Hey everyone! I’m currently in the middle of my Ram ProMaster conversion and I'm struggling to decide on the best interior shelving. Since the walls are more vertical than a Transit or Sprinter, I want to make sure I’m maximizing that extra width. I’m torn between installing lightweight aluminum modular units or just going the DIY plywood route to save some cash. Weight is a big concern for me, but I also need something sturdy enough to hold my climbing gear and kitchen supplies without rattling constantly on forest roads. Has anyone found a specific brand or custom build style that fits the ProMaster's dimensions perfectly? I'd love to hear what worked for your layout!
Ok so I've been through this exact dilemma with my own 159 wheelbase ProMaster. Honestly, the vertical walls are a total game changer compared to the Transit. In my experience, if you're worried about weight and forest road rattles, a hybrid approach is the way to go. Here's a quick breakdown of what I've tried over the years:
1. Aluminum Modular: I'm a huge fan of the VanTech ProMaster Interior Shelving System. It's super lightweight and literally fits those vertical walls perfectly. Plus, they don't rattle if you use rubber washers during the install. It's pricey (around $1,200), but saves a ton of weight.
2. DIY Plywood: Basically, if you use Baltic Birch Plywood 1/2 inch, it's sturdy enough for heavy climbing gear but adds a lot of mass. Ngl, it's the cheapest route, probably under $300 for the whole build.
3. The "Best Value" Choice: I eventually swapped to Legend Fleet Solutions Pro-Plate Shelving. It's the best of both worlds—pro-grade durability for your kitchen supplies but way easier to install than a full DIY build.
I'd highkey go with the VanTech if the budget allows cuz the weight savings on these vans is huge for fuel economy. gl with the build!! 👍
Respectfully, I'd consider another option before committing to heavy wood or pricey modular stuff. After five years in my ProMaster, honestly, the best balance of weight and noise is using 80/20.
80/20 T-Slotted Aluminum Extrusion 15 Series vs. Plywood:
- Aluminum: Super light and literally never rots. Way easier to adjust when you realize your kitchen layout needs to move 2 inches.
- Plywood: Cheap, but basically a heavy drum that amplifies every forest road rattle.
I used 80/20 1515-Black-48 T-Slotted Extrusion for my main frame with thin 1/4" panels. It's rock solid for heavy climbing gear and sooo much quieter than a full DIY wood build. Plus, the vertical walls mean you can bolt it directly to the ribs using Plusnut Pre-Bulbed Slotted Body Rivet Nut for a crazy strong fit. Good luck with the build!
I went through this last year. honestly, i was super stressed about weight too, but i couldnt drop thousands on the pro setups. so i basically went with Wire Shelving Units 36x14x54 and strapped them to the wall ribs with heavy duty zip ties and brackets. dirt cheap, like $60 per unit, and literally zero rattles cuz i used pool noodles for padding. might not be the prettiest, but it works!
Honestly, if youre looking at the market from a professional fleet perspective vs. the boutique van life brands, you have to look at Ranger Design ProMaster Shelving. They basically set the industry standard for weight-to-strength ratios. While others are DIY-ing, these guys use high-tensile aluminum that handles 500+ lbs of gear without blinking. Compare that to something like RB Components Aluminum Shelving, which is way more aesthetic for a conversion but usually carries a higher price tag per linear inch. The ProMaster's vertical walls mean you dont need the complex contouring youd see in a Sprinter, which is why brands like Adrian Steel Profile Series are so popular right now. They use a mounting rail system that distributes the shear force better than just bolting into the ribs. Tbh, if you want something that wont rattle and will outlast the van, going with a commercial-spec brand is usually the smartest move for the long haul, you know? Its worth the investment for there structural integrity alone tho.