Transit Opinions Appreciated

[b. rock]

@86scotty was that a high top or standard height van? But a extra couple MPG is about what I figured would be the net benefit of going to a Transit vs E-Series, although some Transit class C drivers report 8-12 on the highway which is right in line w/ the V10. Not enough of a reason alone to make the change. It'll ride smoother and has some newer features though. The E-series has that solid axle, rugged, simple aspect to it that has appeal in certain environments. I struggle with that knowing it won't be a rock crawler in my use case, so the time spent crushing miles on a highway will be significantly higher than time spent bumping around in 4 low. Although while I've enjoyed the E-series and Sprinters I've driven, I just haven't driven a Transit yet that felt 'right'. Can't place it, something just felt off. Could be the small tires, seating position, who knows. I'm sure if you own one you get used to it and then the other 2 feel strange.

Probably worth noting that there are several companies that sell interior kits for the Transits as a compromise between a full DIY interior and a professional build. AFAIK there's only one company that does that for the E-series.

 

[86scotty]

Which one? I've only ever had one Transit and it was a mid-roof LWB, 2016 ecoboost. I've had 2-3 AWD Chevys and 2 were stock height vans, one was a Fiberine fixed high top. Mileage was about the same on all of them IIRC.

 

[Farfrumwork]

Someone above mentioned 33's on an AWD Transit. I'm not sure you can fit a tire that big without cutting metal. One of the limitations that would hinder the offroady-ness... 31"s should go easy, 32"s (?not sure)

As far as MPG - I've read the same thing with the ecoboost, that is that they fall off the cliff once built-out and used as a freeway flyer. But they have LOADS of power.

For comparison, my 4x4 Sprinter on 33's (with a spare 33" in the OEM spare location), sees 17-18mpg in travels around the mountain west with my family of full sized people on board. I've had several tanks in the 20-21mpg range too (and one tank that was 13mpg - doing 80mph across Wyoming into a headwind at 4*F)

My build is pretty 'light' (for a camper van), and is what I would consider a 'Weekender' that comfortably sleeps 4.


But, I think AWD Transits are good for a van camper and they should be a good hwy traveler and light off-roader. Not to disparage Eseries vans, as they are bada55, but I think the Sprinter and Transit win for drivability (tracking, turn radius, etc...) and interior space. Others may disagree.

 

[b. rock]

2017 - so that would be the OM642 in it? That's pretty good for the 6 if so.

 

[86scotty]

2017 - so that would be the OM642 in it? That's pretty good for the 6 if so.

Yep, I'm thinking it must be, a diesel. Always slightly better mpgs than gas.

 

[Farfrumwork]

^^ yup 6 cyl turbo diesel.

Tuned with RENNtech as well.

 

[b. rock]

Right. I don't think the US ever got a gas 4x4 sprinter. I was just curious if that was the 6 or the standard output OM651 4 cyl. I bet that tune really wakes it up too.

I'm super curious how the new HO 4 cyl does with mpg once it gets 33s and a camper build. I always thought the perfect engine for that size van was a ~3L 6 cyl diesel, but if the little 2.0 gets 30% better mpg and pulls the passes the same, I'm sold.

 

[rruff]

I'm super curious how the new HO 4 cyl does with mpg once it gets 33s and a camper build. I always thought the perfect engine for that size van was a ~3L 6 cyl diesel, but if the little 2.0 gets 30% better mpg and pulls the passes the same, I'm sold.

It's surely the best MPG if the lack of power, MB cost and maintenance, and price of diesel fuel don't bother you.

But the bottom line is that a big engine is getting into its efficiency band once the "demand side" gets bumped up by a lift, big tires, tall roof, high speeds, etc... and the little engines that have a big advantage when demand is less (like EPA cycles), lose most of it.

 

[PeteEinMT]

I think they do the best Transit Builds I have seen. New Transit Trail on 285/75's

 

[Photomike]

I own a 2017 Ford Transit with the EcoBoost engine, and I absolutely love driving it. My van is a 148-inch medium roof, two-wheel-drive model, and it’s been a fantastic vehicle for my needs.


I’m impressed with its gas mileage. It varies depending on where and how I’m driving but usually ranges from 14 to 18 miles per gallon. My build is very lightweight, which likely helps with the fuel efficiency.


I previously ran KO2 tires on it, but I’ve since switched back to E-rated tires. They suit my driving needs better and keeps the handling more responsive than the lower pressure KO's I was running.

I’d wholeheartedly recommend the Transit to anyone, especially the all-wheel-drive version. However, there’s one caveat: IMHO this van is not, nor can it easily be turned into, a true off-road vehicle. For my purposes—highway driving, occasional gravel roads, and the rare trail or light off-roading—it’s absolutely fantastic. But if your goal is hardcore off-roading, the Transit isn’t the right choice.

Modifications for off-road use are limited, and even with upgrades, it won’t perform like a purpose-built off-road vehicle. I’d caution anyone against spending time or money trying to make it something it’s not.

In my experience, no fully built-out van is suitable for true off-road situations. That’s based on years of off-roading with other vehicles and seeing firsthand the difference between a proper off-road rig and something that’s simply not designed for those conditions.

For what it is, the Transit is an amazing van—but it’s best appreciated for what it does well, not for trying to push it beyond its limits.

 

[zip]

I think they do the best Transit Builds I have seen. New Transit Trail on 285/75's

It appears this vehicle has the lift from Ford that comes with the Transit Trail, and then an additional added aftermarket lift? I didn't know that was possible. If it is possible, could this "double" lift just be installed on the AWD standard Transit?

 

[zip]

I own a 2017 Ford Transit with the EcoBoost engine, and I absolutely love driving it. My van is a 148-inch medium roof, two-wheel-drive model, and it’s been a fantastic vehicle for my needs.


I’m impressed with its gas mileage. It varies depending on where and how I’m driving but usually ranges from 14 to 18 miles per gallon. My build is very lightweight, which likely helps with the fuel efficiency.


I previously ran KO2 tires on it, but I’ve since switched back to E-rated tires. They suit my driving needs better and keeps the handling more responsive than the lower pressure KO's I was running.

I’d wholeheartedly recommend the Transit to anyone, especially the all-wheel-drive version. However, there’s one caveat: IMHO this van is not, nor can it easily be turned into, a true off-road vehicle. For my purposes—highway driving, occasional gravel roads, and the rare trail or light off-roading—it’s absolutely fantastic. But if your goal is hardcore off-roading, the Transit isn’t the right choice.

Modifications for off-road use are limited, and even with upgrades, it won’t perform like a purpose-built off-road vehicle. I’d caution anyone against spending time or money trying to make it something it’s not.

In my experience, no fully built-out van is suitable for true off-road situations. That’s based on years of off-roading with other vehicles and seeing firsthand the difference between a proper off-road rig and something that’s simply not designed for those conditions.

For what it is, the Transit is an amazing van—but it’s best appreciated for what it does well, not for trying to push it beyond its limits.

I always felt my next, and hopefully final build would be a UJOR E350, but very seriously considering the Transit. Thanks for your input.

 

[TGK]

If you’re considering a Transit, go over to fordtransitusaforums.com. Most anything you’d want to know regarding what people are doing to them and how they are being used can be found there. There are also at least 2 FB groups that are good resources.
I have had a ‘23 MR T350 AWD with the 3.5 Ecoboost for a year now. I had a camper conversion done and added the Quigley lift, 245/75/16 AT tires, new rear shocks and front struts. I‘ve owned 4x4 trucks and SUV’s for 30 years including 1 with a Four Wheel pop-up camper. Have also towed a trailer for 20 years. Had a lot of fun with those set ups but wanted to try something different. The wife and I spent 50 nights in it last spring through fall and are very happy with the build out. It’s a delight to drive on the highway and handled many miles of unpaved NFS & BLM roads in the PNW over the past year. That includes a fair amount of moderately rough dirt roads. Yes it’s not a Jeep and not intended for rock crawling. Having said that, I’ve seen a few owners doing some impressive stuff with them. Regardless, ours is a very effective rig for getting down the backroads and provides the basic creature comforts we wanted.

 

[Johnboyy]

It appears this vehicle has the lift from Ford that comes with the Transit Trail, and then an additional added aftermarket lift? I didn't know that was possible. If it is possible, could this "double" lift just be installed on the AWD standard Transit?

The trail factory lift is a body lift, it's the same geometry as the so you can still do a spring lift.

Videos here on it:

 

[zip]

If you’re considering a Transit, go over to fordtransitusaforums.com. Most anything you’d want to know regarding what people are doing to them and how they are being used can be found there. There are also at least 2 FB groups that are good resources.
I have had a ‘23 MR T350 AWD with the 3.5 Ecoboost for a year now. I had a camper conversion done and added the Quigley lift, 245/75/16 AT tires, new rear shocks and front struts. I‘ve owned 4x4 trucks and SUV’s for 30 years including 1 with a Four Wheel pop-up camper. Have also towed a trailer for 20 years. Had a lot of fun with those set ups but wanted to try something different. The wife and I spent 50 nights in it last spring through fall and are very happy with the build out. It’s a delight to drive on the highway and handled many miles of unpaved NFS & BLM roads in the PNW over the past year. That includes a fair amount of moderately rough dirt roads. Yes it’s not a Jeep and not intended for rock crawling. Having said that, I’ve seen a few owners doing some impressive stuff with them. Regardless, ours is a very effective rig for getting down the backroads and provides the basic creature comforts we wanted.

Yes, I have visited that ford transit forum. Very informative. I found a forum here on FB, that was good as well. What are the FB forums you are recommending? NFS and BLM are the roads I drive too. Do you have RB, or EB? It's just me, but I intend to live in it full time, and want to keep my bike inside. Leaning toward EB. Who did your camper conversion?