Walter
RAM ProMaster
136″ WHEELBASE, HIGH ROOF
You’ve decided on a Wayfarer Van, but now you have to decide if you want a Ford Transit or a RAM ProMaster. Both are great vans, but there are pros and cons to each depending on what is most important to you.
Don’t sweat the decision, we’ve helped many folks think through this same question before and are happy to share what we’ve learned from converting more than 800 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 Price
$22,000
$20,000
$20,000
$23,000
Total Van + Build Price
Approx: $84,000
Approx: $80k
Approx: $68k
Approx: $73k
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.
Want the most standing room possible, the Wilford Ford Transit High Roof is the one for you.
Bed Length
Most folks curl up when they sleep anyways, but if you want the longest possible sleeping experience, we only offer our long bed layout for the Walt Ram ProMaster High Roof 159”.
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. Trust us, we’re tired of these unprecedented times too and look forward to when all the dealership lots are full again. But until then, you’re going to be waiting a while for a new Transit van for a Wilford or Wilma conversion.
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 $16,000 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!
