Wish we could have these.

Cute little hauler....

http://www.oldskoolford.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=111997

Wants a login...

So I would have to log off, then cut & paste?

Don't know, but the picture of the Transit is now showing up.

Having been subjected to travelling in one of them from time to time I don't think they're that great. But then again the guys at Practical Performance Car stuck a V8 in their older one (one generation before the one above) and that's quite cool.

Call me 'merikuh-centric, but how is this functionally different from a E-150 or Aerostar, other than it looks like it doesn't have slidey-doors?

Functionally they're more or less the same, but they're noticeably smaller. Not quite park-it-in-the-back-of-the-E150 smaller, but about the size of a Chrysler Minivan.

And I suppose they have little diesels, too.

cwh wrote: And I suppose they have little diesels, too.

Bastards.

cwh wrote: And I suppose they have little diesels, too.

Yeah. They're usually not called Vin either

Either way, the general consensus for this board seems to be that enough power isn't enough. I towed comfortably with a 3.0l Ranger, but many will always recommend a dually....

That van is little different than a short bed ranger with cab. And I like the small trailer, too.

E-

I was happy towing with the Astro van.

I was happier towing with the F350 extra cab LWB with a diesel.

I am just saying.

alfadriver wrote: Either way, the general consensus for this board seems to be that enough power isn't enough. I towed comfortably with a 3.0l Ranger, but many will always recommend a dually.... That van is little different than a short bed ranger with cab. And I like the small trailer, too.

I'd say it's roughly the same size as the Ranger, but I'd think it's got more usable storage.

One thing to keep in mind is that most of the more recent European car licenses only allow you to drive a van or truck up to a GVW of 3500kg (~7700lbs) plus trailer, so for this reason alone the tow cars over here are smaller and lighter as truck licenses are rather expensive here. Of course that means that the braked trailers tend to be smaller, too.

I used to have the entitlement up to 7500kg + trailer but the UK version of the DMV "lost" that when I changed my license from a German one to a UK one. Haven't been able to get that entitlement back, they wanted me to take another driving test (plus lessons of course) for something I used to be entitled to. But I'm not bitter, no.

BoxheadTim wrote:

alfadriver wrote: Either way, the general consensus for this board seems to be that enough power isn't enough. I towed comfortably with a 3.0l Ranger, but many will always recommend a dually.... That van is little different than a short bed ranger with cab. And I like the small trailer, too.

I'd say it's roughly the same size as the Ranger, but I'd think it's got more usable storage. One thing to keep in mind is that most of the more recent European car licenses only allow you to drive a van or truck up to a GVW of 3500kg (~7700lbs) plus trailer, so for this reason alone the tow cars over here are smaller and lighter as truck licenses are rather expensive here. Of course that means that the braked trailers tend to be smaller, too. I used to have the entitlement up to 7500kg + trailer but the UK version of the DMV "lost" that when I changed my license from a German one to a UK one. Haven't been able to get that entitlement back, they wanted me to take another driving test (plus lessons of course) for something I used to be entitled to. But I'm not bitter, no.

Do I hear an "A-MER-ICA!, F--- Yeah!"

No.

I'd rather drive knowing that people driving Big Flippin Vehicles have the appropriate training. I'm not even convinced that people in North America have appropriate training for their "little" 3k lb compacts.

Nathan

Given the observed abilities of my sister-in-law in playing pool using vehicles on a regular basis, I'd rather not see her at the wheel of a 20k lbs vehicle, thankyouverymuch.

But then again, the average member here will probably agree that more training is a good thing at any level, as we care about being good drivers. For Joe/Joan Average, any sort of training is just curtailing their freedom of driving into heavy, immobile objects.

We are getting a smaller version of it. The Transit Connect which is built/assembled in Turkey.

I test drove one on Monday and if they can find one equipped the way I want I might be buying one in the next week or so.

I wish they would bring over some of the other engine and transmission optin that they have in Europe. Would love to have one of those turbo EcoBoost engines alfadriver has been talking about.

Edited for nomenclature screw-up

THE Transit Connect powertrain to have the U.S. will never get: a turbo-diesel with a MANUAL transmission. Ford is looking at producing a hybrid or all electric/battery-powered TC, but we won't ever get a manual or even the diesel with an auto.

integraguy wrote: THE Transit Connect powertrain to have the U.S. will never get: a turbo-diesel with a MANUAL transmission. Ford is looking at producing a hybrid or all electric/battery-powered TC, but we won't ever get a manual or even the diesel with an auto.

Talking to a saleman today he said that it might get the 2.3L Duratec next year. I think he is full of BS because I belive that is a "dead" engine for Ford and will be replaced with EcoBoost engines in all vehicles in the next few years. But I am a little worried about the idea of buying a 2010 and having the 2011 come out with a more powerful engine.

Integraguy: How certain are you about your statements?

Edited for nomenclature screw-up

integraguy wrote: THE Transit Connect powertrain to have the U.S. will never get: a turbo-diesel with a MANUAL transmission. Ford is looking at producing a hybrid or all electric/battery-powered TC, but we won't ever get a manual or even the diesel with an auto.

I can answer most of this- manual- no way- considering the customer, I'd bet <5% of the buyers would get one. So there's no real benefit to going that way. And since the auto now is the 6F, for a TRUCK, there's little incentive to go manual anyway.

Diesel- I have my doubts that diesels will be an option come mid-decade for anyone, let alone Ford. Especially for the lower end of the market.

Can't confirm any rumors about the hybrid part, but considering the platform, and what our focused customer is, it would make a huge amount of sense.

An EcoBoost option probably will be an option, but I don't think for quite a few years. that's a total guess, btw. To me, it would make some sense, but not for raw performance, but downsizing. The real question is whether there's enough demand for nominal towing or not. If there is, I'm sure something will happen.

E-

Bringing up an old thread: We bought a 2010 Transit Connect last night. It is the wagon version with the second row seats that fold up. My sister in law who is in a wheelchair lives with us and our old Ford conversion van with ramp is about to die so we needed a new transporter. The engine is a little weak but overall the package works. I think it will be more practical for our needs (my wife is a home hospice CNA who visits multiple patients) than the other options such as a wheelchair modified SUV, Element, etc. We'll just have to see over the long term.

Edit: Needs turbo. Or LS1.

Any word yet on the rumor that these will be produced in the US?