Day: October 25, 2023

Mercedes Sprinter vs. Ford Transit vs. Ram ProMaster – Is there a best camper van for van life? Choosing the right chassis, or van for van life is complex and requires being honest with yourself about a lot of questions (don’t worry- we have them all below)! However, it is also important to realize that your first camper van doesn’t necessarily have to be your last. Sometimes the best decision for your first van life rig is something strictly within your budget that meets your basic requirements and will allow you to get on the road sooner.   We are on our second camper van, and it wouldn’t be as perfect for us as it is, if we didn’t have a practice camper van. Begin with the considerations below and take into account your current life needs. 🎙️ Listen on Van Life Lab Podcast We recorded this blog post as an episode on our podcast Van Life Lab! If you prefer to listen, or simply want to learn while driving, or walking / running, tune in on your favorite podcast app.  We have episodes pertaining to almost everything van life, and DIY van building. Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple Podcast Mercedes Sprinter vs. Ford Transit vs. Ram ProMaster There are three major chassis that you will see commonly converted to camper vans: Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, and Ram ProMaster.  Below, we compare them across various considerations that we have found useful for van life: Wheelbase length Drive train options Roof heights Interior widths Maintenance Cost Bonus: #RealLife comments Wheelbase Lengths Ford Transit: 148″, 148 EXT Mercedes Sprinter: 144″, 170″, or 170 EXT Ram ProMaster: 136″, 159″, 159 EXT Wheelbase is the measurement from axle to axle, or from the middle of the front tire to the middle of the back tire. What does this mean for van life?  Maneuverability: Generally, a shorter wheelbase is easier to drive.  Shorter wheelbases tend to drive, and turn, most similarly to standard cars. Comfortability: A longer wheelbase can create a more comfortable ride as there is more time between when your front and rear tires hit an obstacle. Departure angle**: Any length that hangs off the back axle will decrease your departure angle.  Departure angle matters when climbing up a steep slope.  As you decrease your departure angle, it becomes more common to scrape your van tail on the ground and you go up steep slopes.   ** Departure angle isn’t caused by a longer or shorter wheelbase, it’s caused by getting an “EXT” (extended) version of the wheelbase. So, if you know you want closer to 170″ of living space, you can either get a Sprinter 170 WB, or a Transit 148″ EXT.  With the Sprinter, your wheelbase is longer, but departure angle is better. With the Transit EXT, your wheelbase is shorter but departure angle is worse. Drive Trains Ford Transit: RWD or AWD (2020+) Mercedes Sprinter: RWD or 4X4 Ram ProMaster: FWD only 2WD (two wheel drive) includes FWD (front wheel drive) and RWD