Promaster Van Conversion Kits: 9 Best for a DIY Build

If you’ve decided that a Ram ProMaster is the vehicle that’s going to help you make all your van life dreams come true, you might find yourself pondering the next move. Should you convert the van yourself or purchase a DIY conversion kit?

The prospect of a fully DIY build can be pretty intimidating. Not only that, you’re going to have to dedicate a lot of time, energy, and potential frustration to the process. That’s why a conversion kit could be the way to go.

There are a growing number of companies offering conversion kits for the Ram ProMaster, each of which offers an easy and relatively quick solution to creating your dream ProMaster camper van.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the best ProMaster conversion kits we could find. We’ll also discuss some things to consider before purchasing. Let’s get started by looking at the benefits of a conversion kit for a DIY build.

9 Companies Offering DIY ProMaster Kits

We’ve found some companies that specialize in producing DIY kits for the Ram ProMaster van. You’ll find options ranging from full conversions including storage, a kitchen, and bed setup to companies that offer individual components to help you with your personalized DIY build.

Wayfarer Vans

Based in Colorado Springs, CO, Wayfarer Vans has been getting a lot of attention lately with their simple, high-quality camper vans. Their modular conversions are produced and installed at their shop in Colorado Springs, CO, and they have options for the RAM ProMaster (136″ and 159″ wheelbase high roof) and Ford Transit (148″ wheelbase mid and high roof). 

Compared to many options on the market, Wayfarer Vans’ conversions are economically priced and they complete their installs in just a few days. The conversion kits are 100% modular with all furniture able to be rearranged using a 9/16-in wrench and a few minutes. They don’t supply the vans but can help you source a new van through their dealer partners, or you can bring them a used van (2014 or newer). The latter is a great option for saving some money. They also have a shipping program where they’ll cover up to $2,000 of the shipping cost one-way, and they handle all the logistics from start to finish.

Their base conversions have everything you need, and you can add on accessories anytime. Things like cabinets, heat, vent fans, windows…. They can even ship a lot of accessories directly to your home. 

The company has a Youtube page with tons of videos and a Wayfarer Vans Fans Facebook group where you can interact with other Wayfarer Vans owners (they call themselves Wayfarians). 

Trail Kitchens

Truckee California-based Trail Kitchens offers a growing collection of lightweight, fully modular DIY conversion kits that are ideal for helping to transform your ProMaster into the ultimate camper van.

As the name suggests, this company specializes in producing innovative kitchen and plumbing systems that are easy to integrate into your van build.

Starting at $2,925, the awesome Van Kitchen features a complete water system and indoor/outdoor cooking setup. You’ll get a 14-gallon water tank, as well as a sink, stove, and storage space.

What’s really cool is that the whole kitchen can be easily moved outside. Plus, the optional tankless water heater can transform the faucet sprayer into a pretty luxurious shower setup!

Trail Kitchens also manufactures wheel well cabinets that are an excellent way to provide extra storage in your camper van conversion. These super sturdy cabinets can also be used to provide mounting for a bed platform.

We really love the Minivan Camper Kitchen, which is ideal for a ProMaster City camper conversion. Mounted at the rear of the van, the kitchen slides out to reveal a stainless steel sink, 2-burner propane stove, 5-gallon water tank, and 12-volt pump.

Flatline Van Company

Located near Portland, Oregon, Flatline Van Company is one of our favorite producers of van life gear.

This awesome company offers a wide variety of components to help you create the DIY van build of your dreams, and many of the products have been designed specifically for the Ram ProMaster.

What’s really great about Flatline Van Company is that they offer free shipping on all their products, and you’ll get your order within a few days. Now that’s what we call good service!

Flatline Van Company sells roof racks, side ladders, and camper van awnings, as well as a ton of other exterior storage solutions. You can also choose from a couple of kitchen galley options, both of which have space for a sink, stove, and van life fridge.

Aside from storage cubby and wheel well cubby, Flatline Van Company offers all the stars and anchors you’ll need for your DIY van conversion. We really love the hanging beds this company produces — the sturdy bunk-style platforms stow away against the side of the van, and come in adult or kid sizes.

TIMBER Camper Van Conversion by Titan Vans

Timber Vans offer a full camper conversion made of timber that fits High Roof Sprinters, Transits, and ProMasters. It comes with a galley, removable platform bed, shelves, cabinets, an off-grid electrical system, and plumbing. Made from baltic birch plywood, the ceiling, wall, and floor panels don’t just look good – they also help control temperature and reduce noise.

The camper comes complete with installation by the guys at Titan Vans, which is an added bonus. Choose between finished and unfinished. The finished upgrade option includes tweed upholstery for the walls, columns, and ceiling panels and a satin clear, oil finish for the cabinetry.

Other upgrades include windows, a heater, a ceiling fan, and a fridge.

Titan DIY Kits also offers single units for a basic build, including L-track systems, bench seats, and really cool water tanks that fit over your vehicle’s wheel well.

California Custom Vans

Located in Oceanside, California, this company specializes in producing fully customized camper van conversions, and will build out Sprinters, Ford Transits, and any model of Ram ProMaster van.

The guys at California Custom Vans really know what they’re doing, and create some of the most beautiful camper vans we’ve seen. Starting at $3,600, the California Custom Vans built-to-order bed and bench system is an awesome option for a simple, effective build that’ll have you on the road in no time.

Handmade from sustainably sourced lumber, the California Custom Vans DIY kit can turn any van into a camper, but has been modeled on the company’s popular ProMaster City Cargo conversion.

The bed and bench system is easy to install, and converts quickly and efficiently form an L-shaped bench into a large and comfortable bed. There’s tons of storage, and you can choose between a two- or three-drawer configuration.

We really love the slide-out BBQ drawer, which adds valuable kitchen space and can accommodate a 2-burner stove. The California Custom Vans DIY kit usually takes around four weeks to arrive at your door, and you’ll pay around $500 for shipping.

Vanaholic

We’re pretty excited about what Vanaholic does — the company’s DIY conversion kits are among the best we’ve seen.

Made from lightweight aluminum and polycarbonates, Vanaholic DIY kits are super durable and rattle resistant. Not only that, these DIY camper van kits won’t break the bank. You can expect to pay between $9,500 and $15,500 for a full DIY kit, but you can also choose to buy separate modules instead of the whole thing.

Vanaholic kits are available for standard or high roof Ram Promaster vans, and have been extremely well designed.

The Tequila Sunrise is the company’s most affordable option and features four bench seats and a foldaway dining table that coverts to a Queen-size bed. You’ll also get a full kitchen, toilet cabinet, and electrical system.

The Mojito is the most expensive option, but it really delivers in terms of design and functionality. This kit features a floating, height-adjustable Queen-size bed as well as bench seating that converts to an additional sleeping space. There’s tons of storage as well as a full kitchen and a passenger side galley. There’s even a slide out Porta-Potti under the galley!

Flarespace

Although Flarespace doesn’t offer full conversion kits for the Ram Promaster, this company does produce what many van lifers consider to be an integral part of any DIY build — side flares.

As we already mentioned, the Ram ProMaster is wide enough so that you can sleep across the van. However, for an extra level of space and comfort Flarespace flares are the way to go.

The flares come as a pair — one for the driver’s side and one for the passenger side — and you can add slider or awning windows for an additional cost.

Flarespace flares are pretty easy to install, and once they’re in you’ll have an incredible 80 inches of extra space inside your Ram ProMaster!

Why Choose a ProMaster for a DIY Conversion?

If you’ve been out on the road lately, you may have noticed more and more Ram ProMaster camper van conversions cruising America’s highways.

While the Mercedes Sprinter and Ford Transit are most definitely still the darlings of the #vanlife Instagram set, a growing number of van lifers have realized that the ProMaster is a fantastic van to live in. Not only that, a ProMaster is going to be a lot cheaper to buy than a Sprinter, especially if you can score a good used ProMaster.

Thanks to its boxy, uncomplicated shape, the Ram ProMaster is ideal for converting into a camper van. Although it’s a little shorter than a Sprinter or Transit, the ProMaster is quite a bit wider, so you can maximize space by configuring your bed platform so that you’re sleeping across the van.

The Ram ProMaster’s powerful 3.6L V6 engine is known to be super reliable, and it’ll get great gas mileage. More importantly, when something goes wrong you’re safe in the knowledge that parts are cheap and readily available. Plus, you won’t have to go to a dealership for repairs; just about any mechanic can work on a ProMaster.

Although there isn’t a 4WD Ram ProMaster option, many folks swear by the powerful front wheel drivetrain. Once you’ve got good tires installed, your ProMaster will go just about anywhere and it’ll have no problems in snowy and icy conditions.

Benefits of a Conversion Kit for a DIY Build

There are loads of benefits to purchasing a van conversion kit for your Ram ProMaster that make it more attractive than embarking on a fully DIY build.

1. Easy to install. As you might imagine, a DIY conversion kit has been designed with ease of installation in mind. You’ll get detailed instructions and all the parts you need in order to make the conversion process as painless as possible.
2. Well designed. No matter how much time you spend designing a DIY layout, chances are something will go wrong. With a conversion kit, you can be assured that the manufacturer knows what it’s doing and has used lightweight and durable materials.
3. Fits perfectly. A DIY conversion kit has been engineered to fit your vehicle perfectly, taking out the guesswork involved in designing your own build.
4. Professional support. If you’re building your own camper van conversion, you’ll have to rely on YouTube videos and online forums if a problem arises. A conversion kit manufacturer will provide instructions and support so you won’t feel alone if you run into a problem with the installation.
5. Fully modular. This is another great thing about a kit being easy to install. Most DIY conversion kits are fully modular, meaning they’re easy to take out of your van if you want to upgrade or use the van in adifferent way.

Which ProMaster is Best for a DIY Conversion Kit?

Choosing a Ram Promaster for a DIY conversion really depends on how much space you think you’ll need. You’ll also want to consider whether or not you’re going to want to be able to stand up inside your van.

The Ram ProMaster cargo van is available in three different models; 1500, 2500, and 3500. The 1500 is available as either a low roof or a high roof van, while the latter two options are only high roof vans. You’ll also need to select a wheelbase length, which will impact how much interior space you have to convert.

As we’ve seen, the ProMaster City is one of the most popular options when it comes to designing a DIY conversion kit. Small, affordable, and maneuverable, the ProMaster City is ideal for solo travelers or couples. That said, space is limited inside this van, so you’ll have to think carefully before committing.

What to Consider Before Buying a Conversion Kit

Before you commit to purchasing a van conversion kit, you should spend some time thinking about everything you need. Write down everything that would be part of your dream van floor plan and see how close you can get!

• Cost. It almost goes without saying that how much you’re willing or able to spend on a conversion kit should be a major consideration. Costs vary widely, but you should expect to budget between $8,000 and $10,000. Don’t forget that you’ll likely need to budget for extras like a vent fan, solar panels, and a van life refrigerator, too.
• Your comfort level. You’ll most likely want to buy a conversion kit not only to save money but also because it’s less intimidating than doing absolutely everything yourself. However, with many DIY kits there’ll be some amount of handiwork involved. That said, if you want an extremely simple setup with no drills or screwdrivers involved, a kit like the Ququq Campingbox could be the way to go.
• Components. Make sure to think about everything you’re going to want in your camper van. Do you want a permanent bed platform or are you happy to consider a foldaway bed? Is it important that you can cook inside your vehicle or will a pull-out kitchen do the job?
• Storage. Most camper van conversion kits come with storage, but if you’re picking and choosing modular components you’ll need to make sure you’ll have enough interior storage to fit your needs. You should also consider exterior storage options if you’re planning on hauling bikes, surfboards, or skiing gear.
• Materials. All the companies on our list manufacture DIY conversion kits made from high-quality materials. Still, you should check to make sure that the conversion kit you’re buying doesn’t prioritize style over substance. After all, who wants wall panels that are going to warp when they get too hot?!

Conclusion on ProMaster Van Conversion Kits

Whether you’re looking for an affordable and easy way to quickly turn your ProMaster van into a camper or a more sophisticated modular solution with all the bells and whistles, we think conversion kits are an excellent way to get you living your best van life.

It’s fantastic to see that more and more companies are starting to produce van life accessories for the Ram ProMaster. After all, this van is an excellent choice for those who just can’t afford a Sprinter.

We hope you’ve found this article on ProMaster conversion kits useful. Feel free to leave any questions in the comments section below!