Transit, Sprinter, Promaster, or Express for Camper Build?

LarryPDX · Sep 1, 2016

EddieZ · Sep 1, 2016

LarryPDX said:
I've been thinking to go with a Ford Transit, but now I'm reading lots of posts about major AC problems, gas mileage is disappointing...

PS: I've posted this in the Transit, Sprinter, Promaster, and Express Forums.

Eh, there's been a FEW problems. Same with anything (at best; you've already seen the Promaster scene). A vast majority of us are uuuge Transit fans. Which leads one to wonder just how productive it can be, to ask each user group what they think. Do you really expect any of them to wave you off?

stevek · Sep 2, 2016

Transit is outselling ProMaster or Sprinter by nearly 4 to 1. http://www.goodcarbadcar.net/2016/08/usa-commercial-van-sales-figures-july-2016.html Statistically you will hear alot more about any problems. Also add in that many of the problem vans were from early production (2015) on a new production line.

yelnam · Sep 2, 2016

We sold our beloved 1991 Syncro Westy for a modern reincarnation: a short low roof Transit with an EcoBoost engine, 4x4 conversion by Quigley, poptop by Colorado Camper Van, and interior by Sportsmobile. It's being built now with a very Westy layout. We are expecting/hoping it will indeed be a slightly larger version of our old friend but more reliable, powerful, safer, and with AC. Sorry I can't tell you much about reliability as I've driven it only about 500 miles. But I will say there are many former Westy owners on this forum and I would venture to say we are all partial to the Transit. Sure seemed like the best platform to me. Cheers.

Andre Jones · Sep 2, 2016

I'd seriously consider the Express for this purpose due to the aftermarket parts availability, towing ability and inherent normally aspirated vs. force induction reliability. What it would come down to is looks, ergonomics of controls, and drive-ability.

I guess what I'm essentially saying is I'd have to drive both of them in similar conditions and make a determination from there. Based on driving a Transit and driving a good chunk of the Chevy line-up that does not include the Express, I'd hedge a bet which wins.

Taz Pengra · Sep 2, 2016

Yeah, I'm on 2 of the 4 forums, I just replied on the Sprinter forum.

The reliability of a NEW vehicle, regardless of brand, is something to consider if you don't want the anxiety of breaking down at any moment, and also reducing the anxiety of how you're going to pay for it; new vehicles have warranties. An older person who doesn't want that kind of adventure, or someone who is not confident in their repair skills, would want to look at NEW vans. Or barely used vans; less than 20k miles.

Of the OLD vans, this may be a case of "go with what you know", but I'd look for a T1N Sprinter SHC with less than 100k. They can be bought for as low as $5000 some places. In my case, 10 years and 250k miles have generated only about $2500 in parts and repairs, and some of those were elective (new shocks and struts). Tires last between 70-100k, oil changes only need to be done every 15k ($60 for oil/filter), 25mpg on the highway if kept under 65, 22.5 average with 70% city driving. It really is the VW bus of the 21st century.

But, I'll be getting a Transit to replace it, mainly for the gas motor and the reduced cost of ownership over a new Sprinter.

brownbear · Sep 2, 2016

You're asking on the transit forum. Doubt you will get an unbiased view. Of course the transit is the best.

Taz Pengra · Sep 2, 2016

One caveat of the Promaster is that people over 5'9" can sleep crossways in the wider Promaster. This makes for more efficient use of space. The Transit Cargo is wide enough at the height of the window frames, too.

klp · Sep 5, 2016

Expedition Portal can offer you a lot of info. I think the modern equivalent of what you had is the Express AWD if you can find one.

My Transit is lovely with no problems other than Ford meeting it's price point. They nailed all the important stuff.

If I was in your situation I would consider an E350 or Express but it is hard to justify either unless big towing is on your wish list. Of the modern vans the Transit offers the best combination of value and durability. No factory 4wd though. If you don't need to two I cannot think of why you would want an older van - the new ones are light years better.

perchancetodream · Sep 5, 2016

I pine for Transit AWD.

orton · Sep 5, 2016

Taz Pengra said:
One caveat of the Promaster is that people over 5'9" can sleep crossways in the wider Promaster. This makes for more efficient use of space. The Transit Cargo is wide enough at the height of the window frames, too.

My across the rear of van bed platform is 74" long. It is at about 32" elevation above the steel floor and uses the window indents. Limited the window indent insulation to about 1 1/4" thick. I am 5'-10" tall and that length works without sleeping diagonal. One discovery that was not planned was when using two 70" long self inflating camp pads the 4" gap if placed at your feet gives a place for your toes off the end of the pads.

Taz Pengra · Sep 5, 2016

Orton, I look forward to experimenting with removable bed locations in the Transit.

I discovered something about the "prefered packages" made by Ford for the Transits: for some reason cargo vans with all-around windows almost all come with limited slip differential. I have no idea why they thought window vans need LS but solid wall vans don't, but I like it.

I'll probably cover up the rear side windows from the inside, and then see about bed positions. Right now I'm thinking of a sideways Murphy bed, or more ideally a couch facing a table/cabinet, that converts to a full size bed; BUT also rises up above the table/cabinet so there is storage underneath the bed when deployed. I have little foamcore models I'm making to figure out the virtual pivot points to bring the couch UP as it extends out to a bed. I use my van for working and as a daily driver, so I'd like to have easily cleared space for sheet goods (plywood etc) and other building materials, bench seat behind driver seat for chauffeuring the kids to/from school, and then finally as a campervan. All without having to put stuff in and out for each task.

If money is no object, a 4x4 sprinter would be the top of the heap conversion van. I saw a nice one in Oregon up at Paulina Lake this summer.

LarryPDX · Sep 5, 2016

Bed length?

Orton

"My across the rear of van bed platform is 74" long. It is at about 32" elevation above the steel floor and uses the window indents. Limited the window indent insulation to about 1 1/4" thick."

So with your 1 1/4" insulation, the resulting bed length is 74 minus 2 1/2, or 71 1/2?

If I wanted a lower bed, what is the lowest level for the window inserts? Still 74" wide at that point?

Thanks
Larry

orton · Sep 5, 2016

Taz Pengra said:
I'm thinking of a sideways Murphy bed, or more ideally a couch facing a table/cabinet, that converts to a full size bed; I use my van for working and as a daily driver, so I'd like to have easily cleared space for sheet goods (plywood etc) and other building materials, bench seat behind driver seat for chauffeuring the kids to/from school, and then finally as a campervan. All without having to put stuff in and out for each task.

My van has benches over both rear wheel wells and a easily removed table. Can seat four people at the table. Table can be removed in about 10 minutes to haul 4 x 8 sheets on edge down the center aisle. The bed platforms are hinged at the top of the bench seat backs. Four 27" wide "half Murphy" panels. They are stored vertically against the van walls when not in use. They fold down and sit on top of the table. Two panels at the back down for one person travels and all four down for two people. With two traveling the bedding for the front bed is lifted up and placed on the back bed during the day. The front bed platforms are folded up against the wall to give a table for two during the day. Use two 2 1/2" thick REI camp pads for each person for a "mattress". At least that is the way it will work if I ever get done with the conversion.

cara3321 · Sep 7, 2016

I'll pipe in in the a/c. Compared to the E-350 van the cooling is great in the transit. Mine is a medium roof 250 with the ecoboost. Here in Michigan we had a hot n humid summer. 95 to 98 deg with very high humidity . I have a half inch of foam insulation in the ceiling and that's it. It's a cargo van and just the front a/c is all I have and all I needed.

Taz Pengra · Sep 7, 2016

cara3321 said:
I'll pipe in in the a/c. Compared to the E-350 van the cooling is great in the transit. Mine is a medium roof 250 with the ecoboost. Here in Michigan we had a hot n humid summer. 95 to 98 deg with very high humidity . I have a half inch of foam insulation in the ceiling and that's it. It's a cargo van and just the front a/c is all I have and all I needed.

On the Transit cargo, I'll look at connecting some ducting to the front AC to get air to the first bench position, or maybe to just blow directly along the roofline to the back to create circulation to get the cool air all over. Sometimes I use the rear air in my sprinter when I have people in all the benches and it's over 90 out. The front air does a good job on it's own, though, but at full fan setting it's kind of loud.

lepelch · Sep 7, 2016

Hi had a 1999 VW Westy and retired at 199,999...needed new tranny....
went 3 years without any adventure vehicle...family cried when we saw it get towed away...
that said I opted out of Westy again....full grown 15 year old boy and dog...too small...
wanted the mid height roof to work but just didn't with what we wanted... a full recreational vehicle with all the amenities....benches for table converts to bed in the back....small kitchen and bath room/ shower....seating for 4....pop-up roof top tent....carries up to 4 mountain bikes with hitch and surf boards...ultimate adventure vehicle
I wanted to be able to stand up inside....
building it myself....about 3/4 done....at the stage where I feel that the more work I do the more there is to finish....designing and building from scratch is a bear....alot of trial and error

that said I'm tickled with the Transit....it's a great vehicle and my research paid off on the right decision....drives like a dream in my book...even the longest wheelbase and highest roof

vulf · Sep 8, 2016

I wasn't married to any particular brand, but settled on the Transit pretty easily. Sprinters definitely get better mileage, but I am worried about reliability, maintenance costs, and I just flat out did not want a diesel. The Transit doesn't get great gas mileage and doesn't come in 4x4 as the Sprinter does (kind of). I can live with the worse gas mileage. If I need to I can pay to convert the Transit to a true 4x4 which will be better than what Sprinter offers anyway. The ease and low cost of repairs for Ford vehicles is a major selling point in my opinion vs. Sprinter. I never really gave Promaster much consideration because of the rear axle hanging so low. It would give me issues on a lot of roads I drive on.

LarryPDX · Sep 8, 2016

Interior floorplan

lepelch said:
Hi had a 1999 VW Westy and retired at 199,999...needed new tranny....
went 3 years without any adventure vehicle...family cried when we saw it get towed away...
that said I opted out of Westy again....full grown 15 year old boy and dog...too small...
wanted the mid height roof to work but just didn't with what we wanted... a full recreational vehicle with all the amenities....benches for table converts to bed in the back....small kitchen and bath room/ shower....

I'm looking for the same amenities. Coming from a Westy, I'm curious how you laid things out. Do you have an interior floorplan to share?

Thanks
Larry

Hack Saw · Sep 11, 2016

Don't think Hyundai is going to ignore the market potential either. Has anyone seen GM's replacement to this 'trend.' Makes one wonder (badge engineering).

Transit, Sprinter, Promaster, or Express for Camper Build?

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