Loafer

The stereo installation was completed today. It was highway driven with very loud music with boom boxes. No apparent interference was noted with the Advance Trac System. So it appears that is a non issue. Speakers were mounted on the front door panels, the near back bulkhead, and the floor boxes. The sound was amazing. Elevated bed and mattress is also in, loading cargo tomorrow, then off to Cali. .

It's goof to see Ford recognizing talented folks. I know there are a lot of reality deniers out there so this is not for you. At this moment, the United States has a nuclear "first strike" policy. Russia does not. The U.S. has surrounded both Russia and China with defensive but nuclear cable launch systems. We have arrived at a point of nuclear danger never before faced by the world. This is not a conspiracy theorist writing. Dr Paul Craig Roberts is a respected level headed writer with government experience. Please read http://www.globalresearch.ca/washington-is-preparing-a-nuclear-first-strike-against-russia-are-you-ready-to-die-zero-awareness-and-no-discussion/5589829 I respect Ford for what they are doing. I wish Ford would turn their attention to de-escalating this dangerous situation so that their might be future Ford awards. I'll likely get banned from this forum for telling the truth, but so be it.

Sure makes my old 57 Chevy Convertible look like an antique. Thanks for posting.

I've still not gotten over not making the front vent window anymore. I was driving an old red pickup along a winding country road one day, holding on to the steering wheel, with a burger in one hand and a coke in the other, when a bumble bee hit the vent window and landed between my legs. The bee was buzzing and really pissed. My life flashed before my eyes. I dropped everything and when I got the truck to slow down enough I bailed out the door. When I caught up to the truck the bee was gone. Pheewww! Despite that I still love the old vent windows.

Hey, glad you bought the 2013 Campcrazy. There is so much stuff members do with their Connects, that it's always interesting here. Enjoy your stay and good luck with your Connect.

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That's interesting. I have not driven mine enough yet to notice. Might be fun to see who can create the most creative series of sounds.,,.a signature sound!

Yes I plan to take a booster pack as well. I'm hoping that the way battery technology is advancing that this will not be an issue for too much longer.

Geesh, you are the MAN! I was crabbing about changing the alternator...LOL. Thanks for sharing, it's very interesting.

Classy looking Connect! There is so much to learn about this vehicle depending upon various factors of usage. Reading the various topics you will become much more familiar with the do's and don'ts of the vehicle. Enjoy and welcome.

Thanks Don I'll look them up. Today I bought a dual pack of Kidde 1A10BC's. I'll mount them temporarily then locate a better bracket and remount them. Interestingly, I also researched the best dual smoke alarm, fire and smoke, for a camper. It seems the choice of one article written by a veteran fireman was the Kidde Pi9010. I called Kidde and that was their recommendation too. I'm glad this site is active. It really helps to share info and see what others think or have experienced as well. For carbon monoxide I'm using the Atwood CSA6.19-01 which Atwood indicates is suitable for RV's. Because of the pro stereo system, I have a second battery which is connected and stored in the cargo area of the Connect. Today I placed it into a battery box for added fire safety. My large amp is currently bolted to a birch barrier protecting the box speakers from the cargo area. I'm currently looking for the best fireproof material to fit between the amp from the birch.. I'm wondering if there are any other safety considerations that I have overlooked that are specific to the Connect. I am aware of the front window flares and am thinking my way through that at this time. My thoughts run toward special lenses for a pair of glasses, but that is just speculation at this time. Anyway, thanks again for your suggestion.

Thanks Don, that's a good thought, I'll do that. A smaller two and a half pound extinguisher would probably work there. I'm also going to place one somewhere on the bulkhead above the elevated bed. I'm having some trouble finding a bracket suitable for secure mounting in a horizontal position. I did find one with double straps made for aircraft that may work. I believe I'll go with the ABC rated extinguishers and hopefully will never need it. I'm particularly concerned because I have an installed stereo that requires both an amplifier and a smaller battery which are placed under the elevated sleeping area. Plus I have a fan that will plug into one of the dc outlets. I'll be finishing it all up this week and my son and his lady are heading to Cali with it.

I'm seeking advice on the best fire extinguisher and mounting system for the Ford Transit Connect. I'm also interested in where it is mounted. Also, since the Transit Connect Cargo is considered a commercial vehicle are there any standards or requirements regarding fire extinguishers. Thanks.

Once your new tires get some wear on them the mileage will increase a bit too. I have a 2012 Connect cargo van and just finished putting a pro stereo in, roof rack and basket, hitch and basket, and am finishing the elevated bed this week. Also bought a custom windshield shield from Weather Tech. Bought a custom camping van mattress from mattressinsider.com along with a cover to protect against mold etc., The stereo is too awesome to get into here, might make peeps cry, LOL. Included a 5 gal safety Eagle Transport Gas Can, a small generator, coolers, and me, I still have about 800 lbs of cargo I can carry before meeting the 1600 lb load limit. The Michelin light truck tires, P205/65/R15 XLT M/S that have a 1700 lb rating. I have no idea what my mileage will be when loaded, but expect highway miles to be about 21 mpg. So it's turn the sound up, cruise control set at 70mph, and Cali here I come, stopping for gas about every 325 miles, and sleeping in the back when necessary. It's a bit of a raw setup compared to some here but it works for me. Enjoy fitting out yours!

Oh, Norfolk, I drove a van off the pier there once in a bad fog many years ago. LOL

There are engineer types, mechanics, craftsman, electronic guru's, and tinkerers like me here so spend some time and enjoy the ride.

Welcome to the forum where we celebrate the major joys and minor miseries of the Transit Connect. Enjoy.

I just put on the Michelin Defender LTX M/S which is a light truck touring tire. It is rated at 1709 load capacity. It has a 70,000 mile rating, and is good on wet, dry, or snowy surfaces. It has a very high rating for road heat resistance , and also for minimum road resistance for better mileage. Being a light truck tire I expected a significant difference in road shock, and it is a little, but not too much different than the passenger touring tires. They drive and handle very well. They are more expensive. I needed them because I will from time to time be approaching Connects 1600 lb load capacity. I checked the weight of the Roof Rack, Roof rack basket, hitch, hitch basket, stereo speakers and boxes, and a constructed elevated wood bed and mattress to be apx 400 lbs. total, leaving 1200 lbs of remaining cargo weight. Once all items are installed a fully loaded shakedown trip to Cali will start in mid May. I used a Rhino-Rack heavy duty roof rack (rated at 220 lbs, and a Go Rhino cargo basket to top it. It required longer bend bolts than standard to mount it. I found 6X5 inch 3/8 stainless bend bolts at Fastenel. And 3/8 stainless securing knurled screw nuts from J.W. Wingo Inc. I went through all of this custom fitting just to have a 60 " long cargo rack with a six inch rise. I can carry the full rated 165 lbs of cargo and not exceed the 220 lb roof load limit of the Connect. With myself, gear, and inventory I will be running at about 1500 lbs. With mostly highway driving I expect to get reasonably good gas mileage as well. I hope Ford planned as carefully as I did...LOL. ***Pics to follow when complete

Geesh Dinocarsfast, you take on big jobs. They say the joy is in the journey but after looking at your pics I'm not sure about that...LOL. Hope all goes well and keep us updated. I'm currently installing a stereo system, roof/cargo rack and basket, hitch and cargo basket, remote start, back up camera, and an elevated interior bed with cargo area underneath. Just put on new Michelin light truck tires. I'll be heading to the west coast about mid May. That's the plan anyway....had to scrap the Florida trip, not enough time left. I recently purchased a 2012 Connect xlt and am working to fit it out. I'm looking forward to touring this summer. It looks like your planning for the fall and winter. Good luck with all that!

I'm looking forward to viewing the pic's 4String. Using plastic for door panels is a new idea and worth looking at. It also provides room for the addition of LED lighting to back light the panels. That would be interesting too. Anyway, good luck and I'll await the pics. If interested in lighting see superbrightleds.com

Bradley, I enjoy creative solutions regarding the Transit Connect and yours is a good one. Keep up the good work and enjoy your trip.

I recently saw a floor made of plywood topped with vinyl flooring. It looked very nice. I'm sure there are other materials other than plywood that could form the base with vinyl on top. Just another lame thought from Loafer.

It looks like a good plan r1alvin. The photo's do help to define a better understanding of your work. You do good work! LOL on whizzing off the neighbors.....

Boomer, I just read my 2012 TC Owners Manual and it made no mention of not leaving an accessory, like a Fan Tastic Endless Breeze portable fan, plugged in overnight. I have a high power alternator that charges both my car battery and a stereo amp battery. The fan would not drain these batteries if left on overnight. Since Ford did not indicate a safety reason for not leaving the fan plugged in over night, I suspect that it is safe to do so. Unless someone has some knowledge or personal experience otherwise I plan to use it. Interesting topic. I also plan to install a carbon monoxide alarm just in case. Also planning to build an elevated bed and a wooden wall to protect the large base box speakers placed six inches from the rear doors facing the doors. The wooden wall will protect the amp and speakers from the cargo area under the bed. It will not be as dolled up as some but it will be functional, sleep two, and have incredible sound. I'll post pictures when complete. I begin the modifications tomorrow and should have them completed in about a week. NOTE: I read this interesting warning regarding aftermarket stereo installation,. Installing stereo loudspeakers may interfere with and adversely affect the Afvance Trac with RSC system. Install loudspeakers as far from the front center console in order to minimize the risk. Reducing the effectiveness of the Advance Trac with RSC system could lead to an increased risk and loss of vehicle control. Woah! What's that all about? Any experience anyone? I may have to sound deaden the console. Wow! I spoke to a Pro Audio Shop owner today whom I've known for many years. He does the car audio for pro sports figures, stars, etc., as well as loafer's like me. Anyway, he said that he had installed pro systems in many cars with far more advanced electronics than the Connect without incident. He has also installed them in Ford trucks and cars that have the Advance Trac system with no reported troubles. Further he indicated that many Fords, including some Connects, do have an on off button for the system. The Connects that do not have that on off button can also turn it off by scrolling through the electronic menu. Not sure how to do that yet but will find out. So the stereo seems to be largely a non issue in his experience. I'll let you know how it goes once I have it installed and try it out on the road. Darn I wish Ford wouldn't throw those disclaimer paragraphs in the owners guide.

I was just reading and discovered that Ford works with various tire companies to optimize for the Ford Transit Connect. Ford recommends certain companies for best overall performance. I chose Pirelli P-4 Four Seasons Plus. It had the least road resistance and ranked well in all other consumer report categories. It's going to have to roll like hell to offset the price. Fingers crossed. Cancel that !! Placed an order for the Michelin Defender 205/65R15/XL 99T It is an upgrade that increases the load index. The 99T is rated at 1709 lbs per tire. The often recommended 95T is rated at 1521 lbs. The 2012 Transit Connect Cargo Van is rated at 1600 lbs of cargo. The 99T tire provides a measure safety worth having. The heat index was AA as well. These are good tires.