2014 Ram ProMaster van

[markopolo]

Ram Truck Confirms All-new Large Van

Ram Truck today announced that it will develop a new large van for the North American market, which will go on sale beginning 3rd quarter 2013.

http://www.ramtrucks.com/en/2014/reveals/ram_promaster/

With 90- and 101-inch roof-height options, as well as 118-, 136-, and 159-inch wheelbase options, the ProMaster promises cavernous cargo capacity. Ram did not release official total cargo volume figures for the various configurations, but did say that it tops out at 530 cubic feet. Ram is claiming "best-in-class" cargo volume, but the most cavernous Sprinter out-packs the Ducato by 17 cubic feet with a 547 cu. ft. rating. However, the top rating does come out higher than the top rating for the new Ford Transit, which maxes out with a 496 cubic foot capacity.

A total of 13 chassis configurations will be initially offered on the ProMaster, ranging from a 1500-series short-wheelbase, low-roof cargo van up to a 3500-series chassis-cab cutaway with the 159-inch wheelbase and extended frame. For cutaway and cab-chassis customers, the ProMaster features an upfitter interface block with 15 outputs, accessing 40 feature operations. This harness acts as a plug-and-play interface for upfitters.

Read more: http://www.trucktrend.com/roadtests/van ... index.html

from: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/min ... ewall.html




Random notes:

A suspension seat also is available with an adjustment system that modulates based on the driver’s weight. Also optional are swivel seats in the driver and passenger positions for quick, efficient entry/egress including 180-degree inboard swing and 35-degree outboard swing.

ProMaster best-in-class features — fuel economy, cargo capacity, payload, total cost of ownership, turning radius, interior ceiling height and step-in height

Standard features include six air bags: driver and front-passenger, side-curtain and seat-mounted side pelvic-thorax

Uconnect Web, powered by Autonet Mobile, is available to U.S. customers. This system delivers continuous Internet connectivity, creating an efficient workspace and real-time information access on the go.
Uconnect Web is available as a dealer-installed Mopar Accessory. The technology provides high-speed data transfer, and transforms the vehicle into a mobile “hot spot,” delivering unlimited, reliable and uninterrupted Internet connectivity for passengers in and around the vehicle.

[markopolo]

And the video

[youtube:23tnp4h8]qBmSjOGHUq4[/youtube:23tnp4h8]

[Davydd]

Ram and Ford are in the fold. Chevy better get off its butt and come up with something. All in all it is going to make Class B RVing a lot more interesting.

[Mike]

Is the Uconnect option unique? Has it been done before on any other similar vehicle? Sounds like a nice addition for those of us who like the wifi on the road access. Got to be expensive, though? In Canada, it would be the most expensive option to support on the van. Fuel would be cheaper.
I also saw Ducato mentioned, which is clearly a Fiat product reference. Hope they've improved on the original Ducato models. Some of the reviews on them a few years ago were pretty negative.

Chevy getting on board quickly? That will be largely up to their major shareholder, I would imagine. They could probably start building a new design van at their Volt factory, wherever that might be...

[markopolo]

I don't know anything about the Uconnect Web. It would probably cost as much as a mortgage payment in Canada
I really like the idea of factory swivel seats - they would be crash tested, factory torqued nuts and bolts

It should be an exciting time going forward in the Class B world. It might bring in some new players and fresh ideas.

[Mike]

I wonder what the price points will be for the new arrivals in the pre-conversion lots at the various converters? Assuming class B van manufacturers will take advantage of the new chassis options coming down the pike. I'm hoping with a less expensive chassis starting price, some of the converters can reasonably cut their retail prices on their products, too. It would really help some folks who aren't quite ready to shell out $100K + on a small motorhome, that is more economical for many to drive, based on it's smaller size, weight, and amenities, but is priced way out of their comfort range. They're eating up their fuel economy advantage in the price they have to charge to acquire one.

[Davydd]

I'm guessing the competition will drive down the price points but I seriously doubt it could exceed $10,000 on comparables. Already the Chevy B models are climbing that $100,000 price tag. We might not see the south side of $100,000 again driving more people to those big box Cs that they like to call B+.

Mercedes Benz was never flexible with what you could do with the body. Maybe Ford and Ram will be more flexible and allow more creativity in design.

[Mike]

Good point about the Chev models catching up to the Sprinters in pricing, although there may be more "wiggle room" on the Chevys for dealers, if a customer is determined to negotiate price. We've even seen some reasonable pricing mentioned for new Sprinters ("Deciding on which class B to buy?" thread) and some folks have apparently found deals if they were willing to look farther afield and negotiate.
Should be interesting to see how it all unfolds.
Who do you think will be the first conversion company to produce a Ford or Chrysler/Fiat based class B? I think Sportsmobile have to be the favorite, since they are reputed to be able to create silk purses from sow's ears.

[stanw909]

They were quick to build on the Nissan NV but they aren't very popular. They may be a little gun shy regards the Duccati .The new Ford is a definite because there won't be any choice other than the chevy. I predict people who want 4x4 will find used Fords and have them refurbished and converted.

[Davydd]

Chevy as a B is limited with their current van design. Mercedes Benz is quite a bit more expensive but they now represent the bulk of the styles the converters are offering. I don't know if anyone noticed but it appears the Airstream Avenue (Chevy) is history. It is not on their website and wasn't at the Minneapolis RV Show. The Transit and the ProMaster will most likely be options which will relegate the Chevy to 4th option down the line for Bs or abandoned alltogether except RVs built on cutaway chassis.

The Nissan was a make do van based on their truck chassis, not a true van. I suppose somebody had to try it but it was not very practical.

In a couple years Bs with fiberglass tops, and fiberglass replacement bodies will be period history or a minor market. Poptops like Sportsmobile markets will still be around because you'll be able to get low height vans yet and they have some practical application.