Jump to content
Ford Transit Connect Forum
   

Gideon

T.C. Member
  • Posts

    134
  • Joined

  • Last visited

  • Days Won

    9

Everything posted by Gideon

  1. Always those tough decisions! Good luck in your search. BTW, I had found my 2016 on Autotrader & Cargurus. Have you searched either of those? I think kijiji & Craigs List are more popular for private while Autotrader and Cargurus seem more popular with dealers.
  2. Note that gen1 models are quite different in seat assembly than gen2 (2014 +). Gen1 rear seats are removeable but not gen2. As for that 2010, IF it was well cared for - not so bad BUT GET IT PROPERLY INSPECTED !! Heater not working, in our climate, NOT a good sign! If it will be a family daily-driver, I would pass on it. Also, in Quebec a dealer must give 30 days warranty (I may be wrong), private sale no.
  3. Perfectly reasonable idea, but my grown family members will make life hell for me if I do that. They already complain like crazy about the short strips of reflective tape I added on exterior. BTW, I notce the tpms warning light (don't have them on my winter wheels) only comes on at highway speed & stays off during city driving (under 65Km/H).
  4. mrtn; NAFTA (or the new version of it) applies to commercial import/export. Private individuals need to deal with Canada Customs, Federal AND Provincial tax depts., and provincial licensing rules. A BIG "PITA" !! Sgsf12: to the best of my limited knowledge, all transit-connects were imported as 'passenger' models to avoid the US "chicken tax". They were/are then stripped at a US plant and the removed parts are reused. If you plan on converting to a minicamper, then your final choice is probably the best idea.
  5. Sgsf12 : Have you tried H.Gregoire in Quebec?? They can always transfer a vehicle from one location to another if needed. When I was looking for mine, they had some interesting offers. Buying from USA "can" be a hassle with customs!
  6. I was VERY lucky to find my 2016 LWB Wagon [at used car dealer in Oka, Que.]. Passenger versions, 1st or 2nd gen, are quite hard to find. Would have liked a Ist gen as they are 6-7inch taller and simpler bodywork, but my family was very against anything that old. 2nd gen do have some more "goodies" though. Passenger models do have better sound/thermal insulation, seatbelts, etc. Also check SAAQ rules !!!
  7. Would have preferred a set of WT deflecters, but at $70-$100Cdn for set of 2, I'll pass. Instead I chose DIY sliding-door (LWB) vents. Used modified alumnum soffit vents [with built-in screens] that are very easy to install/remove. Louvers are rain-resistant & screens make them bug-resistant. Secure ventilation for summer for my pet. Total cost about $12-$15 Cdn [materials, glue, paint]. Note that I'm on limited budget and NOT a craftsman, and care about function over cosmetics.
  8. Nothing wrong with taking 5-10 min and $5 tire gauge. No need to spend $$$$$ I just changed to winter tires on steel rims - no tpms crap. Now just want to shut the *@*@ warning light.
  9. May I remind you that it is a Canadian soldier, helping US forces in Afgahnistan, that holds the record for longest sniper kill - 3.6Km. And in WW1 it was Canadian algonquin who had 305 sniper kills and over 500 enemy taken prisoner, while 'Billy' Bishop was highest-scoring Allied fighter ace with 72 CONFIRMED (+ quite a few more UNconfirmed) kills!
  10. Finally went to dealer with the part number. Oddly, the parts clerk insisted I give the VIN for my car - I 'claimed" it was for a homemade cargo trailer so no VIN, just look up part #. In the end, out-of-stock, but available next-day delivery if ordered @ same Can$46.77
  11. I have emailed ford Canada asking about buying a "recovery hook". And got NOWHERE. They kept telling me the hook is not compatible with my van, and asking for my VIN. My answer to them was:"what difference does the VIN make when I want to purchase an item for whatever purpose or vehicle?" And for the record I added that I physicaly verified the attachment spot. Still waiting for a reply, but not very hopeful that they have the 'guts' to asnwer me!!
  12. That style of trailer is a great step up from sleeping on the ground. But I do prefer my hard-topped Rockwood tent-trailer. Built-in fridge(3-way), sink, inside storage, int/ext 2-burner, and all off-the-ground. About 16ft opened up. Advertised as sleep 6 ( 4 adults on extensions,2 kids on dinette). But as often the case, that leaves little if any inside storage for clothes, etc. AND if you have a pet with you ????
  13. In the 'old' days, winter wipers were those that were covered with rubber to keep snow/slush/etc from getting jammed into wiper frames. But today's "frameless" wipers are truly all-season; work great. Only real issue is to ensure that wipers are in good condition at ALL times. Found that cleaning wipers with vinegar helps keep them streak-free in winter.
  14. Van seems easier to customise. Vans are somewhat easier to find [used] but I needed the seating and wanted windows. For me, electric windows are a "mixed blessing". Too fussy to get "just right" and I worry about my cat hitting the controls accidentally - rear can be locked but not the fronts & he likes to 'investigate' everything when parked.
  15. Definitly agree on winter tires. And the heated outside mirrors will be very welcome. Had them on my old Nissan Axxess and sorely missed them on my Vibe. Last winter we had days of -25F + wind-chill (doesn't affect cars, just the occupants) of -40(C or F same at that spot). Even colder at night. BTW, I notice the rear defroster has extra lines on the glass where the wiper is parked to help get it going - a nice [& welcome] touch.
  16. I too have a 2016 LWB XLT Wagon that's my daily driver and, hopefully, an overnighter (have a tent-trailer for camping). Have installed a modified Keter storage cabinet [behind 2nd rt-side seat] to hold my usual 'stuff' & some light camping gear. Need to keep seating for 3 and room for my cat's litter-box [behind cabinet] & supplies. Leaves enough room for sleeping behind driver's seat.
  17. Same here. This forum has given me lots of ideas and information.
  18. Just wondering how the gen2 LWB wagon handles northern US & Canadain winters - is the heater/defroster strong enough? On my old Vibe I had partially covered the rad to quickly reach & keep good operating temp when temps in -10c & colder. But the front design of the gen2 makes that rather hard to do. Note that car was outside (no garage/shelter) & most of my driving is short trips, which is why I often used my "trickle-charger" to top-up the battery. Also always used 5w30 or better oil. kept fuel at min 1/4 tank with occasional gas line antifreeze. And block-heater at temps of -20 & lower => never any problems starting.
  19. My worry is this: wider and/or taller tires need more space in the wheel wells - this MAY limit the maximum steering angle that can be used. Result - wider turn radius. Ideally, I'd like to increase ground clearance by 1-1 1/2" to ensure clearing higher-than-normal curbs, and for the rough paths at some campgrounds (save wear/tear/dents on underbody).
  20. People who "know" do carry shovels, traction plates/mats, abrasives, etc. Highly recommended by the CAA/AAA ! Personally, also carry emergency blankets, flares, small survival kit (long trips only), as well as regular stuff. But as an old radio commentator used to say " if Common Sense were truly common, the world would be a far better place!" Perhaps we can also blame the car adverts for implying that "technology" is everything??
  21. Asked about turn radius as larger tires [especially if wider] "may" rub on body => need to limit steering. As for winter [BTW; 'furries' in tonights forecast] tires, the 'driver'is just as important. Had a case when I worked as security guard: saturday heavy snowfall and only my Vibe and an suv in parking lot. End of shift and other driver went out to go home while I 'filled-in' night guard. suv driver came back inside after 20-25 min, said was stuck and would leave car and walk to road to get bus or taxi. I went out, SLOWLY wiggled my out of the lot and went home. Next morning suv was still there so went over to look - it was a Lexus AWD with top-of-line (new) snow tires. My FWD vibe had low-cost Goodyear snow tires. Snow tires are mandatory by certain dates in Quebec & Ontario, chains are optional but rarely used now-a-days (wouldn't fit on the Vibe anyhow - I tried). In old days of Bias-ply tires chains were necessary quite often. I doubt the T-C (gen2) has enough clearance for them.
  22. Do the larger tires affect the turn radius ? Myself, I've got 215/60r16 winter tires [on steel rims - others are on mags]. Here in Quebec & Ontario winter tires are required by law [and needed by weather].
  23. May get some snow around here next few days so will have a chance to 'test' traction control. I read somewhere that that it "can" cause problems in 'slush' & light snow. The remedy was said to pull the fuse. But of course proper tires are absolute must. My winter tires are mounted on their own rims & ready for installing. PS: Math prof OLD joke => when engineer is asked "how much is 1+1, he pulls out sliderule to calculate".
  24. Fifty150, I camp in a small tent-trailer (8ft box) with my cat. His litter box is covered and he is very careful to always 'cover-up' his "downloads". The box is on floor at other end o trailer from my bed = no smell at all [I do 'scoop' each morning]. I don't need 7 seats, but minimum of 3 at all times; so the T-C is great replacement for my Vibe. Although I originally looked for late Gen1 with rear seats, my family pestered me to get something newer [ie: 2016] & as they were helping with the cost, here I am. No complaints! BTW, the cat has access to the litter box during travel to/from campground [in old car & now in T-C]. Here in town, I've had good comments about my T-C Wagon, incl from my independent garage.
×
×
  • Create New...