First Ram Promaster van class B

I think some of you are underestimating the Pentastar V6 in it's to be van form.
It's a powerful V6 for it's size, but it does take rpm to make that power. We currently have one in a Jeep Wrangler and it's a hot rod, once it gets above 2500 or so rpm. And smooth as glass.
I realize we're talking about 2 different vehicles classes here, but I'm sure the engineers will gear the Provan and retune the motor for lower rpm grunt. Besides, it will have a 6 spd transmission vs a 5 spd what we have in the Jeep.
Having said all that, I'd buy the diesel anyway.

To give you more of an idea of what can be done. Really a Class B in concept an Avida(Formerly Australian Winnbago) Birdsville.


Similar theme Trakka 700

mlts22 wrote:
Engine. The 280 hp Pentastar looks a bit underpowered for such a large vehicle, especially on steep grades

It will be puffing, very underpowered.

As well as a few people doing Class B versions of the Ducato.
Avida Escape was "Winnebago"


Has Drop down Bed and "Toy" storage area

Sunliner has done his interesting Deck and corresponding slide on the other side Class C.



Avida Eyre based on the Ducato

The one in the pics is a 3500 with single rear wheels. Unusual

I didn't care for this floorplan - or at least what I could see of it from the pictures - but it's good to know that the converters and RV companies are already working with the ProMaster. I'd like to know what the bed sizes are and how the front dinette converts. I couldn't figure what the upholstered piece in front of the door was, other than an inconveniently located piece of a convertible bed. I'm hoping that it'll all make sense (and I'll like it better) when Lichtsinn is eventually able to put a video up. I also thought the CCC was low, especially since it appeared from the pictures that this was built on a 3500 ProMaster. I thought the CCCs on some of the Bs that were built on the 3500 Sprinter were over 2000 lbs. Maybe because the Sprinter is a dually? I didn't notice whether this ProMaster was. In any event, this is much sooner than I expected to see a B using the Ram van.

I'd like more back to front, or front to back views. The floorplan pictured above looks interesting, and usable, especially with the dinette. I can't tell if the bed is one unit, or if it flips up into a couch.

Since the ProMaster is going to be here to stay (Dodge has absolutely zippo in the van arena and a minivan won't cut it, Ford is having delays on getting the Transit, and there is demand for high MPG vans), I would probably say that the Travato will be better than the Rialta or the Lesharo in being a long time model.

I like the gasoline option. That means that the generator could be a gasoline model, allowing for more run time.

I do have a few concerns though:

1: Service. The Dodge/Mercedes/Sprinter dealer runaround that was done with the Sprinter would be not acceptable, we have been through that before, and since this only one car make sells these in the US, it really needs to be serviced by any Dodge/RAM dealer. As far as I know, Ford Transits will be serviceable by any Ford seller.

2: Engine. The 280 hp Pentastar looks a bit underpowered for such a large vehicle, especially on steep grades.

3: Price. I want to see what the cost difference on a finished model is.

All and all, this seems to be something worth looking into. I was expecting upfitters to take 1-2 years before taking a stab at upfitting the new van models.

Lichtsinn Motors sent me info and photos which I posted here:

Winnebago Travato photos and details

I think they'll be putting the photos up on their Facebook page soon as well so you can check there as well.

I'd love to get some more views of this rig. The 2 person bench seat behind the driver looks similar to the setup in the Hymer Car; I can't tell what's in front of the door on the passenger side.

Get a load of the shnoz on that thing. But if they run great and give some competition to the game then the more the merrier.