Dodge Camper Van Specs and Review

Many people are now venturing into Dodge camper van conversions as van life attracts more enthusiasts. The new Dodge Ram ProMaster has become one of the top picks among van-lifers.

Custom camper van companies consider the Dodge ProMaster or Dodge Ram as an ideal van for conversion. This is due to its wide body, easy maneuverability, durability, and all-around use. The conversion companies add amenities and features that the customer wants.

As a Class B motorhome, the Dodge camper van is smaller than Class A and Class C motorhomes but bigger and taller than standard vans.

Usually included in the conversion package are the following features:

  • Bed
  • Kitchen
  • Dinette
  • Bathroom
  • Storage space 

Read on to learn more about the Dodge Ram camper van, its specs, features, pros, cons, and important tips for maintaining it properly.

About the Dodge Camper Van

Dodge camper van

Dodge camper vans are fast becoming popular as they are one of the best vans for conversion.

Custom camper van builders typically include a full campervan kitchen with a stainless-steel sink, 12-volt refrigerator, drawers, and cabinets. There is sufficient storage space as well.

The Dodge camper van could also provide a full-sized Murphy bed, solar setup, storage cabinets/benches, solid natural walls, and a removable table.

Some of the reasons why the Dodge ProMaster van is one of the best camper vans you can buy are as follows:

  1. Widebody allowing more space to sleep
  2. Front-wheel drive making it easier to maneuver
  3. Durable and built for any season
  4. More affordable than many other camper vans

There are three load changes and three lengths you can choose from 1500, 2500, 3500, and the 3500 Maxi wagon. Nevertheless, the most popular is the Dodge Ram or Dodge ProMaster van, measuring 16 feet to 22 feet. 

When Will the Dodge Barracuda Be Released?

Dodge Camper Van Specifications and Features

1. Engine or Drivetrain

Since the builders customized the Dodge camper vans from the Dodge Ram ProMaster, the van’s engine would be Ram’s engine. The base engine is a 3.9L V6 for the 1500 and 2500 series and a 295-ft-lb. torque. 

You could also utilize the 5.9L engine and 335 ft-lb. of torque. The 109-inch wheelbase vans can use a 32-gallon or 35-gallon gas tank. The transmission for the V6 is the automatic three-speed transmission. Meanwhile, the V8’s transmission is an automatic four-speed transmission.

2. Dimensions

The size of the Dodge camper van ranges from 16 to 22 feet. Most vans are 5’6” tall and 6’3” wide.

3. Exterior

The exterior of your Dodge camper van would depend on your preferences. Do you want a rooftop deck or an outdoor shower?

What about bike or surfboard racks at the van’s rear? You have to specify what you need from the van conversion company. Note that the features you request should fit in into the van’s dimensions.

4. Wheels/Tires

The Dodge Ram camper van’s wheels are OEM and can be steel, chrome, aluminum alloy, machined, or silver paint. The wheel size is typically P235/75R15 with a 15” rim. The specifications depend on the model year of the van.

5. Lighting

The Body Control Module (BCM) controls the Dodge ProMaster’s lighting system, which uses incandescent lights.

The BCM controls the van’s various lightings independently. You have the left and right headlights, front and rear running lights, the DRL, front and rear turn signals, reverse lights, and brake lights.

The system can monitor amperage, detect bulb outages, and electrical short conditions. This reliable function would assist you in knowing whether your lightings are working efficiently. 

If you want to use LED lighting, you have to take special precautions to ensure that the LED lights will not cause a loss of functionality.

6. Brakes

The Dodge camper van brakes feature a rear-wheel antilock braking system, but you can opt for a four-wheel braking system.

7. Ignition

The camper van’s ignition is an electrical ignition triggered by the appropriate ignition key. In 2015, Chrysler recalled 16,114 full-sized vans due to intermittent loss of ignition switch contact. [1]

The company replaced the ignition switch block contact of all the dysfunctional vehicles and ensured that the same incident did not happen in the future. 

8. Unique Features

Your Dodge camper van’s unique feature would vary based on what you have requested from the camper van builder.

Some unique features you can include are the following:

  • LED illuminated running board
  • Retractable table/bed
  • Hardwood cabinets/drawers 
  • Climate Control
  • Water filtration
  • Drinking-Water storage
  • Gray and black water storage
  • Refrigerator/freezer
  • Full-shower with hot and cold water
  • Cooking equipment
  • Information/entertainment station center
  • High-tap faucet
  • Adequate insulation
  • Oven/propane cooktop
  • Sink/cutting board
  • Wardrobe
  • Battery charger
  • Swivel seats
  • Air conditioner 

9. Top Speed of Dodge Camper Van

For your safety, you could drive your Dodge camper van at 50 to 60 miles per hour. Some drivers have gone as fast as 65 miles per hour in interstates. 

Nonetheless, there are varying laws regarding camper van speeds on major roads for each state. You have to be aware of their rules before attempting to drive in a particular state.

Below is a great Dodge camper van review (ProMaster 3500) that looks at the various specs and features:

Pros and Cons of the Dodge Camper Van

Pros

1. Easy to Maneuver

Dodge camper vans

The camper van is easy to maneuver because of its front-wheel drive and its size. The van is smaller than most trailers, so that you will have no problems parking it in your garage or at standard parking spaces.

2. No Complex Set-Up

You do not need to set up complex structures or tents. All you have to do is to open the door, and you are good to go. Camper vans require fewer preparations, and you could camp anywhere you can park.

3. Wide Enough to Provide Comfortable Space

The Dodge camper van can provide a warmer space to sleep in than spending the night in a tent.

You can feel comfortable while experiencing a home-like ambiance. Space is enough to provide fun and adventure as you travel, doing what you enjoy the most.

4. Excellent for Small Families or Groups

The Dodge camper van could accommodate small families or groups comfortably. The camper is recommended for short trips too. However, it is also good for long trips for two to four people only. Some people lived in their camper vans and made it their home.

5. Less Expensive

The Dodge camper van is less expensive than other brands with almost the same specifications, such as the Transit and the Sprinter. If you only want the basic amenities in your camper van, the cost could even be lesser.

Cons

1. More Costly than Standard Models

Understandably, your customized Dodge camper van is costlier than the standard models. The camper van’s price ranges between $60,000 to $150,000. 

You could buy a used camper for $1,500 or even lower but expect a frequent visit to the repair shop. Also, your engine may conk out in the middle of nowhere, and you have to spend hundreds of dollars to tow and repair it. So, it would be best to buy a newly converted camper van. 

2. Less Sleeping Capacity

Your Dodge camper van may accommodate five to fifteen people, but your bed may be enough for only two adults. This reason is why the Dodge camper van is best for small families of two to four.

If your family is big, you will have to go for larger camper vans to accommodate all of you. Perhaps a camper trailer could do too.

Who Makes the Ram ProMaster?

North American markets sold the Ram ProMaster with the Fiat Ducato cargo van design. Afterward, Daimler ended the Dodge Sprinter production in 2008.

Chrysler Corporation produced the Dodge B series from 1970 to 2003. In 2003, Daimler Chrysler introduced the Dodge Sprinter, which Mercedes-Benz produced. So, the last full-size van Chrysler designed was the B-platform van. 

Currently, Ram Trucks markets the Ram ProMaster, which is a rebadged Fiat Ducato. 

What Camper Van Is the Best for Van Life?

Travelers recommend four vans that are best for van life. These are the following:

  1. Dodge ProMaster
  2. Mercedes Sprinter
  3. Nissan NV Cargo
  4. Ford Transit

When choosing your van’s size, pick a tall enough van to allow you to stand straight but short (not longer than 20 feet) enough for you to park properly. 

The Dodge ProMaster is less expensive than the Sprinter and the Transit. But could offer almost similar conversions.

How Long Do Dodge Ram ProMaster Camper Vans Last?

The average ProMaster camper van could run up to 200,000 to 250,000 miles. Some drivers stated that their Ram ran up to 475,000 miles. A camper van that is well maintained will, of course, last longer than one that isn’t. So ensure to get regular inspections for your Dodge camper van.

Tips for Maintaining Your Dodge Camper Van

1. Conduct Regular Maintenance of Your Camper Van

You have to check your camper before every travel. Check the brakes, the tires, and your supplies – if you have enough for your trip. Conduct monthly maintenance to ensure you did not ignore minor repairs.

Most especially to the doors, pay attention, as some owners reported problems with the Dodge Ram’s door locks. You may want to ask your conversion company for pre-scheduled maintenance dates. Remember not to miss these dates. 

Nonetheless, you have to immediately take your Dodge camper van to the motor shop if problems occur before the scheduled maintenance.

2. If You Plan to Go Off-Roading, Choose an All-Wheel Drive

You should select an all-wheel-drive van when driving off-road. This van type is safer through rough roads, and you could also drive it smoothly on paved roads.

3. Your Motor Oil and Other Fluids Need Correct Maintenance

Top off your motor oil, brake fluid, wiper fluid, power steering fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid now and then. 

Ensure that they are clean and change the oils whenever necessary. You can change your motor oil, transmission fluid, and filter every 60,000 miles. Inspect your coolant every month as well.

4. Check the Camper Van’s Sliding or Retractable Parts

Remember to check the van’s sliding or retractable parts. You can lubricate the hinges monthly to ensure that they can slide in and out or open and fold smoothly.

5. Replace the Windshield Wipers Every Six Months

Your Dodge camper van’s windshield can easily become brittle and dry. So, you have to replace them every six months. You will know that your windshield wipers do not function well when they squeak or stop working.

6. Realign Your Dodge Camper Van’s Wheels Every Month

You have to do an all-wheel realignment every month to ensure that your camper van’s wheels do not drift to the right or left after hitting potholes, curbs, or bumps. You have to rotate the tires as well to ascertain that they would work efficiently.

7. Every Month Inspect Your Van’s Other Parts

The following needs a monthly assessment:

  • A/T fluid
  • Coolant level
  • Tire pressure/tire wear
  • Engine oil levels
  • Brake master cylinder fluid levels
  • Windshield washer fluid level
  • All interior and exterior lights

You have to ensure that all of these parts are functioning well, and parts with fluids must have enough fluid. 

Conclusion – Dodge Ram Camper Van

The Dodge ProMaster or Dodge Ram’s conversion to a camper van quickly catches fire as more and more people are going into van life.

Custom camper van companies consider the Dodge Ram as one of the best vans to convert to camper vans. The reason is that you can maneuver the front-wheel-drive easily. The van is also durable and provides a wide body, and you can drive it during any season.

Furthermore, the conversion companies find it easy to add some amenities that customers want. This convenience comes from the smaller size of the Dodge camper van compared with the Class A motorhomes.

Additionally, the Dodge Ram is bigger and taller than other standard vans, so it is ideal for converting to camper vans.

Basic features included in the conversion package are:

  • Kitchen
  • Storage space 
  • Dinette
  • Bed
  • Bathroom

To help you remember the tips for maintaining your Dodge camper van, here is a summary:

  1. Conduct regular maintenance of your camper van
  2. If you plan to go off-roading, choose an all-wheel-drive
  3. Your motor oil and other fluids need correct maintenance
  4. Check the camper van’s sliding parts
  5. Replace the windshield wipers every six months
  6. Realign your Dodge camper van’s wheels every month
  7. Every month inspect your van’s other parts

Related reading:

Motorhome Classes – What Is a Class A, B, and C Motorhome?

How to Keep Mice Out of a Camper? (7 Tips)

What Is an Airstream? [All Airstream Models]

R-Pod Review and Specs [Compact, Luxury Travel Trailer]

Living in a Truck Camper Shell