Ram ProMaster Camper Van - Hymer Aktiv Van Tour & Specs - WE'RE THE RUSSOS (2024)

How We Ended Up with a Hymer Aktiv

In 2016, we decided it was time to downsize to a smaller camper. At the time we had a Class A gas motorhome towing a Jeep Wrangler. This posts explains in more detail why we decided on a Class B camper for full time RV living.

Earlier that year, we were at one of the largest RV Shows in the U.S. where we were introduced to Hymer, an RV manufacturer in Europe. On display was the Grand Canyon (video tour), which was later renamed to theAktiv.

Seeing the camper got us wondering if we could live in a smaller RV. After we left the show, we thought the Florida heat had gotten to us. There was no way we could downsize to a camper van for full time travel…or was there?

Fast forward a few months and we’reshopping for a Class B RV onBig Time RV. Although we didn’t end up with the camper van from the show, the shopping experience reinforced our desires to downsize.

We created a list ofClass B RV Manufacturers in the U.S. and Canadato help us keep track. The more we shopped, the more we found ourselves comparing each camper vanto the Hymer Aktiv.

Later that year, we attended another RV Show to seriously consider the top contenders. That’s when we met the team at Erwin Hymer Group North America. Our enthusiasm for the Aktiv created a partnership opportunity that allowed us to have a loaner van to use for the duration of the partnership which ended in February 2019.

Hymer Aktiv Camper Van Tour

We lived out of the van full time for nearly two years. For a portion of that time, we lived out of the van with our dog, Leo. We logged just over 33,000 miles traveling around the United States and Canada. Visit our Travel Destinations Page for a full list of places we’ve explored.

Watch the full van tour below.

Note: this is one of the first Hymer Aktiv 2.0 units that was completed. Changes and updates have been made since this unit rolled off the production line.

Hymer Aktiv Camper Van Specs

Below are some of the Hymer Aktiv 2.0 vans specs that people always ask about.

Ram ProMaster Van Chassis

• 2017 Ram ProMaster 3500 (based on the Fiat Ducato)
• 3.6L Pentastar V6
• Automatic 6-speed transmission
• Gas Engine
• Front Wheel Drive
• Long Body 20’10”
• High Roof 99.4″
• Standard Width 73″
• Six airbags
• Rear backup camera
• Swivel front seats
• Wheelbase 159”
• GVWR: 9,350
• Towing Capacity 3500 lbs
• Tongue weight 350 lbs
• MPG: 12 to 16 fully loaded, terrain made a significant impact

Hymer Conversion

• Living area: seating for four: two on bench seat, two on swivel front seats
• Kitchen: stainless steel sink, two burner propane stove, 3.1 cu ft AC/DC fridge. We deleted the microwave from the unit that was on loan to us.
• Bedroom: non-standard size bed 73″x75″ that can be lifted and stowed out of the way
• Bathroom: wet bath with cassette toilet system and shower
• Tank sizes: 30 gallon fresh water tank, 23 gallon gray water tank, 5.9 gallon propane tank, 4.6 gallon black tank
• Hot Water & Heat: Truma Combi gas/electric water heater/furnace combo, 14,300 BTU.
• A/C: Roof mounted Dometic A/C unit, 110 volt, 11,000 BTU
• Safety: smoke detector, CO detector and propane detector
• Solar: 320 watts of solar, standard is 250 watts
• Battery: 400 AMP lithium batteries, part of the EcoTrek lithium power modules
• Inverter: 2,000 watt, 12/110 volt
• Secondary Alternator: 280 AMP, 12 volt
• VoltStart: proprietary system that will start the engine to charge the lithium battery when they have been drawn down to a certain level
• Entertainment: 24” HD television and BluRay player
• Storage: overhead cabinets throughout the van, storage underneath the platform bed

You can get an idea of how we utilized the space in the Moving In video below.

Essential Gear for the Van

This is a list of all the gears and gadgets we found essential for camper van life.

• Electrical Management System – Portable with Surge Protection
• Water Hose – Lead free and compact
• Berkey Water Purification System – Read our Berkey Review
• Cell Signal Booster – To get the best cell connection available
• Instant Pot – We cook most meals in this electric pressure cooker. Kait is working on the cookbook, in the meantime here are some IP Recipes.
• Essential Tools – All the tools we carried in the van

For camping gear and other items we use and love, head over to Our Store.

Van Life in a Hymer Aktiv

When we downsized to a Class B RV, we started a new video series to show what live is like living out of a van. Watch the camper van life series.

One of the more popular videos is this one where we share a typical day living out of the camper van.

Additional Resources

Hymer Aktiv Owners and Wannabees Facebook Group – a great resource for owners or anyone looking to purchase an Aktiv.

Class B RV Manufacturers – complete list of Class B manufacturers

Class C RV Manufacturers – complete list of Small Class C RV Manufacturers

Cost of Full Time RV Living – Monthly breakdowns for Class A RV Living and Class B Van Life

Frequently Asked Questions About Van Life – answers to popular questions about van life

Try It Before You Buy It – All types of Class B RVs are available for rent in the U.S. and Canada. You can even rent a camper in Hawaii.