After a couple years of not having a van, and trying to figure out the transition plan for my aging station wagon, I'm starting to look at vans again.
The van in my signature was sold for a few reasons:
- Built to accommodate 2 adults. We are now a family of 4 with no plans of adding more.
- Rust
- Increasing number of mechanical issues
- General paint issues (the mid-2000s GM paint peel)
- Low roof really became an issue (I'm 6'2")
- Bed was a convertible bench that my wife hated (too firm)
It needed time, effort, and money I couldn't or was not willing to give it, so it went to a new home. I'm now researching the current van landscape and my research is pointing me toward a Ford Transit. I no longer commute to a job, so I'm feeling comfortable that our 2nd vehicle can be more recreation focused but still be nimble enough for day-to-day errands, shuttling the kids around, etc.
If I want to be able to stand, and have the possibility of 2 beds bunked in the back to sleep 4, I'm looking at something with a high roof (either a rigid high roof, or a pop-top). I'm 6'2", so I need at least 75" finished interior height. I've been looking around the internet looking for high roof examples of Transit vans. I see mostly Medium roof vans here. Are there any High roof owners?
I like the exterior appearance of this van - a Transit 350, long wheelbase, high roof...plus nice lift, and wheels/tires:
www.wildernessvans.com
I'm leaning toward a rigid roof more than a pop-top; less complexity, better sealed and insulated.
I would not want a full build-out - just seating, a flexible sleeping solution, a roof vent, and electric heat (for when we can plug in), would make me happy. I could probably get away with a 250 model. Ideally, I would want 1st and 2nd row captain chairs, 2nd row chairs able to swivel, a 3rd row bench that converts to a bed, and an overhead bunk. I do not need or want a galley, head, or an elaborate electrical system at this time.
All that being said, am I better off looking for a Passenger model and look to add sleeping? I haven't looked at conversion companies closely enough yet to see what has been done. I'm trying to understand the options available on Passenger vs. Crew vs. Cargo models. I think the Crew is just a Cargo with a 2nd row bench seat, but could be wrong. I'm undecided on AWD vs. 2WD. I had 4x4 in my old van and rarely used it. AWD in the Transit is available but not common. 2WD vans are everywhere; paired with a locker and good tires, I would probably be fine.
Anyway, I would be interested in seeing some high top Transits, especially if the interior is anywhere close to what I'm envisioning above!
Thanks!
The van in my signature was sold for a few reasons:
- Built to accommodate 2 adults. We are now a family of 4 with no plans of adding more.
- Rust
- Increasing number of mechanical issues
- General paint issues (the mid-2000s GM paint peel)
- Low roof really became an issue (I'm 6'2")
- Bed was a convertible bench that my wife hated (too firm)
It needed time, effort, and money I couldn't or was not willing to give it, so it went to a new home. I'm now researching the current van landscape and my research is pointing me toward a Ford Transit. I no longer commute to a job, so I'm feeling comfortable that our 2nd vehicle can be more recreation focused but still be nimble enough for day-to-day errands, shuttling the kids around, etc.
If I want to be able to stand, and have the possibility of 2 beds bunked in the back to sleep 4, I'm looking at something with a high roof (either a rigid high roof, or a pop-top). I'm 6'2", so I need at least 75" finished interior height. I've been looking around the internet looking for high roof examples of Transit vans. I see mostly Medium roof vans here. Are there any High roof owners?
I like the exterior appearance of this van - a Transit 350, long wheelbase, high roof...plus nice lift, and wheels/tires:
2019 Ford Transit T350 Long High Roof #6967 - Rundle Long
www.wildernessvans.com
I'm leaning toward a rigid roof more than a pop-top; less complexity, better sealed and insulated.
I would not want a full build-out - just seating, a flexible sleeping solution, a roof vent, and electric heat (for when we can plug in), would make me happy. I could probably get away with a 250 model. Ideally, I would want 1st and 2nd row captain chairs, 2nd row chairs able to swivel, a 3rd row bench that converts to a bed, and an overhead bunk. I do not need or want a galley, head, or an elaborate electrical system at this time.
All that being said, am I better off looking for a Passenger model and look to add sleeping? I haven't looked at conversion companies closely enough yet to see what has been done. I'm trying to understand the options available on Passenger vs. Crew vs. Cargo models. I think the Crew is just a Cargo with a 2nd row bench seat, but could be wrong. I'm undecided on AWD vs. 2WD. I had 4x4 in my old van and rarely used it. AWD in the Transit is available but not common. 2WD vans are everywhere; paired with a locker and good tires, I would probably be fine.
Anyway, I would be interested in seeing some high top Transits, especially if the interior is anywhere close to what I'm envisioning above!
Thanks!
