Today's full-size cargo vans have come a long way since the big, heavy models of the past. They're lighter, taller and narrower than the older models. Not only that, they're also safer, easier to drive and more fuel efficient. When you visit the New Buffalo Ram dealer, you'll see the 2019 Ram Promaster, which utilizes unibody construction to make it lighter and more comfortable than some of the competitors. Plus, the Promaster is a front-wheel-drive vehicle, unlike the other models in its class.

The front-wheel-drive system has a number of advantages. According to New Buffalo Ram, the lower floor height not only makes it easier to load cargo, it also helps passengers get in and out of the vehicle. Plus, having the engine weight over the front wheels provides better traction, helping the Promaster negotiate slippery roads. The Promaster's tight turning circle makes it easy to get in and out of tight spaces. Towing capacity is 6,800 pounds and the payload capacity is 4,680 pounds.

Kelley Blue Book gave the Ram Promaster high marks, writing: "With its European origins as the proven Fiat Ducato, the Ram ProMaster impresses with its cavernous body and numerous available configurations. As a delivery vehicle, a work truck, or maybe even the basis for an RV conversion, the ProMaster -- aided by a tight turning radius and vertical cargo walls - makes a lot of sense."

The 2019 Ram ProMaster comes with two seats and a large cargo area. There are no trim levels as such. The three models are listed as 1500, 2500 and 3500. As the numbers get higher, so does the vehicle's size and maximum payload capacity. Powering the Promaster is a 3.6-liter V6 engine that develops 280 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The Ram Promaster 1500 has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 8,550 pounds. (GVWR is the maximum weight rating for the vehicle plus its contents.) The 1500 can haul a payload of 3,770 to 3,990 pounds, depending on the way it's configured. It comes with a 118-inch wheelbase and a low cargo roof. Buyers can get the 1500 with a 136-inch wheelbase and a choice of a low or high cargo roof.

The Promaster 2500 has a GVWR of 8,900 pounds, and it can carry a payload up to 3,700 to 4,130 pounds. Buyers can choose the 2500 with a 136-inch wheelbase and a high or low roof, or with a 159-inch wheelbase and a high cargo roof.

The Promaster 3500 has a GVWR of 9,350 pounds can carry a payload of 4,020 to 4,430 pounds. The 3500 is offered with a 136-inch wheelbase and a low or high roof, or with a 159-inch wheelbase and a high roof. An extended model is available that features a longer cargo area.

Standard features for all models include 16-inch steel wheels, manually adjustable mirrors, split-opening rear doors, remote locking and unlocking, a rearview camera, a full-size spare tire, air conditioning, a telescoping steering wheel, tie-down rings in the cargo area, cloth upholstery, cargo lights, a 5-inch touchscreen, a four-speaker audio system and two USB ports.