windguy

that's a bummer. have you considered the Transit as an option? the interior height for the low roof model is 56.9" giving you 7" more over the TC's 49.7" height the interior height for the medium roof model is 72.0". you also pick up more room in the lengh of the cargo area. are gas fumes a problem driving around with the bikes in the back and gas cans? towing an enclosed utility trailer would be a better solution but it's not compact and very stealthy. someone on facebook posted a link to a company that has an aftermarket bulkhead. wonder if that would be good for keeping fumes out of the cabin area. http://www.knapheide.com/media/uploads/Products/Globelyst/Transit_Connect_Van_Equipment_Literature.pdf

not sure if sales figures for 2014 are relevant. the production run was pretty short, not a full year. sales in 2015 might be a better indicator. not sure how long it takes to build momentum for a new vehicle even though it's a next generation build. if Ford kept the roof height the same, then I couldn't park the van in my garage and wouldn't be interested in getting a TC. I'm sure I'm not alone. High profile vehicles are excluded from many parking garages. Perhaps we can find a middle ground and wish that Ford had two roof height versions for the TC I do like your wish list but would add an AWD option then everyone would be happy wanting a diesel engine and tall roof height sounds like a SWB Transit so me, no? I sat in a TC van version and that is about as stripped down a van as you can get. It's very basic. I didn't look at the Wagon version. I think the TC is being marketed towards light commercial use and folks that want a vehicle with some versatility. If a consumer finds the specs on the TC aren't enough then they can move up to the full size Transit. I'd say the one area that Ford failed in is the 1.6L EcoBoost engine offering. From what I've read, that engine has had lots of problems and for an $800 premium, I don't see any value in getting it. Aside from some increased horsepower and torque, the bump up in gas mileage is only 1mpg. You'd have to drive something like 112,000 miles before you recoup the increased amount spent for the upgrade not to mention the added maintance of a turbo-charged engine. An engine that offered better gas mileage like a diesel would give high mileage drivers a better option. Curious, if you had a TC, what would you use it for?

Willie, I think Ford is going to be successful with their van offerings, which include the TC and Transit in both van and passenger versions. I would agree that the minvan market is lead by the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey and Dodge Caravan, but the TC Wagon may make some inroads. I see the TC being primarily a van offering, not a minivan and that's exactly what I'm looking for. In fact I've been waiting a while for this type of vehicle to replace my wagon. Two seats in the front and cargo in the back and you can park it in a garage, as well as getting reasonable gas mileage. I haven't compared the TC wagon version to other minivans since I'm not interested in that configuration, but there are consumers that have a preference for only Ford products or a US based company. By offering a wagon version they will buy it. From a production standpoint, it's probably really easy for Ford to offer both the van and wagon version since it's primarily the same vehicle with different finishing. I'm guessing that fleet/commerial sales of the TC Van are going to be really strong. Time will tell. ADD-ON - If you look at a side-view of Honday Odyssey http://www.socalhondadealers.com/model/2014/odyssey?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=SCHDA_Model_Odyssey_Odyssey&utm_term=honda%20odyssey%20com&gclid=CPDC25O6qb4CFRSOfgodvBcACg&gclsrc=ds the design has evolved to make the van sleeker and more refined, less boxey. That may look better but it dimishes the utility of the van for hauling things. The niche that the TC Wagon may have is as a dual purpose van. People mover and cargo hauler. As I said I haven't compared the specs but there may be more cargo room in the TC than the other minmvans out there. That may be appealing to a certain market.

that's a long wait. stinks not knowing what's going on. try what I suggested to gharis above. go on the ford facebook page and pm one of the Ford reps. worth a shot. good luck!

Jem, Glad you found a TC configuration you like. I'm confussed that you are able to order a 2014. According to Robert's post, shown below and link here http://fordtransitconnectforum.com/topic/2487-2015-ford-transit-connect-production-schedule/ the order window for 2014 models closed on April 4th and the 2015 models opens next week on the 13th. Not sure there will be any difference between 2014 and 2015. Would be nice to know if there is. Ford Transit Connect Production Schedule 2014 Ford Transit Connect Final Orders Due: 04-04-14 2015 Ford Transit Connect Order Bank Opens: 05-13-14 2015 Ford Transit Connect Production Scheduling Begins: 06-12-14 2015 Ford Transit Connect Production (JOB1) Begins: 09-02-14 PS - I really like the Midnight Sky color. Of the six colors available for the Van, this one is pretty cool looking. It looks more deep green than gray on the Ford website. For my uses, I tend to pick close to white for visibility issues when driving. I've heard white isn't good if you're around lots of snow, which isn't a problem for me. I might chose the silver color. To me the white looks more commerical but still pretty nice. Fun to have choices at least. If you don't special order, most dealers have only white, common color choice. Good luck!

good idea. didn't think about going vertical, only lying flat. thanks

what do you do about the 8ft length for a full sheet, let it stick out the back and tie the doors together shut? The distance to the back of the seats on the LWB is a little bit over 7ft. the width no problem and nice having dual sliding doors to help tug it in from the sides what you said about the target market seems spot on. for me it works out perfect cause I can park it in my garage now, couldn't with the previous version. but now Ford has the full size Connect van if you want a taller profile - there are 3 height options and 3 length versions. so now you have lots of choices based on what works best for your needs. seems hard to complain about that.

gharis, maybe you can pm ford through their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/FordTransitConnectWagon I've seen others state they have been waiting a long time and a Ford rep has offered to check into it for them Below is a cut/paste message showing this good luck! Howard L Ring Wish I could get one. Have had one on order since mid Feb, still no word. Sharon, what you describe with the windows is a common problem. Many vans and even cars have it. My Chrysler T&C had it, as did my Mazda MPV. It used to help to pop open the back window panels vents. I found this on a Honda Odyssey site, "If you don't like the buffeting of the 2nd row, crack open a front window. Putting a front window down a small amount will reduce or eliminate the buffeting." May 1 at 8:27pm Ford Service Hey Howard, I’m happy to check on the status of your order. Please send me a private message with your VIN or order number and dealer code, so I can look into this for you. Mariel Ford Service May 2 at 2:57pm

when special ordering a TC, there is an option for an additional Key Fob for $65. I take it this is a good thing to do. At that high cost from a dealer, perhaps even getting 2 extra. thanks for the input

I plan to order a 2015 TC Van and need to sort through the available options. I've gone through the configurator on the Ford website a few times. Some options don't show up, for example, roof racks. Does anyone know if there is a document available that shows all available options? It would be ideal to have something like this that also lists the order codes and pricing. I've got a few questions regarding specific options and will make a separate post for that after some more research. thanks

Have any TC owners had their navigation systems updated? I told a friend I was considering a new TC and wanted to get an onboard nav system. He told me I was better off using a stand-alone nav system. He uses his phone.The reason is that the nav system data in his wife's car was outdated and the cost to update it was very expensive. Hundreds of dollars. I would like to find out about this issue before adding this option to my new TC. thanks!

Keith - Nice job on your TC camper conversion. thanks for sharing. hope you enjoy your travels.

Bikesnbreakdowns, Great job so far. This is a very interesting thread for me. Although I don't have a TC yet, I have aspirations to take the van down to Baja for some windsurfing/surfing trips a few times a year. My biggest concern is how the van will handle once I get off Highway 1. One coastal location is about 38 miles offroad with your typical dirt/sand/rock road issues. I was going to start a thread asking if others have made their TC more offroad capable, but it looks like you've already gone down that road so I'll jump on here if you don't mind. The ground clearance on the 2014 Van - LWB is 6". Not that much. How best to increase this if possible? preferrable adjustable so for everyday driving it's lower and you can adjust it higher for offroad needs. Tied to this is shocks. Don't think the stock shocks can handle the high heat generated by lots of washboard and pitted roads. I'd be driving slow but it's still a concern. It's not the place to have a vehicle breakdown. I think you've answered the offroad tire question. Sweet looking tires you picked. The stock tires would get chewed up pretty quickly. Appreciate the input. Thanks

4DThinker, You're a genious. Big thanks. In anticipation of getting a 2014/15 TC, I was agonizing over my low garage door opening at 78.5". The van has a height of 72" plus the antenna. I was already assuming I'd have to replace the antenna. Found this thread and when I read your post the light went on. The garage door opener was only lifting the door to this height, but the header was a few inches higher. I adjusted the opener and now the door opens slightly above the header, so I now have an 82" clearance with 10" to spare above the van. That is so awesome. Can't thank you enough except for the fact that you're making feel really dumb for not figuring this out myself.

@Mrtn - good report. thanks. sounds like you're doing very well on repairs so far. may the next 155,000 miles go the same. sorry to hear about your fender bender. glad no one got hurt.

MRTN - great looking graphics on your van. I like your solution for the visor. thanks for sharing. I never use a visor in a car, I sit so high there's no need. Wearing polarized sunglasses takes care of most of the glare except when it's dead on. It's going to be nice to have lots of head room in this van. How is the quality of your van holding up after roughly 8 years of use?

Johny, It sounds like you made some wise choices on your option. Can't wait to see a picture of your new van. This cargo van will be a much better option for you for business use compared to an Odyssey. getting that upgraded seat is money well spent. I will probably do as you did and get a 6-position seat with cloth. cold vinyl seats in the winter brings back some distant memories. I used to live in NJ. I can't do cold anymore. You will make good use of the quick defrost. I want to get one too. Better to have it when you need it. Good idea adding some protective layer for the cargo area. rubber like material will keep things from sliding around. For parking, it's not so much the length, being shorter is helpful, but the visiblity. Hard to see your bumpers. Even though the front looks like it slopes down it's hard to see looking forward. I've heard from others that backup cameras are really nice to have as a parking aid. I've never used one before. regarding the lack of a diesel engine option, yeah, I don't get it. EU has had that option for a long time, it's proven, but Ford won't offer it in the US, yet. Not sure if it's a clean burning diesel, but a few autos manufacturers are coming out with diesel options this year for cars so why wait. same for AWD. That would be a great option for me. I'\d be willing to pay the premium to have it to give the van more utility. Forgot to mention one thing in my initial review. Add this one to my nit picky list - Sun Visors - man those things are big. I guess because of the large windshield. or cause they are mounted higher up with the taller roof. Since I'm tall, when those puppies hang down I can't see squat in front of me. I had to push the visor away or outward so it angle back up to gain back my visibility. funny. a two part visor would be preferred but probably more expensive. I think I used to have a car with ones like that but don't remember which. Ergonomics are designed around average size people and everyone else just has to deal with it. Speaking of visors, hidden underneath the visor you can see that the top storage shelf has an area of grate pattern or cutouts on both side (driver and passenger). Anyone know why it's this way?

Keith, you did a really nice job with this RV conversion. congrats and thanks for sharing. your photo album was very helpful in seeing what you did and how you went about. Smart to make mock-ups before cutting material. Jealous of that nice tall garage you have letting you park your TC indoors. that's really nice. I hope to do some camping with my beach cruiser TC van, when I get it, so I've had aspirations to do a little customization myself. Your ingenuity and handiwork are awesome and inspiring. enjoy your travels!

thanks Robert

thanks Robert. regarding your spartan comment, I got that feeling but forgot to mention it. The cabin area felt a bit plasticky (is that a word?) to me. my orientation for the last 15 years has been driving the Volvo wagon, which I'd say is middle of the road in terms of being upscale, so I need to readjust my orientation with this vehicle. My previous vehicle was a GMC S15 pickup so I'm kind of heading back to that class of vehicle, which I was very happy with. I should add that I've ridden in a friend's Chevy Silverado pickup and that thing is very luxurious with all the bells and whistles. way beyond what I would need. keeping it simple is a good thing. less costly to maintain, I hope.

that's good feedback. thanks. below is a cut/paste from the first link I provided. I'm guessing that if you want to get the navigation system as an option, then you have to get MyFord Touch. "Ford could choose to continue, modify, or abandon the MyFord Touch interface. Sync is the car-Bluetooth-USB-voice recognition component. MyFord Touch and the similar MyLincoln Touch are touchscreen interfaces that break the home screen into four quadrants: phone, navigation, entertainment, and climate control. (It’s possible to have Sync without a touchscreen.) Separate from Ford’s plans to move away from Microsoft, it is planning to add more knob and buttons to the center stack and simplify voice response. Lincoln on new models will move from capacitive sliders to traditional knobs for audio volume and fan speed. That starts on some 2015 models."

just read this article from February 2014. "Why Microsoft lost Ford Sync: Too costly, too slow, and too hard to use" apologize if this topic was posted elsewhere on this forum there are few articles out there on this subject. Below are two links http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/177171-why-microsoft-lost-ford-sync#disqus_thread http://www.dailytech.com/Report+Ford+to+Replace+Microsoft+with+Blackberrys+QNX+in+Sync+MyFord+Touch+Interface/article34383.htm From what I read, it doesn't mention the change for the 2015 TC models. I'm not a gadget type of guy but it's interesting. Maybe others have some input on this.

thanks mrtn. that's a good idea on the lighting. I plan to fix up the cargo area of the van, adding insulation to reduce road noise and improve the appearance, etc and better lighting. If I'm loading or unloading something in the dark it would be good to have light that extends out the back that I can turn on/off. Same for the rest of the cargo area. Jealous that you have a diesel option in the EU.

I checked out the 2014 TC vans last weekend for the first time and thought I'd share some of my observations. I probably spent 100+ hours online reviewing everything I could find on the van over the past year so it was fun to finally see one in person. I currently drive a 95 Volvo 850 wagon and I'm looking for a cargo area that is a bit larger. The wagon has decent cargo space with the rear seats removed and the back seat backs folded flat and the front passenger seat folded forward, but the low roof limits how much I can stack height wise. I've been patiently waiting for a van to come to the US market that only has two seats and lots of cargo room behind them that I can park in the garage (under 68" in height) plus gets decent gas mileage. My plans are to use the van for personal use as an everyday car and as a beach cruiser for surf and windsurf boards and all the gear that goes with it and for light camping. Being able to easily parallel park on the coastal highway is a must. The LWB van is slightly longer than my wagon so that's a big plus. Along with optional front/rear sensors and a backup camera I should be able to slide that van into parking spaces with ease. The dealer I visited had four TC Vans on their lot. three SWB and one LWB, which is my preference. All four were white and one was an XLT. Very few options were added, which I'm guessing is common for stock van model since it will be used for commercial purposes mostly. Considering this isn't a soccer mom van like a Sienna or Odyssey, the van is pretty nice looking and feels solid. Below are some nitpicky observations: Tires - Continental Contiprocontact Extra Load M&S Radials - 215/55R16 97H I checked and these tires got some poor ratings. That's disappointing. Users said they didn't get wear close to the 80,000 mile rating and the traction was terrible. Seems like a poor choice for an OEM tire. One reviewer recommended the Hankook H727. My research on this was limited. Doors - They feel beefy and solid and the track for the sliders is pretty nice and requires minimal effort to open and close. nice levers both inside and out. The catch for the latch for the rear barn doors is below the floor level so it's not in the way. Cargo area flooring - not sure if this is standard, but the padded covering dents really easily. Knee or heel dent impressions don't go away so not sure how that will hold up. It's nice to have the padding when crawling around but it has to be durable. Pics of the cargo area on the Ford site doesn't show this padding so not sure. AC Controls - these are partially blocked by the gear shift when it's in park. Didn't move it to drive but it still seems like a poor placement. XLT - has some nice upgrades. The center console arm rest is very nice. The XL only had a driver right arm rest that swings out of place or ratchets to the desired position. The passenger doesn't have anything. Not sure if this is part of the XL/XLT or the 4 or 6 position seat. Seats - the 4 position seat was pretty uncomfortable for me - I'm 6-2. My wife at 5-4 had no problems. The 6 position seat on the XLT was much better but there's room for improvement. Hard to decide between cloth or vinyl. Seems the cloth was more comfortable but for keeping things clean my preference would be vinyl. The front passenger folding seat back is a nice option and a must for me but the control lever is on the left side of the head rest and a bit hard to access. I would normally move this from the passenger side so I have to reach across the seat and head rest to get to it and you have to move the lever to move the seat back in either direction. Interior color - only saw the charcoal grey black. Seemed okay. Exterior color - I stopped by another dealer that had a silver metallic wagon on their lot. It's between silver or white for me. Hard to decide. The silver looks less commercial so I'm leaning towards that. Rear Cargo Light - only on the passenger side of the headliner area. Would be nice to have it on both sides. Seems like there is a cutout for it in the driver side body. Dashboard - Ford tried to spice it up by having these cowlings over the speedometer and tach. The problem when you're 6-2 is that you're looking down on these and it easily gets shielded. If you slide down in the seat it's easier to see, so it's optimized for someone shorter and a hindrance for someone taller but it's still functional. Visibility - pretty decent for a van. The sloping front windshield give you a nice viewing area. would be nice for touring. Step up Height - the van's low level makes it pretty easy to get in/out of the cabin area and the cargo area low step up is perfect for tailgating, which is ideal for me. It's easy to stand in the openings and access the roof area if you have items on a roof rack. Overall I liked the van and think it will work out well for my needs. I didn't bother to drive it since I've read reviews from others on that and it was adequate. I'm not a speed freak so performance means nothing to me. I do have lots of questions regarding options when ordering so I plan to make a separate post regarding that.

those are nice options. thanks for sharing. I have no idea if that's a good deal. if you enjoy the van then I'd say it's a great deal. I haven't placed an order yet. I'll have to wait until next month when the order window opens.