[kitesurfer]

I cannot seem to find a low roof/long van to view. I don't need the extra height as the van would only be used getting too and from, and sleeping on the side of the road in route. I've never owned a van so I have no idea how much room is back there. We have been using as truck/topper combination forever and it has worked for us ok. does anyone know if the transit low roof is higher inside than the econolines? don't tell me to do a search because I've read every thread....

 

[onetwo]

a simple google search will give you dimensions of both trucks.

from what I recall, the Transit is slightly wider, but interior height and length were pretty close within an inch or two?

 

[addaitec]

some good pictures here: http://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/ford-transit-pictures-videos/5929-150-xlt-130-lr-ecoboost.html

I'll have mine either late this week or next and will post some more

 

[PeterR]

a simple google search will give you dimensions of both trucks.

from what I recall, the Transit is slightly wider, but interior height and length were pretty close within an inch or two?

Yup. Interior free height of the low roof Transit Wagon is similar to my old Econoline Club Wagon, but the medium roof Transit is too tall for my needs.

Here is the Transit:

https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/topics/2015/2015Transit_techspecs.pdf

kitesurfer, the low roof Transits are showing up on the dealer lots, I would recommend test driving the various heights and standing up (crouching in the LR) in the full scale models, as the best test. It would be worth a drive to do so IMO.

 

[Rico]

As someone mentioned earlier, you could rent a short wheelbase low-roof from U-Haul and try it out.

 

[CrewVanMan]

kitesurfer

Send me your zip code and I will see what Low Roof/148" Wheelbase Transits are in your area. Any specific color, engine, equipment?

 

[Longboard]

I cannot seem to find a low roof/long van to view.

By long you mean wheelbase or body?
Extended body is only available in high roof.

 

[kitesurfer]

like i said...i've searched! 83.6" from ground to roof outside. That does not tell me what i need to know. Trust me, if I could find a low roof to see in person, i would have already done this. i'll continue...

 

[PeterR]

like i said...i've searched! 83.6" from ground to roof outside. That does not tell me what i need to know. Trust me, if I could find a low roof to see in person, i would have already done this. i'll continue...

I posted a link yesterday which leads to all dimensions. Did you take up CrewVanMan on his offer to find a van near you? Most streets here are two-way.

 

[VinceP]

like i said...i've searched! 83.6" from ground to roof outside. That does not tell me what i need to know. Trust me, if I could find a low roof to see in person, i would have already done this. i'll continue...

If you look a little further down on page 1 of the spec sheet PeterR linked to, it says:
Max. Cargo Height 56.9

I have no idea what the height is for an Econoline.

p.s. Peter - There is a newer version of that spec sheet that was updated in July with a few corrections.
https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/topics/2015/15_Transit_SB_Updates.pdf

 

[Chance]

....cut...... I've never owned a van so I have no idea how much room is back there. We have been using as truck/topper combination forever and it has worked for us ok. ....cut.....

Since you haven't owned a van before, here is my long 2 cents....


I think your idea to see and experience a low-roof van in person before deciding is a very good one.

Regarding size, so much depends on your needs and expectations. I presently have a low-roof Econoline (no raised roof added) and that's by far the reason I want to replace it. Therefore I'm admittedly biased. My van is getting old but in great shape, and if not for affordable new vans with "high roofs", I wouldn't be looking at all. Personally, I wouldn't consider a low roof Transit unless I had to park it in a garage and nothing else fit.

For me going from Class C motorhome to an extended van made it seem small. For you going from a topper to a LR Transit should feel more spacious. Even so you should probably compare side-by-side because to me even the mid-roof Transit seems too small. Particularly in width. So why settle for "ok" if something else might work even better?

If you are going to use it for any kind of camping, the bigger vans offer many advantages at a small incremental cost and not much compromise in maneurabilty. For me if it doesn't fit in a garage it might as well be as big as possible (except for Transit tall roof).

If you haven't seen a low-roof Transit at all, I suggest taking a good look from many angles. For my taste, most pictures on internet make it look better than it does in person, particularly in lighter colors. From some angles it looks truncated to me. In fairness the same happens to me with ProMaster and Sprinters -- low-roof vans look chopped compared to mid-roof models.

For what it's worth, I'm not questioning people who have purchased low-roof Transits in any way, just sharing my opinion that low roof models may not be for everyone for multiple reasons. Based purely on personal observation, it seems that like with ProMasters and Sprinters, taller roof models are more common.

 

[PeterR]

. . .
I have no idea what the height is for an Econoline.

p.s. Peter - There is a newer version of that spec sheet that was updated in July with a few corrections.
https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/topics/2015/15_Transit_SB_Updates.pdf

As onetwo said the other day, the interior heights are similar, but the new Transit may actually be tighter inside as I recall from my research last summer.

Thx Vince.

 

[Chance]

If you look a little further down on page 1 of the spec sheet PeterR linked to, it says:
Max. Cargo Height 56.9

I have no idea what the height is for an Econoline.

.....cut.....

Econolines are definitely a little less than that. I can't look it up or measure it because my van is not with me, but as I recall the cargo version is in the 52- to 53-inch range. On my passenger van the headroom is less than that due to carpet and headliner and tapers down to even less towards the van's rear. Additionally, the rear air conditioner duct under headliner reduces headroom by approximately 1-1/2 inches along middle of van. At the back in middle I have about 50 inches of clearance.

 

[onetwo]

as far as I can tell from comparing the two (which interests me greatly as I am going from an econoline 250 to a LR Transit) :

Cargo versions :

-transit is 2" wider between wheel houses
-rear cargo door height is identical
-Transit cargo length is 4" longer at floor behind back seat (this is critically important for me for I carry pipes and ladders)
-transit is 7.8 inches wider opening width at rear doors
-econoline is an inch taller overall on the outside (likely due to raised suspension)
-transit is 2" lower load height from grade

all in all, looks to be an improvement from what I have now. more overall room in a tighter package and better efficiency....


.

 

[onetwo]

If you look a little further down on page 1 of the spec sheet PeterR linked to, it says:
Max. Cargo Height 56.9

I have no idea what the height is for an Econoline.

I just measured mine, its around 53" when I measure up to the "crossbar" support that holds the roof, add another half inch or so if you want the extra height in between the cross member supports....



.

 

[Bajatransit]

Help a guy find a van?

kitesurfer

Send me your zip code and I will see what Low Roof/148" Wheelbase Transits are in your area. Any specific color, engine, equipment?

Could someone help me find a low roof. Short box. Eco boost or diesel in or within 1000 miles of San diego? The more options the better.

Thanks for your help!! I've been to seven dealers in the area. Looked on web a bit. Is there an easier way to do this? I get the distinct impression the dealers just. Don't. Care.
Steve

 

[alarmist]

Could someone help me find a low roof. Short box. Eco boost or diesel in or within 1000 miles of San diego? The more options the better.

Thanks for your help!! I've been to seven dealers in the area. Looked on web a bit. Is there an easier way to do this? I get the distinct impression the dealers just. Don't. Care.
Steve

No kidding. San Diego County Ford dealers are a piece of work.

 

[kitesurfer]

This van will be strictly pleasure use. i will be carrying 3 kites, 2 kite boards and a hydrofoil on the inside. kayak gear and paddles will also be on the inside along with the bed and camping gear, and motorcycle riding gear (for 2) and a guitar. On top will be ww kayak and 2 touring kayaks. hanging off the rear hitch will be a motorcycle carrier and a 500lb motorcycle. if i can find it, i want a hitch to mount and bicycle carrier to the front for 2 bikes. that is what i will be using the van for. I have three local dealers and check their inventory regularly. I do not need this van at all until late summer--we are taking a 2 week camping trip to TX, UTAH, COLORADO, ARIZONA --currently planned for my Miata. The only reason i would need a mid top is to raise the bed higher for more storage underneath. I've got cash and do not mind flying to get it--but cash is earning over 5% and interest rate is only 1.3%.
Light silver, cruise control, passenger armrest, back window and side door window are the only options.
Thanks to all of you guys who are responding. I welcome ALL comments!

 

[Chance]

....cut.....

Thanks to all of you guys who are responding. I welcome ALL comments!

Sounds like you have a lot of experience already and know what works well for your activity-based camping.

Regarding the possibility of an elevated bed, you may want to look at pictures in the Sportsmobile site if you haven't already. They've converted some high-roof Sprinter vans to mini toy haulers where motorcycles or bicycles ride under a platform bed. You may get some ideas of what's possible even if you do it yourself.

I also recall guys on the ProMaster forum discussing motorcycle toy haulers with similar arrangement. They claimed the lower floor made it easier to load the motorcycle inside van.

Obviously keeping a motorcycle outside as you've described has advantages too.

 

[CrewVanMan]

BajaTransit

I sent you 2 low roof 130" WB Transit 150 XLT Wagons, one white and one blue.
1FMZK1YM6FKA15769 White ext

1FMZK1YM5FKA53171 Blue Jeans ext
Let me know if either one of these works out. I have more on my listing but need more info from you if you want different exterior/interior colors and options.

Come to Texas, here is a really loaded one
1FMZK1ZG2FKA52827 Lunar Sky ext, Pewter Leather MSRP $42,495

OR>>>>Go to Washington state, if this one is available (shows special order) you can have a Transit School Bus Yellow
1FMZK1ZG3FKA59530