🚌 Top 10 Things to Consider When Buying a New Sprinter or ProMaster Camper Van

If you’re dreaming of hitting the road in a brand-new camper van, chances are you’ve run into two of the most popular chassis options out there: the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and the RAM ProMaster. These platforms dominate the Class B RV and custom van build market, and for good reason—but choosing the right one (and the right build) takes more than just picking a brand badge.

Here’s a mini buyer’s guide with the 10 most important things to consider when purchasing a new camper van based on either the Sprinter or ProMaster chassis.

1. 🚐 Chassis Choice: Sprinter vs. ProMaster

This is where the journey starts—and where it can quickly get overwhelming.

• Sprinter: Offers a more refined ride, better fuel efficiency (especially in diesel models), and options for AWD. But the cost of maintenance and parts can be significantly higher.

• ProMaster: Easier to service and much more affordable up front. Its front-wheel-drive layout and boxier shape make it especially popular among DIY builders.

Tip: If you’re going off-grid in the winter or on rugged terrain, the Sprinter’s AWD can be a big asset. But for city travel or budget-conscious buyers, ProMaster often makes more sense.

2. ⚙️ Drivetrain: AWD vs. FWD vs. RWD

• Sprinters offer RWD standard and AWD as an upgrade (2023+ models feature full-time AWD instead of the old 4×4 system).

• ProMasters only come with FWD, which provides traction in light snow and rain but can struggle on loose gravel or steep inclines.

Consider where you’ll travel most. For snow or mountain access, AWD gives peace of mind—but if you’re mostly pavement-based, FWD is often enough.

3. 🛋️ Interior Layout & Usable Space

How you’ll live inside the van matters just as much as how it drives.

• ProMaster vans are wider, which allows for sideways beds and more open floorplans.

• Sprinters are taller, which means more vertical storage and standing room for taller folks.

Think carefully about:

• Bed orientation (side-to-side vs. front-to-back)

• Whether you want a dedicated dinette

• Galley size and storage

• Seating capacity if you’re traveling as a couple or family

4. 🚿 Bathroom Setup: Wet Bath, Cassette Toilet, or None?

One of the biggest decisions in van design is whether to include a bathroom.

• Wet baths (shower and toilet combined) take up permanent space, but add convenience.

• Cassette or composting toilets are space-saving alternatives.

• Some buyers skip the bathroom altogether and rely on campground facilities or portable solutions.

Ask yourself how comfortable you are with less conventional hygiene options, especially if you plan to boondock often.

5. 🔋 Electrical System & Battery Setup

A solid electrical system is crucial for comfort and independence.

• Look for lithium batteries (LiFePO₄) — ideally 200Ah or more

• 2000W+ inverters give flexibility to run AC appliances

• Solar capacity matters — 200W to 400W is a good target

• Shore power charging and DC-DC chargers are must-haves for charging from your alternator

Off-grid power is one of the biggest differentiators between a good and a great van setup.

6. ❄️ Heating and Cooling

You’ll want year-round comfort—especially if your travel includes temperature extremes.

• Diesel or gas heaters like Webasto or Espar are compact and efficient for cold weather

• Roof-mounted AC units are great for summer but are power-hungry

• MaxxAir fans or similar should be standard for ventilation

Don’t forget insulation (we’ll touch on that next).

7. 🧊 Insulation & Four-Season Readiness

If you’re traveling in all four seasons, proper insulation is non-negotiable.

• Look for builds using Thinsulate, Havelock Wool, or closed-cell foam

• Tank heaters and interior plumbing protect against freezing

• Double-pane windows and thermal window coverings add comfort

Four-season claims can be misleading—ask specific questions about insulation and freeze protection.

8. 🏕️ Off-Grid Capabilities

More people are boondocking than ever, and not all vans are built for it.

• Water storage: Aim for 20–40+ gallons if going off-grid

• Composting toilets: popular for off-grid use (no black tank)

• Solar + battery size: a larger battery bank lets you go longer between charges

• Efficient appliances: Look for DC fridges and LED lighting

If your goal is to be self-sufficient, look for builds that truly support it—some pretty vans aren’t that capable.

9. 🛠️ Build Quality & Warranty

There’s a huge range of build quality in this market.

• Factory-built vans like those from Winnebago or Thor often have standard features and warranties, but may lack custom touches.

• Custom builders can tailor your van exactly how you want it—but do your homework. Look for reviews, social proof, and warranty support.

Always verify if the van comes with a warranty for both the chassis and the build-out.

10. ⚖️ Payload & Weight Ratings

A beautiful van that’s too heavy is a liability.

• Know the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of your chosen chassis

• Look for builds that don’t max out the payload, especially if you’ll add gear, water, and passengers

• Sprinters generally have more payload capacity than ProMasters

Check if the build has been weighed fully loaded. This affects safety, handling, and legality.

Final Thoughts

Buying a new camper van on a Sprinter or ProMaster chassis isn’t just about the looks—it’s about how the van fits your lifestyle, travel goals, and expectations for comfort and reliability. Whether you’re chasing remote sunsets or doing weekend getaways, choosing the right van from the start makes all the difference.

Let me know if you want to include links to recommended models, builders, or a downloadable checklist to go with it!