Any one using a Ford Transit Connect

[Steve R]

Seeing a post from the UK about similar vehicle. I'm wondering if anyone in the US is using the Ford Transit Connect?

I have been kicking around the idea of a NA Ford Transit Connect

What I like is:

- Shorter (not by much) than a full size van so it can get in parking ramps easier.
- Cargo area has sliding doors on both sides and back so tools would be easier to get to.
- Good mileage
- Would stand out as a good marketing platform as it not yet common on the road.
- Depending on how used could also work as a people mover as it can have second row seats.

What I don't like is:

- The Ford Transit Connect has 6" long x 48.1" wide x 53" area behind the front seat. rumor has it that they might make a 8" long back end one for 2012 that would really help with the US 4'x8' sheet goods.
- no tow capacity for even a small small flat good trailer. (big orders I have delivered)

Anyone have one or seen one set up for tool use?

Cheers,
Steve  

 

[neth27]

In the UK the Transit connect is a small van, the standard Transit van will fit a 8x4 sheet in okay (its the standard size in the UK to  [big grin] )

John..

 

[mastercabman]

I have looked at them.I even test drive one about a couple years ago.I did like it,but i think i need a little more room.
I would like to see something like what Europeans drive.A little bigger van that is set up like the Ford transit connect.

 

[Eli]

VW TDI Transporter ;D

 

[Steve R]

VW TDI Transporter ;D

Thanks for teasing us here in the US.... we don't have them.  [sad]

When I lived in Europe for for a year.... I saw a lot more functional verticals than we have here.

Cheers,
Steve 

 

[Mr. Jeff Smith]

A former boss of mine has one and swears by it.  He has the gas version, not the all electric.

 

[nehardwoodfloors]

What about a freight liner ? Pricey but perfect!

 

[Brice Burrell]

What about a freight liner ? Pricey but perfect!

You mean the Sprinter?

 

[peter halle]

Mercedes Sprinter now.  $$$

 

[Steve R]

Mercedes Sprinter now.  $$$

The Sprinter is currently badged under both MB and Freightliner. Was also branded under Dodge but that got pulled. Cost is the same as when it was a branded a Dodge.

Have to say for the space and the functionality Cost is better than a pickup that you can't walk into the back. It is built to go 500K plus miles so $39K doesn't seem so bad.

Cheers,
Steve

 

[Steve R]

A former boss of mine has one and swears by it.  He has the gas version, not the all electric.

What kind of work did he do? Can you tell me what all he could carry in it?

Cheers,
Steve

 

[Mr. Jeff Smith]

A former boss of mine has one and swears by it.  He has the gas version, not the all electric.

What kind of work did he do? Can you tell me what all he could carry in it?

Cheers,
Steve

Sorry, I should have provided that info originally.  He owns his own grounds maintenance company.  Has about a dozen guys working for him, they have an assortment of full size trucks & vans and the Transit.  (Rotates a new vehicle in every year sort of thing).  Keeps usual maintenance things on rig, mowers, weed eaters, blowers, trash bins, etc. 

Basically, he keeps the essentials on the transit, and for larger jobs tows a trailer with riding mower etc.  But again, they have a variety of vehicles, so he's not just depending on the Transit, so there may "cheating" involved.  I just know ho loves it, has had no issues and gets superior gas mileage.  I worked for this guy many years ago, but keep in touch.

 

[Steve R]

A former boss of mine has one and swears by it.  He has the gas version, not the all electric.

What kind of work did he do? Can you tell me what all he could carry in it?

Cheers,
Steve

Sorry, I should have provided that info originally.  He owns his own grounds maintenance company.  Has about a dozen guys working for him, they have an assortment of full size trucks & vans and the Transit.  (Rotates a new vehicle in every year sort of thing).  Keeps usual maintenance things on rig, mowers, weed eaters, blowers, trash bins, etc. 

Basically, he keeps the essentials on the transit, and for larger jobs tows a trailer with riding mower etc.  But again, they have a variety of vehicles, so he's not just depending on the Transit, so there may "cheating" involved.  I just know ho loves it, has had no issues and gets superior gas mileage.  I worked for this guy many years ago, but keep in touch.

Thanks for the info. Great mileage is a common thing...  But I have to ask was he pulling a trailer with it? .... They are not rated to tow...and that is an issue or me. As I want enclosed transport for sheet goods.

What can you tell me?

Cheers,
Steve

 

[Mr. Jeff Smith]

A former boss of mine has one and swears by it.  He has the gas version, not the all electric.

What kind of work did he do? Can you tell me what all he could carry in it?

Cheers,
Steve

Sorry, I should have provided that info originally.  He owns his own grounds maintenance company.  Has about a dozen guys working for him, they have an assortment of full size trucks & vans and the Transit.  (Rotates a new vehicle in every year sort of thing).  Keeps usual maintenance things on rig, mowers, weed eaters, blowers, trash bins, etc.  

Basically, he keeps the essentials on the transit, and for larger jobs tows a trailer with riding mower etc.  But again, they have a variety of vehicles, so he's not just depending on the Transit, so there may "cheating" involved.  I just know ho loves it, has had no issues and gets superior gas mileage.  I worked for this guy many years ago, but keep in touch.

Thanks for the info. Great mileage is a common thing...  But I have to ask was he pulling a trailer with it? .... They are not rated to tow...and that is an issue or me. As I want enclosed transport for sheet goods.

What can you tell me?

Cheers,
Steve

Hi Steve,

He tows a trailer with a industrial riding mower on it.  I'm guessing its about 1000 pounds.  The engine is only a 2 Liter, so any more and I would suspect it would be quite painful.  He got the hitch at U-haul, Ford apparently wouldn't sell him one. ???  (It is a class 3 hitch)

 

[Mr. Jeff Smith]

Ok, this got me interested so I did some googling:
http://fordtransitconnectforum.com/index.php?/topic/38-towing-with-the-transit-connect/

Looks like towing is not encouraged by Ford due to the transmission.  But people are doing with no ill effects thus far apparently.

 

[Steve R]

Ok, this got me interested so I did some googling:
http://fordtransitconnectforum.com/index.php?/topic/38-towing-with-the-transit-connect/

Looks like towing is not encouraged by Ford due to the transmission.  But people are doing with no ill effects thus far apparently.

My concern is if you put a hitch on it even just to put bike rack on the back... you could void your whole warranty. I can just see it the day I have my 16 lb racing bike on it the transmission goes.... LOL.

I still go back to these points I current Ford Transit Connect needs an 8 foot + long back area and a tow capacity and it could work.

Otherwise I need to just get a 12 foot trailer tricked it out with insulation (I'm in MN), lights, heater for winter travel and sysports and other tool storage and then pull it with a pickup, SUV or even Minivan [eek]? 

 

[Mr. Jeff Smith]

yeah, its a shame.  Looks like Europe gets the Manual so they can tow.  Based on your length needs I'd say the Transit is pass for you. 

 

[spikfot]

VW TDI Transporter ;D

Ditto!