my campervan

RAM Promaster

My campervan is a 2017 159″ (LWB) high roof Promaster.  I found a clean one at a good price from a great dealer and bought it in spring of 2017.  Over here I discuss how I decided to go with a cargo van, and then how I further narrowed it to the PM.

The build is quite simple, and was done on a budget using mainly used/recycled materials I already owned.  This pic is from the build (putting in the 110v outlet, I think) but I didn’t add much thereafter:

list of items and sources

power

Since I would be off-grid 100% of the time the power situation was critical.  The basics are:

  • 570w 750w of panel on the roof
  • 200w of portable panel for camping in challeing forest canopies
  • feeding a 40A mppt
  • and 2x 6v GC flooded batts
  • voltage-sensing relay for alternator charging

I am a desert person and this setup provides copious power (averaging 1.2 kW/day).  There is plenty more on tap but the system loafs a lot. It’s 2.59:1 3.4:1 for those of you who think in ratios.

Alternator charging is there as a freebie and as emergency backup;  since I sit in place in 14d increments it doesn’t get a lot of use. Exception:  I got snowed in once in Utah, and then struggled in the tall conifers, fog and wildfire smoke in Oregon in the summer of 2020.  If I were going to stay in the PNW (and I’m not) I’d need more like 1000w of solar and/or lithium to deal with the partial charges.

water

They say you can live for 3 weeks without food but only 3 days without water.  The desert is unforgiving, so I installed a 35g freshwater tank from a parted out Class C.  It is about 2x what I need for a given 14d outing, which provides warm fuzzy feels.  I also carry a 7gal aquatainer.

My thoughts on the van purchase

Update Oct 2020:  the van continues to do great with only scheduled maintenance.

I am giddy with this purchase, writing this in Sept 2017, months after signing the paperwork. It is postively nimble for its barnlike size and drives easily. The engine is more than willing and the trans works and shifts very well.

Pleasant surprises: The van continues to surprise me in good ways. I didn’t realize it going in, but the FWD allows for a lower cargo deck. The lower cargo deck means there is no wasted step space inside the sliding door; the entire cargo deck is usable. The OEM backup camera is mounted over the rear doors looking down so it works with the doors open or closed. On the Transit it is mounted on a rear door and so is useless if trying to back up to a loading dock with the doors open. The battery is mounted under the driver’s floorboard, making a short wiring run for battery isolation/charging.

Nitpicks: The manuals are quite bad, and don’t do a good job describing how to do normal stuff like operate wipers, etc. Mine didn’t come with cruise control or a backup camera. I installed my own cam at the OEM location and will order the cruise control later this year as funds allow. I am currently getting 17-18mpg; I’d rather that be 19-20mpg.

original build goals and parameters

  • made for me and a dog or two. No human traveling partners. Built to please me.
  • mostly boondocking, with some traveling to eventually hit some bucket list locations. I am a quiet person who prefers infrequent and limited periods of contact with other people. Silence pleases me.
  • minimal build, function and personal ergonomics most important
    work area for laptop
  • transverse bed deck at rear
  • copious water
  • composting toilet, so no black tank. Update:  still using bucketin 2020.
  • Ample fresh water tank, smaller gray water.
  • compressor fridge
  • standing galley for cooking with vented hood for easier indoor cooking in inclement weather
  • swivel front seat[s]
  • roof area maxxed with solar like this but with fan at rear. Overpaneled for marginal conditions (clouds, fog, rain, shade) and opportunity loads. Not interested in peak output under optimal conditions.
  • 12v system based on 6v golf carts for learning, then LiFePO4 once I get over the seemingly unavoidable battery murdering stage.
  • Outlets based on robust and compact connectors (Powerpoles)
  • separate wiring for opportunity loads
  • DIY converter, 15A port for shore power
  • minimal or no converter