JackGrimshaw

Windguy, Extremely off topic but, Seeing your gear reminds me of my 3 boards and armload of sails in one of my sheds.They haven't gotten wet since the mid 90's. Is there any market for classic Bics? On the east coast in CT

If you do go the warranty route,I would not mention your wet saltwater gear as I'm sure they would use that as an excuse to deny coverage. Wet gear inside a warm closed up van probably creates a "salty" humidity. My family owns a house less than 1/4 mi from the ocean and anything that can rust eventually does,even indoors. Your rust spots are identical to the rust we get on the edges of appliances where paint is thinest.

Looks like some type of a rivet. Try drilling the center portion,first with a smaller drill bit for a pilot and then one slightly larger than the center portion.

Table top is hinged and folds over for travel. Attaching the 4 legs will make it freestanding. Check out this site for kitchen videos.I borrowed a few ideas. https://www.drifta.com.au/ Drawers,top and divider are removed unless we are camping.Set up is about 30 min.Everthing sits in a permanant plywood box that goes from the rear of the sliding doors to rear doors,leaving about 18 in x full width infront of headboard for storage. Pictures are from a Sept trip to Somes Sound View Campground Mt Desert Island,ME.

Here is how we camp now that the kids are grown . The dish pan (above left hand drawer) is collapsable for storage and the water supply is a square 5 gal plastic container with a faucet. https://www.amazon.com/Reliance-Products-Aqua-Tainer-Gallon-Container/dp/B07ZN7471L I can't see how any one could wash dishes sitting in a TC. Hand sanitizer in door pocket for odd moments.

Thanks davidparker The rack is "squarish" and does make some noise empty at highway speeds.I'll try the rope trick.

To those who have roof racks and haul ladders on a regular basis: Do you have "howling" at highway speeds? I'm not talking about a rattle.This is a very loud hum at speeds above 55 and is almost painful. I have tried different rack and ladder positions and also wraping binder strap once around a rung and rack(thinking the strap might be vibrating) but to no avail. 2016 LWB van with no insulation other than above seats.I'm wondering if the bare roof may be acting as a sounding board and amplifying vibrations.

Are you tall or are your legs too long? Although I'm only 5'9,I have a similar problem.Either my legs are scrunched up or my arms are stetched out.I love my TC but it is the most uncomfortable vehicle I have ever driven on long trips. I am thinking of adding a 2 in lift to the drivers seat.My torso is not so tall that I'll bang my head getting in or out.

I have had my Yakima box for about 15 yrs and love it.I'm not sure what model as the side decals have disappeared.Aprox dimensions are 90 in long and 15 in high at highest point. We use it for camping,first on a Subaru Forester and now on a 2016 TC LWB.My racks are adjustable and currently set at 36 in I have barn doors so I don't know if liftgate models would be a problem. I can mount it by my self because I have built a storage rack on my garage wall that is head height.It is very awkward to lift off the ground by one person . It is best for lighter soft items,bedding,tarps,duffel bags etc.It is very slippery inside so use care with single items and hard partial loads.I believe there are tie down points inside but have never used them. It opens from either side and the locks work well.Order extra keys.Never had anything get wet in probably 10,000 mi. The only downside is the height .I am 5'8" and have to toss things up and then stand inside to arrange them with one hand. Avoid parking garages and low limbs,I have had a few close calls.Fortunately just scratches

Had good luck with these guys for Ford parts. https://www.tascaparts.com/

This is attached on one end to the crossbar on the roof rack and supported on the other end by two telescopic poles secured with guy lines.About 10 min setup depending on whether for quick temporary shade or longer term rain protection. We camp and have a slide out kitchen unit.

I found the low beams on my 2016 terrible.Had them aimed up and problem solved. Light intensity was not a problem. Cheap fix.

Can tell the truck drivers here.

With no glass in pass side sliding door,I have been sick and and tired of parking lot idiots honking as I try to slowly back out of a parking space.Can't always back in,pull through or park in the back 40. When I got a cracked windshield a few weeks ago,I inquired about adding a glass panel in the side door. The owner had never done one before but looked into it a said it didn't look like a problem.I told him under $200 you have a deal. So for $190 I can see much better on my blind side. Dark tint,you can barely see in. You may not get the same price unless they are doing an insurance claim but it doesn't hurt to ask. Why did I wait 2 1/2 yrs? A Wizard Auto Glass Enfield CT

When my daughters were growing up,my wife made many of their clothes.I remember nights with fabric laid out on the dining room table with a tissue paper pattern pinned to it. I would love to see a pattern for interior panels for a TC.It could even be downloaded from the net,printed and taped together.Cut your panel of choice to fit. Would be worth $50-$75 to me

I see you already have a hitch. Get a trailer for the bikes and keep the dirt outside.There is only so much room inside a TC. Weather Tech floormats for the front footwells are great at keeping dirt and mud controlled.

NJ may have county quarantines for moving firewood. https://www.dontmovefirewood.org/map/new-jersey/ https://www.state.nj.us/agriculture/divisions/pi/prog/emeraldashborer.html

When I installed roof rails in my 2016 the plugs did not come out easily.A few broke in half.I think they are one time use and would not remove them unless I had replacements.

Try asking here.Europeans have more options. https://m.facebook.com/groups/1402449166674335?ref=bookmarks

You may want to check this roof adapter out. I have not purchased from this seller but he seems to have a good rep. Also sells 3M Thinsulate https://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-Transit-Connect-Roof-Vent-Adapter-for-2014-or-Later/142515465891?hash=item212e956ea3:m:mBzibOMwMKr0bwakbnkxZJw&var=441506560218&redirect=mobile

Windguy,I have a 2016 lwb cargovan. Did you print out a copy of the ssm for the tech.It seems to give a detailed description of the procedure.Did you give them any paying work?Was this where you bought your TC?I think those were points in my favor and what gave them the incentive to go above and beyond. I have thought about this for a while.I am reluctant to share the dealers name in case I need a favor again.I apologize if some may think that's a crappy attitude and hope you understand.As someone who worked for the same small business for over 40 yrs,I have found that repeat customers and personal relationships are better served and result in future business and referrals.

A big thanks to Mickster(and others) for providing the info that helped me resolve this issue.Here is a recap: I called the service dept at the dealer where I bought the vehicle before my first service was due and gave "my story" ( My wife and I camp a lot and I have built a camp kitchen that my wife uses through the rear doors.Whenever we open the doors,all the perimeter lights come on which light up half the campground.The lights stay on for 9 mins.I timed them.I feel this is rude to other campers and this is an embarassment for my wife.We often camp with my 11 yr old granddaughter and you know what kids are like.I stated that I participated in an online TC forum,others had the same complaint,some were able to disable this feature under warrantee,I had a copy of a factory SSM on how to disable this but it required a reprograming of the BCM.I want to have this done when I bring the TC in for sevice.) The service rep didn't have a clue and passed me to the "truck guy".Gave my story again.He also had no clue and when I mentioned "dark mode" he went silent for a moment and then asked what that meant.I explained. He then said that when I came in for my service to bring in a copy of the SSM. A month later I called to arrange for " The Works" ( oil,inspection,tire rotation etc.) and gave my story again. Showed up early,talked about the service and other issues,handed over the SSM and gave my story.The next rep over looks over and laughs " You're the dark mode guy".They got together and wrote up the service request as though I was complaining about battery drain.We then chatted for a bit about who we know and how the dealership had grown.The usual crap.His name was Bob. I picked up the truck that night,place was mobbed but everybody was smiley.They charged for service but adjusting the headlights up ,a recall issue and upgrading the "PCM" were under warrantee.Should have checked. Well I did check when I got home and no change in the perimeter lights. Called Bob the next day,gave my story, pointed out the difference between "BCM and PCM" and he said he would get together with the service manager and see what they could do.Please email a copy of the SSM. Got a call from the dealership two days later.A woman wanted to know how my "experience" was.She said that I would soon receive a email survey from Ford and she hoped I would give the dealership high marks.I gave my story again and she says Bob told her about it and they were working on it. I soon got the survey but did not respond. A week after the first call I called Bob again.Still working on it.Didn't have to give my story.I thanked him for his help and said I really hoped we resolve this issue. I got a reminder about the survey. Delete! Bob called two days ago and I was not optimistic. "When can you bring it in" "Thursday at 7am" "Fine" he says I show up a 6:55.Door is locked.Sign on door says service dept opens at 7:30. I go sit in the truck. Bob comes over about 10 mins later and says "Show me" I did. He says shop foreman will be in soon and I'll get back to you. I sit in waiting room. About 7:30 Bob comes over with the shop foreman who says show me. I showed him and told my story.He says "OK" hops in th TC and drives away to the bays. 10 minutes later he's back and says I'm all set. Finally done. No paperwork.No charge. The first tech did upgrade the BCM but did not find the proper box to check off in the program This was not a small dealership,but this was the first time dealing with this. I guess Ford is not very forthcoming about this issue.The service personnel are constantly playing catch up with the technology and it's not getting easier. Persevere,laugh,tell a story,be polite,come equipped with knowledge and don't piss anybody off. This can be solved. I filled out the survey and gave the the highest ratings. I hope they remember me.

Join this group and ask. Some of these guys do custom bodywork. https://m.facebook.com/groups/1402449166674335?ref=bookmarks

In the middle photo the door is open 180 just for clarity. In use the door is opened 90 deg and shim dropped in. My TC is a 2016.Not sure if other years have the same bulges on the rods. Or you could clamp a cheap pair of vise-grips on one of the rods.

Windguy, I copied your design with a few modifications to help support a half-fast awning to cover the kitchen when my wife and I camp.I built a slide out chuck box between the rear doors(now in the basement so not in the pictures). I used 5/16 eye bolts ,6x8 tarp and 2 sizes of electrical conduit to make the length adjustable.