[smacdiesel]

Greetings everyone!
Been lurking around this site for a couple of weeks now as I contemplate my upcoming order for a new Transit. I already decided on the 3.5 eb, I've been driving a f250 with 6.0 power stroke for the last 10 years and I really want to move away from the diesel, so that was an easy choice. What has me perplexed is what length to go with, would love to have all room inside that comes with Extended length version but I'm not sure if it would be a hassle parking and it and such. I plan on using it as both a work (Finish Carpenter) van and camper hybrid. Anybody hear regret going with an Extended Version? Thanks!!

 

[ilovehotshot]

I have only had my long wheel base regular length Transit a few days but this is my observation. I use it as a daily driver. Parking lots with angled spots are no problem. Perpendicular spots are difficult for me at this point. It is definitely harder to park than my Toyota 4 runner. The long wheel base lags behind and you have to make wider turns to keep the back from hitting. Granted I have only had it a few days, I have avoided parking perpendicular between 2 cars if there is not a wide lane to make my approach. It only slightly sticks out in the back passed other trucks.

 

[Haulin' Gas Adventures]

No regrets at all going with he long version. The camera makes it a breeze to sneak in tight spots and you can never have enough room.

 

[TXAggie]

I have the extended length high roof wagon with navigation system (so 6" screen for backup camera), this REALLY helps when backing up. In shopping mall lots, it fits easily between the lines with a car on either side. Because of the overall length, I usually park in 2 spots and pull forward so the back end is in half a spot and the front is on the aisle, ready to pull out. If there are only spots one car deep, I try to park along the curb and back in, so the rear of the van is over the curb/grass. I don't normally parallel park, but if the space is long enough it shouldn't be an issue if you are comfortable performing the maneuver.

What really makes maneuvering in parking lots easy is the back-up camera system with park assist. as you turn the wheel a set of white lines curves in the display to show the track the rear wheels will make. The red, yellow, green lines mark distance and there is also a visual and beeping alert when getting close to something irregular from the surrounding area (ditch, tree stump, curb, post, etc.).

The overall width of the van (even with dual rear wheels) is like any other vehicle, unlike a dual rear wheel F350 pickup where the rear is wider than the front.

Overall, I have found maneuvering the Transit far easier than my crew cab long bed F350, even though the Transit is about 2 feet longer.

Hope this helps.

 

[Zymurgy]

I always back into mine into a spot, so that I can let the rear hang over. If you have never drove a long van, there is no difference there. It may take some time to get used to, but well worth the extra room inside. Really see no downside.

 

[TransitManDan]

just make sure to get navigation with the bigger screen, makes it easier to back any length up. We went with the short version over the others but we have a trailer. What length is your F250?

 

[smacdiesel]

I have a F-250 crew cab short bed, its about 19ft long, the worst part about driving it is the horrible turning radius. Thanks for the replies!

 

[joefromga]

When you drive a Transit you do whatever the **** you feel like.

 

[SuprMover]

Because it is so commercial-looking I can often park in loading zones without anyone questioning my motives. I always get the best spot.

 

[joefromga]

Years ago I drove an ASTRO cargo van. Used to get into my lady's college dorm gate which was guarded by just acting as if I were "maintenance" . It was awesome.

 

[TransitManDan]

When you drive a Transit you do whatever the **** you feel like.

LMAO that is great, some people

 

[brittles]

That parallel parking attempt is pathetic.

I heard that some states have omitted parallel parking from their driving tests as it's the number one reason for failing the test. I don't get it, as it's not that hard to do with some practice.

It does make for great entertainment watching someone that doesn't know how to do it though.

 

[Moot]

When you drive a Transit you do whatever the **** you feel like.

I thought that only worked for Sprinters with the MB badge.

 

[smacdiesel]

Going to finalize my order tomorrow morning and I still can't decide which length to go with, I'm going to put a row of seats behind the driver area and I'm thinking this is going to take up a lot of cargo space, I think the overall look of the transit is deceptive with the high roof and small tires. I'll probably go with the extended length. Ford has really created a difficult process with so many configurations.

 

[JP4]

They both have the same wheelbase, so it comes down to parking availability. I live in a rural area so parking is never a problem. At the grocery store I just park in the back 40 and take two spaces. The extended is super easy to park and has a pretty small turning circle. I'd think as a work vehicle you might want the long one for ladders or building supplies.
The biggest concern for me parking is the height of the roof. You really have to be careful not to back in to low roof eaves and tree branches as it's hard to see up high with the camera or the mirrors.
JP

 

[Budsky]

Absolutely no regrets getting the high roof extended length version. Only complaint is I wish it was 6" wider too.

 

[rascorp]

Bigger is Better

I have had my Long, high Transit for several months now. Love it! Love it! Love it! I drive it full-time..Sold a long Sprinter. Go with a long, you will not regret it. The Ecoboost power, and ease of driving, with gas, no longer diesel!

 

[Harpo]

Requirements prescribe attributes

Would have liked to have the high roof, extended length and the ecoboost (had one previously in a PU and really liked the engine) but the maximum tow package and the need to park at multiple type of health care facilities dictated medium roof, medium length, and the Diesel engine.