Story by Andy Mullins |

May 14, 2024 |

Picking your perfect van is an important first step toward hitting the road. Each RAM ProMaster and Ford Transit model that we convert has different features, lengths, off road capabilities, and price points.

Don’t sweat the decision, we’ve helped many folks think through these same things before and are happy to share what we’ve learned from converting more than 1,000 vans.

Here is a basic rundown of the different makes and models:

MAKE / MODEL
FORD TRANSIT HIGH ROOF 148″
FORD TRANSIT MEDIUM ROOF 148”
RAM PROMASTER HIGH ROOF 136”
RAM PROMASTER HIGH ROOF 159”

Wayfarer Build

Wilford

Wilma

Walter

Walt
(standard or long bed)

Exterior Length

19’8″

19’8″

17’9″

19’8″

Exterior Height

9’2″

8’3″

8’6″

8’6″

Interior Height

6’4″

5’8″

6’2″

6’2″

Bed Length

6’1″

6’1″

6’1″

6’1″ or 6’8″

Drivetrain*

All wheel drive

All wheel drive

Front wheel drive

Front wheel drive

Approx. Wait for New Dealership Van
(as of July 2022)

Typically 10-14 months

Typically 10-14 months

Typically 2-6 months

Typically 2-6 months

New Van Price

Approx: $62k

Approx: $60k

Approx: $48k

Approx: $50k

Wayfarer Base Price

$22,000

$21,200

$21,500

$24,500

Total Van + Build Price

Approx: $86,000

Approx: $81,200

Approx: $69,500

Approx: $74,500

What is most important to you?

Wheelbase

Our conversions are compatible with three different wheelbase lengths:

  • 136” ProMaster
  • 148” Transit, high roof and mid roof
  • 159” ProMaster

The shorter wheelbase options offer a more nimble driving experience in the city. The longer wheelbase options offer more room for living space and storage for toys like bikes and kayaks.

Standing Height

Looking for the lowest-profile option? The Wilma Ford Transit Mid Roof is the one for you with an interior height of 5’8″. 
Want the most standing room possible? The Wilford Ford Transit High Roof is the one for you with an interior height of 6’4″. 

Bed Length

All our base conversions offer a 6’1″ sleeping surface with a 5″ memory foam mattress. If you want the longest possible sleeping experience, we offer a long bed layout for the Walt Ram ProMaster High Roof 159” that’s 6’8″ long.

Drivetrain

If you are planning on doing a lot of remote backcountry travel, you may want to go with the AWD provided by the Ford Transit.*Note that some Transits come in RWD, but it is not typical of the dealership vans we source.

Most folks will find that the ProMaster’s FWD is more than capable for travel on dirt and gravel forest service roads and on snow-packed roads to our favorite ski spots.

The ground clearance is similar on both vans, while tires and load can change the exact measurements, most ProMasters have 7″ of clearance while Transits have 6″. 

Availability

If you are looking to order a new van from a dealership, the ProMasters will likely have a shorter wait. New Transit vans for a Wilford or Wilma conversion take a little bit longer but we’ve got our finger on the pulse when they do pop onto the lot.

Price

If you are budget-conscious, the ProMaster may be a better choice for you. When you are looking at the cost of a new van and the Wayfarer conversion, a Walter ProMaster will come in around $14,000 less than a Wilford Transit. 

Now the only thing left to decide is where you will go on your first adventure in your Wayfarer Van!