DIY Dodge RAM Promaster 118 🚐Camper Van Conversion🚐 -- PART 1 // Layout and Tour
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ต.ค. 2024
- I have been looking for a Dodge Ram Promaster to convert to a camper van for a while.
I FOUND ONE! So how do you set it up to camp, travel, sleep and still be able to use it like a van? This video is my Promaster Camper Van Conversion DIY How to Video. Follow me in the next few months on my complete start to finish conversion. In this video we will cover my setup plans and my initial first thoughts and a quick review of why i chose the promaster. In future videos we will be doing a start to finish conversion including rear back seat installation, installing a bed that will be removable in minutes, a camper kitchen with fresh water storage and grey water storage, an RV solar setup with power inverter and battery bank (totally off grid camping), sound proofing, adding LED lights, and the mother of all RV Camper Van upgrades; the PROMASTER Pop up top built by Colorado Camper Vans.
Follow this video series in the complete process of converting my Dodge Ram Promaster into a Camper Conversion start to finish, to achieve the Van Life Lifestyle while having a daily driver as well. I also keep a running tab on this series for total cost to build and materials needed.
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That's the fun size!! It's about 5'5" I believe in the low roof. I can stand up with room to spare. 😊. 136" WB also fits in a single parking spot, plus you can go through drive-thru's.
The only thing I don't like is the City Bus size steering wheel!! I see the 118" WB has one a lot smaller! I'm jealous, that's what I needed! It also eats batteries like every 2-3 years so expect that. The 136" gets less highway miles but that's to be expected especially loaded down. About 14-15.
I have a 159 extended Promaster that I am currently converting. A couple of early suggestions: I put Noico sound deadening material on the walls and wheel wells...really made a difference on the noise. 2nd, I put in a maxxair fan in the rear which provides plenty of circulation. 3rd, I would be careful when putting in after market swivel seats. While they do work great, it raises the height of the seat several inches. That's ok for the passenger side but the driver side is too high to see safely out the windshield. Check out Eurocampers…..they sell a lowered seat base to use with the swivel to avoid the height increase. Good luck with your build, will be following your progress.
Great info. Thanks a bunch. Good luck with your build!
My dream van to convert!!! They are so cute!! Reminds me of a loaf of bread or a bread box😂. You are right! It is difficult to find one with low miles. But I am determined!!
The mirrors are the crown jewel of the van-you have total command of the road while passing and backing up, I use them in lieu of the reverse camera
Just discovered your channel and I am glad I did. I am also in planning for converting a Promaster very similar to your ideas. I struggle with the pop-top VS getting a high roof 136". It needs to work like yours as a daily driver, cargo hauler for our business and a weekender/ camper for 4. Thinking of doing either the Transit seat install but close to the driver side to create the dinette or a fold-down bench/sofa like the Tofino or Mars5 camper have. The biggest hurdle right now is the Pop Top. I am hunting down cheaper options like shipping a pop top from Germany or UK or even see if a pop-top from a totaled Eurovan or Vanagon could fit. Looking forward to seeing more build videos. Great Job So far!
Waiting for part 2
Coming soon!
Love the 118 wheel base! I thought the 136 was the smallest. Looking forward to t to he build out!
Fantastic project! I'm looking at converting a 118 myself, and was thrilled to find your videos.
Have fun! I swear i saw a 118 high roof the other day. If they started making those, that would be the only change i would make to mine.
Wow, this is a big undertaking! Look forward to seeing it progress. Good luck!
I’ve been looking for a video like this 👍👍👍thanks
Can you make a video or comment about how the 118 wheelbase trim hold up under challenging road and weather conditions? What is the most difficult situation you have driven the van and how did it perform? This van is the perfect form factor but I am hesitant to buy it because I can't find any information about how it holds up in mud sandy roads going uphill under various snowy or rainy weather. One camp of advisors seem to think that getting the right tire and airing it down should improve its performance by a lot. Others say this is the worst choice for even mild off roading.
I drive an older model, over here in the uk we had them as the ducato, the boxer and the relay from fiat peugeot and citroen, the mk1 was a good version i prefer the mk2, and dont like the more modern mk3 so much (what the promaster is based on) as the engines have too much emission control electronics to fail. we also get smaller engines, which is bit of a performance hit but improves economy, and thats a good thing, for european gas/diesel prices...
i'm mid conversion, its been dragging on way too long lol
I really enjoyed watching the build out. Any chance of a complete walkthrough now that it’s finished? Thanks.
I might do one once our weather warms up!
I bought a 25 ft RV and although I enjoy it, I think I need something more stealthy. Your series is timely!
Already joined your Facebook group!
Thank you for giving me a reason to want to retire at coming on 50 and I think it's important that we think of ways Outside the Box.your at right age an at the the health and and lifestyle that I Live Now so yeah I have something to compare it to so I can understand where I am going with my life...
I wish you luck Nicholas
U covered my questions thanks
POP TOP!!!! This is exactly what I would love to have for my family! Looking forward to seeing your progress! Say, in 5-10 years, can I buy it from you? Haha!
I will be ready for a new project by then. Hit me up if you are serious👌
Colorado Camper Vans is great but there are other companies like Great West and Sportsmobile that are less expensive.
Interesting as this van is a European one, but there seems to be more info on it from the other side of the Atlantic, I'm going to work through your videos as I like these vans a lot.
Very cool!
Woah, I haven’t seen a low roof with the cockpit storage up top. My 2014 low roof doesn’t have that and I would love that. Any idea where to find it?
I'm trying to create a layout that will fit in a 118" Promaster (otherwise I will go with the 130" Transit mid roof). My needs are similar to yours. I'm looking for a van that can be my daily driver while being flexible enough to serve as a mobile office, lounge, and carry cargo. I need 3 forward facing and belted seats, sleeping accommodations for 3, non travel seating for an additional 4 folks, sufficient table space for all, plus a frig, microwave, toilet (and possibly shower).
Taking inspiration from Adventure Wagon’s Recreational Utility Van kit and Wayfarer Vans, I'm planning on a modular design with components that can be installed and removed as occasion dictates. L-tracks along the walls, floor and ceiling are used to secure cabinets which contain the kitchenette, water tanks, and toilet. Wheel well boxes that also serve as sofas and combine to form the primary bed. The secondary bed will be a removable (and height adjustable) platform, similar to the MOAB bed. A 3rd captain’s chair, adjacent to the sliding door, will also be removable. The electrical components will be installed in a box that is permanently mounted. For the most part, my design will allow the van to be configured to restore stock cargo carrying capacity.
I'm very excited to follow your van build. Please keep us posted regularly.
I'm with ya on being able to haul as well as camp. Part of my setup will be permanent, but i would definitely be open to suggestions. I have done quite a bit of research on seating and the Transit seats are the easiest option i think. The track once installed is removed quickly. I ordered mine and they get here soon. That will probably be the next video.
You cannot get the driver side slider on the 118 wheelbase model. It’s not offered for the US market. The double slider is only available for the 136 and 159 wheelbase models. I have seen a 118 Ducato with double sliders in Australia.
Shout out to the stepbrother reference lol did we just become best friends?!?!?
😂
I'm lookin to do the same..118 is nice n compact..for all around use finding a used one with low mileage?. Is a challenge..forget about color..mostly white.
.
They dont make as many of the 118 for sure. I really enjoy the short wb though.
I would discourage doing a pop top. Most I have seen add 4 to six inches to your roof height. At the end of the day you would be better off and money ahead with a high roof model of your van.
Your vids have been so freaking helpful! Thanks! I'm currently trying to decide between the 118" and 136" ... feel like offering your opinion? My partner is 6'4" 🙄 I'm 5'3". I would fit perfectly side to side... him on the other hand - ugh. You've spent a lot of time in your van! Thoughts on the feasibility of a fold-out style bed that is oriented front to back - if we go 118" it seems like such an undertaking! Thanks!!!
I think you need a front to back bed for someone who is 6'4". The 118 would probably be a tight fit if you did that.
Good build, very clean and practical. What size is the van L1H1?
118" wheelbase
Not all windows fit perfectly in that cutout. Very important to get your window, measure two or three times and cut once. I had an auto body shop install my windows. They ASSUMED they could do the cutouts like you said for the frameless windows I got from CR Lawrence. The holes were two big! I even gave them the video link on how to install them. They still messed it up.
That's terrible. Can you get your money back from CR Lawrence? Were they selling them as factory fit?
It was the body shops mistake. I told them to watch video before installing. There is even a bright orange sticker dead center of window that says in caps measure twice cut once.
@@renekennicott9708 what is your solution?
Where did you buy it?? I saw one in central Texas exactly like that one with the running boards. I wanted it! Lol. Never saw it again I can actually stand up in it. I’m 5’9. They are awesome. It still feels like a big van though. I was thinking it wouldn’t feel like it but it still does.
Got it in Iowa. I think it only feels big because you sit up so high. I park in regular spots everywhere i go!
The best thing.....you can get one for about $24K..........I'm getting a 2020 model.
For sure. Keep us posted on your purchase!
I assume you are not going to live in it full time?
This is my weekend warrior
Thank You for this review. Did you ever find something to fit that sunroof cut-out? I'm in a smaller van but think this will be my next upgrade. 4:59 was valuable in that I have this idea of using that sunroof molding as the perfect spot for a custom solar panel hatch roof popup for ventilation and just enough head clearance to stand inside. Only wish it was that it was a little bigger and a little further toward the back, but there are clear advantages to using the OEM sunroof cutout location. Would you know if the battery tray/box has enough room for 13x7x9 battery + 13x7x3 inverter if i take the OEM battery out? is there any ventilation in the battery box/tray?
I have decided against the sunroof opening because i am putting a solar setup and a rooftop tent on soon.
@@live.life.simple. Thanks! so no roof top ventilation? No standing inside?
FYI: Just a side note that I think the battery trays in those vans is huge and maybe could accommodate a 200AH Lithium starter battery and 12v 1200 watt inverter er/controller. I simply run the van when I need 110v for cooking or power tools.
What’s the interior dimensions from floor to ceiling? How tall r u?
Is this a low roof model?
I am looking at the Promasters myself. How are you going to solve the problem of water shedding down the window area and getting into the engine compartment and messing up the electronics?
I haven't heard anything about that but I will look into it
@@live.life.simple.
Ram Promaster Forum > Ram Promaster General Discussion > Promaster General Discussion Forum > water drainage in the engine compartment
They won't let me send a link but this should google you to the right area.
@@rennemichaels2706 Appreciate it!
What is the year of your ProMaster 118WB? I am shopping for one and have found a 2017 that I really like. Wondering if there are any differences in the model years.
mine is a 2016
I am playing with the idea that having a twin bed on the passenger side and than all the other stuff on the driver side. single bed makes more since for I'm single, LOL.
Let me know if you can get it to work
How would you compare the interior noise on the highway after the sound proofing/insulation? 1-10 before and after please :)
Doing the floor and wheel wells made a large difference. I have not insulated the entire van yet so I do still get road noise, but it's not annoying like it used to be.
Retired at 40- Live.Life.Simple. Awesome, thank you. My wife and I are considering either a 118 or 136 high roof. I prefer the exterior size of the 118 of course but standing up and having a little extra room is nice too. Rather do it once!
How tall are you? I'm 5'8 and wondering if I could stand in there?? Thanks! : )
He 5'10 the low roof 118 and 136 cargo height is 5'5 (6 or 8 inches )
5
Heater?
Undecided still. I want to avoid anything fuel if possible.
5:21 where do you get the windows for $170?
vanwindowsdirect.com
Retired at 40- Live.Life.Simple. Thanks much!
What's th ed actual mpg?
I get 20-22
How tall are you?
5'10"
@@live.life.simple. I'm 5'7 so I would have plenty of room
May I know your height so I can compare
5'10"
I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but man, those promasters are some ugly vans. Will enjoy watching the build though
She'll be beautiful on the inside :)
cant even stand up
What if I tilt my neck?
The Dodge tradesman RAM original American van had a great design, the Dodge Promaster Fiat Ducato can't look ugly a box the design.A serious mistake that eliminated the mythical true Dodge van
I like the way the promasters look. They are different than anything else on the road. Same ol same ol is boring. Just my opinion
a video link of the entire Fiat Ducato generation (Dodge Promaster) hello fron Italy th-cam.com/video/966EDrmQiHg/w-d-xo.html