WHICH SIZE RAM PROMASTER IS RIGHT FOR YOUR

Unsure which size RAM Promaster to use for your van conversion? Dave Ramsay, co-owner at DM Vans, is here to compare three Ram ProMasters:
1. Ram Promaster 1500 136" WB (LV3)
2. Ram Promaster 2500 159" WB (LV5)
3. Ram Promaster 3500 159" EXT WB (LV7)
In this video Dave discusses which van you should buy to convert or live out of based off your needs, preferences, and budget. Let us know which size you prefer in the comments below! Also, feel free to let us know if you have any questions Dave didn't cover in the video. Our team is here to respond with additional information!
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ABOUT DM VANS
DM Vans offers meticulously crafted Lifestyle Vehicles for the Van Lifer, Weekend Warrior, and everyone in between. Our mission is to build an inclusive community of outdoor adventure seekers, inviting everyone to express their authentic identity on the open road. We focus on designing affordable vehicles with all the key elements to start an adventure, empowering customers to personalize their Lifestyle Vehicle® to suit their individual desires.
Explore the latest Lifestyle Vehicle® models on our website at www.dmvans.com.
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0:00 Intro
0:30 ProMaster 1500 136" WB
1:30 ProMaster 2500 159" WB
2:30 ProMaster 3500 159" EXT WB
3:30 Comparing Features
5:00 Conclusion

[@liammwaghorn]

Honest to god I'm like 4 hours into trying to research this, and now that I've seen this, I'm done. Thank you.

[@dm-vans]

That's awesome! So glad we could help. Let us know if you have any specific questions!

[@rose8662]

Liam's- which one did you decide on?

[@godvisiontv7god1universe36]

I think it would be great to have one that's set up like a news vehicle God vision TV 7 on the side of it but where I can go incognito if I needed to so they would think it was a news vehicle or not somebody's home then I can be incognito wherever I go

[@cdwoods365]

Totally agree Liam!!! I was in the same situation! Thanks for a great video.

[@ezekielmadzele7480]

I chose the ram pro master because of the width they provide! Its amazing if you get claustrophobic easily.

[@ginabrytowski3564]

I think you underestimate the 136 wb for full time living. ❤️ It's my 1st choice. I'm currently full time in a 20ft bumper to bumper short bus. My goal is to move down to a 136 promaster. But I have to say after watching your video and understanding the outter lengths better I might actually go for the 159 even though I know I could do it in a 136. I feel like the 159 isn't as long as I thought. This was a super helpful video. I'll be sharing the hell out of it. So many people are lost about the sizes. Pretty in the promaster sent me from Instagram ☺️

[@RonPaulgirls]

IT'S MORE ABOUT YOU AND WHAT YOU'RE DOING AND WHAT YOU LIKE, A 159 IS BETTER FOR A MORE ACTIVE PERSON, WITH NOT A LOT OF SACRIFICE, HOWEVER A 136 IS EASIER TO DRIVE AND CAN BE ADAPTED TO FOR A COZIER SPACE............

[@BlueWonderLady]

Very helpful to see the sizes back to back with similar build outs. Great video!

[@dm-vans]

Glad you found the video helpful!!

[@phmiii]

Excellent Comparison!

[@dm-vans]

Thanks for watching. Glad it could be helpful!

[@karolsmith7593]

Nice to see them all together.

[@rose8662]

Found this very helpful. Thanks for such a practical video! 💖

[@dm-vans]

Thanks! Glad it could be helpful :)

[@anestholiver]

Amazing work guys!!!

[@onpointconsulting5104]

Thanks for showing this great example.

[@mikeb05]

Thank you! I was trying to decide on a size for a camper van and your video helped immensely! 👍

[@r12rtpilot]

I've been reading for days about Transits and ProMasters....This is definitive...I hope to see you guys sooner rather than later...

[@dm-vans]

Glad this was helpful! Hope to see you soon :)

[@williamgestole4859]

We love our van. Thanks Dave and Matt.

[@dm-vans]

So great to hear!!! Enjoy the road!!

[@MiasarahLai]

Thank you for sharing this!!!

[@dm-vans]

You're welcome!

[@davidwardlow721]

Very helpful great information.

[@ghostchicken69]

I've been living with two kids in my 136 WB full time for four months now. And it gets easier when you figure out what you really need to have in the van. 136 is best suited for the city stealth camping it really blend to the other vehicle. But I've been staying most of the time in the national forest. That being said its good offroad too as long as is not muddy.

[@dm-vans]

Thank you for sharing! We love our 136" Promasters for those reasons as well!

[@elcoachbenny]

quick question Bladimeer, do you have a shower in your 1500 Promaster? Thanks.

[@ghostchicken69]

@@elcoachbenny No. I'm using geyser system with pop up privacy shower. If I'm in the city, I used storage bin and diy shower curtain inside the van. We've been traveling all over alaska and currently in the northwest. Exploring national monument. The is to travel through 49 states.

[@kaylawoodruff2876]

Okay is this dumb but do your kids sleep with you or what’s their setup my wife and I are trying to work out how we would potentially make it work with our daughter

[@ghostchicken69]

@@kaylawoodruff2876 Yes and No. You can build a bank bed style if you want. But our kids still tiny so they sleep with us. We also used the front seat for sleeping as well. Plan your build really good and it should work out just fine. All our stuff is inside the van as well... we live in it for two years. We are now in the east coast, and van life here is a little complicated, so we are now weekend vanlifer.

[@mytrueserenity5666]

THanks, very helpful. I wasn't sure which model would make sense for me.

[@sharmoniquevaughn3206]

So glad i tound this video been searching for days for the perfect van now i finally found the one perfect for me and my 6 month old 🥰

[@vanlifeforgoldenrhodes]

I definitely appreciated this video! I'm leaning mostly towards a Promaster....wasn't sure which of the 159s would work best for me, this was really helpful to me. Thanks

[@dm-vans]

Glad this could help! Let us know if you have any other questions!

[@PhamVans]

Nice layouts my dude, loving the straight lines 😎

[@dm-vans]

Thanks!

[@flowergirl6035]

Awesome 👏 video very helpful

[@Happycamper1998]

Love your craftship👊

[@dm-vans]

Thanks!

[@HeatherRose_]

This is just what I needed. Definitely going for the extended with the bed sideways so I have room for a proper washroom. Thanks.

[@dm-vans]

Really glad that you found this video helpful! Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions. 🚐❤️

[@sunshinechaser]

Very helpful, thank sm!

[@Van-life-4-Jesus]

Yup, it's official ive been on the fence MONTHS YEARS, on what size definitely going with the extended promaster thank you ❤

[@laurabegin9736]

Love the wardrobe cabinet and storage

[@flowergirl6035]

I’m so excited about working with you in the not so distant future. Your going to give me freedom and a secure living situation for as long as I want. Hugz

[@dm-vans]

Looking forward to it!! :)

[@Save-money1]

Great video love the vans

[@shawndawhite9631]

So helpful thank you!

[@dm-vans]

Thanks for watching! Glad you found the video helpful :)

[@raegaenmc3582]

This was very helpful in deciding which size is best. I didn't like the height of the beds, thought they were too high. Also, having everything on one side - like in the last tour, would make me feel the van was unbalanced. I'd prefer the cabinets by the bed on the opposite side from the lower cabinets in the living area.

[@TreyKing63]

Nice video great build outs!

[@dm-vans]

Thank you! 🙏

[@robertplutz8221]

Thank you so much!

[@dm-vans]

You're welcome!

[@hortexpert5272]

Just wanted I wanted to know! Thank you for this video. :-)

[@dm-vans]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ohduana6746]

My neighbor just bought her van from you guys and I'm SO excited to see it when she gets back. She drove cross country and seems to be taking her sweet time and that's understandable, lol.

[@dm-vans]

Awesome! Let us know what you think when you have the chance to check it out :)

[@ohduana6746]

@@dm-vans OMG I LOVE Val's van!!

[@red-headedfool7138]

Thank you because I need to find a van that can fit in a parking space and I liked that 159 ext I'm going with that one

[@dm-vans]

Glad we could be of help in that decision process! Let us know if you have any other specific questions.

[@breannepiper]

So helpful! Thank you for doing this. Now I know I need a 159 instead of a 136! Woohoo!

[@dm-vans]

Glad you found this helpful!

[@macdemexico]

@@dm-vans great work. For someone needing sleeping for 3 could a just off floor level single bed go under the North/South bed. I realize it would sacrifice a good chunk of garage storage but whwn only traveling with two things could be stored on top of single bed as well.

[@dm-vans]

@@macdemexico we intentionally leave plenty of room under our beds for versatility and storage. There is plenty of room to put down an additional mattress under the bed for extra sleeping areas, either removable or permanent, should you chose!

[@QueenBaha]

Omg agreed I need 159

[@jjackmanster]

Very helpful. An option we'd like is a thinner mattress. The fat mattress is too high and a questionable use of limited space. Keep up the continuous improvement while keeping costs down.

[@dm-vans]

Thank you for your feedback! We have actually switched to a high quality 6" mattress in all of our builds in order to balance comfort and use of space. We have previously used up to 10" mattresses and most recently have used 8" mattresses. We can also adjust the height of our bed platform to best suit our customers needs.

[@paulmetrich87]

Kick ass!

[@Michaelbeckfordgroup]

I'm a Florida resident. When will you all start installing ac?

[@johnwilson2289]

Looks awesome

[@dm-vans]

Thanks John! 🙏

[@Cherokee100000]

What a thoughtful video. The second van, was that a 2500?

[@highonphotography8552]

I can't wait to buy a van from you guys!!!

[@dm-vans]

We'd be psyched to build one for you!

[@4018magenta]

Prices please

[@cherylpendleton994]

So very helpful

[@dm-vans]

Thanks Cheryl! Glad you found our video helpful. Let us know if you have any questions!

[@bethoel]

Thank you!

[@dm-vans]

Happy to help!

[@ytJnC]

Awesome. This is great to visualize the differences between the 3 platforms. Would it be possible to apply the lengthwise bed/wall storage plan without the shower space to the non extended 159?

[@dm-vans]

Glad to hear this was helpful! We can install our front-to-back bed system with wall wardrobe in both the 159" and 159" EXT Promasters. This option will be launched on our website later this week :).

[@bonnievanek5934]

Q: Re: custom fabric covering-the-metal option, does 'custom' mean I could choose a red colored fabric? Love the van builds.

[@randahlweeks3453]

I liked the void, but it there seems to be a lot of wood. Would like to see how you constructed them, measurements of areas, like the area under the beds. Do the vans come with all wheel drive or 4x4 wheel drive?

[@jasonbiederman1744]

In the 159 or 159 EXT can you have both the 2 person additional passenger bench in the back AND a toilet seat box?

[@americanrambler4972]

Was the 1st van you showed a completed van? The reason I ask is the areas around the window and door frames looks to be unfinished. Exposed wood edges and internal body work structures. I like your layout configuration of the first van you showed. Is your bed set up to be easily removable so you can rapidly convert the van to haul cargo when needed?

[@kerenyasia6954]

Can you guys do a new version of this video with the new floor plans

[@MissEmmyluv]

Nice builds

[@dm-vans]

Thank you!

[@stacyhackney6100]

Nice.

[@dm-vans]

Thanks!

[@davidlane1248]

Do all extended 159" come with the double door setup? Not sure I'm a huge fan of it Either way, thanks for the info! I'm pretty much dead set on a promaster due to the internal dimensions and having you show off how your designs and how they change with extra length really helps me get a better idea

[@dm-vans]

David Lane nope! Most of the Promasters do NOT come with the double sliding doors. That is a custom option through RAM. For perspective, we have converted just under 100 RAM Promasters and only a handful have had double sliding doors.

[@flowergirl6035]

Quick question what is the distance from left to right for floor space after wall and insulation with out wheel wells considerations? I wanna order a jackknife sofa bed it’s 49 inches and I wanna add 21 inches to that for cabinets. I’m in the design phase lol

[@jrnumex9286]

wheel base listed and pointed out but i take these are raised roof models also? i am digging that 1500 136.

[@dm-vans]

Yep! These are all the high roof version of the RAM Promaster.

[@im.meeksp3943]

Are u sure the extended ver still can fit in a regular sized parking lot? A lot of people on google says otherwise.

[@gungfuriceboy]

i'm a 'Week-end' Warrior! like the !36WB..does it come in a 4X4?..also would like a full shower/toilet on driver side. the stove/kitchen onpassenfer side though...Cheers!

[@jenniferbringman9054]

Prices on each van would have been nice. I’am looking at the smaller van.

[@LordofStormsEnd]

Definitely would have put a flare space in the 159 ext so you could utilize half the space that bed took up for a wet bath

[@timboehm8700]

I’m so glad I bought a Thor Sequence 20L compared to any of these models.

[@Juan-op1yc]

First time viewer. What are the prices from each size presented.

[@00cam69]

I want to know more about the MPG

[@ryanweeks287]

How does the toilet work, how do you empty it?

[@tinabarnes312]

You say the 136 WB is the smallest RAM offer... What about the 118?

[@iayang4649]

Would you be able to give us the price range for all 3?

[@dm-vans]

Our current 2021 LV|36 model built on the 136" WB ProMaster starts at $53,612. The LV|59, built on the 159" WB, starts at $56,797 and the LV|59X, built on the 159" EXT model, starts at $62,642. You can learn more about our vans, available features and more on our website at www.dmvans.com.

[@rosevalerio5863]

Awesome, so glad I came across this video... been contemplating on whether to get the 159 regular or extended... Can you please tell me what the difference in interior dimensions are? And is the 2500 available in extended or just the 3500? Would greatly appreciate it if someone could help me out with this! Please and thank you!

[@dm-vans]

Hi Rose... thanks for your question! According to the RAM website, the interior of the 159" is 420.2 cubic feet while the 159 EXT is 462.8 cubic feet. The 159 EXT only comes in the 3500 model. Hope that helps!

[@DayBowBow]

What kind of mpg do you get with those 3 models?

[@disneylike644]

Is the 136 available in automatic transmission? Thanks.

[@smcinnes7017]

If you took a shot 🥃 every time this guy said umm. You'd be unconscious by the end of the. Lol.

[@pattpas88]

What would be similar or bigger than a 5x10 trailer???

[@americanrambler4972]

You said only 3 van sizes starting with the 136” wheelbase. Is it that you only offer vans based on those 3 platforms? Because there is an 118” wheelbase shorty van. It has a 4,000 pound payload rating. As far as I know, it only comes in a low roof and 1500 model series. Do you limit your builds to the high roof models?

[@carolynmerritt7100]

Aah thanks, aah for the aah video, and aah the vans are aah nice and aah..

[@mikeg8437]

are double sliding door promasters easy to find?

[@coffeedogsandservicedoglaw9045]

Could you do a set up for a small power wheelchair user?

[@dm-vans]

Hello and thank you for reaching out! We are currently working on wheelchair lift options. Please keep any eye on our website and social media for announcements.

[@cecilecandaza6775]

Hi there! How much is the smallest one?

[@gabbyx5031]

The 136” should be plenty for myself. But I think extended roofs in this short size is kind of rare right? If i can find one I think i can make it work by installing a horizontal twin bed with a pull out extension that slides and rests over my counterspace. A toilet and shower in a longer bench seat and whatever other storage I manage to create I’ll use for gear. I don’t want to have to go bigger as I’d be afraid of driving it but if a tall 136 isn’t available by the time I do decide to go for it then I suppose I could go for the 159, it shouldn’t drag too much over speed bumps and off the road driving right?

[@dm-vans]

Hello! Thank you for reaching out, If you are interested in our Lifestyle vehicles, here is a link to our layouts which also lines out the options for add ons. dmvans.com/vans

[@jmgard]

What is the width between the rear wheel wells? What is the distance between the floor and the bottom of the bed support? What is the distance between the floor and the bottom of the bed? Could storage boxes be built that are essentially the depth of the wheel wells and cover from the rear of the 'trunk' up to the storage / seating benches?

[@dm-vans]

Hello and thank you for reaching out! Width between rear wheel wells: 56" Floor to bottom of bed support: 34 1/4" Floor to bottom of bed: 36" Our design leaves all of the space beneath the bed open. While we do not offer any additions within this space, it is very adaptable and we love to see our owners come up with their own creative add-ons for storage!

[@RR-ty6ki]

Shouldn't the beds be a little lower so you can sit up?

[@samanthapotter5177]

I’m curious about how the shower works

[@rickardo3950]

What about the 118?

[@Amit_Kumar_Trivedi]

Some more information could have been provided on the living space of these vans. The length, width and height of the buildable area. And the overhang in extended. Also, if a 4x4 mod is available for off-roading. My personal choice is 159 high roof and normal length with about 12 feet behind the driver seat. Nevertheless, it is an informative video.

[@rains57]

Dave or Matt, can you fit a wet bath into the 136-inch wheelbase model?

[@dm-vans]

Hey Lorraine! Thanks for reaching out. Instead of wet baths, we offer a collapsable shower option and 2 different toilet options. You can learn more about these features on our website, through our Van Builder Feature on dmvans.com! Please let us know if you have any other questions!

[@octaviomolina8822]

Height of the van? can 136 make it thru a drive thru with roof rack?

[@cynthiatucker24]

Could you post the shower setup? Thanks

[@dm-vans]

We have a brief video on our instagram handle showing the set-up and break-down of our shower system. We plan to post a longer tutorial video of the whole system on KZbin soon!

[@disneylike644]

What is the AUD price of 136?

[@Sadik15B]

Actually there is a smaler wheelbase 120inch wheelbase

[@PSVitaFan]

In the 136 wheelbase what do you install for heating the vehicle and do you install a hot water heater or a roof-mounted AC unit

[@dm-vans]

Thanks for your questions! We offer the Espar B4L Gas Cabin Heater as an add-on option for all of our vans. We have a submersible electric water heater included with our collapsible shower system for hot water. We do not offer AC units at this time.

[@christine9604frisco]

Let us know when you incorporate A/C! In Texas and Florida it’s Mandatory….

[@milesfong3901]

Are these Vans insulated, it doesn't seem to be any in the window frame about the kitchen on the 159 nor any on the wheel wells.

[@dm-vans]

We use spray foam insulation on the walls and ceiling along with polyiso hard board under the floor. We offer an aesthetics upgrade package to cover the wheel wells and window frames, as seen on the 159" EXT. Let us know if you have any other questions!

[@TheZackMom]

Are these all low roof?

[@mitchsnv1]

Great build... website? Your located where?

[@dm-vans]

Thank you! Our website is www.dmvans.com and we are located in Gypsum, CO... about 30 minutes from Vail.

[@CCaudits]

Just curious if you have a link or something I could click on to go and see pricing?

[@dm-vans]

@@RodPagador thanks! You can also explore the van builder app on our website to build your own custom build and see pricing of all available options!

[@smallnuts2]

I'm digging the 136. I'm 5'5. How come theres only one sliding door and it's on the opposite side of the driver side?

[@dm-vans]

Hi Dom, Thanks for reaching out to Dave & Matt Vans! The one sliding door on the passenger side is the way RAM factory produces them.

[@marshamc15]

How much is the 159 extended model with everything in it? I like the red.

[@dm-vans]

Our full builds on the 159 EXT start around $21k and include everything you need to hit the road. From there we have a list of custom add-ons to help better meet each client's needs and budget. You can see a full list of options, plus pricing, on our website and even design your own custom van through our new van builder app. www.dmvans.com

[@allthingsangelaling]

How much weight is added to the van with your full build (159)? Will i need to upgrade the suspension on the van to accomodate the buildout?

[@dm-vans]

Angela Carter no upgrade to the suspension is necessary. We estimate about 1k pounds but haven’t scaled the build yet!

[@jaytabac6525]

to me, all of your 3 van lengths offer the same amenities. i an extended van, it is not the difficult to have a separate and enclosed wet bath.

[@rains57]

Lorraine Here again, can the bed be a full size turned lengthwise so a wet bath can be added

[@dm-vans]

Hey Lorraine! Thanks for reaching out. Instead of wet baths, we offer a collapsable shower option and 2 different toilet options. You can learn more about these features on our website, through our Van Builder Feature on dmvans.com! Please let us know if you have any other questions!

[@robgindc1]

Do you convert/deal with 118" WB promasters? You excluded it from initial model breakdown.

[@dm-vans]

Hi Bob... thanks for your question! We work exclusively with the High Roof models of the RAM ProMaster including the 136" WB, 159" WB and 159" EXT models featured in this video. Let us know if you have any other questions!

[@christine9604frisco]

There’s so much unused space in the sliding doorway..much prefer the kitchen overlapping into the door, a bench behind the driver so you can look out the door……and more.

[@dm-vans]

Christine... we love hearing feedback from the van life community. Thanks for sharing your insight! All of our vehicles are built by full-time van lifers with constant feedback from our over 300 owners. Our design is intentionally left with open space to create comfort and versatility. On our website we offer options for different modifications to fit different needs and budgets. Let us know if you have any other questions!

[@christine9604frisco]

@@dm-vans okay. Maybe better for two people.

[@leegoodman8553]

Nice video. I am 6 ft tall. I know that the bed horizontally is 6'1" correct? Is that enough room? Thanks

[@dm-vans]

Hi Lee... thank you! The bed going width-wise in the van is 60" x 70". This is a normal queen width but cut short to just over 5'10". We have had happy customers over 6 feet tall keep the bed in this orientation, but most choose to go with the bed built front to back, allowing for 80" of length.

[@dougmanck4149]

We have a 136 now which is great but would probably go with the 159 to have room for a temporary bathroom area (porta potty and shower).

[@davidboylan2880]

Can all of these trailer a light boat like a pontoon?

[@dm-vans]

We offer class III trailer hitches on all of our vehicles rated up to 5,000 pounds.

[@KaioshinAemi]

I went to your website to put the information. It’s said $21,000 for a full build of the 159 Ext. Is that price included the van or do I have to buy the van separate? I’m looking for a good used van.

[@dm-vans]

Thanks for taking the time to explore our website! Our prices are just for the build. We can also help source a van for your build, starting with our partnered dealerships at www.vailvalleyvans.com and www.vhcars.com/commercial-fleet/. Take a look and let us know if you have any questions!

[@Nick-ty3xd]

@@dm-vans that’s an amazing value for the build. I’m sure there’s some additional upgrades that can be made if purchased that you can add? Also. Would you deliver if was paid for? Thanks! I think I found my build out company

[@dm-vans]

@@Nick-ty3xd Yep! You can custom build your own Dave & Matt Van via our website at www.dmvans.com. Take a look and let us know if you have any questions!

[@JoannaPCarey]

What about windows? Not enough air flow

[@dm-vans]

Great questions! Airflow is absolutely a priority in our builds. As such, we install driver and passenger side windows with slide openings and screens as part of our Base Build package :). You can see them in all 3 vans in this video and learn more about them on our website at www.dmvans.com. We also offer front and rear roof vents for even more airflow.