Let's talk about the new Ford Transit Van

My Roadtrek wrote:
I doubt anyone will be allowed to cut the roof off a uni-body Transit.
Class C builders will build on the cab-chassis version.
A B can be any length as long as it starts off as a van, and I suspect there will be 2 or 3 length options that the up-fitters will offer.

Definitely the Cab Chassis version.

I would like them to use the high roof. This would allow use for a false floor which could be used for storage, more space for tanks (where even the grey/black tanks could be inside the van proper), a furnace with baseboard heating, using the false floor as a plenum, and many other uses. Even if the floor is raised just a part of an inch, it would allow for increased insulation.

I too agree with last two. I think the high roof model will be used for RVs. Would make sense. I am not a big fan of 24 ft B vans. I would go to a C again like I had before...

My Roadtrek wrote:
I doubt anyone will be allowed to cut the roof off a uni-body Transit.
Class C builders will build on the cab-chassis version.
A B can be any length as long as it starts off as a van, and I suspect there will be 2 or 3 length options that the up-fitters will offer.

+1

I doubt anyone will be allowed to cut the roof off a uni-body Transit.
Class C builders will build on the cab-chassis version.
A B can be any length as long as it starts off as a van, and I suspect there will be 2 or 3 length options that the up-fitters will offer.

Anyone have good ideas on what model(s) the B manufacturers would be likely to use. Would they use the high roof, and would that provide 73 or more inches of interior height? Would they use the medium roof and then raise the roof? How about the cutaway with a fiberglass shell--like the RT 200 (technically a class C, but a B by affinity). And how about the wheelbases--extended only? I am not sure of the vehicle lengths, but I thought I read that the extended wheelbase might be 24 feet long. That's too long for a B, in my opinion.

Anybody know or have any good ideas?

Fastpaddler, if you look at the price difference between the North American Transit, and the Sprinter, it's not that much in the diesel versions. The gassers is where the $$$$ difference will come into the fray, about 4 to 5k.
And the Transit is available with way more configurations and options than the Sprinter is here, other than the longest 24' model that the Sprinter has.

Yes. I agree. I see the Transit, with RWD, occupying the middle ground all right but the converters have the opportunity to produce an RV with the requisite features and the RWD towing capacity which is or isnt essential. Ford has just what is needed in diesel power or gassers. The Transit will evolve in RV format, with an attractive package and, probably laminate and some cost cutting elsewhere. It gives us a chance to buy a new unit without mortgaging the house!!! Since Ford Transits are essentially commercial vans, the resultant RV conversions should be serviceable countrywide, including in Canada. That is a big plus, of course. It makes the new and used market more accessible for all budgets!!IMHO

I agree, the PM will be the low end, Transit will take the mid to mid high, where most Sprinters are now, and the Sprinter will be the high end B's

I hate double-posting, but here is another, purely opinion, and I mentioned this on the "B" forum:

The US market is different from Europe in one respect. There, a Mercedes van isn't anything to write home about. Here, if one mentions they have a $100k+ Mercedes (A Winnebago ERA for example), they will be getting options for dates at most bars. M-B is a status symbol here in the US.

So, I wonder if we will see RV makers split into two lines: The Sprinter as the flagship line, running northwards of $150k, and the Ducato/ProMaster for the entry level "B"s, mainly because the platform is inexpensive. The Transits might end up being special order upfits by companies like Sportsmobile because they take up a middle ground.