior differences. Great job with the explanation. Now I know, I want the transit high roof with a long wheel base.

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Glad it helped!

[@_Tickety_Boo]

​@JackofMeAllMasterofNone Me too @sp1722. Thanks for this excellent video. I found it so helpful x

[@sasstewart1222]

you are 100% spot on with the driving seats and position. going from the ram to the transit, is like going from a nissan to mercedes.

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

I know. I sat in a Transit and it was at that point that I decided to sell the Promaster. I would get driving fatigue in only an hour of driving the Promaster

[@arkadventure2]

Excellent video. Appreciate the detailed discussion on the differences between the Promaster and Ford Transit. I think you have convinced me to go with Ford. Thank you so much for taking the time to put this video together.

[@spindlespringsranch3108]

Fantastic video!!! I am thinking of transitioning from my travel trailer to a van. I’m just beginning to do research for my build and this video was so informative. Well done and THANK YOU! 😄

[@tonybucca5667]

The Transit leaks water from the side plastic wraps. Many clip holes visible inside the van. I've seen guys put a bead of silicone sealant along the top edge of those panels. I have the Magnetic metallic color, so I'll use clear silicone. Mask off with painter's tape, and get nice clean lines!

[@BarryandKaren]

Promaster Super High roof will be my choice. Wider, taller, longer wheelbase and slightly better looking trim and finish in the cab, slightly better fuel economy, and relatively cheap parts and service. But I think you can't go wrong with either vehicle. They're both grreat for DIY van builds, so your comment about driving both and deciding makes a lot of sense. Great video!

[@lkazanov]

I mean, overall excellent. I think the Achilles’ heel of the pro master, is the relative difficulty of installing a second alternator. In the transit, it is much more easier to do something like that. Especially when it comes to the use of high electrical builds. I disagree though, I think the pro master is much easier to service. The entire front clip can be easily removed with easy access to the motor. The Pentastar tick that was mentioned is indeed an issue, but if you’re a higher end DIY mechanic, it can be addressed. Also, the oil changes in the pro master can be done with the extraction method. The oil filter is on the top. There is some discussion of using 0w30 to mitigate the risk of rocker arm failure. Plus there is a super high roof option now. The Europeans have significant experience on the Ducato platform. As well as the transit, but the European platform is typically on the Ducato/Promaster. My 2c.

[@shaunlavancher7297]

Great job, very detailed and informative.

[@bj231bj]

Well explanation !!! Thanks to take your time to made these types of videos!!!

[@Michelle-bw1xg]

Excellent in-depth comparison on so many levels. I'm starting with a budget minivan DIY conversion that will be my daily driver and fit in the garage, but anticipate needing a medium/high top cargo van to convert for extended full time use and travel. (stand up, more room). So many details you covered from the wheelbase, to contours of interior, to comfort, to the mechanicals give just the insights needed as a starting point for future decisions.

[@traveldreamer4616]

Great details. Thank you for the comparison. This will assist me in making the best choice.

[@josephchan7040]

This review is spot on for the promaster. Coming from a Toyota 4x4 SUV, the promaster feels like I'm dragging a car around. The one saving grace it has is the fact that it handles well for its size. There isn't that much roll for its size.

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Agree

[@splitshifts5269]

Good job mate. Very informative. No nonsense advise

[@davidholt2335]

Thanks for the comparison. I was leaning towards the ProMaster but now I would go with the Transit. Very thorough review-Well Done!

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Glad it was helpful!

[@diogenes34]

Thanks for your very thorough review.

[@Karl-f8z]

I think you should have given more detail about the water pump on the Ford engines. If the water pump leaks it sends coolant into the oil causing the engine to hydro lock. Also, on the Ford you have to remove the timing cover to replace the water pump. I have heard you can help the Ram cam/rocker issue by using an anti-drain back oil filter which keeps more oil in the head on startup. Nice video. I will test drive both like you said before buying. Great info on the Ram transmissions. Getting a 2022 or up if I get one. Thanks!

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Both the things you said about the Ford are completely incorrect. The water pump on the van engines is external. On Fords smaller platforms like the Explorer and Taurus, the water pump is internal. On vans, it's external. There is no mixing of coolant and oil. The Ford drivetrain is 10000000 times better than the Promaster. The Promaster, however is much easier to build out in the space and the increased wheelbase allows more options for design layout.

[@lindasteller]

I went with the Transit. It's going to be awesome. My Transit has 10-way electric adjustable heated seats. 😊

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Good choice!

[@terrancehorn846]

@@lindasteller what year model no.transit please info

[@youngblood2]

Pick the Ford every day, and twice on Sundays! I drive for a Hotshot delivery company, and the Fords are quieter, ride better , and have more power on acceleration, and I'm not loyal to Fords.

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

I have to agree

[@Mr1Blacktooth]

Hi Jack. That was a very informative video and I appreciate it.

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Glad it was helpful!

[@hongshi8251]

Really good explanations.

[@mikeybj]

Your great thanks mate i really appreciate the time it must have taken to put this together Mike Sydney australia

[@comfortouch]

Super useful video with some very good observations. I wasn't even considering the transit, Now I'm going to take a closer look. Thanks.

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tonybucca5667]

The Promaster's rear "axle" is straight from the K-cars!

[@prestongabel1513]

Thanks for the thorough comparison between the Promaster and the Transit. Very much looking forward to your build! Sub-ed immediately. I too intend to build out a Transit. I was initially drawn to the Promaster for its square shape a slightly wider bed area, but the advantages of the Transit convinced me to go down that path. We’ve rented both a converted Transit and a converted Sprinter. To me, the Transit was quite comfortable; felt more like driving a truck or a car vs a “big rig”.

[@Michelle-bw1xg]

So smart to rent both as converted vehicles before investing the time & $$$ on a build.

[@lgDukeCity5018]

Your video popped up in my feed. Great video, lots of good information for those of us who know nothing about vans. My daily driver is a 2002 Jeep Liberty (only 54,000 miles). I looked at a 2021 Promaster 2500 and found the size quite intimidating so I am rethinking what type of van to get.

[@DoggyU]

Great video! I had two different promaster, and am now going for a transit for the AWD option.

[@stuartstuart866]

The new Promaster has supposedly greatly improved the driving position and comfort. The Promaster engine was supposedly updated in 2016 model. They advertise the transmission as a nine speed, however, from what I have read, gears eight and nine are electronically locked out. The transmission is used in other vehicles where those gears are not locked out. The leaky cowl dripping onto electronics and rusting bolts has supposedly been addressed.

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

There's no change to the engine. It is exactly the same. The transmission was updated a few years ago. The jury is still out whether it is any better than the old six speed. The cowl has been slightly modified but still leaks. To be fair this is also a problem on the Ford Transit as well

[@M4K9G22]

The transmission was updated for the 2022 models. 2021 and older have the 6 speed

[@abigailbarros747]

im a Ford type of chic😊 i have a 2014 Ford Escape, and we're planning to buy a Ford Transit or Ram Promaster to convert as our camper van. Thank you so much for your video very informative, you explain it well! btw, new subscriber👋🏼I learned alot from you!!!🎉

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Very cool!

[@chuckho0624]

I have a 2019 Promaster. I agree w/ you regarding the seat situation. I am 5'11", I don't think I am too tall nor too short. However, the height of the driver seat make my leg form an odd angle so that my knee go kinda numb after 2 hours or so. Is this the end of the world? No, but... I always feel not comfortable for the 1st few minutes, after I get off the van. Odd, it is. Thanx for your informative video! 👍Now, make me thinking... Should I trade in my RAM? 🙂

[@jaytabac6525]

excited for the new build. will be looking forward to following you along the journey.

[@277kne]

I'm watching in February 2024. You make good points. I got my measurements from George of Humble Road and Waldorf. Both Sprinter's are 98" in front of the wheel well. I drive a Ford Transit passenger at work. We used to have Sprinters. I don't like the little amount of space between the two seats and the parking brake in the Transit.

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

New Transits have the electronic parking brake.

[@277kne]

@@JackofAllMasterofNone I forgot to mention the most important part of the Transit. The AC heating system is awful. If you or anyone has this problem,please comment. I live in New England and the heat in the Transit is hot. I'm driving a 2022 full size passenger van. When the sun starts coming up and in the early morning hours, the outside temperature goes up. The sun makes the front part too hot. I put on the ac. It doesn't work. I have to lower it to low to work. Then put it back up to 65. Then it blows very hot air. All of our Transit's do this.

[@jamesgrosrenaudjr812]

Wow didn’t know that about the Mercedes sprinter being narrow

[@charlescharles9755]

Great video. Im wanting on my ford transit order now, and this was some good information and made me feel good with my choice.

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Good choice!

[@Rottingboards]

Man, I would use all those large cubby holes in the frame as storage. Just netting over each for stuffing stuff.

[@GHE2005]

Thx u, I needed to know the difference between the Ford & Pro master. 👍🏾 I was thinking of buying the Pro Master, but now I think maybe Ford? To me the engine & how it handles is most important.

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Me too, which is why I chose the Ford for round 2

[@roger3786]

... after looking at all , I've had two Nissan NV 2500 high roof vans - never needed to use the 5yr/100k warranty and with some good off road tires , goes places that surprised me ... both vans were less expensive than the competitors ...

[@lgDukeCity5018]

@roger3786 It was a sad day when they stopped making the Nissan NV. It is my preference, but they are hard to find in my neck of the woods.

[@rgruenhaus]

I don't like/trust Dodge, but the transit has a puny display on the dash radio. My Ford Fusion hybrid has a real wide radio display with SYNC and SiriusXM which i have a lifetime subscription which I got almost 18 years ago with my previous new Ford edge which I had for 4 years and transferred my subscription to the Fusion and im going to want to transfer it again but i need a large radio display to see the GPS and apps etc. The back open space is a blank canvas!

[@ethelperry4529]

Appreciate YOU & Your info Soo much ❣ ep🐢

[@davidframe1613]

If you're living full-time in a van I think the question would be which one has the best motor and transmission.

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

If that is most important factor for you the Transit wins hands down. Not even close.

[@NZdiagnostics]

Unless it's diesel. As a technician, the newer Ford diesels are absolutely atrocious. Fiat on the other hand actually invented the modem common rail diesel, got it right the first time and are yet to produce a dud. Transits are great short term vehicles and that's what they are designed for, but the Ram/Fiat will be driving long after the Transit is scrapped.

[@NoteFromSELF]

​@@NZdiagnosticsSo comparing gas to gas, you'd go with the Promaster for longevity?

[@XPRoller]

Sprinter

[@ptech88]

I have 2 sprinter vans. One is a diesel one is a gas. The diesel has been nothing but a problem from day one i bought it brand new in 2012 as a work van. Since then it has been at the Mercedes dealership at least three times a year to the tune of $60000 plus in repairs. The gas has been in at least once a year since i bought it in 2019 and about $15000 in repairs.. Mercedes is garbage, love working out of the vans hate the repairs. Wish i could find a transit i could replace them with but ford sucks to deal with. Good luck to all looking.

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Thanks for the valuable input

[@terrancehorn846]

Tyvm about mb. They claim to be the King of qa qc driving reliability etc. I drove a 84 diesel mb it was nothing but problems.

[@XPRoller]

My 2017 4x4 sprinter has been solid as a rock, now 90k miles.

[@ptech88]

@@XPRoller you sir are lucky.

[@XPRoller]

@@ptech88 yours 2012. technology develops everyday. But I agree I have been lucky. Now, not sure if I should continue to keep this one or get a new of something else. 2017 sprinter was a matured version though.

[@vanservice54]

The Pro Master van does not support heavy loads, over time it starts to leak from all the engine seals

[@CompassCustomCreations]

Great advice to test drive! Your butt won't lie!!!!

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

It's something that people don't do enough these days. The good old fashioned test drive. Unfortunately it's because you have to order vehicles just to see them alot of the time

[@christophercollins4548]

I'd like to say that it's surprising to find an American who knows the difference between an "engine" and a "motor" as well as a "transmission" and a "gearbox".

[@thomas4315]

I rule out that swinging door, hated it, that cargo sound, what house has a sliding door .you get more verities of choice with two doors open to catch the wind and it feel it like a real home. Got the transit 250 and I get 20 mpg average , it’s drive like a car so s Silent and powerful and shift early case it a torquey motor.

[@terrancehorn846]

what Year ,model if Transit or Promaster. Are these? Hugh or low roof your reliability? maintenance

[@lovematters7122]

Can you speak to the seeming lack of power on steep inclines? My pro master struggled while driving in the western hills of Maryland and West Virginia. Thank you.

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

The Promaster definitely needs to scream (higher rpms) to stay in the power band when pulling hills loaded down. I've found that so far my Transit does a much better job in the mountains. It also has to downshift but doesn't seem to work as hard as the Promaster.

[@ChristiWherry]

I am trying to decide between a Coachman Beyond 2024 Ford Transit chassis and a Coachman Nova 2024 Ram Pro Master chassis. My question is the space in the Ford cab was so tight I had a hard time crawling back into the van area. The Dodge Ram seemed to be much easier to get up from the driver seat to move back to the van area. Do you also find that to be true? Thanks

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

In my builds that has not been an issue and the transit actually has a higher ceiling, thus more room.. It just depends on the build. Kind of like I said in the video the ProMaster is a little more build / camper friendly but the Ford is an overall better drivetrain and chassis.

[@Noisycowonline]

Is that metal cutout in the center before the wheel well cut out round for a speaker? If so, nice Ford!

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

I believe it is yes. For the passenger vans

[@richardsracingmad]

A “Promaster 159 non extended”/ Citroen relay , Peugeot boxer/ Fiat Ducato is £25k plus vat ( 20%)….looks like vans a expensive in the USA

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Yes very expensive for what they are

[@ivankorth4458]

There’s no comparison, Ford all the way over ANY Stalantis product hands down

[@Ytnzy250]

I'm considering buying a VW Transporter van to convert into a motor home. Any experience converting one of these? Good stuff, consider yourself liked & subbed 😁 👍

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

I don't have any experience with them. Thank you for the comment !

[@savagebatman3464]

If you like the smell of coolant, buy the protrasher

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

I test drove a Jeep Wrangler the other day with a 3.6 and it had the same coolant smell. 🤣

[@peterappleby7885]

Could you list here the cost of a bare bones 136 please?

[@markmiranda3364]

kinda curious first time buying a van im stuck between a 2020 ford transit 250 vs a promaster. I have heard that the ford transit are prone to water engine damage.

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Never heard of that

[@kantameena9668]

In the new Ford transit there is an option to have a Dual passenger seat in the driver cab.......can that be installed in 2020 - 2023 Transit van?

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

I'm sorry I have no idea.

[@DougYeager]

Imagine driving down the road and having one of those punch out panels blow out...

[@CJ30123]

You have to drop the entire gas tank on a Transit just to install an Espar/Webasto heater. Which really sucks. And the factory still running the wires in that channel is absurd. For such an expensive van that is just a crazy cost cutting measure.

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

It takes 5 minutes to drop the tank. Literally like 2 or 3 bolts and a floor jack to lower the tank enough to connect to the fuel accessory port. The wiring harness is annoying.

[@CJ30123]

@@JackofAllMasterofNone um....if you are simply connecting the fuel line for your heater to the accessory fuel port on the tank your heater wont work well for long. Theres a reason Webasto and Espar say to not do that. Fords pickup tube diameter is too wide for those heater to function properly consistently. You have to install a brand new pickup tube. Which requires a full tank removal to accomplish. So while you can get to the existing port on the top of the tank by slightly dropping the tank....you are also doing it wrong.

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

I am using the Velit heater and it works great with the factory take off. They only recommend installing the optional pickup tube if you are routinely over 5,000 feet, which I will not be.

[@eccentricsmithy2746]

the plastic oil filter/cooler assembly that is notorious for cracking and dumping all of your oil with Dodge is a huge red flag for anyone looking to get a dodge, google it. 60% of them made so far has had this issue. I had both ford and dodge cargo vans and not a fanboy of either but I would take the ford all week long.

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Definitely is an issue to plan for. Best thing to do as you probably know is to replace it with a aluminum Dorman cooler.

[@soufinsaechao3952]

Do you guys do build for other people? How much would it be to get the same build u have

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

We do not. Sorry

[@TRAMPS-Harmonica]

Hi builder I have also a H3 Transit but my problem is that I have in the front a vertical separation of the heaven. I want the same heaven as you but Ford can't order or can't find the high heaven... did you know the articel number of your heaven ?? that's would be great this information... man thanks

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

I don't know what a "heaven" is?

[@TRAMPS-Harmonica]

in german we say heaven, that is the same as headliner, the cover from the roof in front of the car. 😊

[@Kiptanui]

How about the condensate from the ac on transit 250? Anybody have that dripping on the heat shield to the cat converter? So damned annoying and Ford says rhydontknow???? Sounds like popcorn popping on a loud speaker

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

You probably can relocate the condensate drain. We don't have this problem

[@redefv]

My first car was a 1990 Dodge Caravan. It had the same ticking issue. The tranny blew at 120,000 miles 😂. I wish the Asians made a van that you could buy in the US.

[@andreik1775]

Thank you for the video. Is it not practical to have windows in the rear doors or on the sides?

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

We are adding both. Very practical. Just depends on your personal taste. Windows do make it harder to heat and cool and less stealth but a good set of insulated window covers helps.

[@jaytabac6525]

like you, i would prefer to have the back doors with no windows. I block mine out and almost never remove the insulation. That being said, many people like to have the view from the back especially if they are backing onto a good view.

[@rgruenhaus]

I'm hearing PROMASTER PROMASTER PROMASTER PROMASTER So it sounds like you are pushing the PROMASTER. Most of the talk about the Transit is negative. I'm hearing this, at least.

[@daryl4083]

i have had a promaster and the ride just doesnt match the Transit at all.

[@jonathonstanford2905]

What kind of gas mileage do you get?

[@jonathonstanford2905]

I have a 25 foot motorhome and I’m looking to downsize and I’m trying to weigh out the pros and cons of this decision

[@lesliehunter1823]

Hard to hear you.

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Turn up the volume 😄

[@patrickkogo6581]

Both are trash. Mercedes sprinter is way to go.

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

Yeah ok.... Lost of comments from Sprinter owners that say otherwise.