Emery Custom Builds

ProMaster Van Exterior Upgrades

The ProMaster's flat roof, front-wheel drive layout, and low step-in height give it some real advantages when it comes to exterior upgrades. Here's how we set them up.

ProMaster exterior upgrades typically cost $1,000-$5,000 and include roof racks, solar mounting, awnings, bumpers, ladders, and lighting. The ProMaster's flat roof is its biggest advantage for exterior work -- solar panels mount flush without spacers, and most builds can fit 400-800W of solar. Front-wheel drive means no rear driveshaft and easier underbody access. Emery Custom Builds installs all exterior upgrades in-house at our San Diego, CA shop.

The RAM ProMaster doesn't get as much attention in the van conversion world as the Sprinter, but it has some structural advantages that matter for exterior work. The flat roof gives you a clean, level surface for solar panels and rack mounting. The front-wheel drive layout eliminates the rear driveshaft, which means better underbody access and a lower floor height. And the lower step-in height means running boards and steps are simpler to configure.

The tradeoff is a smaller aftermarket ecosystem. There are fewer bolt-on options compared to the Sprinter, so some upgrades require more custom fabrication. We'll walk through each category of exterior upgrade and call out where the ProMaster differs from other platforms. If you're still deciding on a platform, check out our full ProMaster conversion overview.

What Roof Rack and Solar Mounting Options Work on a ProMaster?

The ProMaster's flat roof is its best feature for exterior upgrades. Where a Sprinter has a curved roof that requires spacers and custom mounting for solar panels, the ProMaster lets you mount panels flush and use the entire roof surface efficiently.

Full-Length Roof Racks

A full-length roof rack is the foundation of most ProMaster exterior setups. It gives you a mounting platform for solar panels, protects the roof from scratches, and carries gear on top. Vantech, Aluminess, and RB Components all make ProMaster-specific racks that bolt to factory mounting points without extra drilling.

The flat roof also means you don't need to worry about panel angle as much. Panels sit level and still get solid exposure. Most ProMaster builds can fit 400-800 watts of solar depending on the roof length (136" vs 159" wheelbase) and what other equipment lives up there — vent fans, antennas, AC units.

Sealing Roof Penetrations

Same rules as any van: every bolt, cable entry, and fan cutout gets sealant under the hardware, around the edges, and over every fastener head. We use Sikaflex 221 for most roof work and Eternabond tape as a secondary seal layer on critical areas. For a detailed walkthrough, see our roof rack and solar installation guide.

What Bumper and Protection Options Are Available for the ProMaster?

The factory ProMaster bumpers are plastic — fine for delivery routes, but they won't hold up to campsite encounters with rocks, steep driveway approaches, or a misjudged parking stop.

Aftermarket Bumpers

The aftermarket bumper selection for the ProMaster is more limited than the Sprinter, but there are solid options. Aluminess and Van Compass make rear bumpers with swing-out spare tire carriers and mounting points for jerry cans, recovery gear, and bike racks. A rear bumper upgrade is one of the most practical exterior investments — it protects expensive body panels and gives you storage you can't get any other way.

Skid Plates and Underbody Protection

The ProMaster's FWD layout is actually helpful here. With no rear driveshaft running underneath, you have a cleaner underbody and fewer components to protect. That said, the oil pan, transmission, and fuel tank still need protection if you're driving on rough roads. Van Compass makes skid plate kits for the ProMaster that cover the critical areas.

What Awning Works Best on a ProMaster Van?

An awning transforms how you use the van outdoors. It gives you shade and rain cover for cooking, hanging out, or working outside — and it keeps the interior cooler by blocking direct sun on the sliding door side.

Fiamma and Thule both make awnings that fit the ProMaster. The Fiamma F65L and Thule 6300 are the most common choices. They mount to the passenger side using the factory rain gutter or roof rack cross bars. The ProMaster's flat roof edge gives you a clean, straight mounting surface, which makes installation more predictable than on vans with curved roof profiles.

Size depends on your van length and how much coverage you want. A 10-foot awning covers the sliding door and a good working area. A 13-foot awning covers nearly the entire side of a 159" wheelbase ProMaster.

Do You Need a Ladder and Running Boards on a ProMaster?

Rear Ladders

If you have a roof rack, you need a way to get up there. A rear ladder bolts to the back doors and gives you safe access for loading gear, cleaning panels, or checking roof sealant. Aluminess and Vantech make ProMaster-specific ladders that attach to existing hinge points without drilling into the doors.

Running Boards and Steps

The ProMaster already has a lower step-in height than the Sprinter or Transit thanks to its FWD layout and lower floor. But running boards still help, especially for passengers or if you're getting in and out dozens of times a day. They also protect the lower body panels from rock chips and trail debris.

Owens Products and Luverne make running boards sized for the ProMaster. Electric fold-out steps are another option — they deploy when the door opens and tuck away when you close it.

What Exterior Lighting Should You Add to a ProMaster Van?

Good exterior lighting makes a real difference at campsites and on dark back roads. The factory ProMaster lighting is minimal — headlights, taillights, and not much else.

Work and Scene Lighting

LED scene lights mounted under the awning or above the rear doors light up your campsite without running a lantern or headlamp. We typically wire these to a switch inside the van, run through the electrical system on a dedicated fuse.

Driving Lights and Light Bars

If you drive on unlit roads, a set of auxiliary driving lights or a roof-mounted LED light bar makes a big difference. Mount them to the front of the roof rack for the cleanest look and best coverage. Wire them through a relay and a dash-mounted switch so they're easy to control.

Wiring Considerations

Plan exterior lighting wiring before the walls go up. Every wire that passes through the van body needs a sealed grommet and waterproof connectors — not indoor wire nuts. Run exterior circuits on dedicated fuses and use marine-grade or THWN-rated wire. If you're adding lights after the build, you can often route wires through factory wiring pass-throughs near the firewall to avoid drilling new holes.

What Are the ProMaster's Advantages for Exterior Upgrades?

A few things that set the ProMaster apart from other van platforms when it comes to exterior upgrades:

  • Flat roof: No curved surface to deal with. Solar panels mount flush, racks sit flat, and you get more usable square footage up top compared to a Sprinter of the same length.
  • No rear driveshaft (FWD): Cleaner underbody access for wiring, skid plates, and tank mounting. The lower floor height also simplifies step and running board installation.
  • Lower step-in height: Easier entry/exit for daily use, and less need for aggressive step solutions. Running boards are more about protection than access on a ProMaster.
  • Wide body: The ProMaster is wider than both the Sprinter and Transit, which means more interior space per foot of length. On the exterior, this translates to a wider roof for panel layout options.

The main downside is aftermarket support. There are fewer bolt-on options compared to the Sprinter, which has the largest conversion aftermarket. Some exterior work on a ProMaster requires custom brackets or fabrication where a Sprinter would have an off-the-shelf solution.

How Should You Prioritize Your ProMaster Exterior Budget?

If you can't do everything at once, here's the order we recommend based on return on investment and daily impact:

  1. Roof rack and solar — The flat roof makes this the most straightforward install. Foundation of off-grid capability.
  2. Vent fan — Critical for comfort and moisture management. Requires a roof cut and proper sealing.
  3. Awning — Extends your usable living space. Nearly every client who skips it wishes they hadn't.
  4. Ceramic coating — Protects the factory paint for years. Cheaper than a repaint.
  5. Rear bumper — Protection and storage mounting where you need it most.
  6. Running boards — Body protection and easier access, especially for passengers.
  7. Exterior lighting — LED scene lights are affordable and make campsite life better.
  8. Driving lights / light bar — Only necessary if you drive unlit roads regularly.

What Do People Ask Most About ProMaster Exterior Upgrades?

Can you mount a roof rack on a ProMaster without drilling?

Yes. Most aftermarket roof racks for the ProMaster use the factory mounting points along the roof rails. The flat roof makes rack installation straightforward, and most quality racks bolt directly to these points without additional holes.

Does the ProMaster's front-wheel drive affect exterior upgrades?

It helps. No rear driveshaft means easier underbody access for installing skid plates, running wiring, and mounting accessories to the frame. It also gives you a lower floor height, which simplifies running board and step installation.

What awning works best on a RAM ProMaster?

Fiamma and Thule are the most common. The Fiamma F65L and Thule 6300 both fit well and mount to the rain gutter or roof rack cross bars. The flat roof edge gives you a clean mounting surface.

Are aftermarket bumpers available for the ProMaster?

Yes, but fewer options than the Sprinter. Aluminess and Van Compass make rear bumpers with tire carriers and gear mounting points. The selection is growing as more ProMasters get converted.

Is the ProMaster's flat roof better for solar panels?

It's a real advantage. Panels mount flush without spacers, you get more usable area, and installation and maintenance are easier than on a curved roof. Most ProMaster builds can fit 400-800 watts depending on roof length and other equipment.

Related Pages

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