Which RAM ProMaster makes a better camper van, the 136” or 159” wheelbase van?

Well, that’s a trick question because it’s not a better/worse scenario. It’s really choosing which van suits your needs, budget and type of camping better. We’ve converted more than 1,000 ProMasters, so we know these vans inside and out and are here to walk you through it.

Let’s introduce the two ProMaster conversions we offer are:

• Walter: he’s the shorter 136” wheelbase, high roof cargo van
• Walt: he’s the longer 159” wheelbase, high roof cargo 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 🤪

If you’re a visual person, we also have a Walt vs. Walter video comparison that breaks it all down for you.

Van Length

Walt and Walter are both built on the RAM ProMaster cargo van. But the biggest and most obvious difference is in the wheelbase – that’s the distance between the front and rear axles of the van.

Walter has a 136” wheelbase, and an exterior length of 17 feet, 9 inches.

Walt has a 159” wheelbase, and an exterior length of 19 feet, 8 inches.

A standard parking spot is 18-20 feet long, so both will fit, but you may find that Walter squeezes into tight city spots or crowded trailheads a little bit easier.

Layout and Furniture

Inside Walt and Walter, you’ll find the same simple, modular approach to camper vans that Wayfarer is known for. But since Walt is almost two feet longer, you do get more storage and seating.

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

Walter interior

Walt interior

You can also add any of our accessories to either van: heating and cooling upgrades, power solutions, and more. Keep in mind if you are looking to add additional passenger seats in the back, those can be installed in either van, but you may appreciate the extra elbow room that Walt brings for a party of three or more.

The longer Walt conversion does give you an extra sleeping option:

• Twin Bed Dinette layout: you can enjoy having Colorado King mode, so you’ll get a bed that is 6 feet, 4 inches long, running north to south, and converts into a roomy seating and work space during the day as well.

Twin Bed Dinette

Colorado King mode

Budget

There are some differences in the cost of both the vehicle and the conversion when you are comparing Walt vs. Walter, and Walter typically comes in about $5,000 less.

• The longer van is a bit more expensive.
• The extra boot boxes and longer shelves, flooring, paneling, and materials add to the cost of the conversion.

They are in the same ballpark, but if you are looking for a place to save on your budget, Walter can help you watch the bottom line.

Take Your Pick

At the end of the day, choosing between Walt and Walter really comes down to your priorities and how you like to travel.

• Walter offers a slightly smaller footprint. It feels cozier inside, is a bit easier to maneuver and park, and comes in at a lower price point.
• Walt gives you the most room in our lineup. The longer wheelbase gives you more interior space, which is great for bringing along extra people, loading up more gear, or simply enjoying extra elbow room on a rainy day. 

Both vans are built with the same thoughtful design, high-quality materials and attention to detail. You can’t go wrong with either one.

If you’re still on the fence, don’t worry, we’re here to help. Reach out to a Journey Architect, tell us more about how you plan to travel, and we’ll walk through it together to help you find the right fit.