Let's talk about the new Ford Transit Van

I read 25% better than existing gassers. This doesn't seem like much, but it is a realistic figure.

No info yet on gas mileage with the V6 ecoboost?

The ecoboost v6 is a very interesting alternative to a turbo diesel. All aluminum motor that is rated at 365 hp and 420 ft lb of torque. It is direct injected and runs on regular unleaded gas. The direct injection is what lets it use reg unleaded gas, that just wasn't available when my van was made 10 years ago. It's not a new untested motor either, it's been in F150 pickups for 4 years and in a couple of other Ford cars.
Bottom line I think if I ever buy a new B this is the chassis I will look at first.

Ford Transit Ad Videos.
Not a lot of info here, but looks promising

Ford Transit

Hi Folks,

This is a good topic in that what we are looking at is the future of Class B Campers. These already come with the headroom needed and soon to follow will be the modular builders who will build furniture to fit. We might even see the DIY applications using IKEA furniture, and more simpler stoves, PortiPotties, under the counter and bed tanks for water. This is a lot like the Falcon with their modular bathrooms and futon type seats/beds. It will bring in a lot of new campers because the costs will be much lower.

Reminds me about my first camper, a VW bus with the middle seat out, replaced with a carpeted plywood floor and an old kitchen cabinet on the side and a J. C. Whitney table leg holding up an old kitchen cabinet door. Boy, those days were great.

Heapie

I have been keeping my eye on this vehicle to convert it myself to a basic camper that I can also use as a daily driver. I have used an old Chevrolet van for this purpose for years. My old van has basic fresh water plumbing, cassette toilet, single fold down bed, two burner LP stove, clothes and food storage and house lighting. I want something that I can park and stay in pretty much anywhere and that I can get enough insulation in that four season camping is comfortable. I am only interested in the high top version with a gasoline engine. Diesel just does not make sense to me in a vehicle of this size, especially given the usual large up charge (but I am open to changing my mind). Thanks for starting this thread. I'm looking forward to comments.

As of a few days ago, Transits are going into pre-production from what I've read. This doesn't mean they might be out any earlier, but the KC plant is ramping up for production.

The engine choices are pretty decent. Ford is betting the entire farm on the EcoBoost technology, so the EB gasser model will lose less power when at higher elevations. It also has a diesel-like torque curve. If one has to have Flex-Fuel capability, there will be a normally aspirated V6 available. The five-banger diesel looks interesting. If it is anywhere near as solid as the old Mercedes T1N model, it might be the best van for the buck.

If the EB is anywhere near the diesel in MPG, it might be the best price/performance ratio for some models, especially with the fact that a gasoline generator is a lot cheaper than a diesel one. With a gasser, there is no DEF to worry about, and the F-150 people have been running those engines ragged.

JMHO here: Since I'm into camping season with my TT, so I might as well wait until summer to trade in my existing rig for a "B", so it will be interesting to see how places like Sportsmobile are able to upfit Transits. Since Transits are rear wheel drive, it is definitely doable to convert them to 4WD. In fact, Quigley promises a 4x4 conversion.