Promaster City Camper: 12 Of Our Favorite Picks

Are you considering investing in a Promaster City Camper? Some van dwellers have made this choice and have not regretted it. It’s a reliable vehicle, which can be kept stealth enough to camp in cities.

The Promaster City is a great choice for anyone who wants to travel at the weekend or on holiday.

If you want to go on extended trips, you’ll need to cram a lot of gear in a small space, but this can be achieved by adding a rooftop tent or a roof box.

Let’s look at the options you have for this van. We have compiled a list of custom builds, conversion kits, and DIY conversions for you.

But first, let’s look at the pros and cons. As with any van, there are advantages and disadvantages to converting this model.

Pros & Cons Of A Promaster City Camper

5 Amazing Promaster City Camper Custom Builds

Hiring a company to convert your van can take a lot of stress out of the van life prep. You can keep working and enjoying your evenings and weekends, while professionals take care of the process.

The result is a solid, beautiful build with quality parts. The downside is that you’ll probably need to get on a waiting list. It may take months before you can get your hands on your finished camper.

If you think this is the right route for you, we have selected the top companies offering custom builds on the market.

Make sure to check out these Two Custom Dodge Ram Promaster Vans Under $60k as well!

1) Contravans Promaster City Van Conversion

From: $7,498

Colorado-based company Contravans specialize in converting a variety of van models into campers. For small vehicles like the Ram Promaster City, they offer four options, which they call Turnkey Van Conversions:

• Bench seat – two benches and a table that turn into a bed
• Storage drawers – a double bed with pull-out storage underneath
• Single bed – a permanent bench-bed with a kitchenette in front of it
• Three-piece bed – a double bed that transforms into a passenger bench

Choose the design that better adapts to your camping needs and send off your van to get converted. If you prefer, you can fully customize your build. Contravans offer a huge variety of options and accessories, such as awnings, rooftop tents, and a cassette toilet.

For more information, head over to the Contravans website.

2) Cascade Campers Promaster Conversion

From: $8,000

Cascade Campers offer good-value custom conversions, thanks to their standardized design and fast production line – they can deliver up to 14 campers in a month.

Their conversion features a long bench, which turns into a 6ft4in double bed. In front of it, there’s a kitchenette with sink, storage, and cooler. The guys also install a power system with a solar panel, a freshwater tank, LED lights, and a fan.

The interior looks cozy and modern, thanks to the warm colors of the wood and upholstery.

Read more on the Cascade Campers website.

3) Voyager Campervans Promaster City Conversion

From: $12,495

Voyager Campervans have collected their customers’ feedback to come up with the most practical van build for a Ram Promaster City – the Minny V3.

This conversion design packs in a lot of clever ideas to make the most of the limited room available.

The floor plan is simple. There’s a long couch, which turns into a bed, that occupies most of the space. There’s also plenty of storage everywhere.

Half the couch turns into a kitchenette with a sink and cooler. At the back of the vehicle, there are sliding tables, which allow you to eat outside.

Check out the Voyager Campervans site to get all the details.

4) Craft Autoworks Ram Promaster Campervan Conversion

From: $29,900

If you’d rather use the interior of the Promaster City as a living space, you’ll want to check out the Craft Autoworks Scout.

This conversion comes with a rooftop tent, so the back of the van features a kitchenette and a bench. This is a custom build for serious van dwellers, who want to live on the road for long periods of time.

The conversion includes fresh and grey water tanks, a hot water heater, an outdoor shower, a lithium battery pack with 2000 watt inverter, a DC fridge/freezer, solar panels, and more. The Scout has everything you need to get going.

Have a look at the gallery of past conversions on the Craft Autoworks website.

5) Kuku Campers Ram Promaster Custom Conversion

From: $35,000

This is the most expensive custom build out there. The reason? It comes with an incredible amount of gear, such as a heater, a fridge, and a solar panel.

The interior looks modern and tidy after the conversion. The floorplan features a u-shaped couch with a table in the middle, which turns into a bed. Behind the driver and passenger seats, there’s a kitchenette. There are also lots of cabinets and storage boxes.

Head over to the Kuku Campers site to find out more.

Sprinter vs. Transit: The Nitty Gritty

Let’s see how these two vans compare in four critical areas.

1. Maintenance Costs

Let’s face it: every vehicle needs repairs, and taking care of issues is crucial when your vehicle is also your home!

Aside from budgeting for regular oil and tire changes, you’re well-advised to have extra savings when something unexpected happens.

A Ford Transit is not only more affordable upfront, but it’s also cheaper to maintain.

Replacement parts are affordable and widely available, which is a huge bonus.

You’ll also have extra peace of mind in a worst-case scenario since Ford dealers and mechanics are in almost every town.

Maintenance is one of the main reasons solo US female van lifer Ricki (@rickiontheroad) chose a Ford Transit to call home: “I went with a Transit because it’s less expensive and more places will service it. While Sprinters may need maintenance less often, the thought of needing maintenance in a remote town and no one willing to work on my vehicle was enough to get a Transit.”

Colby and Eric (@engineerswhovanlife) agree with Ricki: “The ease of maintenance and servability of an American-made camper van was crucial for us. Living on the road full time, we have heard horror stories of Sprinter owners having to pay for 200+ mile tows when they break down, or parts being really difficult to source. Fords are everywhere here, and we have never had an issue with towing or parts.”

Things are a little different when it comes to owning a Sprinter. Internet forums are full of horror stories about DEF sensor failure, black death, and the dreaded limp mode.

When a serious problem arises, a dealership is often the only place able to help, so you’ll have to find your way to the nearest big city.

Keith and Hannah (@keithandhannahh) are full-time van lifers who live in a Sprinter van, and they agree that the initial cost of the cargo van plus the more expensive maintenance costs are the only cons to choosing a Sprinter vs. a Transit.

“In our opinion, the only con is the price because a Sprinter costs slightly more (not always). You might spend more on parts to fix it, but we bought a new van and haven’t had any fixes because we keep up with all the maintenance. We’ve always had a good experience with Mercedes, trust in them as a brand, and love to see how much they’ve embraced the van life space,” said Keith and Hannah.

Add in the fact that repair costs can be substantial and you may have to wait weeks for parts to arrive, and it’s no wonder this is a sticking point for many people in the Ford Transit vs. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter debate.

2. AWD/4×4 Options

For those traveling back roads, especially during winter, a 4×4 Sprinter is the most attractive option. The downside is you’ll have to purchase a 2022 model (or earlier) since Mercedes-Benz no longer makes 4×4 Sprinters as of 2023.

A 4×4 Sprinter has a much higher clearance than a standard 2WD model, and it can go just about anywhere, making it ideal for off-grid adventuring.

As of 2023, Mercedes-Benz makes AWD Sprinter vans with diesel engines. Although you’ll need to spend more upfront for a Sprinter van with AWD or a 2022 (or earlier) model with 4×4, it will hold its value if you ever want to sell it.

The AWD Transit and Transit Trail are becoming increasingly popular, though they’re only available with a gasoline engine.

Colby and Eric (@engineerswhovanlife) wrote an article on their blog about why they chose a Transit over a Sprinter (and ProMaster). They said they like how a Transit has “the shorter wheelbase of the Transit driving more like a car and the AWD drive train.”

Although it’s a big step up from the 2WD Transit, you’ll need to pay for a lifted suspension if you want more clearance on a standard Transit. As mentioned earlier, the Transit Trail at least has a significant lift of 3.5” compared to the standard Transit.

If you still want a 4×4 campervan and are leaning towards a Ford Transit, you can pay for an after-market 4×4 conversion.

Although you’ll pay around $13,000 for a Quigley’s conversion from Sportsmobile, the overall cost could be less than what you’d pay for a 4×4 Sprinter, leveling the playing field in the Sprinter vs. Transit game!

3. Suitability For Conversions

As we’ve already seen, there’s much more interior standing space in a High Roof Transit and High Roof Transit Trail, which could be the clincher for taller friends.

Although there’s less space in a Transit, the square shape makes it easy to do a quick and affordable conversion.

Another big plus is the Transit’s interior width, which makes it possible to install a bed width-ways, freeing up more living and storage space inside the van.

Colby and Eric (@engineerswhovanlife) have chosen Transit vans twice (about to be three times)! They said that one reason they prefer them for a conversion is the added height: “The Transit is the tallest of the three more common chassis. The interior standing height of the Transit is 4” taller than the Sprinter. Eric is tall so this was a must for us!”

When converting a Sprinter, the biggest advantage is the ample space inside, especially in the 170″ wheelbase extended model.

If you plan on living in your van full-time or with kids, the huge space inside a Sprinter could make it a clear frontrunner. 

Although you’ll probably have to sleep lengthways in your van unless you are shorter and install flares, there are loads of ways to integrate storage space into your design.

4. Diesel vs. Gasoline

When considering the Sprinter vs. Transit question, one of the most important differences is the fuel each van uses.

Most Sprinters have diesel engines, which means better fuel economy and a longer lifespan.

The fuel economy of a Sprinter is one of the reasons why van lifers Keith and Hannah (@keithandhannah) chose a Sprinter for their DIY conversion: “Sprinter vans are super reliable, have a great fuel economy even after the vans are built out, and hold their value. We’re not tall, so livability is perfect, and in our opinion, it looks the best.” 

That said, diesel is more expensive at the pump, and locating the Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) that Sprinters require could be a real problem if you travel to Central or South America.

If you plan on extended foreign journeys in your camper van, you’re probably better off going with a Ford Transit van, despite its inferior fuel economy.

Why I Chose a Sprinter Van

When my husband and I shopped for a campervan to call our home and live in full-time, we researched popular modern chassis, including Sprinters, Transits, and ProMasters. 

I considered the Ford Transit Trail over the Sprinter. I liked the cheaper price tag, and my husband and I grew up driving Ford vehicles.

Plus, since my husband is tall at 6’5”, I wondered if he could stand more comfortably in a Transit Trail.

However, I knew I wanted a professional conversion and needed my van finished when my apartment lease ended. I had to rule out the Transit Trail as those vans were not readily available then.

I ultimately went with a 2022 Sprinter van to have 4×4, a reliable van for full-time living, and a van with excellent resale value.

I also like the look of a Sprinter, and my husband found he could stand up inside it without needing to squat or bend.

I appreciate having the peace of mind of a 4-wheel drive van on steep, rocky roads and during winter conditions in Colorado (where we spend much of our time).

Ford does not make 4×4 vans, so I already felt hesitant about going with one of those vans in case I ever found myself in a difficult position on the road.

Since I planned to live in my van full-time with my husband and dog, I wanted a reliable and high-quality chassis.

Although services on Sprinters are expensive, I appreciate how Sprinter vans don’t need to be serviced as often and rarely have parts that need replacement since they are made with quality from the get-go (in my experience).

I also chose a Sprinter over a Transit due to the resale value. I knew my family would do van life for 1-3 years and eventually want to sell the van.

I have not yet reached the point where I’m looking to sell my Sprinter van, but I feel confident that I will get a pretty good return on investment when the time comes.

Appearance was not a huge factor in our decision, but since my husband is a photographer and enjoys taking drone shots of our van in epic places, it is a definite plus!

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Should I Get a Sprinter or Transit?

If you’re hoping for a verdict on which vehicle is better for van life, you’re out of luck!

Sprinter and Transit vans are excellent choices for van dwellers, and each has unique pros and cons.

Although Keith and Hannah (@keithandhannahh) chose a Sprinter van, they said, “A Transit van would be a close second!”

I agree and could easily see us switching from a Sprinter van to a Ford Transit (specifically the Transit Trail) someday, especially if we purchase a home and want a van for part-time traveling.

I have nothing negative to say about the Sprinter other than the initial high price tag and expensive service costs.

The Sprinter vs. Transit debate rages on, so you must weigh the pros and cons and decide which best fits your needs and budget.

I hope you’ve found this article interesting and helpful in your quest to find your dream van. Please feel free to leave any questions or comments below!

Other Van Life Stories You’ll Love:

• Why a Ford Transit connect camper rocks for van life
• These car camper conversion kits might change your life
• 4 Cool Sprinter Van Bunk Beds And Where To Buy Them

Promaster City Camper Kits

If you’d like to avoid going down the DIY route but don’t want to go all out on a custom build, you could opt for a conversion kit. These are units you can install DIY and remove at any time.

So you can use your Promaster City as a cargo van when you need to. They are also a lot cheaper than a full conversion.

We have selected the two best kits available for the Promaster City for you.

1) Wayfarer Vans Ram Promaster Kit

From: $5,196

The Wally Camper Van Conversion Kit for the Ram Promaster City Cargo is built to install quickly and get you out on the road fast. Just follow the installation videos and your van will turn into a camper in minutes.

The furniture is made of Oregon birch, which means it’s light but sturdy, allowing you to make the most of the available space.

The kit includes:

• Insulating panels for the interior
• Flooring
• A foldable table
• Camper boxes (kitchen, bed, and bench) with cushions 

You can choose between three different colors: teal, pinon, and stone. Alternatively, you can opt for custom fabric.

Your Promaster City will look modern and functional with this kit. You can, of course, personalize it by adding soft furnishing in your favorite colors and patterns.

Check out the full specs of the kit on the Wayfarer Vans website.

2) California Custom Vans Promaster Conversion Kit

From: $2,999.99

This has got to be the easiest and fastest kit to install in your Promaster City. It’s composed of two pieces, which you simply need to slide into your van and secure.

The kit is essentially a bench system, which turns into a bed. It features lots of storage drawers and a sliding table to cook on. So the interior of your van turns into a living room, which you can make into a bedroom at night.

Every component is made of sustainably sourced raw lumber, which you could stain or paint to add a personal touch. If you need the kit altered to fit your van or needs, just ask before ordering and you’ll get a custom quote.

Need more details? Have a look through the California Custom Vans website.

3) VanPackers Cargo Kit

From: $4,395 CAD

Want more headroom? Check out this conversion by VanPackers, which features a lower bed, making the most of the vertical space in the cargo area of your van.

The kit consists of a flip-up platform bed and a slide-out kitchen set up at the back of the vehicle. The storage space is really ample, allowing you to use a double-burner stove, a sink, and a cooler simultaneously when you’re out at the back. The platform bed lifts up, so you can easily access all the storage from the back of the vehicle. That’s super clever and quite unique.

The kit can be installed without drilling in just under five minutes.

More information is available on the VanPackers website.

Clever Promaster City DIY Conversions

Want to go fully DIY? Get inspired by these cheap, simple conversion ideas. You can save a lot of cash, choose every single bit of kit, and customize your build fully. Sounds good? Check them out.

1) Lea’s Home And Office On The Road

Lea’s transformed her Promaster City into a solo camper home on wheels. Inside, there’s a single bed and two cabinets, where she keeps all her camping gear.

Everything is extremely simple and required little work to install. The passenger seat is her office – here she keeps her laptop and files. She carries a portable shower and sink and an inverter.

That’s it – this is all she needs to live on the road.

2) Local Boy’s Mountain Van

Local Boy needed a van to go on skiing adventures with. Given how cold it is outside in the mountains, he planned to spend all his time camping inside.

Most of the space is taken up by a slide-out bed. However, he left enough space to fit a portable toilet and for him or his girlfriend to change shoes. Local Boy also built and installed a roof rack with a roof box, so it’s easier to carry extra gear.

3) J and Shay’s Adventure Van

J & Shay go on long trips on their van, so they took the time to make it cozy and adjust the features they chose along the way.

Their conversion features a bench, which turns into a bed. In front of it, there’s a kitchenette with a sink and burner. They also installed a roof rack, where the guys store their surfboards.

4) Mike And Stephanie’s Home On Wheels

Mike and Stephanie chose a slightly different design. They opted for installing a bench behind the front seats. This turns into a bed at night. On the right-hand side of the vehicle, there’s a kitchenette with a sink, fridge, burner, and oven.

As the couple live on the van almost full-time, they installed a lot of equipment to make their life easier and cozier. They even managed to install a TV and portable toilet.

Check out 14 Campervan Kitchen Design Ideas for Van Life for some great van life kitchen inspiration!

Conclusion On Ram Promaster City Camper Conversions

If you think a Ram Promaster City is the right vehicle to take you on unforgettable road trips, there are plenty of ways to turn it into the camper of your dreams. You could save a lot of cash and go DIY, choose a conversion kit to get going fast or opt for a full-blown custom build.

If instead, you’re looking for something a little bigger, check out our article on Sprinter vs Transit.

Check out some more great van conversion ideas:

• 10 Rad Dodge Grand Caravan Camper Conversion Kits & DIY Ideas
• 31 Camper Van Ideas For Van Life Inspiration (Build Your Dream Van!)
• Sprinter Van Conversion: The Ultimate Guide to a Sprinter for Van Life