RV Van Platfrom Showdown: Mercedes Sprinter vs. Ford Transit vs. Ram ProMaster

There is no question we’re living in a golden age of camper vans, with more options to choose from than ever. But whether you’re building your own custom option or buying a Class B model from an RV manufacturer, it is almost assuredly built on one of three platforms. Each of those chassis comes with its own pros and cons, which makes the Mercedes Sprinter vs. Ford Transit vs. Ram ProMaster debate an important one. Which one is best for you? We’re here to help you sort it all out.

What are the Three Camper Van Platforms?

As already noted, the three most popular camper van chassis are the Mercedes Sprinter, the Ford Transit, and the Ram ProMaster. Each of these models was originally built to serve as cargo vans, but their spacious interiors have made them well suited for Class B RVs, too. Here’s what you should know about each of these platforms.

Mercedes Sprinter

Probably the most popular option with vanlife enthusiasts and RV manufacturers, the Sprinter is a versatile and powerful platform for building a camper. The current model is available in both 2WD and AWD versions, and comes in three lengths, two roof heights, and two wheelbase options, giving builders added flexibility in their designs. Mercedes also offers it in both gas and diesel power trains, with the latter being a major distinction compared to the Transit and ProMaster. The Sprinter also gets excellent aftermarket support with more accessories and upgrades available compared to its competitors. There is even an electric version of the Sprinter for those looking to build an e-RV.

Ford Transit

Ford has positioned the Transit as an affordable alternative to the Sprinter, while still offering excellent build quality and reliability. The van has an AWD option and has two engines to choose from, including a 3.5L naturally-aspirated V6 and a 3.5L EcoBoost V6. Both of the engines are powerful and efficient, offering good performance and gas mileage. The van is available in multiple lengths and three heights, although only the tallest is well suited for use as a camper with an 80” tall interior. The Transit is also a little wider than the Sprinter, which gives builders a bit of added flexibility when building out the cabin. And while the Transit doesn’t have as broad of aftermarket support, it still has plenty of accessories to choose from. Like the Sprinter, Ford offers an electric version of the Transit, too.

Ram ProMaster

A relative newcomer to the camper van space, the ProMaster has gotten plenty of attention for its affordable price tag and squared-off design, which affords designers plenty of opportunities. It is available in three heights and four lengths, and is powered by a 3.6L V6 engine across all variants. Unfortunately, there is no option for AWD on the current version of the van. It is important to note that the ProMaster is a rebadged version of the Fiat Ducato, which is a popular model in Europe. Because it is relatively new to the American market, there are fewer aftermarket parts and accessories available at this time, although that is expected to change with wider adoption. In 2025, Ram also introduced an e-ProMaster to keep in step with the competition.

Reliability, Service, and Warranty

All three models get solid marks in terms of overall reliability, with each having its own strengths and weaknesses. In terms of powertrain, it’s tough to top a Mercedes Sprinter equipped with a diesel engine, which is capable of traveling hundreds of thousands of miles across its lifetime. That said, the Ford Transit is also very reliable, with Ford recently claiming that 98% of all models sold are still out on the road. That’s impressive, especially when considering that in the US, the van outsells its competitors by about two to one. The ProMaster is only marginally less reliable compared to the competition and is more than capable of covering 200,000+ miles as an RV, cargo van, or people mover.

When it comes to getting your van serviced, the Transit has a distinct advantage over the other two models. For starters, Ford has several hundred more dealerships in the US compared to Ram and over 2,500 more than Mercedes. That means finding a place to work on your vehicle is easier, especially when you’re on the road in some remote part of the country.

Additionally, because the Transit shares its two engines with the Ford F-150, parts are plentiful, easy to find, and generally inexpensive. By contrast, because the ProMaster is actually a Fiat Ducato from Italy, many Ram dealers don’t stock a lot of parts for the van at all. Those parts can be ordered, but it usually takes a little time to get them in stock. Things are even more challenging for the Sprinter, as many Mercedes dealerships aren’t even equipped to work on the vans at all. Parts are much more expensive and harder to find, and locating a qualified mechanic to make repairs can be very difficult, especially if the Sprinter has a diesel engine.

If you buy a Class B camper van from an RV manufacturer, that company usually works with your local dealer to help facilitate repairs. That includes sourcing parts and providing the technical information necessary for fixing any issues that come up. But if you’re on the road when a breakdown occurs or maintenance is required, you could find yourself hundreds of miles away from the nearest certified repair shop for a specific manufacturer and model.

All three van manufacturers offer a three-year, 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Additionally, Mercedes covers its powertrain for five years or 100,000 miles, while Ford and Ram each offer a five-year, 60,000-mile warranty on their respective powertrains.

Performance

Each of the three vans offers good performance, although just how good depends on what you’re looking for. For example, the Sprinter and Transit have a decided advantage over the ProMaster on rough terrain thanks to their optional AWD capabilities. But if you’re not looking for a van that can go off-road, that might not be all that important to you. The stock Mercedes also has a higher ground clearance compared to Ford’s offering, which further enhances its capabilities.

The ProMaster also lags a bit behind its competitors in terms of engine performance, too, producing 276 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. In comparison, the Transit’s 3.5L V6 outputs 275 HP and 260 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.5L EcoBoost version ups those numbers to 310 HP and 400 lb-ft. Meanwhile, the Sprinter’s standard and high-output 2.0L diesel engines produce 170 HP and 295 lb-ft of torque, and 211 HP and 332 lb-ft of torque, respectively.

Where the Ram van shines is with its internal cargo area, as the ProMaster has the most usable space for outfitting and customizing the rig. It is wider than both the Ford and Mercedes vans, giving it some advantages in how a floor plan is laid out. As already noted, the Transit is also a little wider than the Sprinter, but only has one truly useful configuration in terms of interior height.

The Sprinter’s good all-around interior options, very reliable engines, AWD capabilities, and outstanding aftermarket support all contribute to making it the most popular camper van platform. The vehicle also comes with an outstanding Mercedes cockpit, complete with a full suite of safety features, the brand’s MBUX infotainment system, and other onboard technologies. That’s a big part of the reason it is used on so many upscale Class B models across the RV industry, with the Transit and ProMaster filling in as more affordable options.

Price

We’ve hinted at the relative price of each of the three van platforms, but haven’t given any specific numbers. Still, based on what we’ve written above, you can probably guess where each of these vans ranks in terms of affordability. Here’s how they actually break down.

The Ram ProMaster starts at $43,605, with the most expensive model topping out around $56,530. That’s a little less than the Ford Transit’s MSRP, which starts at $48,400, with a top end price over $63,000 depending on the model and configuration. Unsurprisingly, the Sprinter is the most expensive of the three, with a base price of $50,830 and costs rising as high as $75,830 for an AWD diesel configuration with an extended wheelbase and a high roof.

With those prices in mind, it is easy to see where these three vans slot into an RV manufacturer’s lineup. The ProMaster has become a popular entry-level model for those who value affordability and a roomy interior. The Ford Transit sits in the “Goldilocks” position, offering a mid-range price bolstered with good performance and reliability, with the option for AWD. Meanwhile, the Sprinter comes in at the top end, luring buyers with its outstanding diesel engines, spacious enclosures, and excellent build quality.

Mercedes Sprinter vs. Ford Transit vs. Ram ProMaster

So, which one of these three van platforms is right for you? That depends entirely on your needs. If you’re building out your own camper van, there are obviously pros and cons for each model. Obviously, price and performance vary, but there are other small details that make a difference, too. For example, the ProMaster is lauded for its boxy shape, which makes customization a breeze, but its lack of AWD is a nonstarter for many buyers. Alternatively, the Transit offers an extensive network of service centers and readily available low-cost parts, while the Sprinter’s diesel engine and upscale production values make it an attractive choice, too.

If you’re buying a Class B coach from an RV manufacturer, the value proposition changes somewhat. Most of the time, specific models are built on a single platform, meaning you’ll select the one that delivers the features you want at the price you can afford. However, there are some camper vans that are offered on multiple van platforms, which is when knowing the different nuances of these vehicles becomes all the more important. The Winnebago Revel is a great example of this, as the company offers it in both Ford and Mercedes versions. The differences are subtle, but they are there, and pricing is reflective of the two brands.

Ultimately, it comes down to which type of van makes sense for your budget and camping needs. Armed with the proper knowledge, along with an understanding of the strengths and limitations of each, you really can’t go wrong.