If you've been spending any time scrolling through van build forums or watching tour videos, you've definitely noticed that the 159 wb RAM ProMaster is everywhere. It's basically the goldilocks of the van world—not too small that you're tripping over your own feet, but not so long that you're terrified of every tight parking lot in the city. When I first started looking at specs, the numbers felt a bit abstract, but once you step inside a van with a 159-inch wheelbase, you realize why it's the go-to choice for so many people.
Why This Wheelbase Matters More Than You Think
The "wb" stands for wheelbase, which is just the distance between the front and rear wheels. On a ProMaster, the 159 wb sits right in the middle of the lineup. You've got the shorter 136-inch version, which is great for weekenders or people who live in crowded cities, and then you have the 159-inch extended version, which adds an extra foot and a half of "butt" hanging off the back.
The standard 159 wb is the sweet spot because it gives you about 12 feet of cargo length behind the seats. That might not sound like much on paper, but in the world of tiny living, every inch is a massive win. You can actually fit a full-sized bed, a kitchen, and a small seating area without feeling like you're living in a closet. Plus, because the wheels are further back compared to the 136, the ride feels a bit more stable on the highway, especially when the wind starts picking up.
Handling the Beast: What It's Like to Drive
One of the biggest fears people have when moving up to a 159 wb is the driving experience. I get it; it looks like a giant white box. But honestly? It drives a lot more like a large SUV than a commercial truck. Because the ProMaster is front-wheel drive, the floor is lower, and the center of gravity stays down, which makes it feel surprisingly planted around corners.
The turning radius is where this thing really shines. You wouldn't expect a van this size to be nimble, but the 159 wb can pull off U-turns that would make a Ford Transit driver jealous. It's not exactly a sports car, don't get me wrong, but you won't feel like you're captaining a cargo ship when you're trying to navigate a Taco Bell drive-thru.
The biggest thing to get used to is the width. These vans are wide—nearly 75 inches inside—which is why you can sleep sideways in them. But that extra width means you have to be a little more mindful of your mirrors when you're squeezing through narrow streets or construction zones.
Layout Freedom in the 159 wb
This is where the 159 wb really earns its keep. If you go with the shorter 136, you're usually forced to make a choice: do you want a bathroom or a fixed bed? You rarely get both without it feeling cramped. In the 159, those choices become a lot easier.
Fitting a Fixed Bed
Most people who choose the 159 wb go for a fixed "platform" bed in the back. Because the van is so wide, most people under 6'2" can sleep width-wise. This saves you about two feet of floor space compared to sleeping length-wise. Underneath that bed, you get a "garage" area for all your gear—bikes, water tanks, batteries, you name it. In a shorter van, that garage is tiny, but in the 159, it's a cavernous space that handles all the clutter of life on the road.
The "Full Kitchen" Dream
Having a dedicated kitchen space is a game-changer. In a 159 wb build, you can easily fit a four-foot-long galley. That means a deep sink, a two-burner stove, and enough counter space to actually chop an onion without knocking over your coffee. I've seen some builds even squeeze in a microwave or a small oven. It makes the van feel less like a "camping rig" and more like a mobile studio apartment.
Dealing with the Low Clearance and FWD
It's not all sunshine and rainbows, though. There are a few quirks with the 159 wb ProMaster that you should know before you dive in. The front-wheel-drive system is great for interior space because there's no driveshaft running under the floor, but it does mean your ground clearance is a bit lower than some other vans.
There's a solid rear axle that hangs down pretty low between the back wheels. If you're planning on doing some serious off-roading or crawling over rocks in Moab, the 159 wb might give you some anxiety. It's perfectly fine for gravel roads and well-maintained forest service paths, but it's definitely not a rock crawler.
Also, since the weight of the engine is over the front wheels, you actually get decent traction in the rain and light snow. However, if you're parked on a steep, muddy incline and all your heavy batteries and water are over the rear wheels, you might find the front tires spinning a bit. It's all about how you distribute the weight during your build.
The Ease of Building on a Square Frame
Another reason the 159 wb is so popular for DIY builders is the shape of the van itself. Unlike the Mercedes Sprinter or the Ford Transit, which have walls that curve inward significantly toward the ceiling, the ProMaster is very "boxy."
When you're trying to build cabinets or put up cedar tongue-and-groove planks, having walls that are relatively vertical is a huge blessing. It means fewer complex angles and less wasted wood. You can basically use standard 90-degree measurements for a lot of your framing, which saves a ton of time and frustration. If it's your first time building anything, the 159 wb is probably the most "forgiving" canvas you can work with.
Is the 159 wb Right for Your Build?
So, should you pull the trigger on a 159 wb? It really comes down to how you plan to use it. If you're a solo traveler who wants to stealth-park in tight city spots every single night, you might find it a bit conspicuous. It's a big vehicle, and people will notice it.
But if you're a couple, or someone who plans to spend more than a week at a time living in the van, the extra space is worth every penny. Being able to stand up, walk three steps, and have a clear distinction between your "bedroom" and your "kitchen" does wonders for your mental health when you're living in 80 square feet.
The 159 wb also tends to hold its value incredibly well. Because it's the most sought-after size for both delivery companies and camper conversions, the resale market is always hot. If you build it out nicely and decide van life isn't for you after a year, you likely won't have any trouble finding a buyer.
At the end of the day, the 159 wb represents the best compromise between drivability and livability. It's big enough to be a home, but small enough to still be a vehicle. It doesn't require a special license, it fits in a standard (albeit long) parking spot, and it gives you enough room to breathe. For most people starting their journey into van life, it's the logical place to start—and often, it's the only van they'll ever need.