[Flash]

Howdy PM Forum,
My name is Flash & I’m from LINY. Good to be aboard!

Just had my PM 3500 159"WB extended high roof van delivered to my doorstep today from out of state. The local dealerships had absolutely nothing on site that suited my requirements & stated that a factory order would take 7 months! What happened to 6-8 weeks? Anyways, I went on Chrysler’s site & in the “build it” module, plugged in my options & set the search parameters for several hundred miles. Came across a “high match” with most all my check marked criteria & some additional options, all for a reasonable price. Only sacrifice was the color white. If I had my druthers I woulda chose the granite gray. Oh well, ya can’t always get what you want…

In the process of getting it street legal here in NYS, which will take a coupla days. In the interim I’m researching the Sh*t outta these vans. Reading the ink of the pages of the user guide (not much help) the online owner’s manual & the included DVD. Lotsa questions that are not answered in any of the aforementioned lit…

Came across this site ‘bout an hour ago & feel this is the place to be in all that is ProMaster. Lookin forward to exchanging ideas, information, learning about any issues & brainstormin with y’all. Seems all the salesmen I’ve dealt with don’t know very much about these vehicles so I reckon it’s up to us to help each other out with what is to me the 3rd most valued purchase of my life.

PS: I formerly had several Ford Box trucks (mostly 12 FT’ers) which served me well but were growing old & tired. Primarily used for hauling motorcycles. The low ground clearance & the high roof option, along with the extended cargo area is ideal for this purpose…

 

[keithwwalker]

Welcome!
Are you gonna haul motorcycles with your new PM?

 

[Flash]

Welcome!
Are you gonna haul motorcycles with your new PM?

Soon as the weather worm turns...

 

[randy]

hey @Flash welcome aboard! congrats on the new rig. What do you ride BTW?

 

[Ram3500']

I'd like to see that setup, bikes being hauled behind a PM, never seen anyone haul anything behind sprinters.

 

[Flash]

I own several Harley’s. Ol’ Shovelhead & a Heritage Springer Evo. I’m not aiming to haul MC’s “behind” my PM, rather “in” my PM. Lookin to upfit with the best flooring possible (non-skid, durable, stain resistant etc) I purchased the 3500 high roof extended version & believe I can fit both bikes in the PM. Plenty of length & height however the width may be an issue. Thinkin I can stagger them in the cargo area. With the wheel chocks holding them vertical & upright I should be able to shoehorn them in no problem. Also in the process of buying a nice ramp as well. The low floor height should make this a breeze vs the box truck I’ve used in the past. They were like 40” from the ground. Thinkin I may even enter the side door & negotiate a turn to make the bike(s) face the back of the van, thereby just rolling it out the back doors which is even easier. Lotsa snow on the ground now but time will tell. Will keep y’all posted…

 

[Brian P]

I'm going to be using mine for a bike hauler, too - although mine are sport or roadrace bikes.

I don't think you'll have any trouble with the width if you stagger the wheel chocks by a foot or so. Main concern is handlebars and mirrors on street bikes. I'm planning to put the right one further forward than the left one ... it's easier to get the right one in first by standing on the left of it, then the handlebars on the left one don't have to get past the right one.

 

[Flash]

I'm going to be using mine for a bike hauler, too - although mine are sport or roadrace bikes.

I don't think you'll have any trouble with the width if you stagger the wheel chocks by a foot or so. Main concern is handlebars and mirrors on street bikes. I'm planning to put the right one further forward than the left one ... it's easier to get the right one in first by standing on the left of it, then the handlebars on the left one don't have to get past the right one.

Brian,
Definitely need to be staggered. Lemme know how ya make out with that...

 

[Obrian]

I haul bikes also, motocross bikes. I had three side by side last weekend. I have a 3500 extended in the gray. Plus three riders, all our gear, and a dog.lol

 

[haulin]

Now that's crazy!
You might want to look into some shelf and/or rack system, you have a good amount of empty space at the top that can be used

 

[Obrian]

Now that's crazy!
You might want to look into some shelf and/or rack system, you have a good amount of empty space at the top that can be used

You are right. Lots of extra space. I actually just finished my partition and am still working on shelves and other things.

 

[reasonableperson]

I'd like to replace my e350 hauler too, but you can buy a LOT of motorcycle for $35k.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4pDRRLGDDW0bUxKNUpWU3lKNGc/edit?usp=sharing

 

[randy]

yea you could set up almost a crawl space or loft if you will across that top section..

 

[fuzzy]

Hey Obrian. What have you done for seating for the passengers? Any pics?

 

[Ram3500']

I'd like to replace my e350 hauler too, but you can buy a LOT of motorcycle for $35k.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4pDRRLGDDW0bUxKNUpWU3lKNGc/edit?usp=sharing

You can buy a couple ducati's and then some with that kind of coin

 

[Obrian]

Hey Obrian. What have you done for seating for the passengers? Any pics?

I'm still in the presses of finishing my interior. It's all insulated and sealed, floor is padded, carpeted, and dynamated. I'm going to build my finish panels, headliner and install a window in the slider next. And a powered vent is on my list. Just had the windows in front tinted today, and the rear door windows blacked out so nobody can see the toys in the rear.
As far as seating, the picture shows my upper bunk. It slides out to double the width. I haven't bought my folding bench yet. It will go in front of the wall, twin sized. So I'll be able to sleep three people no problem. Also plan on doing a swivel for the passenger side seat on front.
Sorry about the thread hijack lol.

 

[fuzzy]

Obrian - This is very similar to what I want to do with a van. It looks excellent. You should start your own thread on the build so I can pester there with questions

Have you found a bench seat that has shoulder belts?

 

[danham]

I'm looking to haul my '09 BMW F800 ST in a PM (if I buy -- waiting to try a Diesel). Does anyone know if the factory wood floor option leaves the tie-down anchors accessible?

Also, any advice on mounting a chock, preferably so it is easily removed when not hauling the scoot?

And @Obrian, I'd love any advice on sourcing and installing aftermarket screened windows in any of the PM's body panels.

-dan

 

[jsmast1]

Yes, they are accessible and the wood floor is worth the $300.00 Only problem is its slippery....

 

[Arnievan18]

Staten islander here. Hello and welcome.
I'm new and hope to get my factory order 136 high top by July. Although I'm getting more and more adjusted to the fact that it could be much longer.
Yes, my dealer was also pretty ignorant of the fact that people use these vehicles for pleasure. I'm also in the build stage. Meaning lots of research.
My first post here was about windows and dmv regs etc. Roads Like the belt
Parkway which I didn't even think twice about but now I am. I plan on going out east to montauk but now I think I have to plan another route besides the belt.

Anyway, I'm so happy I found this site. I think you will be too.