KULTULZ

Would there be any interest to buy an OEM (FORD) 2014 LWB rack asm (incl THULE cross-bars) brite finish?

The Belly Pan is only a fiberglass splash shield and if a trans leak was severe enough, trans fluid spray (from road speed) would hit the vehicle exhaust and cause an objectionable odor. I can't believe anyone would design a trans that one cannot check the fluid level and/or at the least put a low fluid level sensor in the trans pan. What they are most likely hoping for is a failure once it is out of drivetrain warranty.

Much belated answer- They (side curtain/pillar bags) may interfere with the rail mounting(s).

I also requested a dealer radio upgrade to SIRIUS but the conversion is not available from FORD (2014 model). It has to be assembled with the upgrade radio (I double checked this with another radio shop). Dealer upgrades are usually performed by an outside radio dealer and I found that the radio chassis cannot be upgraded in the Transit, factory assembly only. Accessory SIRIUS is aftermarket only.

Looking at the FORD Install Manual for the Cross Bar Kit, the bars are only shown as an assembly. Most likely, THULE has an agreement with FORD to whereas the bars are only available as assemblies offered in the kit. Contact THULE directly for confirmation.

I learned something a very long time ago and that is if the feature/accessory you desire is not factory assembly, don't mess with delaer installations. Usually, the accessory is not FORD but sourced from an outside source and is not covered under FORD warranty. I have seen years of dealer abuses regarding this subject. This dealer actually sent me to an outside vendor as the vendor impiled he had a source for a kit. The shop wanted to fashion a kit from scrap parts to fit my new TC.

THANX! So pre-2014 is GEN 1? That explains the roof panel differences and mounting pattern. Are the EURO and US models bascically the same say other than minor trim differences?

There is an affordable rail kit but is marketed in UK. I don't know if it will work on the US model. HERE- http://www.ebay.com/itm/FORD-TRANSIT-CONNECT-LWB-ALUMINIUM-ALLOY-ROOF-RAILS-RACK-BARS-/130814973114?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CommercialVehicleParts_SM&hash=item1e752e14ba They appear slightly different (mounting) from the US rails I now have (appearance the same). I am a REDNECK suddenly thrusted into an international world...

The wagon did not come through with the roof rails as it was on the lot. When I requested a roof rack like described in the ACCESSORY CATALOG, the salesman said no problem and charged me the amount of the cross-bars. When he found out that the rails were not included and that expensive, he had to eat them as the complete rack was included on the deal. I also requested a dealer radio upgrade to SIRIUS but the conversion is not available from FORD. It has to be assembled with the upgrade radio (I double checked this with another radio shop). As for sizing, I am for the most part computer illiterate. Hope all of this helps the next guy. FORD really dropped the ball on this TRANSIT CONNECT IMO.

I believe the full length rail is designated for the PANARAMIC ROOF OPTION as shown on the attached photo- ...sigh (again)... FILE TOO LARGE... Anyways, GOOGLE for a PANARAMIC ROOF OPTION equipped Connect and you will see the extended (to the front) rail(s).

OK... My selling dealer finally figured it out (I think)... The rails (OEM SERVICE REPLACEMENT PARTS) require removing the headliner to bolt on from underneath the roof panel. The cross bars then simply attach to the rails. Below are photos of my install with FORD OEM (rails) and FORD ACCESSORY crossbars (THULE)- ...sigh... My files are too large... Regardless, the rails appear as exactly as on the FORD ACCESSORY CATALOG-

"Maybe this would be a good resource for racks. they show a 2014 TC option that's very reasonable. Located in Brooklyn, NY They also provide a PDF instruction manual online." _____________________________________________________________ Those are commercial van racks and are heavy duty although they can be used on a passenger van. They do not allow the crossbars to adjust as if you had a THULE cargo carrier. And they require drilling through the roof panel (it seems). The install shown below has the channeled roof but the carrier is attacher per the earlier (pre-2013) units. I would like to know how he did it.

...Don't ask as how I have posted the same thing twice. Feel sorry for me...

I have racked the internet and have come to find that the roof panel has been changed and the earlier rack mounting system(s) will not work on the 2013-2014. It may be that the VAN is usually ordered as a work vehicle and the rail mounting system is not HD enough to support the racks for a commercial vehicle. BUT... Both vehicles have the same channels so I would think it possible to retrofit the van with WAGON rails if the van is used as a passenger vehicle (don't take just my view(s) as gospel). The rails have a 500.00+ list per side-piece. The FORD authorized crossbars are THULE and has an 359.00 accessory cost. The assembly cost is in the build catalog. No, the roof panels (mounting point reinforcements) are different. If you look real close, that is a 2012 mounting system. It is confusing and maybe FORD will address this with the new 2015 model. If you find anything else out, please advise. The dealer where I purchased mine (and I love this thing - took a while to get used to the apprerance) had very little information (and FORD offers very little). It has been a very trying experience. -2014 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT ACCESSORY CATALOG-

I have racked the internet and have come to find that the roof panel has been changed and the earlier rack mounting system(s) will not work on the 2013-2014. It may be that the VAN is usually ordered as a work vehicle and the rail mounting system is not HD enough to support the racks for a commercial vehicle. The FORD authorized crossbars are THULE and has a 359.00 accessory cost. The assembly cost is in the build catalog. No, the roof panels (mounting point reinforcements) are different. If you look real close, that is a 2012 mounting system. It is confusing and maybe FORD will address this with the new 2015 model. If you find anything else out, please advise. The dealer where I purchased mine (and I love this thing - took a while to get used to the apprerance) had very little information (and FORD offers very little). It has been a very trying experience.

Gentlemen- I am having the same problem on my new 2014. In order to use the FORD ACCESSORY THULE CROSSBAR KIT, the vehicle must have the OEM roof rails (these fit within the channels in the roof panel). While an option at ordering or factory assembly @139.00, the rails are @500.00 per piece (L & R) over-the-counter. These rails make it possible for the crossbars to be adjustable. There are kits for the commercial van that have fixed crossbars but they go to the roof panel and not within the drain channels. In short, unless the truck was assembled with the roof rails you are in trouble. The replacement rails (service parts) should in no way (IMO) have such a high list.