Finally a genuinely helpful review for people who travel location to location instead of vanlifing or doing delivery jobs. Thank you!

@billygrossjr.5585

2 жыл бұрын

Haha, that’s all I could find when I was researching to buy this! I don’t care if I can lay down sideways in it-how does it handle with 4000lbs of cargo lol.

@VocalVirgo

6 ай бұрын

@@billygrossjr.5585 Put Sumo Springs on it and it will handle great.

@stantheman66

21 күн бұрын

Can't agree more. The vanlife assbags jacked the market up completely.

Thank you very much. It's always good to hear from someone who drives the car everyday.

Thanks for one of the only decent and honest review! Took me a while to actually find someone who actually talks and drives the vehicle!

@billygrossjr.5585

2 жыл бұрын

Haha similar experience when I was shopping for my van.

Thank you very much for the one and only in-depth review that I have been able to find of how good the utility is and driving impressions of the van. We're renting a 2500 Promaster campervan for a two week drive from VT to CO and back.

@billygrossjr.5585

Жыл бұрын

You bet! Sounds like a fun trip!

This is a great review of the van, very helpful. Thank you!

@billygrossjr.5585

Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

2017 pro master , many small problems,new trendy at 145k,new struts at 125k, major engine work twice before 145k, headlamps replaced about 5 times in 6 years,now needs major engine work or replacement at 175k but other than that it’s a great van

@billygrossjr.5585

3 ай бұрын

Wow, I wonder if they had the kinks worked out by the time I bought one?

@tumbleweed1976

Ай бұрын

Disappointing news. Thank you for updating in 2024.

I like how this van is equipped. The right options are installed. You’ve got the optional power mirrors and cruise control. Plus you’ve got the six way seat upgrade over the base 4 way. Plus you have got the towing package with the receiver hitch and wiring. Those are the must have features for me because it improves the driving experience considerably. Do you also have the heated seat option? The additional options I would add would be the drivers side sliding door (I use mine just as often as I use the passenger sliding door) and the interior connivence group which gives you the over windshield package tray and under seat storage box. I also like the optional driving lights because they provide good close in lighting and fill in the lighting gaps.

@billygrossjr.5585

Жыл бұрын

Thanks man. I didn’t get the heated seat :(. I opted against the drivers side sliding door because that was my primary wall to strap tables to. I did get the fog lights and interior lighting package which are both great!

You would love something like the 12" Akaso rear view mirror camera. I consider it a must have now that I have driven my Promaster with it. Way easier to drive. I have two dislikes that stand out. The drivers A pillar creates a big blind spot. The key fob having different buttons for front and rear doors is a pain. I find myself getting tools out of the back and then wanting to get in the front for something and having to get the key out again, with my hands full. It needs to be programmable. close to 40k miles at 17mpg loaded with tools.

I have the 118" and I get similar mileage. On my last camping trip going up to the Sierra I was averaging 16.5 MPG. The wide view mirrors give you total command of the road and going down mountain grades the transmission regulates your downhill speed very well.

@billygrossjr.5585

Жыл бұрын

Very nice 👍. Yeah, I definitely liked how it grade-shifted down long descents.

@VocalVirgo

6 ай бұрын

I get an honest 20 MPG and I'm carrying a considerable load (it's an RV). But this is my 3rd ProMaster and I've gotten 20 MPG in all of them. Must be the way I drive. :-)

Great review. To the point.

@billygrossjr.5585

Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Thanks! I appreciate this video!!

@billygrossjr.5585

Жыл бұрын

You bet 👍

I've had my van for over 4 years and have 68,000 miles on it. Out of all of my vans, it's been one of the best I've ever owned. One tip, since you have a cargo partition, I would recommend removing the rearview mirror. All you have to do is carefully twist the mirror at the base and it can be detached from the window mount. it really improves the view not having to look through an unusable mirror.

@billygrossjr.5585

2 жыл бұрын

Good to know 👍. Thank you. Very great vans for sure.

@1dyrfullymade

Жыл бұрын

Can you replace it with one that is a backup camera? 🎥

@arnenystrom4283

Жыл бұрын

@@1dyrfullymade I use the backup camera integrated in the radio. I've found that the rear-view mirror in any cargo van is useless since the rear windows are too small, too far away and too high up to view anything worthwhile anyway. The side mirrors and the downward facing rear-view camera is all you really need.

@narrowpath2980

Жыл бұрын

Hello friend, what’s the year and model you have ? 😊

@arnenystrom4283

Жыл бұрын

@@narrowpath2980 2017 Ram Promaster 1500, 136inch wheelbase.

Thanks for the show and tell, My 2022 1500 Promaster has plenty of driver space for my 235lb,6.2 carsus. The tranny has Drive all the way down and the + and - are to the side of the shifter. Been in work/service vans for decades. This is my First Front wheel drive ride. And very nimble in parking lots. Later from Texas.

@billygrossjr.5585

Жыл бұрын

The tight turning radius on these vans is super impressive for sure!

Awesome Review.

@billygrossjr.5585

5 ай бұрын

Thank you!

Cool. Thanks.

Just FYI: the gearing in the 1500, 2500, 3500 is exactly the same. There is no difference whatsoever in the 6 speed gearbox no matter which Gas ProMaster you get. The difference is in the suspension, hence the different gross vehicle weight ratings. And it’s the same thing now with the 9 speed transmission… No matter which van you get, the gearing is exactly the same, no matter what configuration you get, just like the six speed, yours, that it replaced. PS, although it was still advertised on RAM’s website for several years after, the diesel engine was not available after 2015. It only lasted two model years. But RAM kept the diesel option on their website so they could brag about how the van offers the best fuel economy in its class :-).

@phila3884

Жыл бұрын

Promasters Only channel said the suspensions are actually all the same. Hmm.

@VocalVirgo

Жыл бұрын

@@phila3884 I got my information from the ram dealer, so I may have been misinformed. I looked underneath and 1500, and a 3500, and the leaf springs look to be the same. So you may be right.

@phila3884

Жыл бұрын

@@VocalVirgo Yeah, I've looked at a lot of reviews and none mention the actual differences. Maybe in engine control for different loads? I don't know.

@zombiekiller6996

9 ай бұрын

2016 has the diesel option

@jayl6029

8 ай бұрын

Only different i see on a 3500 is that it has a rear sway bar that the 2500 or 1500 do not have

the reason the gearshift is backwards for you, is because the van is designed for the European market by the PSA group (Peugeot - Citroen & Fiat) Ram just put a bigger engine in them and half the miles per gallon on fuel, something that only does 17mpg would never sell in volume in Europe, i drive a Ford Transit and get 37mpg (diesel engine) it was a good review of your van, i enjoyed watching it, thank you for posting

@billygrossjr.5585

3 ай бұрын

That’s impressive mileage! I was honestly content with the MPG of the Promaster relative to what I was used to with a truck and trailer.

@wilf.x

3 ай бұрын

@@billygrossjr.5585 a gallon of diesel here in the UK is just under $9.00 (in your money) and around 70% of that is tax, so i guess that’s why our manufacturers are using smaller and less powerful engines for the European market.

Nice to see eurovans being appreciated in the US.

@billygrossjr.5585

Жыл бұрын

Likewise!

Great review. Appreciate it. Thinking about switching from a truck to van for work. Every other promaster review is some smelly hippie telling me how great it is to give up your belongings and shit in bucket.

@billygrossjr.5585

7 ай бұрын

Haha that was pretty much all I found before I purchased this van.

Nice review- I have the same. where did you get that floor matting for the steel floor?

@billygrossjr.5585

4 ай бұрын

From a local agriculture store. It is actually made of stall mats for horses 👍

Hello, your video helps me a lot since I am in the same business as you... chairs, tables, dance floor, tents etc. I am really looking for a transit 250 3.5L TT but the price is so high and stock is low so I consider a Promaster 2500 v6 even though I have my doubts about hauling and towing capacity. I currently move everything using my truck and a 7x16x7 enclosed trailer and it works fine for me although gas mileage is pretty much around 12 mpg. Could you make a new video about that towing?

@billygrossjr.5585

Жыл бұрын

Great to hear! I actually no longer own the van. I sold it to my buddy and he still has it and loves it.

Question: would the Promaster 3500 work better with a head wind on the highway? That is if the 3500 has a lower gearing?

@billygrossjr.5585

Жыл бұрын

It might?? I would think it would help atleast.

My only concern about these vans is the transverse drivetrain. That style of transmission isn't known for being very robust. That said, I would still love to have one, or any cargo van for that matter. I can't afford anything with these crazy prices.

@billygrossjr.5585

Жыл бұрын

The prices have jumped for sure! My buddy who bought the van from me still hasn’t had any issues with it so far 👍

finally

Is there a way to lock these doors open yesterday i had the wind caught door and slammed closed into my legs

@billygrossjr.5585

2 жыл бұрын

Not aside from the detents as far as I am aware :(

This vehicle is very popular in Europe as Fiat Ducato/Citroen Jumper/Renault Master/Opel Movano. Literally hundreds of thousands if not millions of them in Europe. One difference: they are 100% Diesel.

@billygrossjr.5585

7 күн бұрын

Interesting. I would say the majority are gas powered here in the US. But they used to be available in diesel 👍

Do you think it works well for flooring? Like loading carpet, hardwood floors, tile etc?

@billygrossjr.5585

Жыл бұрын

I would sure think so. I think it would work very well for most all of the trades. Its nice to be able to place a pallet through the side door, then if you have a ramp you can easily walk in and out the rear of the van.

As a person who does construction. Is this car reliable and tough just as much chevy express 2500 van. What is the load capacity LB that this promaste can handle in the back cargo?

@billygrossjr.5585

6 ай бұрын

I am not very familiar with the express van but it seemed solid to me. I believe the cargo capacity is around 4500lbs which is insane. I had 3,000lbs in the back many times and it handled it well.

The shifter is backwards because although most people do not realize this, mopar is not American anymore, they are European owned by some Dutch conglomerate, the European vehicles have always been like that

On grades does the van automatically downshift so as to not ride the brakes? I can’t figure out how to down shift mine.

@billygrossjr.5585

Жыл бұрын

I thought it did a pretty good job downshifting. To downshift you have to move your shifter to the side from the drive position-then you should be able to downshift.

@Bellasafari

Жыл бұрын

@@billygrossjr.5585 ok thank you!

Not a lot of miles. 9500 miles is about 4 months of driving for me. Can’t really say much about durability with so little miles.

@billygrossjr.5585

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, I only drove it about 4 months out of the year with seasonal work. How many miles have you put on yours total? Have you been happy with it?

Billy, do you mind telling me where you bought the ramp fron?

@billygrossjr.5585

Жыл бұрын

I can’t remember where I got it? It is actually a wheelchair ramp, but worked very well for how I used it. I know I found it online searching wheelchair accessible ramps.

@selvinreyes8079

Жыл бұрын

Thank you Billy! I’m actually in the party rentals business myself and let’s just say all the unloading and loading in is killing me lol

@billygrossjr.5585

Жыл бұрын

You bet. These vans are the ticket for smaller party rentals👍 sold it to my buddy who also does party rentals when I got out of the business and he loves it.

Aren't sequential shifters down is up/up is down? (Honda?) Promasters are known for transmission issues (codes & failure) and engine ticks leading to catastrophic failure. Comments?

@billygrossjr.5585

7 ай бұрын

I guess I am not sure what other vans do, but all the cars I have driven seem to be more intuitive how the shifting is. The van never has thrown a code or had any issues so far?

9500 miles only Don’t seem like there’s a lot of drive time or heavy loads I see alot of complaints of it being fwd n heavy loads causing traction issues Especially in northern climates I’m looking to get a pro master or transit soon

@billygrossjr.5585

Жыл бұрын

I definitely hauled heavy with it often, but only used it in the summer for our seasonal business. My friend purchased it from me and uses it year round and I haven’t heard any complaints about traction? I am sure AWD would be better though. We live in northern Montana.

why do they make the steering wheel so low in these things?

@billygrossjr.5585

Жыл бұрын

No idea lol. Wish it had tilt like every other car ever made lol.

what is the brand of the partition did you buy?

@billygrossjr.5585

6 ай бұрын

It was actually a factory ram partition I found lightly used 👍

Would you recommend this vehicle for expediting otr?

@billygrossjr.5585

5 ай бұрын

If you don’t mind it shifting gears.. maybe get the lower gear ratio to keep higher rpm at speed?

These are well known for transmission failures around 50k. Uncomfortable to drive on long trips, especially if you're tall, and leans heavily while cornering.

@billygrossjr.5585

Жыл бұрын

It seemed like there was plenty of leg room before I installed the partition. But with the partition-leg room is definitely limited for taller people. I believe any high roof van has some body roll in corners 👍

this is an old video, but you are wrong on the manual shift direction. This is the correct orientation. Why? Because when you're accelerating, you are being pushed backwards by the acceleration, thus having the pull TOWARD you being upshift makes more sense. Almost anyone who regularly uses manual shift mode prefers back>upshift, forward>downshift for this reason.

I was thinking I needed to change my brake pads at some point in time and I want to change them out at 100,000 miles and found out they did not need changing but I change them anyway those pads are I guess built to last several hundred thousand miles

@billygrossjr.5585

Жыл бұрын

Impressive! Glad to hear it.

Hi what engine does it have m274?

@billygrossjr.5585

Жыл бұрын

The pentastar v6.

I own one and don't really like the back up camera. If you're backing up into the sun it's difficult to see anything through the glare.

@billygrossjr.5585

Жыл бұрын

Yeah that can be a pain. I like the field of view it has though 👍.

I have a couple of these vans (2018- 2019 ). I have about 150,000 on each. They have been vary reliable. I would definitely buy another. I wish they would come out with a hybrid or all wheel drive option. Coming from a chevy van, these ride like a bus. I wish the seat would go back a little more. The head lights are the worst. Like having a candle out there. Vans are used for service. I go threw a set of tires every year. Why do these van not have a upper brake light.

@billygrossjr.5585

2 ай бұрын

Very nice to hear about the reliability with higher miles 👍. I wish they had an AWD option as well. Maybe the new Promaster has better headlights?

What is maintenance like?

@billygrossjr.5585

7 ай бұрын

Just regular oil changes and tires so far!

So you have the 6 speed ?

@billygrossjr.5585

Жыл бұрын

Correct.

But if you know how to drive manual shift first is up then 2 is down 3 up 4 down

He must live and work in a small town. How do you only do 9400 miles in 2 years??? I do that every 3-4 months in my Prius 😮

@billygrossjr.5585

3 ай бұрын

Haha I only used the van 3 months out of the year 👍 The Prius is one of the best cars ever made-I used to have one.

wish I could hear what you were saying....road noise is a little LOUD !!!!

@billygrossjr.5585

Жыл бұрын

Sorry 😐

My transit wouldn’t let me make dumb moves based on situation like that on the shifter

@billygrossjr.5585

Күн бұрын

Yep. I love the Promaster, but that is my least favorite feature.

Hola

Mexico

Awe com’on joe your employees need a place to knock off a piece when their away from ole eagle eyes,also they need a place to take a nap when they come in with a hangover

Dude, your eyes are at the top of the windshield and your back is straight up, no chillin for you. Go Dodge. Put a mirror when there are no windows Haaaaa. The rears doors have no stop so on a windy day they just slam either way, sweet.

@billygrossjr.5585

Жыл бұрын

Not quite lol. It definitely is an upright seating position. Haha the rear view mirror is kind of silly. The door detents always held the doors in the wind for me-but I don’t live in the most windy place either.

@yourelectricman

Жыл бұрын

@@billygrossjr.5585 I went with Nissan, unfortunately no longer made, all other makers of high vans are too unreliable. Good job on the review. I wonder what the crash test ratings are on these vans, being commercial based they are probably less stringent.

@jgg204

Жыл бұрын

@@yourelectricman the smaller Nissan van is crap. The larger one is the best

@yourelectricman

Жыл бұрын

@@jgg204 Thats what I have. With the v8.

9400 miles or 94,000 miles ? The latter makes more sense if doing a long term review for 3 years.

@billygrossjr.5585

Жыл бұрын

9,400 miles.

9,400 or 94,000

@billygrossjr.5585

Ай бұрын

9400. I think it has about 30k miles on it now.

So I agree so far with everything you stated. I’d like to add some additional dislikes. The shifter should be on the column, as the driver, I hate reaching down to the floor for my drink. It makes me take my eyes off the road for a brief second longer than if it was where the shifter is. The radio screen is way to small and to far away from the driver seat. The cruise control lever is annoying. 1 to many levers. Sun visor could slide even just an inch would be helpful. Again, the taking your eyes off road longer. The door is to far from the driver to comfortably rest your arm on. Cargo area I have no complaints. We are cabinet installer and carry a ton of tools. We have dual sliding side doors which allows us to rarely have to enter the van and an 80” x 48” sliding bed sled which allows the same rarely entering van. Mileage is adequate. Similar to every other option used. I worry about the transmission as many have stated the issues of it breaking down without any warning.

@billygrossjr.5585

Жыл бұрын

I agree! Thanks for the insight👍

Price 😅😅😅😅😅

Sepallo

Good luck with a caravan drive train on a 2500 van

picked up a promaster 1500 short wheel base and going to sell my diesel sprinter. The Mercedes are just way to computerized ,finicky and always throwing engine codes.

@billygrossjr.5585

Жыл бұрын

Right on. What year Promaster did you get?

@diederrr

Жыл бұрын

@@billygrossjr.5585 2014

I am not sure but I think Promaster's have a warranty of 100k miles. What about after that? While searching for used one a lot of them say "new engine or transmission" at 120k, 130k. That's awful in my opinion...

@billygrossjr.5585

Жыл бұрын

When I purchased mine it came with a 5 year 60k warranty. I definitely can't speak to how these things hold up over 100k miles, but I would think the 3.6 V6 engine should hold up well though? It is an so many Chrysler products and has had a pretty solid record.

Up is down & down is up because Chrysler had to do that because it was not GM.

@billygrossjr.5585

Күн бұрын

Haha