[vanshopper]

I feel like I was really negative on the quirks thread so how about little things about your transit that you think are great.

For me it's:

- the overhead storage area, we had under floor storage in our minivan and it was a pain to use

- the single seat, it drives me nuts that there isn't a car seat anchor but it's perfect for separating older kids who are either out of boosters or can use just a booster

- all the cup holders especially the big one that holds my huge water bottle

- the USB ports so I can charge my phone without the plug part, power inverter, or buying a 12v charger

- the dash phone holder, it fits an iPhone 6 perfectly and let's me see a short text without having to pick the phone up or take my eyes off the road more than I would using the radio

- the vinyl floors, I can't describe how fantastic it is to not have to steam clean carpet

- the usable space under the seats, on trips the kids can each bring a small bag of toys and books that fits under their seat

 

[orton]

I can add a few more:

1. the hill holder that gives you time to move from brake to throttle.
2. The bumps on back of steering wheel.
3. The no cap fuel tank.
4. The easy opening/closing sliding door.
5. The cargo area flat surfaces.
6. Lots pre punched holes in interior that fit 1/4-20NC prebulbed inserts without drilling new holes.
7. The little pockets in the doors that are hidden with door closed.
8. The armrest in the door.
9. The 12 volt terminal at bottom rear of driver's seat.
10. The ability to choose if electric air heater is on/off.
11. The 3 blink lane change lights.
12. The tow/haul mode.

 

[Knot Yett]

2 items for me

I don't have my van yet but my build date is scheduled for the 21st of Sept., oh happy day.

Do like that I could still order a van with 60/40 cargo side doors.....do like that I could order a van without 10 little rinky-dink lights on the roof.

 

[jonsobi]

Orton, you may have just made my day, can you give more info or pics of these? " 6. Lots pre punched holes in interior that 1/4-20NC prebulbed inserts without drilling new holes."

 

[orton]

Orton, you may have just made my day, can you give more info or pics of these? " 6. Lots pre punched holes in interior that 1/4-20NC prebulbed inserts without drilling new holes."

I use Penn Engineering Plus+Tite prebulbed 1/4-20NC inserts. Part #AES25P280RBZYR . Prebulbs are more robust than normal inserts because they have 4 little feet that spread out behind the hole about 1/4" so hole diameter is not so critical. Bought them from D.B. Roberts.

Use a McMaster-Carr $30 installation tool. Part # 96349A555. You must also state the thread size 1/4-20. Tool designed for regular inserts so bolt in kit is too short for the longer pre-bulbs. Replace bolt with longer bolt.

Pre bulbs are probably more expensive but worth the extra cost. One disadvantage is they are longer so at some locations may be too long. Have not experienced that yet.

 

[V37]

Am I correct in assuming that there are two existing floor vents on the left and right side near the rear doors?

I too am amazed at the number of pre-existing holes,...helpful for a more professional looking conversion.

Although, how would one go about hanging a curtain behind the front seats, and a secondary set along the windshield.

 

[V37]

I can add a few more:

12. The tow/haul mode.

What is Tow/haul mode?

Because of a snafu at Kansas City, I wasn't able to get the tow package,...and will have to get it aftermarket.

 

[alarmist]

It's a switch on the transmission console. You press it and gears are held longer, downshifts happen, and angels sing. Or so I've been told. Never touched mine after the first couple of days of "ooo... what's that do?" behavior.

 

[orton]

What is Tow/haul mode?

Because of a snafu at Kansas City, I wasn't able to get the tow package,...and will have to get it aftermarket.

It is a button that is located above the shift lever. It changes the shift characteristics when you are towing to improve the shifting when towing. It also can be used without a trailer. I use it when going down a hill. It automatically downshifts to a lower gear trying to maintain the speed you were at at the top of the hill. Slick.

 

[Connect15]

Plain and simple.....EcoBoost power.

 

[jonsobi]

thanks Orton, I am keen to see how these work. Might have to visit an upfitter at some point to get some ideas as I hav no experience in automotive builds.

 

[orton]

thanks Orton, I am keen to see how these work. Might have to visit an upfitter at some point to get some ideas as I hav no experience in automotive builds.

DIY conversions are simple if you have the money and unlimited time available.

I do admit that after years of running a business and not have time to work with my hands it is kind of neat to clean off all the rust on the tools and my ability to use them.

 

[jonsobi]

I just did a 3d layout on a really simple online kitchen planner called Eurostyle from HD. I am getting good vibes about how it is all fitting together visually in the compact 130" whb. The devil, as we know however, will be in the details! Re-usable fasteners will be key in my build because I am going modular and removable as much as possible. getting lots of brilliant ides in the forum. It takes a village to raise a kid, but theres nothing like a forum for raising a van!!

 

[audiopyle]

7. The little pockets in the doors that are hidden with door closed.

I've been trying to figure out what purpose those serve.

 

[orton]

I've been trying to figure out what purpose those serve.

Don't tell anyone but I keep a spare key and my remote start button in the driver door pocket. If I need to roll the windows up and do not have my keys, I can use the one in the pocket. Did need to add a short piece of rubber hose over the metal part so I can get hold of the key to get it out.

 

[EddieZ]

Big sun visors

I keep sun visors constantly deployed. The big sun visors in my medium roof cargo are the best, yet. They are big enough to be effective even when the sun is very low on the horizon.

EDIT -- Yes, the panoramic view, noted by dustboy, below, is fantastic. Sheesh, I was riding with a friend in his neo-classic Jeep recently, with small flat windshield. It was kind of claustrophobic and limiting. I think my van must have 3x the windshield glass area.

 

[dustboy]

I like that you don't have to hold the key in the "start" position, just a quick flip and the starter cranks until it turns over.

Oh yeah, the secret door pockets are awesome, thieves will break a window but they tend to not like opening doors because the alarm will go off.

The gear range reduction mode on the transmission--push the "-" button on the shift lever while in "D", and it will limit the transmission to whatever range of lower gears you choose. Sweet for engine braking and keeping the transmission from hunting too much.

The yellow door swing switch and the magnets that hold the doors. So handy.

I think the 3.7L is really remarkable. Plenty of smooth power, I loaded up about 800 lbs of tools and couldn't tell the difference. I remember the big V8s of years past. You push the gas, the fuel gauge plummets, and it makes more noise but you don't go any faster.

The panoramic view from the drivers seat. And great lumbar support.

The capless fuel tank! And I can't wait to try E85, it's super cheap when you can find it.

 

[Longboard]

Did need to add a short piece of rubber hose over the metal part so I can get hold of the key to get it out.

It IS hard to get the key out of there! I thought by now with practice it would be a cinch, not so, still working on perfecting the technique. If it never becomes second nature I just might have to add that piece of rubber hose.

 

[orton]

It IS hard to get the key out of there! I thought by now with practice it would be a cinch, not so, still working on perfecting the technique. If it never becomes second nature I just might have to add that piece of rubber hose.

Had same problem. 3" long piece of rubber hose works.

 

[Nathan Green]

THat ecoboost turbo whine.

60k miles and it gets better and better. Still brings a grin to my face.

Ecoboost power is amazing for towing, hauling. I tow about 50% of the time...cross country. Just towed 2500lb uhaul 2000+ mi..the torque is amazing..very diesel like.

Nate