[Chillis]

Multi piece subframe that allows a panel to be removed for servicing the transmission filter.

 

[Chillis]

Bigger, longer lasting brakes that do not require the axle to be removed on the rear for rotor servicing.

 

[oneilldmtn]

Dutch Doors!
That's what I have on my 02 GMC Safari...
It's fantastic for hauling 12' drywall and 16' lumber! And of course the visibility is great! (The bottom doors would need to provide a flat horizontal surface. Take out the dip they have in there today.)
I understand the issue with a fork lift... But Ford... come on, you can get innovative here.
You would also need rear seats that would fold down to create a common horizontal surface that would be similar in height the the top of the Dutch Doors.
They could really add some versatility to this vehicle and attract a bigger range of customers.

 

[surly Bill]

Dutch Doors!
That's what I have on my 02 GMC Safari...
It's fantastic for hauling 12' drywall and 16' lumber! And of course the visibility is great! (The bottom doors would need to provide a flat horizontal surface. Take out the dip they have in there today.)
I understand the issue with a fork lift... But Ford... come on, you can get innovative here.
You would also need rear seats that would fold down to create a common horizontal surface that would be similar in height the the top of the Dutch Doors.
They could really add some versatility to this vehicle and attract a bigger range of customers.

Maybe there will be rear door innovations, just like all the recent tailgate innovations. A four-piece rear door set with a "tailgate" that can fold down or be swung out with the upper doors.
I can't find a pic, but there was an SUV that had a two-piece rear door that the lower part could either swing out in one piece or fold down like a tailgate. The upper part swung up.

 

[njvagabond]

tailgate innovations.

I think the GM Access package would be great on a camper van. Foam insulation on the panels. and frame out the inside for screens or window with screens. Security, stealth and insulation of a no window van and the benefit of full glass when desirable.

note the license plate

 

[GapRunr]

• Power folding and Extending trailer mirrors
• 156" WB for extended vans to reduce overhang by 2 feet.
• A true Extended like the longest Sprinter using the 178" WB and some overhang. Expediters would be all over it.
• Crew Van with Trail package. Why does Ford assume that people who camp don't have kids or friends?
• Larger wheels and brakes
• EcoBoost Hybrid with ProPower
• Higher tow rating.
• Amber turn signals on rear

Edited to add after seeing the video below..

- Stow and Go seat for the second row as part of the Trail package. Room for two passengers, then down into the floor when camping so you have the floor space. People who don't need them could remove them and use the space for fresh water and grey water tanks, that are inside the vehicle.

 

[njvagabond]

tailgate innovations

Honda Stepwgn Waku-Waku (frame-frame) Gate. Discontinued in 2023 reddesign

 

[Damaskinos_of_Athens]

Wondering if CrewVanMan has any 2024 insights.

Be interesting to know if anything new.

 

[Calothrix]

How about something simple, like better positioned upfitter switches so they are less likely to be accidently switched on/off.

 

[Fairlaner]

V8

 

[blakej59]

1. a bigger gas tank than the 31-gallon now available on many models.
2. more foot room (I realize this would require extensive design work)
3. better mileage (probably hybrid)

 

[Brianmcgaha]

• Power folding and Extending trailer mirrors
• 156" WB for extended vans to reduce overhang by 2 feet.
• A true Extended like the longest Sprinter using the 178" WB and some overhang. Expediters would be all over it.
• Crew Van with Trail package. Why does Ford assume that people who camp don't have kids or friends?
• Larger wheels and brakes
• EcoBoost Hybrid with ProPower
• Higher tow rating.
• Amber turn signals on rear

Edited to add after seeing the video below..

- Stow and Go seat for the second row as part of the Trail package. Room for two passengers, then down into the floor when camping so you have the floor space. People who don't need them could remove them and use the space for fresh water and grey water tanks, that are inside the vehicle.

Problem is the theoretical Transit Crewvan Trail package you speak of with even more features costs $75K+, takes and unknown amount of time to get, and gets 13 mpg.
Most families cant or dont want to afford that, and can get a high mpg or hybrid, SUV mini van or truck, right off the dealership lot for around half the cost, throw a roof top tent on it or heck even a small trailer and you still save a ton of money.

That is the thing that needs to change the most is the cost of the Transit, but then you need supply....and decent (AWD van) sales competition

 

[GapRunr]

Problem is the theoretical Transit Crewvan Trail package you speak of with even more features costs $75K+, takes and unknown amount of time to get, and gets 13 mpg.
Most families cant or dont want to afford that, and can get a high mpg or hybrid, SUV mini van or truck, right off the dealership lot for around half the cost, throw a roof top tent on it or heck even a small trailer and you still save a ton of money.

That is the thing that needs to change the most is the cost of the Transit, but then you need supply....and decent (AWD van) sales competition

Well, if mpg and price are the most important requirement then people shouldn't be shopping for a van. Personally I can't fit two motorcycles in a Honda Civic (or any SUV) and any pickup truck is going to be worse on gas, cost as much or more to buy, I can't sleep in it or stand up in it, and all my stuff is outside.

If the competition can make a high roof long wheelbase van that gets 17-21 mpg then Ford can do it as well if they try. Pricing seems to be out of control now, partly due to supply chain issues and maybe in part due to the fact that they still sell every one that they make, even at inflated higher than MSRP pricing. I doubt pricing will ever come back down to competitive levels, even if all supply chain issues get resolved and raw materials magically became cheaper to buy. At what people are paying for vans these days, used ones are going to be pricey for a while, so manufacturers will be able to keep new prices high.

 

[CrewVanManInfo]

Wondering if CrewVanMan has any 2024 insights.

Be interesting to know if anything new.

Bring back with CrewVan model with changes:
1) Replace the 62" 3 passenger seat with options for a 54" or 36" seat.
2) Additional option for XLT second row seat for reclining seat and RH armrest
3) Full level flooring option as well wall and ceiling panel options

General Transit changes:
Long Arm Power/Heated/Telescoping Outside Mirrors (option)
Inside Wide View Inside Rear View Mirror (option)
3.5L PowerBoost engine option
Optional 3.55 rear axle ratio

All of these items are available through Ford from other vehicles so nothing new would have to be done.
At this point, Ford really needs to do a redesign for the Transit with some longer wheelbase models and bring back the SWB passenger van. Then they could make the necessary drivetrain changes, make a larger area for a larger spare tire to match what buyers are placing on the vehicle and make a separate assembly plant just for the Transit gas models. I think that is what is in the works for changes in 2026 with moving the 'E' Transit to a facility in OH where they still are building Econoline Chassis vehicles.

 

[Motown Sign]

Ditto on that... I was pretty bummed to hear that the crew van was going away. That would have been what I ordered next time.

Anyone know why they did away with the crew van? Looks like it would fill a huge niche market that wants to build a camper but needs the second seat (but not the third row)

 

[angeljia]

• Allow a pair of swinging doors for the mid-roof
• Redesign the foam blobs next to the headliner and make them more space efficient (for overhead shelves) and visually pleasing
• Bigger tires and offer all terrain tires as an option

 

[Damaskinos_of_Athens]

More cup holders!

Seriously.

How many people have stuff in the cup holders and thus a shortage of space?

 

[GapRunr]

More cup holders!

You need to look at the Subaru Ascent. 19 cup holders. Seriously. 19. Enough to give the whole family diabetes.

 

[coguzzi]

You need to look at the Subaru Ascent. 19 cup holders. Seriously. 19. Enough to give the whole family diabetes.

I had a German CEO at one of the places i worked when i worked in the outdoor industry (he was actually the best ones since i worked there 18 years). Anyway, one day he was all fired up about "Americans and thier F'n cup holders and always wanting more". if you pay attention to Germans and Euros in general, cars dont have many, they drink their espresso at home or on break from work. I went out side and looked in his car, think it was a honda pilot or a minivan- cant remember, but a model that had a lot and EVERY single cup holder was full of S**T. we all got a good laugh out of that one and never let him live it down

 

[rustythorn]

School Bus Yellow
Dave

sort of?