Three MUST SEE Camper Van Conversions | RAM Promaster City
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- čas přidán 10. 11. 2023
- I've narrowed my Ram Promaster camper van conversion choices to three companies. These companies are Contra Vans, Cascade Camper and HumbleRoad. My 4th option is to convert it myself which I will discuss with you as well. Honestly.. I need some guidance so leave a comment below!
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I’d go with the Cascade Camper. Good value, quick build and very useful/convenient interior layout.
I really like the bed in the solo or the mini me. I also want to be able to store an escooter and bike etc and the space by the bed seems optimal. I also want the opposable bike rack Everything's Been Done has for the back, but I want to be able to bring it in. Perhaps it's unnecessary, anyways, I'd just like to be able to lock everything down tightly.
I also saw several videos using 80-20 to make bed frames which were very promissing. One build slats which fold in together like a zipper because they're based on slideable main bars, but I feel foregoing the zipper teeth and adding more lateral bars would mean the entire set up could be pushed to one side opening up space. And if build with open ends, could be removable even. The other 80-20 video I watched was by a cameraman, and he considered some important safety points regarding collisions. But I enjoyed how he did the flooring, tho I would have gutted the sides.
The front storage drawer in the mini me seems very optimal in design.
I like a lot of the eatures on the Everything's Been Done channel, and I'd like to see the grey water below deck and easily drainable and hot water/extra drinking water above top (possibly extra drinking below as well). I saw a few DIY or boughten water beams for the roof - some rated for drinking water, others for shower use only.
Personally, I would prefer to put all of this on the outside.
Rather than the sink contraption set up, I would prefer a floor drain with a cover. (and shower ceiling hooks) It should have some inset for the pan, but I'm uncertain if I'd prefer to see that raise up more like a micro tub with a cover like a seat, or have it maintained on the ground. I feel, ground is probably best. (I also saw a foldable bath tub which would then be abe to drain into the floor drain, so if one felt they'd be stocking enough water up top or whatever. (and have a water bottle of course for drinking from).
For the roof, I want it to be a pop top with enrance from the inside and sleeping options up top.
Then add a roof rack, AC/vents (and floor vents) and solar.
I thought about a skyroof there, but it might be overkill and conflict with the solar.
Solar has two options, either adjustable or flat. Adjustable means better absorbtion in the yawning hours.
For cooking, I was thining to use the portable camp stove I used before. Similar enough to the stow away one. I've seen some larger hook ups for more gas attached to builds, but I don't know how I feel about that. If I can get enough power on board for electric cooking, that's what I'll go with and still keep the mini butane stove (because honestly, it's nice to cook out in the park etc).
Power and battery life is a big one imo. I've seen some things such as a secondary battery for the car with monitors and honestly, I don't know how that works. I've used solllar and "electric generators" and I like what I had before, I'd just go for more of it at this point. I have my foldable and I had the smaller generator from Jackery. Someitmes I'd just leave the foldable open in the windshield when I couldn't be bothered.
This was enough for my typical needs, but cooking would add a lot more stress and overwhelm what my set up was. I had an induction coil for hot water, and that ate power quickly. I had a few portable phone batteries as well.
I was considering removing the passenger seat. It could be a place to put food storage instead probably.
Mini Me looks amazing and would be great to travel off grid.
You already did Cascade before....try something different this time 😊
300 Amp hours is kind of the minimum for a 3000W inverter. Because 3000W/12V=250A. And since LiFePO4 batteries can deliver about 1C of amperage, i.e., 100A from a 100Ah battery, and taking into account inefficiencies and other minor loads, you need 300Ah of battery for a 3000W inverter. Now, do you need a 3000W inverter? Some might. Say you want to run a microwave and airfryer at the same time to prepare a meal. You could probably do that with 3000W. Add an induction cooktop? Then you are probably in overload. But 3000W should get you two simultaneous large appliances at time in most cases. Some people don't like having "gas" (propane, butane, etc.) in their van for safety and/or convenience reasons. For those people, in particular, having 300Ah and 3000W would be very nice. Also, if you run even a small A/C, like the EcoFlow Wave, you are probably going to pull up to 500W, at times, for that.
Make your own. Definitely! Check out “white van no plan” micro camper build layout.
czcams.com/video/fs33l9hbmPw/video.htmlsi=Z2zE03zZZ4sTpY49
Very curious why Cascade Camper decided to put the 2 vent fans so close together...generally you want them farther apart to create a "cross breeze" inside. The way they have it set up...seems like a lot of the "fresh" air you're pulling in will get blown right back out. I suppose you'd need to crack a window and set them both to blow air out.
Definitely the Mini Me. Humble Road is an amazing build, complete with shower and potty. It’s really expensive, but if you have the money, it’s no.1.
IMHO, best bang for the buck award goes to Cascade.
I’m a DIY on my PMC, and have spent far less than a Cascade build. I’ve spent a huge amount of time on the build as a consequence.
Good luck with the decision!
You should build it like the minivan build from Eric Loves Earth or Travels with Rob.
I like the Cascade. If it's not broke, don't fix it. Imo, the basecamp $7,000 version, it's horrific. I would never pick that, and I would never pay that kind of money for it. It's useless. You really have nothing but a bed.
Heyy, would recommend to buy a empty one and build your custom dream urself 😅
The Humble road setup isn't cost effective for me personally, but they have ideas that give me hope when I choose a DIY layout and features.
I haven't van camped yet but I wonder if a 14+ gallon tank might suit some applications such as full time van life where person doesn't want to travel more often than 14 days ideally. Water seems to me one limiting factor, as well as fresh food even more so.
I have been dreaming about a small van build and space is an issue but I like the Humble Road layout and it leads me to believe I could make a full time setup with computer and internet, with all my needs.
As far as the power, a higher amount like this might be needed for someone who full times and uses a computer as well as a starlink. I see one testimonial that starlink Mobile regional (nationwide) runs 175w for 2 minutes but drops to 40w according to one source. That would be 960w per 24 hours. Still I assume someone would turn it off, but maybe they would want communication availability 24x7 even when out of cell phone range, for business, emergencies or otherwise.
In addition, the extra power is useful for days which aren't sunny, as is a DC-DC charger and even shore power. I do see how most full timers might have such electricity usage and at the same time use a small van for it, so the concept can be overlooked.
One note is Humble build doesn't have cooking. There are several things I'd like in my build be it with standalone appliances or not: cooking, buckets for composting and separate liquid waste, possible way to incorporate propane safely for cooking and I think I can make it work of a stationary recumbent bike which is collapsible and be my primary seat.
diy. Or diy with a friend that has some skills. The satisfaction will be worth it in my opinion.
Maybe you covered this and I just missed it. As far as I know, the PMC, Transit Connect and NV 200 are no longer being made. If I were to choose any of these builds ranging for 7-30k ish, for that kind of investment I'd want a new van. What are your thoughts on any of these builds as it relates to a shrunken list of options for buying a new, seemingly now vacant, "Mini Van" market? I fear if we get new options for mini vans, they'll mostly be electric. Living in/extended traveling in "off grid" in a electric vehicle isn't something I'd be interested in. It's annoyingly frustrating that here in the states we can not choose/buy a "cargo" version of either the Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna. A NEW "cargo" version of the Toyota Hiace or Proace would be my first choice but they're not sold in the states. Makes me wonder what platforms these buildout companies will turn to in the near future since the mini van options in the states have largely been reduced. Cascade would be my first choice. But I'd never buy a new or used Fiat.
If you have the money, the humble road.
It really depends on how quick you want to be on the road. Cascade is your quickest bet if you just want to not have to deal with any headaches and be rolling by December. Humble road is top of the line. He has a pretty entertaining youtube channel showing his builds in progress and seems to really take care of his customers before/during/after the build. I would imagine the build time is longer plus you'd have to bring the van up to NJ.
I have a full size Promaster and chose to do the self build. Yes, with self-build you will absolutely find yourself endlessly spending money that you never planned on for tools, mistakes, changes in plans, etc. but there is a fun aspect to having a project to obsess over after work everyday and be able to tweak things as ideas pop up.
Cascade Will with maybe a couple of extras
If you have the money for the expensive one but the cascade camper is the best value without a doubt. I have the first version (the version you used to have) and love it! I actually got a lot of ideas from your videos on things to buy from Amazon! Thank you Will 🙏
I think I will put out a van accessories video cuz I have a lot of stuff in mind for my new build. Stay tuned!
Lots of options there. I would like to see you go the self-build option. Great opportunity for you to develop your skills and the self-satisfaction of your creation.
It might work the opposite.. wasted time and money and of course lower confidence lol
I’m a boat builder so definitely building my own.
I think a DC-DC charger is always a good idea. First, you can't always depend on solar. If it is cloudy and rainy for a week, you are going to be out of power for days. And 300W is not a lot for 320Ah of battery. That's 320Ah*12.8V=4096Wh of energy in that battery. In the winter you might be lucky to get 3-4 hours equivalent of full sunshine on flat-mounted solar panels on a sunny day. So 300W*4h = 1200Wh of energy into the battery per day. It could take three and a half days to fully recharge that 320Ah battery with 300W of solar panels! Even a 30A DC charger is going to take more than 10 hours of driving to fully charge that battery!
300ah is overkill for a small van. You won’t be able to fit a microwave or air fryer in there so what’s the point? The guy who designed it can barely sit up straight on it lol.. but anyway, to each their own. For $33,000 I know where my money is going (earning 5% APY)
@@WillandRambo LOL. It's good to see savings interest rates going up, isn't it. As long as we don't have to buy a house or a car, I guess... But, you'd be surprised what can fit in even a tiny van. I've seen minivans on CZcams with with bed, kitchen, toilet and shower. I have an RV built on a ProMaster 3500 (Winnebago Trend 23L) that my wife and I have used a lot, and we spent a week at Yellowstone in it with our two adult sons. But when I travel alone, I prefer my PriusRV (as I call it). It is simply a 2010 Prius. I don't have a bathroom or shower (I use public restrooms and have a Planet Fitness membership for showers). BUT, I do have a bed, a microwave, and airfryer, and a power system (EcoFlow Delta Mini) with 120V@1400W and a lithium battery that powers them anywhere. Best of all, sleeping in a Prius you have full HVAC--A/C and heater by just setting the temp on the dash and leaving the Prius "running." Since it is a hybrid and the A/C and fan run off electricity from the hybrid battery, the engine only occasionally has to start up for a few minutes to replenish the hybrid battery--or to reheat the coolant in the heater's heat exchanger. If I was in a Promaster City van, I'd definitely have a small microwave and air fryer--and probably an EcoFlow Wave A/C, too. 🙂In fact, I'm lusting after this smaller (but more expensive) microwave that INCLUDES an airfryer/convection oven. www.amazon.com/dp/B08LGPJBJT
I bought my PMC used, and it had the Contra Vans build in it already. Not my first choice, but I don't hate it. Looks like some improvements since mine was done.
Cascade camper did my van. Your videos had a lot to do with it. For the money I don't think you can do better.
If I was in your situation I would go with Cascade. The only thing I don't like about it is that flexible solar panels are prone to early failure. Also I'm sure if you want a memory foam mattress they will get one for you.
My earlier build after 8 months still looked new. These things can go years just wash your van often and keep them clean. Btw.. they won’t upgrade to memory foam.. everything is cookie cutter and assembly line built.
@@WillandRambo..a memory foam mattress is easily found on Amazon. A lot of places will custom make one to your specifications. I got one for my trailer.
Ya pull out that bed make it Rambo's bed inside.
Order dream mattress!
BTW, that view for Contra Vans is definitely the Flatirons in Boulder, Colorado..my hometown! They are located down the road in Commerce City so that makes sense.
After also doing all the comparisons, I'm going with Cascade Campers. And I thought the Cascade Camper vents both only suck air out. Am I wrong?
They do but keep windows and the second one off and it will work like an exhaust
Since you’re doing weekend camping rather than living in your van full time you don’t need as much. The $33k option is definitely overkill.
The Cascade is nice and tried and true but everything is inside and seems a bit cramped. I personally like to be outside whenever l camp.
The Contra looks interesting. The Basecamp is a bit too “base” for the money. I do like that you get a huge sleeping area with the option of a rear and front seat, table, etc.
I wouldn’t like the option of having everything under the seat though but at least it doesn’t feel cramped inside. I like the big bed and with your dog you will have lots of room to spread out.
You seemed to like the $13k option so l would choose between that or the Cascade. It’s Tried and True vs New and Different.
If you get the Contra, look into custom screens for the doors. There are several videos on CZcams that address screens for vans. Many places will make screens for camper vans that are reasonably priced and fit well. Contra offers screens as well on their website.
Have you looked at the accessories and upgrades for the Contra that are listed? You can upgrade to a lithium battery and a 2000 watt inverter and bigger solar panels as well as a sink, toilet, etc..
They also offer the EcoFlow Wave AC as an option. I have this myself and highly recommend this. It will do a good job cooling down your van and it’s portable..you can buy a battery pack for it and take it inside during the cooler months to free up space. I have a dog too and consider AC mandatory for when l can’t take her places with me.
You can also get awnings that attach to your van to provide shade and shelter and extend your living area.
I think the Contra with some upgrades would make camping fun and cost far less than $33k. You could also explore Colorado on your way home!
The D.I.Y. Much more fun. You don’t have to do it all, just enough to get going and then more as you go.
Go with what is easy, well known to you and cheap. = Like your last van.
Time is money
$9k build
I think the Cascade upper end is good because of the seating and I would ask if they could do lithium batteries and a 1500 watt inverter for extra bucks. Maybe they would just do the furnishings and electricical outlets and let you put in lithium batteries and a bigger inverter yourself. It wouldn't be that hard for you if they wouldn't do it.
Cascade Camper, I just don't think anyone can do better than Zack for what it is. I have one and the only problem is that I still haven't gotten the sleeping setup as comfortable as I need without taking up a lot of room with a mattress topper, ect. Plus he had made most of the improvements you mentioned you wanted since you had yours.
I agree
Humble road would be a great choice , if I were full time or off grid , his ideas and use of 80-20 are at the top of my ideas criteria . At the end of the day , build cost must match the expected use. Best of luck
I saw his video… the platform is too tall and his head hits the ceiling. Changes need to be made because this setup is impossible to sit upright to read, eat or anything else for that matter.
@@WillandRambo a simple design is seat bench with a Lagun table mount and a galley opposite. A small couch area if there's no captain chairs will suffice for your dog, apologies I forgot your dog's name!
His name is the name of my channel lol
Are you going to put a diesel heater in again? I don't think any of the non-DIY options you considered have a heater.
I haven’t really thought that far yet but maybe.
Why don't you build your own version of the Mini Me? It should cost you way less if you build it yourself.
Watch my latest videos to catch up with my doings.
They charge how much?
go with cascade camper
Humble Road or DIY
Christ soooo I get recommended your I’m Leaving van life blah blah and you were selling your van….that said a year ago….but your latest video is you buying a BRAND NEW van…..what TF….you were complaining you were barely gonna use it etc etc…..I guess now it’s a better idea to buy an even more expensive van,…and all else. Seems more like manufactured drama 😂🙄
Take a chill pill and start with the video where I buy the van and work your way up. All details are explained. I won't do it here since I've already made a video about it. Thanks
First thing did wrong was the Ram promasrtery what a POS.