Which RAM ProMaster makes a better camper van: the 136″ or 159″ wheelbase?

Well, that’s a trick question because it’s not really a better-or-worse scenario. The ProMaster 159” gives you more interior space, while the ProMaster 136” gives you a smaller, more maneuverable van at a lower overall cost. Which is better comes down to your needs, budget, and the way you like to camp.

At Wayfarer Vans, we convert both the RAM ProMaster 136″ and 159″ wheelbase cargo vans. We’ve converted more than 1,000 ProMasters, so we know these vans inside and out and can help you sort through the differences.

First, let’s introduce them:

• Walter: our shorter RAM ProMaster, 136” wheelbase, high roof van
• Walt: our longer RAM ProMaster, 159” wheelbase, high roof van

Just remember, the shorter name goes with the longer van, and the longer name goes with the shorter van. Trust us, that’s not confusing at all. 🤪

So, which ProMaster is right for you? Let’s dig into it.

Watch: Walt vs. Walter

More of a visual learner? Take a tour of Walt and Walter side by side to see how our RAM ProMaster 136” and 159” camper van conversions compare and see firsthand the differences in size, layout, and interior space.

What’s the Biggest Difference Between the ProMaster 136” and 159”?

The biggest difference between the RAM ProMaster 136” and 159” is size, specifically, wheelbase and overall length. Walter is built on the shorter 136″ wheelbase ProMaster, while Walt is built on the longer 159″ wheelbase ProMaster.

Walter is 17 feet, 9 inches long, while Walt is 19 feet, 8 inches long. Those extra two feet give Walt more room for people, gear, storage, and sleeping configurations. Walter trades that extra space for a smaller footprint that’s easier to maneuver and park.

And really, that’s what this whole decision comes down to: do you want more room inside or less van to drive around?

ProMaster 136” vs. 159”: How Much Space Do You Need?

This is where the extra length of the ProMaster 159” really starts to matter. More van means more room for people, more places to put your gear, and more flexibility in how you set up your space.

But more space isn’t automatically better. If you mostly travel solo or as a couple, the ProMaster 136″ may give you all the room you need without the extra length. We’ve found that gear inside a van is a little like a goldfish, it tends to grow to fit the size of its container. A smaller space can be a good reminder to keep things simple and only bring what you actually need.

Which ProMaster Is Better for Families: 136” or 159”?

The ProMaster 159” is generally the better choice for families. Our 159″ conversion, Walt, gives you more room for people, gear, and sleeping arrangements.

Both Walt and Walter can accommodate additional passenger seating, so a ProMaster 136” can certainly work for families, too. But when you’re traveling with kids, dogs, bikes, camping gear, or some combination of all four, those extra two feet in the 159” can go a long way.

Keep in mind when a single or double rear seat is added to Walt, you’ll still get two boot boxes for seating and storage. In Walter, a boot box and Lagun table are not included when an additional seat is installed.

If you mostly travel solo or as a couple, you may decide you’d rather trade that extra interior space for the smaller footprint of the ProMaster 136”.

Which ProMaster Has More Storage: 136” or 159”?

The ProMaster 159” gives you more room for storage. In Wayfarer’s Walt conversion, that additional space allows for more boot boxes and longer upper shelving than you’ll find in Walter.

Here’s what furniture you get with the base build for each van:

Those boot boxes do double duty. They give you a place to sit while you’re hanging out inside the van and provide enclosed storage for the things you want to keep tucked away.

Both conversions use Wayfarer’s modular approach, so you can add accessories and organize your setup around the way you actually travel. If you’re bringing bikes, climbing gear, skis, kids’ stuff, or a little bit of everything, you’ll probably appreciate the extra storage in the ProMaster 159”.

Is the ProMaster 136” Easier to Drive Than the 159”??

The ProMaster 136” is easier to maneuver and park than the ProMaster 159” because it’s about two feet shorter overall. Walter’s shorter wheelbase and overall length can make a difference in tight parking lots, busy trailheads, city streets, and smaller campsites.

Walter measures 17 feet, 9 inches long, while Walt adds about two feet to that overall length. RAM’s published specifications also show a smaller turning circle for the 136″ wheelbase than the 159″, another advantage when maneuverability matters.

Both are still vans, of course. Neither is going to squeeze into the same spaces as a compact car. But if you plan to use your van around town as much as you use it at camp, or you’re simply more comfortable driving a smaller vehicle, the ProMaster 136” can be a pretty compelling choice.

Of course, the van spends a lot of time parked, too. You may decide that driving two extra feet of van is worth it for the extra room you get once you set up camp.

Comparing Sleeping Options in the ProMaster 136” and 159”

Both the ProMaster 136” and 159” give you a comfortable sleeping setup with a Wayfarer conversion, but Walt offers more sleeping options thanks to the additional space of the 159″ wheelbase.

The standard Wayfarer layout in either van gives you a fixed bed with plenty of daytime living space, so you always have a comfortable place to sleep when you’re ready to call it a night.

In Walt, you can add the Slide Out Bed Extension, which creates a north-south sleeping surface that’s 7 feet long. You can add a Lower Bunk Platform for a second bed. Walt can also accommodate the Twin Bed Dinette with the Colorado King configuration, giving you even more flexibility for how you use the back of the van during the day and how you sleep at night.

In Walter, the only additional sleeping configurations are the Single Twin Bed or the Lower Bunk Platform.

Mattress size can be a big part of choosing the right sleeping setup, especially if you’re tall, sharing the bed, or just like having room to stretch out. It’s also worth thinking about how many people need a place to sleep, whether you want a fixed bed or a space that changes from day to night, and how you’ll use the rest of the van when you’re not sleeping.

Can You Get the Colorado King in Both the ProMaster 136” and 159”?

No. The Colorado King is only available in the ProMaster 159” Walt conversion. It’s part of the Twin Bed Dinette configuration, which requires the additional interior space of the longer van.

So, if the Colorado King is high on your camper van wish list, that may make the 136” vs. 159” decision a pretty easy one.

What’s the Price Difference Between a ProMaster 136” and 159” Camper Van?

The ProMaster 136” is typically the less expensive camper van option. For a Wayfarer conversion, Walter generally costs about $5,000 less overall than Walt.

There are savings on both sides of the equation. The shorter ProMaster generally costs less to purchase, and the Walter conversion requires fewer materials than the larger Walt conversion.

If you’re trying to keep your camper van budget down, that difference may be significant. It could also leave more room in the budget for accessories, bikes, trips, or a whole lot of campground reservations.

On the other hand, if you know you’ll regularly use the extra room, storage, and sleeping options of the ProMaster 159”, those extra two feet may be worth the additional investment.

A Few More Things to Know

Some features won’t help you choose between the 136” and 159”, but they’re still worth knowing about.

Do the ProMaster 136” or 159” Wayfarer Conversions Have a Shower?

No. Neither Walt nor Walter comes with a built-in shower.

We like to keep things simple and make the most of the limited space inside a camper van. A built-in shower takes up a lot of room for something you may only use occasionally, while also adding plumbing, water storage, and more systems to maintain.

We’d rather leave that space open for the things you’ll use every day, like sleeping, cooking, hanging out, and storing your gear. When it’s time to clean up, campgrounds, rec centers, and portable showers give you plenty of options without dedicating a chunk of your van to a permanent bathroom.

Learn more about additional shower options here.

Are the ProMaster 136” and 159” Available With All-Wheel Drive?

No. Both ProMasters are front-wheel drive.

For most Wayfarians, front-wheel drive works well for the places they want to go. But if all-wheel drive is a must-have for the way you travel, take a look at Wilma and Wilford, our Ford Transit conversions, which can be built on an AWD Transit.

Compare our Ford Transit conversions here

Is the Interior Height Different in the ProMaster 136” and 159”?

No. The high-roof ProMaster 136” and 159” have the same interior cargo height. Both vans have a standing height of 6’2” once the Wayfarer Vans conversion is installed.

So, choosing the longer Walt doesn’t get you any additional headroom. The extra space is all in the length of the van.

So, Should You Choose the ProMaster 136” or 159”?

Choose the ProMaster 159” if you want more interior space, travel with a family or lots of gear, or want more sleeping options. Choose the ProMaster 136” if you want a smaller, more maneuverable camper van and a lower overall cost.

For Wayfarer Vans, that means choosing between Walt and Walter.

Walt, our ProMaster 159” conversion, may be right for you if:

• You regularly travel with kids or additional passengers.
• You bring a lot of outdoor gear.
• Extra storage is important.
• You want more room to hang out inside.
• You want the Slide Out Bed Extension or Colorado King.

Walter, our ProMaster 136” conversion, may be right for you if:

• You usually travel solo or with one other person.
• You want the smallest RAM ProMaster we convert.
• Easy parking and maneuverability are priorities.
• You plan to use your van as an everyday vehicle.
• Keeping your overall camper van cost lower is important.

There really isn’t a wrong answer. We’ve seen people take both Walt and Walter on everything from quick weekends close to home to long road trips across the country.

The best way to decide is to think about what an average trip will actually look like for you. Who’s coming? What are you bringing? Where do you like to camp? And how much van do you want to drive around when you’re not camping?

Still Not Sure? See a ProMaster 136” and 159” Camper Van in Person

Sometimes you need to stand inside a van to know. You can visit us in Colorado Springs to tour Walt and Walter, or connect with one of our Vanbassadors to see a Wayfarer closer to home.

And if you’re still debating the ProMaster 136” vs. 159”, talk with one of our Journey Architects. Tell us how you want to use your camper van, and we’ll help you figure out which Wayfarer Vans conversion makes the most sense for you.