[firehawk]

Is the medium roof much of an issue with height clearances such as drive throughs, etc? I'm trying to decide what to order.

I can make due with a regular roof/ regular wheel base but it would be more convenient to have the long wheel base since it will allow easier transport of some of my gear with less dis-assembly required.

The medium roof isn't necessary but will also be more convenient because we are tall and over the years crouching down to walk in the back will get old.

On the flip side, I will have to use the van as my primary transportation so that means dealing with driving and parking a longer/taller vehicle will be less convenient on a daily basis than the shorter/lower version.

 

[EddieZ]

That's my ride. Gas mileage is supposed to be about same as low roof, when all else is equal. I don't live in a big city, so there are only about 3 parking garages I'd have wanted to park in. Street parking has been available. I've surprised myself with some masterful parallel parking. Drive-throughs have been fine... Need 8.5, and most are 9 or more. Now that I have a Maxxfan, I still clear 9 when it's closed, but, I'll be a bit paranoid about whether it's open.

Being able to stand in back is a whole new deal, highly recommended.

 

[Nathan Green]

Ditto to the above...

No problem with drive thru...have not seen one under 8-6, so you're fine with med roof.

You'll love the extra space. Fine as a daily driver, provided you don't need too many parking garages. No problem fitting into normal parking spaces. Much better than my old e150.

Nate

 

[firehawk]

Thank you, guys.
That's pretty much what I'm trying to weigh - benefit of having the space when needed vs having to drive and park the extra size all the rest of the time.
It's shorter than an extended cab long bed F250 truck

 

[JP4]

I'll add that the relatively short wheelbase and tight turning circle, combined with good mirrors and back camera, make quite it easy to park.
JP

 

[EddieZ]

I'll add that the relatively short wheelbase and tight turning circle, combined with good mirrors and back camera, make quite it easy to park.
JP

Right, right, except, for me... no backup camera. BUT, I've got the backup objects sensor. That, along with windows in the rear doors, helps a lot for parallel parking.

 

[firehawk]

I plan on getting the rear door windows and the 2016 all come with backup camera so I guess it's been decided. Thank you much!

 

[torokun]

It is definitely an issue.

You won't be able to park or go through certain drive throughs

We got it because we were willing to live with it and so far, those slight inconviniences does not out weigh the awesomeness of having taller roof.

But again... Both my wife and I are short enough to stand jn the med roof config. I don't know what it would be like for you.

 

[firehawk]

There aren't many Transits here yet, so I've been paying attention to all the other vans I see on the road and in parking lots, especially the long versions of E-series and GM to see how well they fit in places.

At one dealer I was able to climb in and take measurements and I can stand most of the way up in a medium roof which helps quite a bit versus bending over in a regular roof when walking back there carrying things.
I don't really have a problem with avoiding drive-thrus, after having a malfunctioning driver window for years I've gotten used to not using them. Yet they are convenient. I think (hope) the benefits of size will out-weigh the cost and loss of ease.

Thank you

 

[hatchet]

No more car washes. Theyre all 7'

 

[audiopyle]

No more car washes. Theyre all 7'

My local Ford dealer has a tall car wash in their service facility. $20, and my understanding is they include a free wash with any service.


Mike

 

[firehawk]

Will a regular roof transit clear most car washes? I don't use automatic car washes with my cars, but since a van does have so much more surface area to clean. I had already thought about having to use a ladder to wash it

 

[CTown Transit]

No more car washes. Theyre all 7'

My local Ford dealer has a tall car wash in their service facility. $20, and my understanding is they include a free wash with any service.

They're out there, just have to look for them. The Ford dealer rite up the street from me has one also. I also have a touchless one about 10 minutes from my house. Personally I prefer hand washing my vehicles, had to buy an extending wash brush in order to clean the top portion of mine.

 

[stevenmonrad]

My long wheelbase 250 cargo fits easily in normal parking spaces, parallel, diagonal or lots. The low front side windows w regular mirrors view the rear wheels at curbs. The turning is quite easy. I found a cheap motel that had an awning one ft too low, and some parking garages in San Francisco are too low for the 8.5 MR height. Almost standing at 6'2" is great

 

[star gazer]

Ditto to the above...

No problem with drive thru...have not seen one under 8-6, so you're fine with med roof.

You'll love the extra space. Fine as a daily driver, provided you don't need too many parking garages. No problem fitting into normal parking spaces. Much better than my old e150.

Nate

Well you have not been to our local Starbucks

Ours says 8' and I did not believe them, oops first scratch but on the roof so no one but me knows it.

You will have to pay attention to trees and low branches but will get used to it.

Dean