Driving a campervan is easier than you think. Seriously.
“I’ve never driven anything this big. Can I handle it?” We hear this on nearly every first call, and the answer is always the same: yes, and it’ll feel natural faster than you expect.
If you can drive a car, you can drive a DM Van. Here’s what the experience is actually like.
It Drives Like a Big SUV, Not a Truck
The Ram ProMaster is front-wheel drive, which gives it a surprisingly tight turning radius, and honestly, tighter than many full-size pickup trucks. The steering is responsive and the front end is short, so you don’t have the long hood you’d deal with in a truck or large SUV. From the driver’s seat, the visibility is excellent. You’re sitting high with big windows and a clear view in every direction.
Most new DM Vans owners report that it feels natural within the first day or two of driving.
How Big Is It, Really?
Let’s put the dimensions in context:
• LV3 (18 feet) — About the length of a full-size SUV
• LV5 (19.6 feet) — About the length of a standard pickup truck
• LV7 (21 feet) — About the length of a pickup truck with a small bed topper
If you’ve ever driven alongside a pickup truck on the highway, you’ve been next to something roughly the same size as a DM Van. The footprint is familiar. The only difference is height (approximately 9.5 feet) which matters for clearances but not for driving feel.
Parking
DM Vans fit in standard parking spots. The front-wheel drive turning radius means you can pull into and out of spaces that would be challenging in a rear-wheel-drive vehicle of the same length. Parallel parking is absolutely doable. Owners parallel park in cities regularly.
The backup camera helps with judging clearance behind you. The main thing to be aware of is your rear end — when you turn, the back swings out. After a few parking lot sessions, this becomes second nature.
| Important: At approximately 9.5 feet tall with vents closed, the van will NOT fit in standard parking garages. This is the one dimension to always be aware of. |
Highway Driving
On the highway, driving a campervan is stable and comfortable. The weight of the build (insulation, cabinetry, battery system, water) actually helps with stability. It rides solid, not top-heavy. Crosswinds can be noticeable on very exposed stretches (bridges, open plains), but it’s manageable and you adjust quickly.
All models run on regular gasoline. The LV3 gets approximately 18–19 mpg, and the LV5/LV7 get approximately 16–17 mpg.
Mountain Roads and Rough Terrain
The ProMaster handles mountain passes, gravel roads, and forest service roads without issues. Front-wheel drive provides excellent traction, especially with the weight of the build over the front axle. Owners drive through Colorado mountain passes, Pacific Northwest rain, and northern winter conditions regularly.
All-terrain tires are a popular upgrade and make a significant difference in snow and on rough roads. They’re sometimes included in promotions.
Tips for Your First Drive
If you’ve never driven something this size before, it might feel a little different at first, but it doesn’t take long to get comfortable. Most people are surprised how quickly it becomes second nature. Here are a few tips to help you on your first van dirve.
• Give yourself extra clearance behind you when backing up. The backup camera helps…use it.
• Watch for height clearances. Gas station canopies, drive-throughs, and parking garages can be too low. At 9.5 feet, you need to check.
• Take wide turns. The rear wheels track inside your front wheels, so swing a bit wider on tight corners.
• Use your mirrors. The ProMaster’s mirrors are large and well-positioned.
• Don’t overthink it. After 30 minutes of driving, the van feels like yours.
See for Yourself
The best way to understand what it is like driving a campervan is to experience it. Visit our facility in Rifle, Colorado (Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM) for a tour and to sit in a van. If you can’t visit in person, some DM Vans owners rent their vans on Outdoorsy.com — a great way to try the driving experience before you buy.