2022 Ram ProMaster 2500 High Roof
The Build
Eight phases. Bare metal to road-ready. Every decision, every setback, and every win — documented in full.
The Rig
Why the
ProMaster
After comparing every major cargo van platform, the Ram ProMaster 2500 High Roof 159" is the target vehicle — and the reason comes down to one thing: usable interior volume. With a nearly flat floor, a cavernous cargo area, and a high roof that allows standing height for someone over six feet, the ProMaster offers the best livable square footage per dollar in the segment.
Front-wheel drive keeps the floor completely flat — no rear axle tunnel to design around. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 is proven and well-supported, and dealer coverage across North America makes long-distance travel genuinely practical.
The goal: a self-contained production studio and adventure platform that can run completely off-grid for 4+ days, shoot professional cinema anywhere, and be maintained on the road without specialty tools. The right van hasn't been found yet — but the entire build is planned, scoped, and ready to begin the moment it is.
Follow the series
Phase by Phase
Build Phases
Every conversion phase is documented with photos, video, decisions made, and lessons learned — so you can do it too.
Current Phase
Van Search & Acquisition
Searching for a 2018–2023 Ram ProMaster 2500 High Roof, under 80,000 miles. The build starts the moment the right one is found.
Full Transparency
Estimated Budget
The full planned build cost — researched and scoped before a single dollar is spent. These are estimates based on current pricing. Actuals will replace them as each phase is completed and paid for.
| Category | Item | Notes | Cost |
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All figures above are estimates based on current market pricing — nothing has been purchased yet. Budget will be updated to reflect actual costs as each phase is completed. Affiliate disclosure: some gear links may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
What's Going In
Build Equipment
Every major component category, the specific products selected, and why. Full reviews and installation notes in the Episodes.
Electrical
400Ah LiFePO4, Victron MultiPlus, 400W solar. Full off-grid capability with shore power backup.
Insulation
3M Thinsulate throughout, Lizard Skin ceramic coating on doors, Noico mass-loaded vinyl on floors.
Production
BMPCC 6K Pro, DJI Mavic 3 Pro, dedicated gear storage, NAS drive bay, laptop workstation.
Kitchen
12V compressor fridge, induction cooktop, integrated sink, stainless prep surface.
Furniture
Birch plywood cabinetry, queen convertible bed platform, under-bed garage for heavy gear.
Exterior
Aluminess full-length roof rack, rear ladder, potential awning mount, utility tie-downs.