Ford Transit Connect - New detail rig?

Mark77 said:
We have had one in my business for almost 6 years now, only about 40k miles, because it's used in the city 95%of the time.

Been pretty satisfied with it, no big problems really.. Thinking about geting a new one, but it looks so similar except for the dash, and the old one still works well so I'll see..

I don't understand how someone can compare this to the Sprinter, like comparing a Focus to a Chrysler 300 or something..



Thanks for the input! I was curious how they stood up to regular use.
 
good small workvan concept but im still not buying american cars for awhile. id rather invest in a honda element s/c or something. if its built off a focus it must be pretty ****** imho.
 
It's an alright van, trust me, like I said I have one that is almost 6 years old. Everything is the same on the one you get except the dash and mine has a manual transmission, I have the gas 1,8 version, not the diesel.. But I think the 4 speed auto makes the 2,0 slower than the 1,8 manual...

One thing I don't like is that the floor is not level so all water and dirt gets under the floor mat, maybe someone will make some solution for this..?
 
I've been very interested in these for a couple months now. Right now I pull an enclosed trailer for mobile detailing, I think something like this would be so much easier.
 
craigdt said:
Im sure its very nice but it just looks too Europey to me. Its features sure sound nice though.



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It is essentially a Ford of Europe vehicle brought over here, In Europe the Transit can be pared with a manual, and has several other engine choices (diesel). If I am not mistaken the vehicle is built in Turkey, shipped to the States (Port of Baltimore) where they are prepped to be sold in the US.
 
Height and dual sliders are the only drawbacks for me.



Cargo vans traditionally have a fixed wall on one side to accommodate more storage and shelving. For someone who doesn't intend to carry a water tank, reclaim, steamer, etc and operate on a less involved setup it would be ideal and more efficient than many alternatives including something like my Astro Cargo.



Secondly, at 80" in height it's still going to be a tight fit in many parking garages and if that's part of your business you'll still need an alternative vehicle. My Astro Cargo is 76" and is within 2" of scraping in many underground parking facilities.



Good vehicle and price, great for some business models, just not mine. Single slider as an option and a lower roof height with a diesel would be instant win.
 
Here the left sliding door is an option..

I have never been to any parking garage where it would not fit, but it might be different there..
 
Mark77 said:
Here the left sliding door is an option..

I have never been to any parking garage where it would not fit, but it might be different there..



I know they're a popular service vehicle in EU and only growing in the US. I really tried to design a new system to benefit from dual sliders and a brand new vehicle but I'd have to reduce my tank capacities to 15-20 gallons each for fresh/reclaim water. While that would work most days, I do alot of RV work in and they require 35 gallons minimum- which would result in the need for two separate skid mount setups. Combining that with some of the height limited garages at and my need for an 8 ft ladder it just won't work with a roof mount- and at 72" cargo length I can't carry it inside either.



As I hope some can tell I put alot of thought into the Transit, don't let that discount it's use as a mobile detailing vehicle. It will work well for many, but not me.



astro_dimensions.gif




cargo_dimensions_and_payload.jpg
 
EcoAutoCT said:
I know they're a popular service vehicle in EU and only growing in the US. I really tried to design a new system to benefit from dual sliders and a brand new vehicle but I'd have to reduce my tank capacities to 15-20 gallons each for fresh/reclaim water. While that would work most days, I do alot of RV work in and they require 35 gallons minimum- which would result in the need for two separate skid mount setups. Combining that with some of the height limited garages at and my need for an 8 ft ladder it just won't work with a roof mount- and at 72" cargo length I can't carry it inside either.



As I hope some can tell I put alot of thought into the Transit, don't let that discount it's use as a mobile detailing vehicle. It will work well for many, but not me.



astro_dimensions.gif




cargo_dimensions_and_payload.jpg



but damn is that astro van fugly ha



i really like the looks and practicality of the ford
 
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