Loafer

DPL646, welcome to the forum. There are very advanced builds and fairly raw builds too. I was surprised by the level of knowledge and experience evidenced by the members here. I learn more every day. Additionally, this is a friendly and helpful forum absent problems often evidenced in most places. So enjoy your stay and ask questions freely. I believe it was Beta Don that mentioned recently that the short wheel base (SWB) Transit Connects drive like a car, and that the long wheel base (LWB) drives more like a light truck. Folks here have various opinions regarding each. One of the most often mentioned issues is the rear view, and it is often recommended that you drive each to determine which you are most comfortable driving. Views from lift gate or barn doors are often discussed too. Keep in mind too that your cargo carrying load limit is 1600 lbs including the weight of your build and additional equipment. Tires too are important regarding weight limit, mileage etc. I just purchased a set of Michelin Extra Load Light Truck Tires rated at 1700 lbs. Since the tires that are original equipment tend to be rated at around 1400 lbs you may want to investigate that further. When I was shopping around for a used vehicle I thought that XLT meant extra long and tall. Stupid me, it did not. At 6'5" tall I bought a Connect cargo van that was six feet instead of the seven feet of cargo space in the long wheel base. I built it to make it work however and am satisfied with it. So there is much to consider. Enjoy your journey !

Cool !

Good luck with all that!

Very cool stuff, way beyond me ! Although this is not a mechanical or electrical matter, don't forget the bear spray...

With this much interest in Camper Vans, perhaps Ford will rethink continuing it's tall vans. It would be very cool if Ford had a version with a bulkhead designed to be flexible and accommodate upfitting for common uses. Hmmmmmm........

Must be the water in Dearborn. I don't think we have seen the last of the tall vans. I'm not sure who will build them. I suppose we will have to look to Europe for future innovations. Ford, Chevy, and Dodge seem to have lost their mojo with respect to tall work vans. I'm curious as to who might step in. I suspect that finance and insurance played a roll as well for some people. Mercedes is still building theirs I believe, but they can be pricey. It could be that aftermarket is the answer, not sure. It will be interesting to watch.

Interesting thought BSUPC, soccer mom demands could well be a big factor. I'm wondering too if the European market experienced the same drop in demand. Likely those of you who have been here longer know more about the reasons Ford dropped the tall model. To me the tall van was a good innovation for a small work or delivery truck, especially for urban areas. Which manufacturers still make the tall models and why? I don't know for sure, but it seems to me there is a market still there for the taller van. I suppose I just like them and I'm wondering why Ford doesn't. Now, even the shorter TC is dropping sales. From what I'm reading here owners of the Gen 2 TC's really do like them.

Hmmmm, Ford Transit Connect sales were down 26.8% year to date compared to 2016. I don't suppose there's anyway to know for sure but I'm wondering what others think the reason might be.

Yah, I had the same problem with the Illinois dealer that I purchased the 2012 from. It too was a two hour drive. We finally got it all worked out. It just seems to be the way things are today. Best of luck with the LWB Boomerweps!

Yah Boomer, I'm interested in this too for those especially hot and humid days. There's normally no heat relief until the due point often 3:00 AM or later. Soooo, I guess I'll look around to see what's out there or if I need to craft one myself. Since I carry a hitch cargo basket I likely will have to craft one. The elegant solutions take time to imagine, so I guess no hurry.

Good insight regarding the SWB and LWB Don. Not having driven the LWB it's good to know. I too can see Boomerweps issue with both persons being tall. Absent an elevated bed that's a problem. My son is also 6'5" and he spent his first five day festival sleeping in the SWB with no complaints. It's all interesting.

Yes it is fun to begin to imagine what system set up will meet "your" needs Jatoba. There are so many modification examples, both extensive and minor, to help trigger your creativity. Some creative mechanic engineer folks modify the mechanics, while others modify the asthetics, and even a combo of the two. Everyone's vision and need varies and their creations vary accordingly. It also seems to be a continuing process so the innovations and creative examples continue to roll out. There are vary practical ideas and way-out modifications too. Enjoy the journey.

Built an elevated platform with a 63X56 mattress. With the seat forward a large pillow is stuffed between the platform and seat. At 6' 5" with head at the back, I can stretch out comfortably in a 2012 SWB cargo van.

Yah, the troll unwelcome mat is pretty well loaded here, i.e.: "sigh" it's stuff like this that caused your Mom to say she was just going out for milk.

I don't have a PMS tool, can you advise?

Hi CarolC, I live in St Louis and own a 2012 TC XLT with 56,000 miles on it. Welcome to the forum. Peeps here are very respectful and friendly, and especially knowledgeable. The depth of their knowledge and capabilities will surprise you. Folks from many countries contribute as well. We are provided Ford public relations announcements too. This place is addicting. The stuff you learn here will make you appreciate your TC more than before, and make it more fun to upfit and drive as well. Join in and enjoy the company!

Boomerwwps you may want to consider using 3/8 inch birchwood plywood for both it's strength and light weight. I used it on an elevated bed platform on a SWB. The platform was built on 2X3 wall studs with minimal bracing. Since I'm not sure about the folded seat strength or weight capacity of them, I'm not sure if you would have to use the studs or if the plywood could be placed directly on the seat backs. If you used a short vertical stud, the studs, bracing, and plywood would be light and easily handled. Either way using plywood would be a good assist in loading and unloading. I would send a pic except I'm in Missouri and the TC is in California with my son. When he gets back I'll show some pics. We mounted two heavy speaker boxes on the floor, facing the back barn doors, six inches from the doors, cut into the bulkhead to mount two additional speakers, and replaced the front door speakers with five inch high end speakers, they fit perfectly. We replaced the alternator with a high amp alternator, ran wiring to the amp and speakers. That TC is like a concert hall...LOL. Despite the high volume and tremendous booms of the base, the computer elements located under the console were unaffected and performance was normal. Despite our good efforts, we couldn't blow the doors off the TC.

There are three kinds of people, those who can count, and those who cant!

Smash forehead on keyboard to continue !

The extra roof height in the Gen 1 is perfect for my needs of carrying cargo and still having enough vertical height for a sleeper. I like the unique exterior looks of the Gen 1 better as well. For a passenger van I would choose the Gen 2.

Mine in the 2012 Connect are 1/4 inch coarse thread.

With the seats back and tilted back I measured 63 inches in my 2012 SWB. That's why I call my van my Main Squeeze.

Exactly MLB....with a 1600 lb weight limit it requires a light truck tire like the Michelin Defender M/S that has a 1700 lb rating also. Barn doors work well too. There's a lot to consider.

You might consider acquiring a 4 ft hitch cargo basket and carrying it outside the van. Etrailer.com has one that measures 4 ft by 20 inches that fits a two inch receiver. It's heavy duty.