savings in customizing a Ram ProMaster vs buying a Travato

[Terrenski]

Was curious what the cost might be to buy a Ram ProMaster van ( the one used to make Travatos) and have it custom finished as an rv, putting in just what you want.
Saw one at a Fair today for $32,000 brand new and it got me thinking, if I wanted a simpler rv with a bed, table, portable toilet, etc, would that be cheaper to do then buying one with all the bells and whistles. If we used it more for weekends, etc, I don't see the need for all the kitchen appliances, cupboards, etc.
Any ideas?

[gerrym51]

if you want minimal van-i would go sportsmobile

[wincrasher65]

I think if you have any skills working with 1/4" plywood, then the options of doing your own build are almost endless.

The key to designing your own van will be weight. The total weight of your mods and the distribution of weight in the van. Keep under the limits, and balance your loads, and it could be a good project.

There are many, many different layouts for the Promaster/Ducato if you search youtube. Look at the vans available in the UK. On many of those, everything is located inside the van - nothing underneath. So save for a few exterior holes to be drilled, I think you could build a nice van with just woodworking skills.

There is one layout I remember, where all your services were accessed from inside the rear door of the van - cassette toilet, water fill and drain and replaceable gas bottle. No generator, no ac simplifies things considerably.

Sounds fun. Keep us posted!

[stan909]

Sorry. No pics of simple sink setup but its in video.

[stan909]

Building your own van is doeable if you don't need too much comfort. Better than a tent. You need a battery isolater/charger from the alternator or in the case of my camper van a intellecharger right from the starting battery(see website in my profile). Buy agm batteries and you can put them inside van to power your 12 volt compressor fridge and lighting,fans etc... Buy a deepcycle battery charger like a Shumaker(spelling?)for when shorepower is available. Cooking can be done with a campstove(again see my website). Microwave oven would be nice. A power strip from outside can disperse 110. For a simple cold water sink and grey water solution ala VW camper vans see my website in my profile.

[stan909]

The price the OP suggests is just a n empty van. Here are some home builds. Promaster forum builds page

[Terrenski]

It was unfinished, used as a cargo van with some tie down parts built in. It might need some type of flooring-not sure if it would need insulated walls.

[Bumpyroad]

I had a half back conversion van that I carried a port a pot, etc. in the back portion. don't know if they still make them. is that 32K one finished off on the inside, a bunch of seats, etc.?

bumpy

[mlts22]

Might look at Sportsmobile's prices to see what the approximate costs for a design your own layout costs.

If all you need is a bed, a place for a portable toilet and a table, with no water systems, a Dodge/RAM dealer could probably find you a work truck upfitter which could build that for you.