[Deadwood]

Like the post says. I'm real close to placing my order for the van. Although I've no idea how long it could take to see it. As I understand it they are close to closing orders for the 2015 so they can get ready for the 2016's. Who knows. I keep getting different lead times from the dealers.

Heres what I'm planning to order so far. I'm open to comments as to weather anyone here thinks I'm missing something or have something that's probably not worth having. I tried to keep it simple because I plan to do my own conversion.


250 Hi Roof 147.6'' WB Long
3.5 Eco boost
3.31 limited slip differential
Blue Jeans color
Back tilt out windows and sliding door window w/ tilt out. (I believe this adds privacy glass as well). Although I'm not sure back tilt outs are an option.
Two additional keys
Four user-defined switches (I think this option adds dual batteries and 220
amp alternator)
Long arm heated mirrors with turn signals
Front map lights
Leather Seats
Cruise control

I was on the dealer build site this morning an it does not show the option for the four user-defined switches or the extra keys. Not sure it that has changed. I'll check at the dealer today and post if I hear something different.

Couple of quick questions before I head out.

1. I'm thinking of going with Leather seats. But the leather upgrade changes to to 10 position power seats. What I would really rather have are swivel seats. I haven't seen a good aftermarket for a swivel yet but If one comes out I wonder if it won't work on the power seats. Really need an opinion on this one. To get leather power seats or just cloth.

2. Is there even enough room for a swivel seat up there. After being in the Sprinter which has a lot of room to the Transit which is kinda tight between the front seats. Will there even be enough room to say swivel the passenger seat around.

3. Did everyone pay the destination charge when buying their van. This charge just bugs the sh*t out of me. They should just put down "Extra fee because we feel like it". If it was $250 I probably wouldn't even squawk about it. But here it's in the neighborhood of $1100. Did anyone get the dealer to drop it or at least reduce it?

4. This one is kinda minor and know it is all personal choice. I'm stuck between two color choices. I'm going to be driving this thing a long time and I don't want to get sick of looking at it. I'm torn between Blue Jeans and Sterling Gray. Just wondering what colors others were choosing and why they like them.

Wow!!!! Long post. I'm thrilled if you hung with me and lasted this long. As always thanks for the input guys.

 

[skagitstan]

Our van, (getting built hopefully within a week) is somewhat similarly optioned to yours. Main differences are we'll have the EL 350, flip windows on 2 & 4 positions, short heated mirrors, MFT/nav, and sterling silver. We will have the leather power seats...I like the similar ones on our F-150. I do think it's a bit cramped up front for swivels.

We got the sterling silver to reduce heat build-up if we are ever someplace sunny.

We decided on the EL after looking at shorter Sprinter class B's (like the Pleasureway Ascent). We just found them a bit too cramped to be able to outfit the way we wanted. The EL transit is actually a bit shorter than the 170" non-extended Sprinter.

I just looked on the Ford "build your own" site, and upfitter switches (with the HD alternator and dual batteries) are visible in the "package" tab

 

[onetwo]

I was going to go with the long power heated mirrors, til I saw them in real life.... much too dorky and just didnt look "right" in my eyes.

Opted for the short style power heated mirrors, looks much better and cleaner.

just my 2 cents...

 

[Deadwood]

Congrats on the van coming in soon. How long did you wait and did you pay that #@&* destination charge.

Even if I order today I don't think I'll be seeing it for a while. Not sure how I missed the uplifter switches this morning but good to know they are not changing things.

I getting the 250. I imagine the flip out windows would be an option but I didn't see it. I'll ask the dealer today. If anyone else already has the flip outs how do you like them. Do they seem like they will last?

On color. I definitely see the advantage to the lighter color. Wit proper insulation I wonder how much a difference it would make to the temp inside the van. I'm going darker mostly just because I like those color choices.

As to the length. I've been torn on this on for a while. I would love to have the extra space but this will end up as my daily driver as well so I'm leaning towards the regular long. At just under 20" I feel like I'm driving my old Expedition.

 

[Deadwood]

~onetwo To be honest. The van I drove the other day I can't remember which mirrors it had. I think I just had it in my mind that they were the extended ones. I'll look again today to compare the two. Which ever were on the van I drove I liked. But they could just have easily have been the regular mirrors.

 

[orton]

250 Hi Roof 147.6'' WB Long
3.5 Eco boost
3.31 limited slip differential
Blue Jeans color
Back tilt out windows and sliding door window w/ tilt out. (I believe this adds privacy glass as well). Although I'm not sure back tilt outs are an option.
Two additional keys
Four user-defined switches (I think this option adds dual batteries and 220
amp alternator)
Long arm heated mirrors with turn signals
Front map lights
Leather Seats
Cruise control
.

I bought my 148" WB 250 for the same purpose. Some other options that I bought that may be worth considering:
542 Short arm heated mirrors. (Long ones stick out too far)
58V Radio One step up from base radio gives 4" display
61C rear view camera
63C HD alternator
63E dual batteries
67D Brake controller
68D Remote start ( will use to heat van in morning)
85D LED rear cargo lights
90B Rear 12 volt power point
92E Privacy Glass
X3L 3.31 limited slip rear
17B slider and rear doors glass
21D charcoal cloth seats
43R Reverse park aid
53B trailer tow package
53K modified vehicle wiring

 

[Deadwood]

~orton I'll be looking at those mirrors today. I just assumed the one I drove had the long arms but they were probably the regular ones. I'm going with the four uplifter switches which automatically upgrades to dual batteries and HD alt. And ordering the windows automatically upgraded to the privacy glass which I'm happy with. Couple of questions for you.

1. How do you like the remote start. I was thinking of adding an aftermarket alarm and figured I would get a remote start with it. Do you see an advantage to having the factory one?

2. LED rear cargo lights. Are they in the cargo area or on the back outside the van. If they are outside I'll get them for sure. If they are inside I just figured I would put lights where I need them during my build out. Same with the 12v outlet. Is it inside or out?

3. How do you like the upgraded stereo. I have thought about it. I like the idea of the rear view camera but have not seen one in any of the dealer models. Does it work well? It's a big expense for the upgrade to the stereo as well as getting the camera. Again I was thinking maybe go aftermarket but only if I find something that works well and looks good in the console.

4. Seats.. I'm leaning towards leather. I'll be driving this every day and I really like how leather seats keep clean and last forever. If I thought I could get swivel seats I might stay with the cloth so I can change it later. Any thoughts on this?

5. I'm going to not install the tow package. Here's my thought process on that. I don't have any plans to hook up a trailer or put anything on the back of the van. I'm planning to have a nice size storage space under the raised bed to hopefully fit my Mtn bike and other gear. I'll be in and out of the back doors all the time so if I had something on the hitch it would get in my way all the time and drive me nuts. Although I can see it as a good option for the future just in case scenario. But I want to keep it simple and save money where ever I can.

 

[JP4]

As to the power seats, I have them and they are pretty nice. They are just bolted to the pedestal with all the electronics in the seat itself. I think someone here has actually mounted a passenger side swivel with a power seat by disconnecting the wires and running them up the center hole in the swivel. I can't see where it would be a problem on the passenger side. Drivers side has all the battery stuff, so that might be a little more difficult.
I have the short power mirrors and can't imagine wanting them longer unless I was towing a lot. In fact, with the short mirrors, I can just barely see the whole mirror without the "wing window" frame interrupting the view on the drivers side. That frame piece would be running right through the longer mirror with my seating position.
Love my Sterling Gray. The best feature of that color is that all the black plastic cladding blends in and is less noticeable than some colors. All the colors seem to have a beautiful metallic appearance.
JP

 

[orton]

~orton I'll be looking at those mirrors today. I just assumed the one I drove had the long arms but they were probably the regular ones. I'm going with the four uplifter switches which automatically upgrades to dual batteries and HD alt. And ordering the windows automatically upgraded to the privacy glass which I'm happy with. Couple of questions for you.

1. How do you like the remote start. I was thinking of adding an aftermarket alarm and figured I would get a remote start with it. Do you see an advantage to having the factory one?

2. LED rear cargo lights. Are they in the cargo area or on the back outside the van. If they are outside I'll get them for sure. If they are inside I just figured I would put lights where I need them during my build out. Same with the 12v outlet. Is it inside or out?

3. How do you like the upgraded stereo. I have thought about it. I like the idea of the rear view camera but have not seen one in any of the dealer models. Does it work well? It's a big expense for the upgrade to the stereo as well as getting the camera. Again I was thinking maybe go aftermarket but only if I find something that works well and looks good in the console.

4. Seats.. I'm leaning towards leather. I'll be driving this every day and I really like how leather seats keep clean and last forever. If I thought I could get swivel seats I might stay with the cloth so I can change it later. Any thoughts on this?

5. I'm going to not install the tow package. Here's my thought process on that. I don't have any plans to hook up a trailer or put anything on the back of the van. I'm planning to have a nice size storage space under the raised bed to hopefully fit my Mtn bike and other gear. I'll be in and out of the back doors all the time so if I had something on the hitch it would get in my way all the time and drive me nuts. Although I can see it as a good option for the future just in case scenario. But I want to keep it simple and save money where ever I can.

There are 3 mirror choices. Standard, long heated and short heated.

Remote start: I use a 12 volt heating pad under sleeping bag. I let inside of van get cold at night and I stay warm with heating pad. My purpose for the remote start is to start van in morning to take off chill before I get out of bed. You set the heat controls the night before for what you want in the morning.

Cargo lights are inside. LED option is $70.00 for lower electrical usage and they are very bright. I will reposition the 4 lights and power them from the house battery. Nice lights.

12 volt outlet is inside of right rear door frame. $12.00

Radio is fine for my use. I do not need a fancy radio. This one sounds good and is easy to understand. I primarily bought it to get the second screen. The second screen is also used for backup camera. Having backed into 3 things i did not see in the Sprinter and having repair costs higher than the camera and park sensor option costs, I figured better to pay now than later. Both camera and sensors work very well. 4" screen is too small.

I prefer cloth seats over leather of vinyl particularly in the summer.

If you ever might want a hitch for a bike rack or cargo box, buy it with the vehicle. Difficult to integrate later and you may? get a heavier duty transmission. I do not know what oprion gives you the tow/haul button (probably hitch) but I really like how it functions. Use it regularly going down hill (without trailer) because it automatically down shifts to maintain speed. I would not save money on the hitch.

I do like the Sterling Grey. Does not show the dirt.

 

[VinceP]

I went with the short heated mirrors on mine. Always a little worried about knocking down pedestrians with the long mirrors on my pickup

 

[Deadwood]

OK. Now I'm convinced the van I drove the other day had to have regular mirrors. I thought they were a pretty good size. Thats probably what threw me off. I'll order regular for sure. Good to hear you think I can do a swivel on the passenger seat with power. Not worried about doing the drivers. But having the passenger seat swivel around would give a nice seat to relax in when the van is parked and be part of the back cabin then.

Still torn on the color. I started out convinced I was going starling gray and then leaving the lot I walked by a F250 truck painted in Blue Jeans and it really caught my eye. I'll spend some time looking at trucks painted these colors to make sure. Looking at a little color swatch on a brochure just doesn't do it for me. I wish they had a van in any color then white. But I see why they order them like that.

 

[Deadwood]

Taking off soon to look at vans.. again. I really don't get tired of this. I think the research and planning is half the fun. OK. I'm going with the short heated mirrors for sure. The 12v in the back and the cargo LED lights I'm on the fence about because I don't have a pre-planed use for them and I think I'll install lights and outlets where I think I'll need them once the build starts. The little 4" screen on the radio to use as the backup camera I'm not so sure of. I'm really hoping I can do better with an after market set up. That goes for the remote start. Has anyone done an aftermarket alarm. I leave my car at the airport 4 to 5 days a week so an alarm is going in. I figured I could get a remote start integrated with the alarm.
I'll ask about the tow hitch and and the tow/haul button. I wonder if that is the one that comes with the brake controller. I see your point on putting in the hitch now because if I do ever change my mind it will be pay a little now or a lot later. Thanks for the input.

 

[Deadwood]

~orton I've seen your post before about the heating pad during the night. Brilliant idea. Why heat the whole van when you only need to keep yourself warm. Especially if your battery bank can handle the heating pad and recharge off of solar the next day. Something I'll definitely do. I'll have a remote start for sure but just planned on getting an after market with a better alarm system. Unless any one here is raving about the Ford factory alarms.

 

[orton]

~orton I've seen your post before about the heating pad during the night. Brilliant idea. Why heat the whole van when you only need to keep yourself warm. Especially if your battery bank can handle the heating pad and recharge off of solar the next day. Something I'll definitely do. I'll have a remote start for sure but just planned on getting an after market with a better alarm system. Unless any one here is raving about the Ford factory alarms.

The Ford remote start can be added later. It is not integrated into the key fob. It is a separate button you have to carry around.

My next iteration in the Transit will have two curtains on each side of the bed to see if I can retain some of the heat just in bed area. Side to side and from bed platform up to the ceiling. Front curtain will be split in the middle to allow access. Both curtains will have Thinsulate curtain insulation. Be interesting to see if that is a benefit. Does make sense to me to heat the smallest volume possible.

 

[Deadwood]

As I'm making my list of options to go over with at the dealer to get a new quote something sticks out at me. As I price some options separately and some with packages here is what I see.

I'm already getting leather power seats $1,230 and cruise control $325 for a total of $1,555
If I get the Premium Package for $1,730 It's only $175 difference. So for $175 this is what I would get.

Exterior Package
• Chrome Headlamp Trim
• Chrome Grille and Grille Surround
• 16" Steel Wheel (Black E-coat) on Single Rear-Wheel Models
• 16" Steel Wheel on Dual Rear-Wheel Model
• Full Wheel Covers (Single Rear-Wheel Only)

Interior Package:

• Complete rear trim including LH/RH full-height polypropylene panels
• AM/FM stereo, audio input jack, 4" multi-function display, Message Center (level 1 instrument cluster), SYNC®, leather-wrapped steering wheel with controls for audio and multi-function display.
• Cruise Control (which I already figured into the price so this isn't extra)
• Complete Floor Covering-Rubber Easy Clean
• Vinyl Sun Visor with Illuminated Vanity Mirror (Driver and Passenger)
• I/P console mats

Does this seem like it's worth $175? I think this is a stereo upgrade but not sure. I like the leather wrapped steering wheel as well as the controls on the wheel. The panels in the back might just be a pain to remove and get rid of or they might come in use, hard to say at this point. I'm not even sure if this is a wheel upgrade or not. Still seems like a bargain for $175. What do you guys think?

 

[PeterR]

To answer your last question, I think you are nickle and diming yourself to death.

You get what you pay for.

What do you WANT to have in a vehicle you plan to keep for 10 plus years?

$175 = $17.50 per year over 10 years.

Is this current expenditure of time and energy, fretting over details, cost-effective?

Go For It!

 

[JP4]

Yeah, the Premium option is a no brainer if you want the electric seats. The biggest benefit is you get the upgraded radio, which though quirky, actually sounds pretty good. And it gets you all the steering wheel controls and SYNC.
I actually really like the interior protection panels that come with that too. Even if you're going to do an extensive conversion eventually, for now you could just throw some insulation behind them and have a finished looking space. Then, at a later date, use the panels either as templates, or cover them in fabric.
JP

 

[orton]

Exterior:

If you pick the Sterling Grey IMO it looks better with the black grill and the black headlight surrounds.
You can get the black wheels with full wheel covers (64H) for $35.00 retail. I wanted the black wheels because spare is black and I want to rotate all 5 tires.

Interior:

You will probably remove the panels for your conversion
Radio is personal choice. I wanted to avoid Sync.
Do not know what complete rubber floor covering is. They come with a complete vinyl floor covering.

 

[Deadwood]

To answer your last question, I think you are nickle and diming yourself to death.

You get what you pay for.

What do you WANT to have in a vehicle you plan to keep for 10 plus years?

$175 = $17.50 per year over 10 years.

Is this current expenditure of time and energy, fretting over details, cost-effective?

Go For It!

Not nickel and diming myself to death. More like researching myself to death. But to be honest I like that part. That's why I read these forums. Tons of good info. I like the research and I like all the planning involved in what I'll do in the build.

~JP4 good idea on the panels. I'm not planning to start the build for a while. I want to camp and mtn bike with it for a while to see what I want so those panels might be mighty nice for a while. Didn't even think of it

 

[JP4]

Yeah, I'm actually going to leave the panels in on my conversion, which is just basically rustic for mountain biking and surfing. The only panels I need to add are for the ceiling and I'm done with paneling.