Blank Canvas: The 2025 RAM 2500 ProMaster Cargo

Hey, look! It's a really tall box on wheels!

Yeah, but...think of the possibilities.

Sure, for decades this sort of machine had pretty much one purpose---a workman's van. Something a well-financed plumbing company might buy a few of---with a nice big space down either side perfect for a well-painted company logo.

And that is still a very logical and popular use for a vehicle like this. A little work with shelving and organization and you have something like this:

(image courtesy Stellantis)

But in the last 15 years, this type of van---and RAM 2500 ProMasters in particular---have become very popular starting points for camper conversions.

You can buy brand new RAM 2500 ProMasters already built-out, you can take a stock van like this one to a company that will do the build to your specifications, or you can (if you know what you're doing and are prepared to live with the results) do your own build.

I hadn't heard of Moser Makes on YouTube before and I'm not suggesting you do any sort of business with him (he's probably never heard of me, either). But he has 96,000-plus followers and this video of him doing a camper conversion on a RAM 2500 like the one I drove is one heck of a watch:

Whatever you decide to use a RAM 2500 ProMaster for, it's got plenty of power, with a 276-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The EPA exempts vans of this size from fuel economy estimates, but there is a ProMaster forum where owners check in with their real-world experiences.

For as huge as it is (19.6 feet long, 80.3 inches wide, not counting the mirrors, and eight and a half feet tall), the RAM 2500 ProMaster is easy to drive. The giant mirrors on the outside and the camera-powered digital mirror inside are essentials, given that the only glass in the van is the windshield and the two front door windows.

The base price of the 2025 RAM 2500 ProMaster Cargo 159" Wheelbase High Roof is $50,860 ($52,855 including destination). That includes a decent list of standard features for a basic vehicle: Drowsy driver detection, traffic sign recognition, forward collision warning, pedestrian/cyclist emergency braking, multi-collision braking, electronic stability control, crosswind assist, electronic roll mitigation, trailer sway damping, all-speed traction control, electronic parking brake, pushbutton start, keyless entry, speed-sensitive power locks, four-way manually-adjustable driver's seat, seven-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a four-speaker audio system and a three-month trial subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio.

Our test vehicle also had extra-cost options:

• SLT Plus Package 22H ($6,995): Full-size spare tire, underslung tire carrier, remote-start system, power-folding mirrors, chrome front grille, LED daytime running lights, LED fog lights, LED reflector headlamps, ambient LED interior lighting, automatic headlamps, automatic high beams, rain-sensitive wipers, cowl aesthetic cover, 16-inch silver painted aluminum wheels, passive entry, security alarm, passenger bucket seat, 220-amp alternator, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, six-way manual adjustable front seats with lumbar, 7-inch color TFT driver display and Uconnect navigation with upgraded 10.1-inch touchscreen.

• Advanced Safety Group ($1,795): Leather-wrapped steering wheel, active driving assist system, parallel and perpendicular park and unpark-assist and a surround-view camera system.

• Wood floor ($495).

• Upper and lower side-wall paneling ($590).

• Class IV Receiver-hitch. ($495).

That brings the as-tested price to $63,225.

There are very few things that are as well-suited to work and play as the RAM 2500 ProMaster Cargo. It really is a blank canvas that can be used for either.