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Ford announces new standards, options for 2018 Transit

50K views 102 replies 48 participants last post by  Matt Miller 
#1 ·
At the Work Truck Show in Indianapolis Monday, the company says it will move the standard rearview camera on medium- and high-roof models above the rear doors. It will remain next to the license plate on low-roof models.
Ford is moving the standard rearview camera on medium- and high-roof models to above the rear doors.

Transit – which became America’s best-selling commercial van in 2015, and in 2016 became America’s best-selling van, including minivans – will also get a locking glove box as standard equipment next model year, as well as a new rear door exit handle and rear LED cargo lamp switch.
<aside class="article-bar"></aside> John Scholtes, Ford’s chief program engineer for commercial vehicles says new optional equipment available for model year 2018 includes Heavy-duty cargo area flooring; Heavy-duty rear scuff plate kit; Extended-length running boards; Push-down manual parking brake; Power-folding short-arm heated mirrors with turn signals; AM/FM stereo with audio input jack, microphone and Bluetooth interface; D-pillar assist handles for medium- and high-roof models; Forged alloy dual rear wheel package; and Charcoal leather-trimmed, heated seat package.
- See more at: http://www.hardworkingtrucks.com/fo...ns-for-2018-transit-van/#sthash.yOdKo6SI.dpuf
 
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#8 ·
Agreed, that would be a nice change. On my VW, the camera is hidden behind the emblem when it isn't in use, then pops out when you put the car in reverse. I really like this design because it never gets dirty.
 
#11 ·
OH after waiting 3 years to buy you say I should have waited 4? doh!

I wonder if I can get the manual push down parking break change under the mobility allowance? Or the power slider? (But all the power sliders I see take up an abundance of the opening space... heavy duty floor....rear grab bars (that would have kept me from falling flat out flat on the rocks at Quartzsite!) awww shucks.
 
#15 · (Edited)
Curious to find out how many of the 2018 Transit options can be added to the current Transit without many changes, especially the power folding short arm mirrors. Will try to get part numbers on any of the new 2018 options as they become listed. Normally it takes about 2 months after the model introduction to get the part numbers and then getting the actual part can take longer if the option becomes popular on the production line and the vendor does not release extra inventory to Ford Parts Division.
 
#17 ·
If it works likes last year, the first orders for the 2018 model can go into Ford order system around the first week of May and the last orders for the 2017 model will go through the middle of May. The 2017 model builds will go through to the last week of July with the 2018 model starting right after that. Last year I found the same day build dates for the 2016 & 2017 models, so with only minor changes from year to year, they can have both year models on the same assembly line.

I will check with Matt Ford and my Dearborn contacts to see when the 2018 Ford Transit Order Guide will be available. Should be able to have it through the Matt Ford site near the end of April if it is released.
 
#19 · (Edited)
Trying to get any changes on the current Transit design has been hard to do. Worked with them on trying to do a factory crew van package and after 6 to 8 months, they just went with a upfitter who uses the cheap vinyl seats. When I was on the Super Duty Tour event, the engineer stated that Ford was going to move option content from the NEW Super Duty to the Transit. So look for more changes going into 2019 and we know that there will be some form of electric/hybrid vehicle in 2020.

The power folding short arm mirrors with heat is just one of the first ones moved from the Super Duty. Next may be the 360* scanning that comes from the larger center screen that would possibly come from a NAV type option or a redesign of the Transit dash which could end up being the dash moved from the Super Duty truck.

If you get a chance, get a Super Duty sales brochure or view it online and see what options on the Super Duty you would like on the Transit. I will see another Ford engineer who works on the Transit in the next few months. Would like to have a list of option content to give them so they can think about adding more to the Transit.
 
#20 ·
They seriously need to move the AC compressor from the rear floorboard so we can actually haul big stuff back there!
I really thought I could work around it because I HAD to have rear AC, but it has been a nightmare for my needs and making me wish I had waited on my purchase.
CKeith
 
#22 ·
Are you talking about the evaporator? Since I have a bare cargo van, the upfitter is putting a six ton unit in and the evaporator will be at the rear under the roof. The condenser will be under chassis and the compressor will be engine mounted.
 
#21 · (Edited)
Spoke to a dealer yesterday and was able to see a med roof and a high room next to each other to compare.....6/13 order for 2018, Build 8/28 , and delivery would be the normal wait times we all have...


she also said the emergency brake remains at same location, but using it you would pull it up and down....so it is out of the way and can swivel around it...
 
#30 ·
I'm having trouble visualizing this new parking brake. Would like to confirm it would allow swivelling of the driver seat without a modification. Anyone have any imagery or application in another vehicle?
 
#25 ·
that was one thing that the originally ordered van DID have right on it...but after seeing how much space the rear ac took up, I did NOT order it for Mulligan.

I was thinking (what WAS I thinking?) that I could tie into it with a separate ac, since you can not be idling the engine just for ac all day. not.
 
#50 ·
I was thinking (what WAS I thinking?) that I could tie into it with a separate ac, since you can not be idling the engine just for ac all day. not.
What would be bad about idling a 3.5 EB for long periods of time with the regular A/C on?
I'd hope with a modern, big motor it would be okay? (Would a heavy duty alternator mitigate any problems?)
Apologies for my ignorance, and sorry this is a bit OT, but it is a concern of mine. (Especially since the NWO took the best-idling vehicles-diesels-and made them the opposite. Partly convincing me to go with the 3.5.)
 
#37 ·
new rear door exit handle(For me this one is fine, depends on if the new one sticks out or flush)
rear LED cargo lamp switch(This is nice, to be able to turn on/off the cargo lights from the back)
D-Pillar assist handles (For when I get old and/or tired ;-) )
Parking brake handle? I will have a partition wall, no rotating seats or walking through the middle. The current one is fine for me... easy for donuts anyways. LoL
Using a U-Joint instead of that rubber donut is what i want to see changed! Then sell it to all us current owners. Weak link, if i've ever seen one.
4x4 or AWD option would be interesting. i wonder if they are even testing it out. see how it works with commercial folk.
Adding a turbo to the 3.7L would be a great upgrade option! turbos add efficiency to the ol' IC engine.
How about factory NG/Propane systems? So a few blew up... i'm sure they have learned how to make them better by now.
I didn't get the uber-special dash, does it have useful information like trans temp? I tow a lot, this would be good to know.
Now, about the door seals... place them on the **** door! why are they stationary in the path of a step-in kick???(talking mainly about the rear. it is almost gone on my buddy's Transit. That was the first thing i noticed when comparing to my old Sprinter.)
 
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#38 ·
regarding the e-brake: is there any regulations that require it to be between the seats? I've seen some commercial trucks where it is on the Left side of the driver seat. I could see where it is a safety feature having it accessible to the passenger in case of emergency, but I don't know if there is a regulation. Obviously the passenger could not access a floor pedal or under dash handle e-brake.
 
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