[kingkabong]

I really thought this one would work out for me. It didn't have all the features I would order, but it was on the lot, etc. etc.

So took it for a ride today. EcoBoost is very nice. The van is fast! The problem is this van had no rear windows and no side window. I'm going to be hauling a dirt bike and doing some basic camping, so I was thinking it would be perfect. But it is really kinda hard to drive. Yes, there was a backup cam, but it's tiny, 4" screen. No backup sensor. I probably could have gotten along with it, but my wife didn't get along with it at all. It'll be my daily driver, so had to make sure I'm not bouncing off cars in the lot at work, lol. And she'll be borrowing it, so has to be comfortable for her to park.

Also found out about a feature I hadn't heard of before and that is the side window is available as a hinged window. That would be great for my purpose. Will be putting an order together and just get exactly what I want versus grabbing one now. Ecoboost is a must have, imo. Very fun to drive.

 

[Sprinter_Owner]

The windows are nice, but they are too high up in the air any ways. In my 30 years of van ownership I have never had windows in the back.

 

[bbird]

I would never have windows in a cargo van, for security reasons alone

 

[ted]

I would never have windows in a cargo van, for security reasons alone

x2

I thought about it at one point and for the most part, i don't see a real need for it. I think the same goes for a lot of people.

 

[Brad]

I'm ordering a Transit van with windows all around. Different strokes for different folks...

 

[VanMan]

The back windows for me only, I will have Temp. removable covers for the windows on the inside.
I camp in them also, haul motorcycles as well, but will also have a hitch to pull a dirt bike trailer if needed.

Brad: cargo w/windows? (I have seen one)

 

[Todd]

For a work van I don't want any windows. I don't like people being able to smash and grab my tools.
For pleasure I want windows all the way around. Todd

 

[kingkabong]

It's really a tough call. I think the fact that I can open the side window is what made up my mind, that'll be really nice to have when sleeping in the thing and for venting dirt bike fumes.

 

[Brad]

>>> Brad: cargo w/windows? (I have seen one)

VanMan: I'm tarting with a cargo van. But turning it into kind of an mobile office get-away, not a full RV in the traditional sense, but can set up to quickly convert for sleeping when needed. Goal is to keep the feeling inside as spacious as possible.

Will use for photography, photo processing and printing, interviewing people, writing, etc - maybe a mobile photo gallery. Am thinking of a drivers side slider as well, but haven't decided on that yet.

I've seen pictures of full window vans both in normal tint and privacy glass. Going with privacy glass because I don't want (as someone else here expressed) the Pope-mobile like visibility.

 

[breeze]

It's really a tough call. I think the fact that I can open the side window is what made up my mind, that'll be really nice to have when sleeping in the thing and for venting dirt bike fumes.

I don't have a dirt bike (Kawasaki Versys 650), so it does not leak or smell. But I am STILL going to isolate it from the cargo air partitioned at the read doors with rubber seals. That way, I can utilize the sides more effectively for the cargo bay, and hopefully keep from buying, driving, and parking an el cab.

Air will be flowing inside the cargo area as well from pictorial documented tricks by guru's here.

You only have one delicate set of lungs and one brain: don't **** them up! >
** Bongs excluded **



.

 

[klp]

If you have the fan running on any level then air is moving through the van out the rear vents. Anytime you are driving there is fresh air throughout. I have driven with bikes all summer no problem. Parked is another story, venting is needed for sure.

 

[DrJean]

Mine will be (once I receive it) with windows all around. I had to go with the Van as the Wagon doesn't come in HR... and a few other options only available on the cargo Van. It will be registered as a commercial vehicle for personal use. I have to be able to SEE traffic around me, you know, the idiots out there who text and eat and talk and drive?

 

[justcallben]

you know, the idiots out there who text and eat and talk and drive?

Hey! I resemble that remark

 

[WOW]

If you are camping in it: windows = the hotter/colder
If you are working in it: windows = security threat

Basically, windows are really good as a passenger mover, but well places aftermarket windows are much better than the stock for camping. That side opening window - check it out in person. The part that opens is tiny. You could get a much better aftermarket side window.

As for the back up camera, that works much better than rear windows. Invest in a larger in dash LCD screen for the camera via an aftermarket radio. Back up and Front sensors can also be installed aftermarket.


Curious about the ecoboost. What is the real advantage of it?

 

[orton]

Curious about the ecoboost. What is the real advantage of it?

More smiles/mile.

 

[Sprinter_Owner]

If you are camping in it: windows = the hotter/colder
If you are working in it: windows = security threat

Basically, windows are really good as a passenger mover, but well places aftermarket windows are much better than the stock for camping. That side opening window - check it out in person. The part that opens is tiny. You could get a much better aftermarket side window.

As for the back up camera, that works much better than rear windows. Invest in a larger in dash LCD screen for the camera via an aftermarket radio. Back up and Front sensors can also be installed aftermarket.


Curious about the ecoboost. What is the real advantage of it?

Easily passing the slow driving idiot that speeds up when you go to pass him, and the fact that you can do it.

 

[Travlin]

Curious about the ecoboost. What is the real advantage of it?

Occasionally putting the obnoxious dually-diesel hot rodder in their place is a welcome side-effect. They never expect a plain unassuming van to out-accelerate their Cowboy Cadillac with the high dollar and often noisy engine upgrades. ha ha

But yeah, having the power there to easily merge into traffic and get out of situations that only reserve power can provide, all without reducing the ability of making the same MPG as the normally aspirated 3.7 is something I appreciate nearly every time I drive the Ecobeast.

 

[Samantha]

In terms of camera equipment (or expensive tools) has anybody found a way to do an underfloor "safe"?

 

[David]

In terms of camera equipment (or expensive tools) has anybody found a way to do an underfloor "safe"?

Check out VanCompass.com underfloor storage unit.

 

[Lovemysan]

If you are camping in it: windows = the hotter/colder
If you are working in it: windows = security threat

Basically, windows are really good as a passenger mover, but well places aftermarket windows are much better than the stock for camping. That side opening window - check it out in person. The part that opens is tiny. You could get a much better aftermarket side window.

As for the back up camera, that works much better than rear windows. Invest in a larger in dash LCD screen for the camera via an aftermarket radio. Back up and Front sensors can also be installed aftermarket.


Curious about the ecoboost. What is the real advantage of it?

Came here to say the same thing. You won't be using the windows much for reversing. Just the mirrors, camera, and the parking sensors. The parking sensors are very nice because they use a three tier audible alarm. First beep at 5', beeping at 3' and solid beep at 1".