Dodge Promaster

LDB

Veteran Expediter
Retired Expediter
I had about 3 minutes today to look at one. It was a short wb tall roof. It had 2 skids plus about 1.5 feet behind the seats. It is a long step up into the van and the passenger side doesn't have an assist handle along the A pillar like some vans making it a challenge to get in. The space between the seats is fairly narrow. You have to turn sideways and semi-scoot through to get to the back. There's about a six inch step down into the back. I'm 5'9" and there's about 8" headroom for me. I liked it in my quick look.
 

tumbleweeds

Expert Expediter
Owner/Operator
Has anyone here on the forums purchased one or did a close look? I heard rumors that they modified the larger one because it was unstable going around curves.:confused:

I bought one yesterday. Still have to install the e-track, badging, Qualcom etc…
Put about 600 miles on it (3500 extended) getting 17.5 mpg but that will change as more miles are driven and under all conditions not just Hwy. We shall see. We decided to take the chance cuz we are crazy that way. If it will handle the weight on that V-6 and pull the hills I will be pleased. If not we are out $37K. I do like the U connect hands free system and the visibility from the cab. Way too early to make any other comments. I'll check back once we have dragged 3 skids and 4000 pounds up a few mountains and through the cold north wind.
 

LDB

Veteran Expediter
Retired Expediter
They're selling a model to run under HOS? I hadn't seen that one. I've only found info on the one ton so far. In a perfect world it might have 3500 pounds capacity left after being set up to comfortably expedite but I'd never load it that heavy. I don't think it could ever legally take 4000 pounds unless maybe Eddie Arcaro is driving and there's no insulation or change of underwear or anything else to take away capacity.
 

Rising_Cow

Active Expediter
Looked one over and got a booklet on, like what I see but I'm really going to think hard hard on it. But I like the Nissan NV to but it only has 10 feet back there. And it has reliability going for it with their proven v6 and v8. But I do like that lay out of the promaster. Choices choices
 

xmudman

Veteran Expediter
Owner/Operator
The powertrain is the same as the Caravan; the GVW is half again that of said vehicle. The transmission is what would worry me :eek:
 

tumbleweeds

Expert Expediter
Owner/Operator
True. With my big butt in the seat and assorted gear, I'm guessing I will have about 3500#s available. I'm not excited about hauling that much weight around. I am more excited about having the extra height and width. In a two week period I was offered or found on the load board 7 loads that I couldn't fit in the Chevy. Hence the trade.
 

westmicher

Veteran Expediter
Our new Promaster is not signed on to our broker carrier yet but our first 400 miles getting her ready have returned 18.4 mpg. We drive gently and keep her at 62 mph or below. I fully expect the mpg to increase somewhat as she's broken in. I'm very pleased overall!
 

Maverick

Seasoned Expediter
Our new Promaster is not signed on to our broker carrier yet but our first 400 miles getting her ready have returned 18.4 mpg. We drive gently and keep her at 62 mph or below. I fully expect the mpg to increase somewhat as she's broken in. I'm very pleased overall!

How's she feel in the seat? Comfortable, tolerable, not so good?

As stated before, I felt a little cramped in the one with bulkhead. Not a huge guy, or that heavy....and could not set the seat back all the way, due to the bulkhead. Got room to stretch that right leg out, once in a while?

Unit I sat in did not appear to have tilt wheel either, but could be this driving monkey couldn't find it. Plan to re-visit, soon as convenient, but I absolutely liked the cargo area, more than any unit I've been in. It's simply a well thought out and engineered freight hauling machine IMV. Motor and trans being the big questions right now.

Perhaps we'll learn a lot from you 1st generation pioneers. :)
 

westmicher

Veteran Expediter
It is a different view of the world, that's for sure... sitting higher and with substantially more glass and/or field of view than my $printer or E350 is going to take a little getting used to... but should be safer being able to see more. The optional storage right above the visor is an absolute must... don't buy a Promaster without it.

I have to admit that the side windows not being able to roll all the way down was a surprise but, after thinking about it more, it's a sensible trade off for the increased side visibility. Obviously there was no other way to gain all that glass area to the side. However, I bet it REALLY ticks off any cop that pulls me over (not that I plan on it!) because cops HATE coming up to a vehicle with its side windows partially open!

I didn't order the bulkhead partially because it doesn't allow full adjustability of the seats. I build my interiors custom anyway so the factory bulkhead had no value to me, except it does look VERY nice & clean. My cargo barrier is placed 100" from the rear doors but is hinged to allow 3 skids when I get them.

No, there isn't a tilt wheel available. I believe Ram and Fiat made the seat adjustable for front and rear height, in addition to forwards and backwards, so we can adjust the seat to the wheel position instead. That's how my $printer was so I'm used to it... and it seems to make sense once you realize you can adjust your seating position quite well. You just have to get used to it.

The cargo area is better sized than others if you plan storage well. We are putting a regular mattress in that stows in the side above the wheel well when 3 skids are carried.

All in all, it is the best factory expedite vehicle out there... :)
 
Last edited:

ysracer

Expert Expediter
Owner/Operator
It is a different view of the world, that's for sure... sitting higher and with substantially more glass and/or field of view than my $printer or El 50 is going to take a little getting used to... but should be safer being able to see more.

I have to admit that the side windows not being able to roll all the way down was a surprise but, after thinking about it more, it's a sensible trade off for the increased side visibility. Obviously there was no other way to gain all that glass area to the side. However, I bet it REALLY ticks off any cop that pulls me over (not that I plan on it!) because cops HATE coming up to a vehicle with its side windows partially open!

I didn't order the bulkhead partially because it doesn't allow full adjustability of the seats. I build my interiors custom anyway so the factory bulkhead had no value to me, except it does look VERY nice & clean. My cargo barrier is placed 100" from the rear doors but is hinged to allow 3 skids when I get them.

No, there isn't a tilt wheel available. I believe Ram and Fiat made the seat adjustable for front and rear height, in addition to forwards and backwards, so we can adjust the seat to the wheel position instead. That's how my $printer was so I'm used to it... and it seems to make sense once you realize you can adjust your seating position quite well. You just have to get used to it.

The cargo area is better sized than others if you plan storage well. We are putting a regular mattress in that stows in the side above the wheel well when 3 skids are carried.

All in all, it is the best factory expedite vehicle out there... :)



Any pics of interior you've built ?
 

Rising_Cow

Active Expediter
I agree it's looks to be a great expediter, but I wouldn't say it's the best out there yet. Still hasn't proven its worth in the field yet (to early), and it's anyone's game. Ford still hasn't put their cards out there yet. And GM has shown it's hand in the game. And with Nissan just in the game in past years, who knows about the others like Toyota and Honda etc... And after talking with my wife about getting one, she made a good point, that I should wait, give it some time than get what I want, it may not be what I think, and there might be something I may really want later. See what comes out, so I should just get a used one for now. And she's right, I almost went back to get the promaster, looking at a used ford and Nissan, was thinking another gmc mine did me well, but na.. Don't get me wrong just puting my 2cents in. And congrats on the promaster, look foreword to hearing updates, and I'm still drowning over the one I was in at the dealer. Maybe in two years if they do well I'll be moving into one.
 

LDB

Veteran Expediter
Retired Expediter
The problem with the Nissan is the 2 skid limit. They were supposed to be bringing out an updated model 20" longer than the original which should put it into the 3 skid category but with basically zero space left between cargo and seats. Until they add maybe 24-32" to the wheelbase and 40-48" to the overall length they won't have a serious contender for expediting.

Ford might have a great vehicle for expediting if one wants to wait for a 2018 Transit full size van to finally debut to the public.

The ProMaster has the current best cargo area with the side walls almost parallel all the way to the roof rather than curving inward significantly like the rest.
 

Maverick

Seasoned Expediter
Trivial as it may seem, this guy needs tilt wheel.

The only thing bringing me back to the Promaster, is that excellent freight area design. Totally disliked the Sprinter to that regard, and it's top heavy ways. Ford had better release one heck of a vehicle, since they can't seem to get it online. Established users can be difficult to bring over. :)
 

zorry

Veteran Expediter
If it makes anyone feel better a friend of mine has had trucks down test loading the new Fords.
I did not ask him when he's been told to be ready to haul them out to dealers.
 
Top