[BraaapBiker]

Hi everyone,

I've got a thing for cargo vans. I am into dual sport motorcycling and I attend events that are a good ways-away. I had a truck, but it just wasn't comfortable to sleep in the bed at these events with a shell on top. I recently traded my truck in for an outback and bought a trailer to haul the bike. I figured I could sleep in the wagon (I absolutely HATE HATE HATE tent camping) at the events I drive to attend. (have yet to take the outback to an event)

Recently, out of the blue, I have fallen in love with the idea of getting a cargo van. I've done some research on it across the web and I think I'm settled on the transit, but I have a few questions and a bit of hesitation. Getting this cargo van, it would be my daily driver, and I commute appx 70 miles round trip to work and back, so it's going to rack up miles FAST!

So, am I crazy? I envision myself have a couch back there and maybe a TV. I think, man I could take a nap on my lunch break if I wanted to, or hang out in my own "room" at the office on my lunch break. Is that nuts?

If I end up doing this, I think I'm going to end up with a white van (black looks nice, but I need something that stays cool), sliding door, low roof, shortest wheel base available.

Questions:
Will I regret getting the low roof? I don't want to stand out too much, it's bad enough I'm driving a windowless van! I am 6ft tall, and I'd like to do more traveling with it than I do now, but it will be my daily driver. Gas mileage is somewhat important to me.

Which engine would I want to go with? Everyone knows diesel lasts longer, but whats this I hear about an extra fluid (DEF) I'd need to pour into my vehicle? I'm not hauling super heavy loads, just a motorcycle, a bed, and possibly towing a trailer with a 2nd bike. 70 Miles a day will add mileage up fast.

Am I crazy for getting this as a daily driver?

What sort of options are MUST HAVES if I order new? What are some options that I would avoid buying one with out? I'm pretty set that I'd have to have a limited slip axle, since I'll be parking in fields with chances of rain - then having to leave the next day after sinking in. Also, I'm in the north east with occasional crazy snow. (my outback does have AWD )

How hard is it to get a removable seat or two installed in the back? 9/10 times I'll need a seat back there that is road worthy. I have a 5 year old that who's safety I care about.

Am I crazy? Stupid? Everyone tells me this is a terrible idea, but I picture a cargo van being a lot of fun. I know this is a cargo van forum, but what are unbiased opinions on my potential decision?

 

[Byron the Painter]

Everyone tells me this is a terrible idea,

Man, you got a lot of questions going there.

I'll address many of them after I have my van. But for now, why is it a terrible idea? What would your friends recommend otherwise?

If the Transit was unavailable to you, what would you be getting? A pickup truck with a topper and a trailer for your stuff? Before you start building your dream van, you've got to get by this "crazy" stuff. Know what I mean? Let's take a look at your options...or at least the most likely.

The van I'm buying is for work, but my personal pickup truck does everything I need, including lots of tent camping.

Personally, I may sell my truck and go 4X with one of these things...fits perfect for the travel/outdoor lifestyle...room to spare is always a good thing.

 

[ilovehotshot]

Call me crazy. I have a seven mile commute and it is my daily driver. Medium roof, gas, wagon. Seats are easy to remove with 2 people. The 3 seater is really heavy for a 50 yr. old lady and a 16 yr. old (He did not think it was bad, but I did). Look at it this way: You can always sell it. Ask yourself, will I regret getting it or will I regret not getting it. You only live once. Super fun to drive. Go big or go home.

 

[RandomJoe]

Nope, don't think it's crazy. (Though I don't have to worry about a commute - I get to drive a work van home. It will be my "daily driver" otherwise, though.)

My reason for the Transit is so I can put a kayak (or two?) plus all gear inside. Maybe also my bicycle. Go to nice lakes, camp out of the van. I'm not big on tent camping anymore either, don't sleep well at all without a nice solid "room" around me. I don't need the full RV treatment, just the basics.

in your specific case, have you searched and found some biker builds? I ran across several that were really nice. They went high-roof (maybe mid would work?) and some have a proper garage in the back end so they can work on their bikes out of the weather.

A couple I particularly enjoyed:

This one is a 4-year-long thread as the guy builds and rebuilds the interior as he changes his mind...
http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/building-an-adventure-van.715683/

Forgot this one is someone on this forum! He also has a website that's mentioned in the thread.
http://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/...my-adventure-camper-toyhauler-conversion.html

 

[smacdiesel]

Your'e not crazy at all, except at 6ft tall I would go with at least the mid roof. I almost went with the diesel, but went with the EB 3.5 after test driving both versions. Ford makes it tough to make decisions because of the many configurations and options, really need to spend time doing research and looking at dealer models.

 

[MoFoCo]

I bought mine as a daily driver, but after I racked up 7,000 miles in 4 mos. I realized how fast it would be depreciating and how much fuel I was using. Fortunately I just landed a job with a company car, so the van is only for weekends now.

Otherwise, I think it's a great daily driver. Keep all your toys in there, all the time! Say you're near the trails and you have a couple hours to kill, you got your bike and gear ready to go, not to mention an Engel fridge full of silver bullets.

Tight parking lots and narrow streets require some care esp. with the extended mirrors, but otherwise it's a blast to drive on the open road. I think you would be crazy to get the low roof, otherwise you might as well get a used Econoline for half the money, and spend the other half on a fuel sipper for your commute.

Oh, and as far as engine options, here's the way I see it:

3.7: All the power you need for most purposes. Simpler, likely cheapest to maintain in the long run. I'm very happy with this motor, it's got a lot of grunt for something that gets 19+ MPG.
3.5 EB: MOAR POWER!! Similar fuel economy to 3.7. If you are moving a lot of heavy loads or towing, or if you just like to haul a$$, probably a good move.
3.2 Powerstroke: Less HP and torque than 3.5 EB. Marginally better fuel economy(??). Towing or heavy loads. Most expensive to maintain/repair. This is a brand new motor, and Ford doesn't have the best history with their diesels (hopefully we can leave the blame with International, who got dumped by Ford). It might be a 500,000 mile motor and it might be a 100,000 mile motor...we don't know yet. Buy it if you're a diesel guy, the guys with gas motors will still be jealous.

 

[Budsky]

The 3.2L diesel is not a new motor- it has been used in other countries for about 9 years. It is new to the US, but not to the rest of the world.

Empty MPG is a little better with the diesel, loaded MPG with the diesel is a LOT better, IMHO. I see 16-17 MPG freeway speeds towing a 3500lb travel trailer with near 1000 lbs of motorcycles and stuff in the van.

I was not going to be towing a lot or hauling a lot of weight I'd go 3.5, but for running heavy- diesel for sure.

 

[hammerdown]

My van is a daily driver. It's great. My commute is here there and everywhere. I actually parked my wifes car in the garage about 2 weeks ago, and just drive her to work in the morning and pick her up in the afternoon. The nice thing about a Transit for a daily is the visibility. It's great in traffic, for spotting back ups and the lanes that are moving quickly, and in the winter weather you are up above all the nasty stuff, so it's safer too.

Mines a diesel, and I work it pretty hard. In the summer months I was averaging 18 mpg, but since the winter has hit, and I've put the winter tires on it's dropped to about 16.5. I also remote start it each morning for about 10 minutes, so that's probably hurting the fuel consumption as well.

I think with a 70 mile commute each day, a diesel with 3.31 gears would give you the best mileage. But is it worth the investment? Which ever engine you choose, go with the 3.31 gears and limited slip. I assume your commute is mostly highway cruising?

You'll find the van is more agile and car like to drive than a pick up could ever be. Easier to park too.

 

[EddieZ]

Daily driver here, with LWB and MR. I'm retired, but, my light conversion is to give me flexibility for general use, as well as kayak hauling and camping. If I'm out for a long day with my dog, I'll have water, food, emergency toilet, changes of clothes, umbrella, skates, BED, etc. It seems like I read the low roof actually is not projected to get better mileage than the medium roof, which seems odd... been so long, I can't recall, for sure.

 

[coke]

I daily drive mine and use it for hauling mountain bikes. I have the cargo with low roof and 3.7 V6. Speed limit for my daily commute is between 65 and 75. Average around 17mpg but have had up to around 19.5 on longer trips. I do not drive easy though and I'm sure I could improve those numbers if I tried.

Will I regret getting the low roof? I do not regret getting the low roof. I change clothes in mine before my bike rides, and it's not an issue. I keep an ice chest in it which doubles as bench seat. The low roof also fits in my garage, parking garages, drive throughs, and car washes. I've had to drive in several storms this year and liked having less surface area exposed to high cross winds. For a daily driver, I think the low roof makes a lot of sense. If it was a weekend only vehicle for me, I might get a mid or even high roof.

Which engine would I want to go with? The base V6 has plenty of power for passing and normal driving. I haven't towed anything yet, but it should be fine with a trailer and bike. My previous vehicle was a Honda ridgeline. It had around 25 less horsepower and was also lighter, but I could cruise at 75mph with a 6x12 enclosed trailer loaded with a side by side.

Am I crazy for getting this as a daily driver?
It's very comfortable and the visibility is great except for right hand turns in parking lots. It's not too noisy as is, but additional sound damping can improve it as a daily driver.

What sort of options are MUST HAVES if I order new?
Cruise control, back up camera, and tow package.

 

[BraaapBiker]

All,
I'm very appreciative of your answers and I look forward to reading more.

Coke, thanks! It looks like you made an account just to answer my question (1 post) and I found your response very valuable.

Is there anything to be said about getting a seat or two? or bench seat in the back that would be safe for passengers? (aka my child)

 

[Lionmonster]

I'm thinking the same exact thing. I got a 4wd crew cab pu with a topper and while it works great from most things, I'd like the extra room and flexibility for hauling passengers, mt bikes, motorbikes for track days, etc.

My only concern is no 4wd. I'd be using the Transit as my tow vehicle for my little jobs, but I park my trailer at the bottom of my hill and if the grass is wet, the pickup wont make it unless its in 4wd.

I'm leaning towards the LR model, mostly cause I like the look better.

 

[brittles]

I mostly got the low roof because I hate sliding doors.

 

[MoFoCo]

Unfortunately Ford doesn't offer a crew seat, that is, just a second row. If you need it, your best bet is to buy the wagon and remove the rows you don't need. The drawback is that the floor is higher in the wagon due to seat mounts and ducting, so that cuts down on your headroom. Not sure what it does to the sticker price.

I added a second row seat from a Sprinter, it was a lot of work to do and it doesn't have the rear passenger airbags.

 

[yelnam]

Re 4WD, there are ford-approved 4WD conversions available through QuadVan and Quigley.

 

[mtbmitch]

I have had only vans since 1990. The only way to go IMO. Set up for light camping(small water tank, pump, a small sink, super insulated, seat conversion to bed etc) and you have the ultimate flexibility. When I used to work outside the home, I often would take a nap in the van. A power nap does wonders for productivity. The 3.7 btw has plenty of power to haul 2 dual sport bikes, the family and large dogs.The Transit is a great van that you will enjoy.

 

[Montanatransit]

Get the eco boost you won't be disappointed. This thing gets better milage then my turbo subaru.

 

[joefromga]

If you don't get the ecoboost you might as well get a yugo.

 

[Old car guy]

If you think you are crazy then I am already gone. 2015 cargo 3.7 mid roof I am 6ft 2 tall and it's my only truck.. I use it everyday for every thing and it's great. It will haul the mail and is nimble enough to commute in interstate and local driving condition. If you are as happy with yours as I am you will be one happy camper. The mid roof is the way to go as far as I am concerned , for the few bucks more it will afford you a lot of extra room . An you will not have slide a load in using your arms and back you can basically just roll. It in on a hand cart. Le us know what you decide to get.

 

[BraaapBiker]

I drove my local dealer's parts van, it was a3.7 mid roof... while the ride felt fine (and the turn radius seemed awesome), that engine just felt like garbage. When I put my foot to the floor, I just felt like it was going to blow up or something. The shifting was rough and unnatural feeling.

I'd like to give the 3.5 a chance. I wanted to fall in love with it, but that drive put a bad taste in my mouth. I think after look at the sheer size of the mid roof, it just feels like it'll be too much van to be driving around every day.