The Ram ProMaster and Ford Transit may be both trucks designed to haul cargo or passengers, but that hasn’t stopped people from making them their own. Among the #VanLife crowd, the ProMaster and Transit are popular choices for conversion vans. For now, it looks like Ford is taking the hint by offering the 2023 Ford Transit Trail. Ram has yet to provide an answer.
What is the Ford Transit Trail van?
The 2023 Ford Transit Trail is a variant of Ford’s full-size pickup designed specifically for upgrades. If you’re interested in a campervan conversion, this model is probably good news. Because Ford has made specific changes to the Transit, it means those components are covered by your warranty.
Changes Ford has made include an integrated AC inverter, fuse panel, dual alternators, and more. If you’re familiar with the motorhome conversion process, you probably know that dealing with things like electricity isn’t the most fun part of building. And it’s nice to have peace of mind with a warranty backed by Ford.
According to car and driver, the 2023 Ford Transit Trail will benefit from a lift, all-terrain tires and a four-wheel drive system. All of which should help prepare this truck for whatever adventure you intend to take on.
Does Ram make a motorhome?
Unlike Ford, Ram does not currently offer a ProMaster motorhome version. But, if Transit Trail sees legitimate success, it’s hard not to imagine FCA wanting to get in on the action. The Ram ProMaster has plenty of aftermarket support for a camper conversion. You just can’t make those changes directly from Ram.
In fact, there are companies that will sell you a Ram ProMaster that has already been converted. And that will save you from having to do most of the work. For those who want to get into #VanLife without such a big commitment, that’s probably the ideal route.
The Ram ProMaster can still be a motorhome
Although Ram doesn’t yet have a dedicated motorhome in production, that doesn’t mean the ProMaster isn’t up to the task. Ram has given its full-size truck more standard features than the Transit, so it’s something to consider when choosing a conversion truck.
The ProMaster also offers a bit more power than the Transit. At the same time, you can’t get this truck with 4WD or even AWD. And that’s a serious drawback compared to the Ford Transit. Especially in terms of being a motorhome.
At the end of the day, which van you choose for the conversion is up to you. But since Ford offers a Transit that comes ready to be upgraded, it seems like it might make more sense for people to go with the Transit Trail. If you want to build a motorhome from the ground up, the Ram ProMaster can give you that experience.