The Best Ram ProMaster Accessories I've Actually Used After 70,000 Miles of Van Life
The Best Accessories I've Used
I bought my van with just over 70,000 miles on it. Today, it's sitting at more than 144,000 miles. During that time, it's taken me across the United States and Canada, through countless national parks, to ski resorts throughout New England and Colorado, and to some of the most beautiful places I've ever photographed.
The journey hasn't been without its challenges. I've dealt with engine problems in the middle of Iowa, a broken flexplate in California's Sierra Nevada, injector issues in British Columbia, and plenty of other unexpected repairs. That's simply part of owning any vehicle that sees this many miles and adventures.
Even so, I wouldn't trade it for anything.
One of the things I love about the Ram ProMaster is how versatile it is. What started as a commercial delivery van has become one of the most popular camper van platforms on the market. Whether you're building your own DIY camper or buying a professionally converted RV, there are now countless products designed specifically for the ProMaster.
Some are genuinely fantastic.
Others aren't worth the money.
After more than 70,000 miles of ownership, I've accumulated a list of products that have actually earned a permanent place in my van. These aren't sponsored recommendations or things I tested for a weekend—they're products I've relied on through years of road trips, camping, photography work, ski trips, and everyday travel.
I'll continue adding to this list as I discover products that truly stand out, but these are the ones I'd recommend without hesitation.
the list
Windshield Cowl Protection
Adhesive Neoprene Rubber Strip
One of the biggest design flaws on older Ram ProMasters (roughly 2014–2021) is the windshield cowl. The factory plastic and rubber trim at the base of the windshield tends to warp surprisingly quickly, creating gaps that allow rainwater to run directly into the engine bay.
Over time, that water can contribute to rusted intake manifold bolts, moisture around the ignition coils, and other expensive headaches. Many owners simply cover the gap with Gorilla Tape, which works well enough, but I wanted something that looked cleaner and held up better.
This adhesive neoprene rubber strip has been the perfect solution. It's inexpensive, easy to install, blends in with the factory trim, and helps keep water out of the engine bay. For just a few dollars, it's one of the best preventative maintenance upgrades I've purchased for my van.
- Helps seal the gap created by a warped windshield cowl
- Cleaner appearance than Gorilla Tape
- Inexpensive and easy to install
- Great preventative maintenance for older ProMasters
Ventilation
Front Window Vents
These work incredibly well to prevent bugs from getting in, and getting adequate airflow. If you only have one fan on the roof, this is essential to allow proper air circulation.
They're easy to install, and you can drive with them, albeit it gets a little bit noisy.
- Keeps bugs out while still letting air flow
- Essential if you only have one roof fan
- Easy to install
- Can drive with them open (some road noise at speed)
Exterior Lighting
LED Rear Marker Light Replacements
This year, my original rear marker lights finally started to leak and fill up with water. I replaced them with these LED units, and they've been flawless since.
One of the common issues with aftermarket LED products is that they cause all sorts of problems — check engine lights, flickering, resistors needed. These work perfectly without any hacks. They install just like the originals, cause no issues, and are noticeably brighter than the OEM lights.
- Drop-in replacement — no hacks or resistors needed
- No check engine light or flickering issues
- Noticeably brighter than the originals
- Sealed better than OEM to prevent water leakage
Keys & Security
Key Fob Case Replacement
If you abuse your van and drop your keys all the time, the plastic casing can get pretty beat up over time. But you don't need to spend over $300 on a brand new set of keys from the dealer.
Just buy this replacement key fob shell and you can swap it onto your existing electronics in about five minutes. The internals transfer over perfectly — no reprogramming needed.
- Saves $300+ vs. buying a new key from the dealer
- Replaces the worn shell without touching the electronics
- No reprogramming required
- Installs in about five minutes
Interior
Full-Cab Rubber Floor Mat
Covers the entire surface from the driver side to the passenger, including the middle section between the seats. The unique hexagon honeycomb design traps all the dirt so it doesn't get tracked further from where it lands.
I've had this for several years now, and it's still like new.
- Single mat covers driver, passenger, and center section
- Honeycomb design traps dirt in place — keeps it from spreading
- Extremely durable — still looks new after years of heavy use
- Easy to pull out and clean
Maintenance
Transmission Dipstick
The ProMaster does not have a dipstick in the transmission from the factory. If you like to do your own maintenance and replace your own transmission fluid, one way to estimate the fill is to measure how much you drained out — but that's not always reliable.
If you want to be absolutely certain your transmission fluid level is correct, this dipstick comes with a chart telling you exactly how much fluid should be in there. Simple, accurate, and essential for DIY servicing.
- Fills the gap left by the factory — ProMasters have no OEM dipstick
- Comes with a fluid level chart for precise reference
- Essential for DIY transmission fluid changes
- Prevents overfilling or underfilling
Engine & Cooling
Radiator Fan Replacement
This is one of the common problems on older ProMasters. After about six or seven years, the radiator fan starts to go — usually starting with a very loud squealing sound well before it completely breaks. That squeal is your warning. Don't ignore it.
You definitely don't want to be stranded somewhere without a working radiator fan, unless you plan on driving highway speeds all the time. At low speeds and in traffic, the fan is what keeps the engine cool. This aftermarket replacement has worked out really well for me.
- Common failure point on ProMasters after 6–7 years
- Squealing sound is the early warning — don't wait until it fails completely
- Critical for city driving and low-speed situations where airflow is limited
- Aftermarket replacement at a fraction of dealer cost
Diagnostics
OBD2 Scanner
This cheap scanner plugs into your OBD2 port and gives you raw data from the van's computer. Inexpensive, always plugged in, and genuinely useful.
I highly recommend pairing it with the ProMasters Only app, available on the App Store and Play Store. Together they give you ProMaster-specific diagnostics that generic scan tools miss. Worth the investment.
- Plugs into the OBD2 port for real-time data
- Pairs with the ProMasters Only app for van-specific diagnostics
- Inexpensive way to catch and clear codes yourself
- Saves money on shop diagnostic fees
Engine & Cooling
Coolant Reservoir
A common failure point on older ProMasters — the plastic becomes brittle over time and develops cracks, through which you slowly lose coolant. Left unchecked, this leads to overheating.
Luckily, this is a 10-minute repair. Disconnect 3 hoses, install the new reservoir, and refill with fresh coolant. The Dorman replacement fits perfectly and is a fraction of dealer cost.
- Common failure on older ProMasters — brittle plastic cracks and leaks
- Coolant loss leads to overheating if not caught early
- 10-minute repair: 3 hoses, swap, refill
- Dorman direct-fit replacement — no modifications needed
Interior
Dashboard Tray
The Ram ProMaster ships with a useless clipboard bolted to the center of the dashboard. It takes up prime storage real estate and serves no practical purpose in a van build.
Removing it takes about 10 minutes: pull the audio unit, unscrew two bolts, and swap in this tray. You get a clean, organized surface for your phone, sunglasses, small tools — whatever you actually reach for while driving.
- Replaces the stock clipboard that's genuinely useless
- Fits the exact factory cutout — no modifications needed
- 10-minute swap: remove audio unit, two screws, done
- Adds accessible storage right where you need it
More products coming soon. I'll continue adding the accessories and upgrades that have proven themselves after years of real-world use.