My husband and I have this van too. 2020 bought new. Did a simple removable setup much like yours. Bungees and magnets are your friends. Two cots that can fold up and bungee to the side walls if we need space. Milk crates (for clothes and kitchen stuff) fit perfectly under the cots and double as table legs when stacked and used with a .5 in piece of plywood when camping. We have the milliard mattress too. Our roof rack (after market) and Thule box stores most of our camping supplies like chairs, stove, etc. It's been a perfect little camper and daily driver. I can empty the whole thing out in minutes and use it to haul whatever I need. Drives really easy and is comfortable. Only problem we had was not able to reach the Thule box. We are short folks. We bought a small aluminum ladder that also straps to the roof. I'd buy again for sure.
Maybe the reason that the windshield washer fluid is always empty is because you are adding washer fluid to the anti-freeze reservoir? That might also explain the coolant light coming on?
Was seriously considering picking up one of these little beauties for an every day driver. Main reason for the cargo room easily load and unload my tools and other cargo. Make life easier. 24 city 27 hwy 👍
I bought a 2019 ford transit connect. I have put over 40,000 miles on mine without any mechanical issues. I am looking for somebody or company build some slide out drawers under my bed. I travel with my dog and its been amazing! thanks for the video.
Good to know! Have you had any issues with the battery being drained? Mine was parked in my garage for 2 days recently and it wouldn't start the other morning. Had to jump it, and it's worked fine since, but I've never had a dead battery on a vehicle with 20,000 miles.
I have a 2019 with 12,000 miles on it that I used to drive from Washington to Arizona and towing my ATV trailer and small boat (actually not bad). It’s fully loaded with all the factory options you can get and the Technology in it is amazing. I have not encountered any of the problems that you have, in fact it’s been a really good machine so far. The only only problem I have or complaint would be the darn chimes when you start the vehicle, when you open the door, when you sneeze wrong, terribly annoying. Oh yeah, the seat comfort isn’t anything to write home about either. Good purchase.
I have a 2013 ford transit connect (the taller older body style). I would recommend looking at that as a medium small style van, I have comfortably stayed in it with me and another person with a pullout bed configuration. They are like 6000 with less that 100000 miles, well taken care of as they were fleet vehicles. Love mine.
This is an excellent video. Love your sense of dry humor as well. When watching, couldn't help but smile throughout the whole thing because of it. Thank you! : )
Thanks for getting back to me. I’ll probably still get a transit connect but like you I don’t think they’re as good as they should be. Still, they’re better than the other mini cargo vans out there, for now. Unlike your van mine will have a tent on the roof. To save on weight the hard shell will be made out of XPS foam covered in fiberglass.
whats funny is i got into mountain biking last year - my first vid i watched was your teal steel project vid, i just got one of these vans yesterday and i check your channel again and see you have one of these too.. i got a 2022, hopefully they've hammered out some of those issues
haha that's awesome. I feel like a true influencer now! Oddly enough I've had none of those issues since filming this video. The dealer did replace my battery under warranty because it died. When I bought it the battery was dead, and the dealer was supposed to replace it originally when I purchased, but I'm starting to suspect they never did that. For example....with my new battery, the auto start/stop feature works fine. It's been a pretty solid van, and I just love the versatility of it! Hope you enjoy yours!
This is a cool video. I am looking forward to doing some minimalistic camping this next spring. I decided to subscribe because I have this van too! Safe travels!
Nice video. This is almost the exact same setup that I want. Enough space to carry the bike and a sleeping rack. Just the basics because its about getting to the mountain and doing the thing.
I came here with fingers crossed you would cover quarks and reliability. You knocked it out of the park! Exactly what I did not want to hear though, LOL.
That vehicle collision event would scare me. I just bought a 2012 Transit XLT, it has 40k and it doesn't have all the extras of the new ones. I was going to buy a new one but glad I didn't.
The track protecting a number of wires,bottom of side door,is broken on mine,Which is a crazy place to put it, Literally plastic stud fell apart ,very cheap and in a place prone to Damage. annoying locks also.To much electrics prone to failing .
I have a fleet of cars for my biz and 1 out of 3 will have that coolant sensor problem. The gauge will spike, a msg will appear saying the car is overheating and it will cut the engine to half power. Having a cheap code reader handy is a good idea to quickly clear the code in case this happens while you're on a trip. Once the code is cleared, it usually doesn't happen again for several months 🤷♂️
Oh, and the other issue was probably due to the rain disrupting the sensor on the front of the van making it think there was an obstacle. That sensor will trigger in my Jeep in the snow quite often. Luckily, mine doesn't automatically apply the brakes, because it will also do it when approaching guard rails on twisty roads, thinking its a car I'm about to rear end. Annoying as hell!
I'm similar to you. I go a lot of places on the weekends for side trips and recreation, but I still want to maintain my Mon-Fri worklife and homebase. Your vid basically answered whether getting a small cargovan would work for me. I'm also 6'1", so I think it wouldn't be too short for me.
Hello, your Heat shield window covers, try putting the passenger side one in the driverside. It will be shiny side in but they should press fit into the window nicely. Ive had mine for about 2 years and over time the suction cups do lose their suction. I had the black and gold version and put the black side out like a black out curtain.
@@CobraKyle I have a set of these window covers for my Ford van's back door windows. I store them flat and haven't had any problems. The salesperson said they will last a long time if you are gentle when removing them so they don't rip.
@@lpmama1196 yeah I am very careful with mine but my un knowing companions ripped a couple thinking they come right off. They look Nicer than homemade ones
Very informative. Keep up with the updates as you go along. As of right now though, sounds like the same problems I have on my current vehicle. So I won’t consider this van.
I'm a mountain biker and man, I'm in the same boat. I've been driving a regular cab 2wd, 4cyl Tacoma for ten years, but I've been traveling more....like 8 to 11 hr driving sessions and I would like to have something that I can sleep in when I get to where I'm going, or along the way if needed. The Toyota has been problem free for ten years too....Ford, I just don't know. The Taco also does not have cruise control, which is becoming annoying at times. I would have a basic setup like yours and enjoy my days riding bikes. I've almost talked myself into the van, but just not sure yet.
Nice, I’m lobbying my wife for one of these vans too. Too bad there aren’t any roof rails on it so I can get more storage. Otherwise there are cheap hitch-mounted trays but then my bikes would have stay inside.
It does have the mounting holes for rails already, but I never realized how expensive the rails could be. I think the cheapest ones I found were like $400. It would be great to store my bikes on the roof....would definitely hear someone up there trying to rip them off.
@@CobraKyle I assumed your curtain rod was one of those spring loaded ones that fits between walls? Also Did you mount it in the styrofoam area? I'm just wondering because I just got my van today and there is a chunk of Styrofoam up in the corner of each of the sliding doors.
@@cricket2734 I believe I did mount it on the styrofoam. There was a clear area it fit nicely, and never moved nor fell as it wasn't holding much weight. I no longer have the van or else I would just go look and confirm for you haha.
@@CobraKyle sorry to hear you got rid of it. Did you start having trouble with it or did you reach your five-year 60,000 mile warranty limit? Also did you get a nice price out of it when you sold it or traded it in?
@@cricket2734 I sold it around 35k miles. Didn't have any issues with it, but got a really good offer on it from Carvana, about $8k over what I paid, so was a no brainier!
Pretty slick travel van! Perfect for your bike adventures 👍.. I don’t like auto stop start either...I bet if you fully charge and top off your vans battery with a tender that the auto stop start feature will work.. Your car battery is probably operating below the optimal voltage for the feature to work.
I would love to get one of these. My question is, how much did you pay? And how did you pay for it? I've seen on dealer web sites that these things command a price of about 35k. You don't get much for that, which leads me to believe that they are way overpriced. So I'm kind of just wondering how you rectify the exorbitant over-pricing by Ford for such a stripped down and simple product? Thx!
I bought this in summer of 2020 before the chip shortage and when things were still kind of locked down, so car deals were pretty cheap. I paid around $24,000 then if I recall. About 6 months later is when the car market kind of went crazy, supply was low, and demand was high. Ford also announced the discontinuation of this van in the U.S. which will probably inflate the values of these on the used market. I bought mind at the right time, and agree that $35k for one of these used is far too much.
Thank you! I took this to Colorado last summer (Winter Park), and it was definitely sluggish in those mountain hills. As long as you take your time though, it performed just fine....just exceptionally slow!
Hi Kyle. Nice video, I have a 2016 Connect with a similar set-up. I do have one question that is not related to the Connect though: do you know the person with the sunshade that is parked next to you? I would like to know what brand that sunshade is. Thank you.
Out of curiosity, why did you choose a mini-cargo van instead of a regular minivan? You would have had more cargo capacity with a regular minivan with the seats out or even folded in the floor; and could have gotten a Toyota or a Honda (or even a Kia Sedona with a 10 yr warranty). Also, you could have gotten a Toyota Sienna with AWD; and they offer lift kits for them. Plus I'm also fond of windows all the way around when I am driving (cause you can always cover them once your parked for privacy). Just curious as to why.
Hi Carolyn. It really came down to pricing. I love the Sienna and Odyssey and looked at them originally, but they were both well over $30,000. I paid around $23,000 for this van, so the $10,000 in savings was well worth it to me. I do miss windows when driving, but for security reasons I prefer not to have any. I travel with a lot of expensive stuff inside the van (bike, camera gear, laptop etc...), and windows are an easy smash and grab if someone can see all that stuff easily. I could put window coverings in, but I wouldn't want to do that every time I stop for gas or something really quick. It's nice I can just close my curtain, and no one can see inside my van.
How do you open the back doors without opening it inside first? I can’t seem to get mine open without popping the yellow lock inside first. Got mine minimal like you as well lol. 2020
Do you have probs with your battery going flat? I've found it's the internal light that stays on, draws a lot of power. Plus the headlights, when you've got the doors open, but I've found a way to stop that.
My understanding is, when you press the ECO button it puts the van in ECO mode and begins the stop/start thing. No press the button, you don't get the feature.
Hi, Im curious about what brand/size bed foundation you pit in there? The one’s I’ve looked at seem to be too long for the Transit Connect X interior dimensions. Thanks!
Thanks for the video, you are funny the way you saying stuff about that ford , I appreciate it because I’m looking for a use one ,I’m 6’2’, , not sure yet what I want , between, connect , Nissan NV or Toyota LiteAce, or maybe a small kie truck then build something on it ,
The engine on due to vehicle charging is because of newer alternators being "smart" they don't constantly charge like older ones. With the weird issues, I suspect you might have an issue with your battery, very well could be a loose terminal, a corroded connection or even a bad cell.
You are spot on! A couple months after filming this the battery completely gave out. Replaced it, and everything worked as it should. Auto start stop started working, and less glitches overall.
Hi. We are trying to decide between the Transit Connect and Ram Promaster City for our camper conversion. We are leaning toward the Ram. Why did you choose Ford over Ram? After your experience would you still make that choice? Thanks.
Hello! In my research I've found that Fiat/Chrysler products aren't the most reliable. I guess one could argue that Ford is kind of the same. Hard to say on the internet as there are generally as many positive as negative reviews on both vehicles. The Transit has been in production longer, so I figured there was more info/support on this vehicle over the Ram. I had read a lot about the 9 speed auto in the Ram was a common failure point which is a costly repair (if not under warranty). My van is up to about 22,000 miles, and hasn't had any of the issues discussed in this video since. I'm still pretty happy with my purchase, but will probably sell before the warranty expires just to be safe lol. I hope that is somewhat helpful!
@@CobraKyle thanks. We are test driving, reading reviews and looking for the best deal on one of these small vans. Appreciate your response. Enjoyed your video 👍🏼
Have you tried disconnecting the battery? I have a 2012 Transit Connect that I bought used. Mine also had some kind of computer glitch. The warning lights would sometimes blink on and off and I would hear clicking and stuff. It got worse and worse and happened more frequently over a year. At the peak the van straight up refused to shut off. As in, I turned the car off and removed the key and it kept running. I drove it to this car battery shop and had them disconnect the battery to shut it off. The guy told me that just disconnecting the battery might actually fix it for me. We left it disconnected for about 5 minutes and reconnected it. It has worked perfectly ever since. I still installed a battery disconnect just in case. Haven't had to use it though. If you do this, however, be aware that it resets the vehicle's computer. I think you also take a chance at damaging the computer. Though, I suspect the risk isn't that high since the battery has to be disconnected occasionally anyway whenever you replace it. Anyway, all of the driving information it has gathered on you will be gone. And who knows what else the newer model uses the computer for. For me, however, the only difference I noticed was that it was working fine again.
101 perspective that's interesting about your Transit. I've heard a lot about Connects having glitches, especially 2010 through 2012. I have a Transit Connect as well. My Connect has a major problem with being able to lock my front doors. When I get out from driving, I have to *slam* my front door, to make sure that it will let me lock it. In other words, I can't just get out of my truck, close my door, and then put my key in it - to lock it. What will happen is that when I put the key in it to lock it, it will *automatically* click and unlock back again. Also, if I use the button on the key to lock it, it will do the same. It will unlock back again. **The only time it will let me lock it, is when I slam the door and then, sometimes it will catch, and allow me to lock it. Then, sometimes I have to slam it like 10 times and try to lock it each time before it will work. I went to the dealer and they said all of the Connects are made with that unlock feature as a safety measure and when it goes bad, there is nothing they can do about it. So guess what...I literally have been driving around with my Connect with a white chain and a tiny padlock that I have to use when I take my pets with me. *Just so that I can lock my door(lol)* It's so frustrating having to do that. I've been having to do that for about 2 months now. (ughhh). I put the chain around the front door and connect it with the side door, so no one will be able to pull them apart and open my van. (ughhh and yes, it looks stupid.) I asked the dealer if there is a way that they can go into the truck's computer system and disable the automatic unlock, and they said no. It doesn't make sense. But oh well I guess that's what I have to live with. (Driving around in a vehicle that automatically unlocks after you lock it, unless you sit there for 20 minutes trying to get it not to unlock.) I loooooove my Connect, but for that reason, I will never buy one again.
@@girlygirl1890 I haven't had this problem. I did see this thread where others had similar problems. One person replaced their door lock actuator and it fixed it. However, their other door started doing it... so. It did make me wonder though if you could troubleshoot it by switching the door lock actuators from one door to the other... assuming that you only have the problem with the driver's side door and not the passenger side one. If the problem switched sides then you would know this is the problem. If both doors started working correctly then maybe just a loose connection. If both start unlocking then you are sc#$@d. The door lock actuator is expensive (over $300) so I wouldn't just run out and buy a new one. I would troubleshoot first if you can. It might end up costing more to troubleshoot though if you have to pay someone to do it for you. Here is a link to the thread. I also provided a link to a site that sells the part... not so you can buy it from them but because they have a nice diagram of what the part is. Their site shows it is #13 on the diagram. fordtransitconnectforum.com/topic/4038-doors-keep-unlocking-when-driving-where-is-the-door-sensor/ www.fordpartsboss.com/a/Ford__Transit-Connect/53516855__6473971/SIDE-LOADING-DOOR-LOCK--HARDWARE/MB10400.html
@@girlygirl1890 Btw, I've never tested this but I wonder if the doors would lock/unlock using the key if you disconnected the battery. If so then maybe disconnecting the actuator might work? You probably just wouldn't be able to lock the doors from the inside while driving. I'm just tossing out ideas. I'm definitely not a mechanic so I'm not sure if these are good ideas or not.
@@101perspective oh. It actually does this with *any* door that the truck thinks is not closed all the way. Like, if you close any door and you don't slam it to the point where it's about to fall off, then the computer system shows that the door is still open and then the indicator light will show that a door is still open and the lock will not lock. It locks first, then immediately clicks to unlock back. Even if you go and make sure to slam all of the doors, then sometimes it still thinks a door is still open. (yeah, that's a pain.) I only mentioned the driver's side because that is the only door that I use and open and close, so that's the only door that shows as "still open" (lol) sorry.) But anyhoo, I'm going to check that info on the door lock actuator that you mentioned by looking it up. I'm also thinking about calling one of those "emergency "Pop O lock" companies to see if they might can provide any insight. Like you said, I'm going to do lots of troubleshooting before spending any major money though. Thanks so much. : )
@@girlygirl1890 Oh, I think I see the dilemma. If you open any door then the system automatically unlocks them all. Same for when you lock them. So, there is no way for you to know which door is causing the issue... assuming it is even a door issue and not a computer one or what have you. I think I was thrown off by your use of the chain and lock. I thought you were only chaining one door, which made me think it was the only one unlocking. To me that sounded like something funky with just that door. Anyway, it sounds like it is possible that it is even one of the back side doors that is the issue then... since those are unlocking also each time (if they work like mine do). I'm not sure how you could troubleshoot this. And since the back doors probably use a different actuator I'm not so sure you would want to just buy one and hope that this is the issue. Because if switching out the front ones doesn't fix it then you are stuck needing to do the back. And if switching those out doesn't fix it then you are stuck needing to replace a 2nd front one... then a 2nd back one... and it could end up still not working since it had nothing to do with the actuator. That would be like $1,500 down the drain probably.
The MS3? I know they were owned by Ford at the time, but I believe the engine and transmission were built by Mazda. If it was Ford, then they did a great job with that car. Loved it!
Thank you! I haven't had any issues with the engine cutting off since filming this video. It's almost to 22,000 miles now. I'm certainly skeptical of it's long term reliability, but will probably trade it in right before the powertrain warranty expires lol.
Good info! The dealer must have sold it to me with a bad battery cause the auto start stop never worked lol. Once I had the battery replaced...it worked fine.
My second hand Ford was about six years old when I bought it, Stop Start function never worked and I couldnt figure out why. Then the battery failed completely and had to be replaced, now it Stops and Starts the engine regularly. Apparently when the battery is functioning below normal capacity this feature will not kick in.
How is the Van as far as power? Looking at this as a camper for traveling more mountainous areas of the US. Heard they might not be good for going up mountain roads.
It's certainly a weak motor. I did drive it up to Winter Park CO and you spend a ton of time high in the rev range, but as long as you aren't in a rush, it will get you to the top.
What’s it like going up mountain passes? I want to get the same van but pop the roof and put a tent up there which I can access from inside. Just a little worried about power going over mountain passes.
I did take the van to Colorado last summer, and it's certainly slow up in the hills. It managed ok, but spent a majority of the trip in the upper rev range and wasn't happy about some of the higher speed limits.
My husband and I have this van too. 2020 bought new. Did a simple removable setup much like yours. Bungees and magnets are your friends. Two cots that can fold up and bungee to the side walls if we need space. Milk crates (for clothes and kitchen stuff) fit perfectly under the cots and double as table legs when stacked and used with a .5 in piece of plywood when camping. We have the milliard mattress too. Our roof rack (after market) and Thule box stores most of our camping supplies like chairs, stove, etc. It's been a perfect little camper and daily driver. I can empty the whole thing out in minutes and use it to haul whatever I need. Drives really easy and is comfortable. Only problem we had was not able to reach the Thule box. We are short folks. We bought a small aluminum ladder that also straps to the roof.
I'd buy again for sure.
Maybe the reason that the windshield washer fluid is always empty is because you are adding washer fluid to the anti-freeze reservoir? That might also explain the coolant light coming on?
Bingo
@@miamiwax5504 if this is correct…. Wow, just wow. Lmao
Probably Thirsty ants.
😂
Dude is clearly a nimrod..
most people: “here in my $100,000 van setup we have a walk in bathroom and shower”
this guy: “my shit bucket holds my bagels”
This makes van life seem possible for broke people like me😂
Was seriously considering picking up one of these little beauties for an every day driver. Main reason for the cargo room easily load and unload my tools and other cargo. Make life easier.
24 city 27 hwy 👍
I bought a 2019 ford transit connect. I have put over 40,000 miles on mine without any mechanical issues. I am looking for somebody or company build some slide out drawers under my bed. I travel with my dog and its been amazing! thanks for the video.
Good to know! Have you had any issues with the battery being drained? Mine was parked in my garage for 2 days recently and it wouldn't start the other morning. Had to jump it, and it's worked fine since, but I've never had a dead battery on a vehicle with 20,000 miles.
I have a 2019 with 12,000 miles on it that I used to drive from Washington to Arizona and towing my ATV trailer and small boat (actually not bad). It’s fully loaded with all the factory options you can get and the Technology in it is amazing. I have not encountered any of the problems that you have, in fact it’s been a really good machine so far. The only only problem I have or complaint would be the darn chimes when you start the vehicle, when you open the door, when you sneeze wrong, terribly annoying. Oh yeah, the seat comfort isn’t anything to write home about either. Good purchase.
You’re very witty. Thank you for the enjoyable tour.
Thanks Gretchen! Thanks for watching and the compliment!
I have a 2013 ford transit connect (the taller older body style). I would recommend looking at that as a medium small style van, I have comfortably stayed in it with me and another person with a pullout bed configuration. They are like 6000 with less that 100000 miles, well taken care of as they were fleet vehicles. Love mine.
Most down to earth person. Thanks.
Appreciate the kind words!
This is an excellent video. Love your sense of dry humor as well. When watching, couldn't help but smile throughout the whole thing because of it. Thank you! : )
I love how realistic this video man! No bs LoL
“Something horse power” 😁🥳 love your video. Thank you 🙏🏽
Just come across your video - like your delivery. Thanks for the tour and your honesty - really enjoyed it as well as learning stuff. 👍
A 2.0 turbo would be a great upgrade engine for the Transit !
Get a Yakima back swing, you will be able to swing your rack out of the way. Had to get one for my Jeep. Good investment.
I would never get the stop assisting sensor.😊 thank you for your video.
Thanks for getting back to me. I’ll probably still get a transit connect but like you I don’t think they’re as good as they should be. Still, they’re better than the other mini cargo vans out there, for now. Unlike your van mine will have a tent on the roof. To save on weight the hard shell will be made out of XPS foam covered in fiberglass.
whats funny is i got into mountain biking last year - my first vid i watched was your teal steel project vid, i just got one of these vans yesterday and i check your channel again and see you have one of these too.. i got a 2022, hopefully they've hammered out some of those issues
haha that's awesome. I feel like a true influencer now! Oddly enough I've had none of those issues since filming this video. The dealer did replace my battery under warranty because it died. When I bought it the battery was dead, and the dealer was supposed to replace it originally when I purchased, but I'm starting to suspect they never did that. For example....with my new battery, the auto start/stop feature works fine. It's been a pretty solid van, and I just love the versatility of it! Hope you enjoy yours!
Thanks for the informative, fun and funny review...Really appreciate your down to earth style.
This is a cool video. I am looking forward to doing some minimalistic camping this next spring. I decided to subscribe because I have this van too! Safe travels!
Nice video. This is almost the exact same setup that I want. Enough space to carry the bike and a sleeping rack. Just the basics because its about getting to the mountain and doing the thing.
I came here with fingers crossed you would cover quarks and reliability. You knocked it out of the park! Exactly what I did not want to hear though, LOL.
haha thank you! I'm almost to 30,000 miles and still got some quirks, but nothing catastrophic has failed yet!
@@CobraKyle Good to know, thanks.
That vehicle collision event would scare me. I just bought a 2012 Transit XLT, it has 40k and it doesn't have all the extras of the new ones. I was going to buy a new one but glad I didn't.
Your right about the updates, having to connect to a wireless network to update is not going to work well.
Just the type of video I was looking for, thanx!
You're hysterical! Love your van videos.
Thanks so much! Appreciate the kind words!
The Ford Transit has a 2.5L Duratec - it is a Mazda design. You might be lucky with that motor.
I just got a Nissan NV200, it takes my single bed and my MTB side by side, i like it.
Very cool! Having a simple van is excellent!
The track protecting a number of wires,bottom of side door,is broken on mine,Which is a crazy place to put it, Literally plastic stud fell apart ,very cheap and in a place prone to Damage. annoying locks also.To much electrics prone to failing .
Whatever you do don't forget to change your transmission fluid once a year!
I have a fleet of cars for my biz and 1 out of 3 will have that coolant sensor problem. The gauge will spike, a msg will appear saying the car is overheating and it will cut the engine to half power. Having a cheap code reader handy is a good idea to quickly clear the code in case this happens while you're on a trip. Once the code is cleared, it usually doesn't happen again for several months 🤷♂️
Oh, and the other issue was probably due to the rain disrupting the sensor on the front of the van making it think there was an obstacle. That sensor will trigger in my Jeep in the snow quite often. Luckily, mine doesn't automatically apply the brakes, because it will also do it when approaching guard rails on twisty roads, thinking its a car I'm about to rear end. Annoying as hell!
@@chumpmtb2554 Really odd that this can't be sorted out with programming.
I'm similar to you. I go a lot of places on the weekends for side trips and recreation, but I still want to maintain my Mon-Fri worklife and homebase. Your vid basically answered whether getting a small cargovan would work for me. I'm also 6'1", so I think it wouldn't be too short for me.
Hello, your Heat shield window covers, try putting the passenger side one in the driverside. It will be shiny side in but they should press fit into the window nicely. Ive had mine for about 2 years and over time the suction cups do lose their suction. I had the black and gold version and put the black side out like a black out curtain.
Thanks for the idea! I'll have to give that a try.
@@CobraKyle I have a set of these window covers for my Ford van's back door windows. I store them flat and haven't had any problems. The salesperson said they will last a long time if you are gentle when removing them so they don't rip.
@@lpmama1196 yeah I am very careful with mine but my un knowing companions ripped a couple thinking they come right off. They look Nicer than homemade ones
1:16 just screams “I’m a trust-fund baby!!” Did you do any research prior to purchasing ? Or
!!! WARNING !!! ... content is highly entertaining and addictive, procede at your own peril 😁😁😁
Moab is bad ass. No where else on earth like it.
Very informative. Keep up with the updates as you go along. As of right now though, sounds like the same problems I have on my current vehicle. So I won’t consider this van.
Thanks! I hope this van lasts long term, but I don't have the highest hopes. Will probably sell right before powertrain warranty runs out.
I'm a mountain biker and man, I'm in the same boat. I've been driving a regular cab 2wd, 4cyl Tacoma for ten years, but I've been traveling more....like 8 to 11 hr driving sessions and I would like to have something that I can sleep in when I get to where I'm going, or along the way if needed. The Toyota has been problem free for ten years too....Ford, I just don't know. The Taco also does not have cruise control, which is becoming annoying at times. I would have a basic setup like yours and enjoy my days riding bikes. I've almost talked myself into the van, but just not sure yet.
Nice, I’m lobbying my wife for one of these vans too. Too bad there aren’t any roof rails on it so I can get more storage. Otherwise there are cheap hitch-mounted trays but then my bikes would have stay inside.
Pretty easy to add rails 😂
It does have the mounting holes for rails already, but I never realized how expensive the rails could be. I think the cheapest ones I found were like $400. It would be great to store my bikes on the roof....would definitely hear someone up there trying to rip them off.
the poop bucket is the FOOD bucket. love it!
Can you show how you put in the curtains that go behind the front passenger and driver side seats? How did you mount the curtain rod?
It was actually a shower curtain tension rod.
@@CobraKyle I assumed your curtain rod was one of those spring loaded ones that fits between walls? Also Did you mount it in the styrofoam area? I'm just wondering because I just got my van today and there is a chunk of Styrofoam up in the corner of each of the sliding doors.
@@cricket2734 I believe I did mount it on the styrofoam. There was a clear area it fit nicely, and never moved nor fell as it wasn't holding much weight. I no longer have the van or else I would just go look and confirm for you haha.
@@CobraKyle sorry to hear you got rid of it. Did you start having trouble with it or did you reach your five-year 60,000 mile warranty limit? Also did you get a nice price out of it when you sold it or traded it in?
@@cricket2734 I sold it around 35k miles. Didn't have any issues with it, but got a really good offer on it from Carvana, about $8k over what I paid, so was a no brainier!
"non perishable items like this bagel", lololol, i don't know if he meant that as a joke or not, but i laughed.
Cool update Kyle! Thanks for the awesome video!
Thanks for watching!
Great honest review.... Really enjoyed watching... Liked and subscribed.......🚐👏👏☘
Thanks so much!
Transit vans! Wooo! 🥳
Someday I may actually get a big boy sized van lol
@@CobraKyle Then you can get some Big Boy sheets, lol...Although I truly loved the Doxson sheets, so funny and cozy.
Pretty slick travel van! Perfect for your bike adventures 👍.. I don’t like auto stop start either...I bet if you fully charge and top off your vans battery with a tender that the auto stop start feature will work.. Your car battery is probably operating below the optimal voltage for the feature to work.
Thanks! The auto start stop was a feature that I dreaded when buying this van, so I'm kind of stoked it never works haha.
how long the bed how much extra bed room is there. like is it a tight fit sleeping. great idea camper van
It would be really cool if you painted a wizard on it.
For real! I would love that!
I would love to get one of these. My question is, how much did you pay? And how did you pay for it? I've seen on dealer web sites that these things command a price of about 35k. You don't get much for that, which leads me to believe that they are way overpriced. So I'm kind of just wondering how you rectify the exorbitant over-pricing by Ford for such a stripped down and simple product? Thx!
I bought this in summer of 2020 before the chip shortage and when things were still kind of locked down, so car deals were pretty cheap. I paid around $24,000 then if I recall. About 6 months later is when the car market kind of went crazy, supply was low, and demand was high. Ford also announced the discontinuation of this van in the U.S. which will probably inflate the values of these on the used market. I bought mind at the right time, and agree that $35k for one of these used is far too much.
@@CobraKyle Thx.
Don't roll your window shields up lay them flat under your mattress or something to flatten them
Appreciate the tip! I'll have to try that out and see if they work a bit better.
Love the videos and have used some ideas from you! My van build is a little bit different though.
Thanks Potato! Enjoy your van experience!
How much was the van? You are under warranty, if you've had those issues did you call about them?
This guy is funny. Could be a standup.
Thanks so much! Maybe you'll see me in the clubs someday haha (unlikely).
Nice comprehensive review! What are your thoughts on how the van operates on mountains / different grades?
Thank you! I took this to Colorado last summer (Winter Park), and it was definitely sluggish in those mountain hills. As long as you take your time though, it performed just fine....just exceptionally slow!
16 minutes and not once do you tell us how many dead bodies fit in it????
Lol...I know how many MTB posers it holds....3
@@CobraKyle lol
In Tennessee trip, the electronics sensed ghost. It’s working just fine in that regard.
Thanks to this comment, I found the ghost sensor feature in the settings. We're all set now!
@@CobraKyle Great. Happy haunting!
I like how you review this van!
Thanks so much!
Hi Kyle. Nice video, I have a 2016 Connect with a similar set-up. I do have one question that is not related to the Connect though: do you know the person with the sunshade that is parked next to you? I would like to know what brand that sunshade is. Thank you.
Out of curiosity, why did you choose a mini-cargo van instead of a regular minivan? You would have had more cargo capacity with a regular minivan with the seats out or even folded in the floor; and could have gotten a Toyota or a Honda (or even a Kia Sedona with a 10 yr warranty). Also, you could have gotten a Toyota Sienna with AWD; and they offer lift kits for them. Plus I'm also fond of windows all the way around when I am driving (cause you can always cover them once your parked for privacy). Just curious as to why.
Hi Carolyn. It really came down to pricing. I love the Sienna and Odyssey and looked at them originally, but they were both well over $30,000. I paid around $23,000 for this van, so the $10,000 in savings was well worth it to me. I do miss windows when driving, but for security reasons I prefer not to have any. I travel with a lot of expensive stuff inside the van (bike, camera gear, laptop etc...), and windows are an easy smash and grab if someone can see all that stuff easily. I could put window coverings in, but I wouldn't want to do that every time I stop for gas or something really quick. It's nice I can just close my curtain, and no one can see inside my van.
Would love if honda could make a cargo van like this. Id buy that shit ina heart beat
Likewise! I considered an Odyssey cause those are pretty sweet!
I have a 2016 T.C. 100K miles+, no problems. The radio knob could be larger :-).
Good to know! Mine is still going strong and it's pushing 23,000 miles now!
updates can be the drivers and programs for theses function glitch he has been having like updating window for the first time.
How do you open the back doors without opening it inside first? I can’t seem to get mine open without popping the yellow lock inside first. Got mine minimal like you as well lol. 2020
Hmmmm. I never had that issue. I would just push the unlock button on the key fob twice and it would unlock the rear doors as well.
Is this L1 or L2?
Wow thanks for this video
It would have been nice if you told us the year of the van.
Do you have probs with your battery going flat? I've found it's the internal light that stays on, draws a lot of power. Plus the headlights, when you've got the doors open, but I've found a way to stop that.
I agree about back cam would be a LOT better at the top of the van.
So low in the front would be my only concern I was thinking of getting a van also to do the same.
My understanding is, when you press the ECO button it puts the van in ECO mode and begins the stop/start thing. No press the button, you don't get the feature.
Hi,
Im curious about what brand/size bed foundation you pit in there? The one’s I’ve looked at seem to be too long for the Transit Connect X interior dimensions.
Thanks!
How is climbing hills like going through Colorado mountains
Thanks for the video, you are funny the way you saying stuff about that ford , I appreciate it because I’m looking for a use one ,I’m 6’2’, , not sure yet what I want , between, connect , Nissan NV or Toyota LiteAce, or maybe a small kie truck then build something on it ,
One word ... err ... one concept: swing out hitch adapter; you're welcome good buddy 😇
The engine on due to vehicle charging is because of newer alternators being "smart" they don't constantly charge like older ones.
With the weird issues, I suspect you might have an issue with your battery, very well could be a loose terminal, a corroded connection or even a bad cell.
You are spot on! A couple months after filming this the battery completely gave out. Replaced it, and everything worked as it should. Auto start stop started working, and less glitches overall.
But that Crosstrek though.
It's a nice garage queen!
I have one and it happened multiple times. Dont trust your dealer. With 100% certainty its the EGR valve.
Wish I would have bought 🍎 shares when I purchased my iPod. It was older than his. Coñio.
Hi. We are trying to decide between the Transit Connect and Ram Promaster City for our camper conversion. We are leaning toward the Ram. Why did you choose Ford over Ram? After your experience would you still make that choice? Thanks.
Hello! In my research I've found that Fiat/Chrysler products aren't the most reliable. I guess one could argue that Ford is kind of the same. Hard to say on the internet as there are generally as many positive as negative reviews on both vehicles. The Transit has been in production longer, so I figured there was more info/support on this vehicle over the Ram. I had read a lot about the 9 speed auto in the Ram was a common failure point which is a costly repair (if not under warranty). My van is up to about 22,000 miles, and hasn't had any of the issues discussed in this video since. I'm still pretty happy with my purchase, but will probably sell before the warranty expires just to be safe lol. I hope that is somewhat helpful!
@@CobraKyle thanks. We are test driving, reading reviews and looking for the best deal on one of these small vans. Appreciate your response. Enjoyed your video 👍🏼
great video, thanks for sharing.
Appreciate that!
Have you tried disconnecting the battery?
I have a 2012 Transit Connect that I bought used. Mine also had some kind of computer glitch. The warning lights would sometimes blink on and off and I would hear clicking and stuff. It got worse and worse and happened more frequently over a year. At the peak the van straight up refused to shut off. As in, I turned the car off and removed the key and it kept running. I drove it to this car battery shop and had them disconnect the battery to shut it off. The guy told me that just disconnecting the battery might actually fix it for me. We left it disconnected for about 5 minutes and reconnected it. It has worked perfectly ever since. I still installed a battery disconnect just in case. Haven't had to use it though.
If you do this, however, be aware that it resets the vehicle's computer. I think you also take a chance at damaging the computer. Though, I suspect the risk isn't that high since the battery has to be disconnected occasionally anyway whenever you replace it. Anyway, all of the driving information it has gathered on you will be gone. And who knows what else the newer model uses the computer for. For me, however, the only difference I noticed was that it was working fine again.
101 perspective that's interesting about your Transit. I've heard a lot about Connects having glitches, especially 2010 through 2012. I have a Transit Connect as well. My Connect has a major problem with being able to lock my front doors. When I get out from driving, I have to *slam* my front door, to make sure that it will let me lock it. In other words, I can't just get out of my truck, close my door, and then put my key in it - to lock it. What will happen is that when I put the key in it to lock it, it will *automatically* click and unlock back again. Also, if I use the button on the key to lock it, it will do the same. It will unlock back again. **The only time it will let me lock it, is when I slam the door and then, sometimes it will catch, and allow me to lock it. Then, sometimes I have to slam it like 10 times and try to lock it each time before it will work. I went to the dealer and they said all of the Connects are made with that unlock feature as a safety measure and when it goes bad, there is nothing they can do about it. So guess what...I literally have been driving around with my Connect with a white chain and a tiny padlock that I have to use when I take my pets with me. *Just so that I can lock my door(lol)* It's so frustrating having to do that. I've been having to do that for about 2 months now. (ughhh). I put the chain around the front door and connect it with the side door, so no one will be able to pull them apart and open my van. (ughhh and yes, it looks stupid.) I asked the dealer if there is a way that they can go into the truck's computer system and disable the automatic unlock, and they said no. It doesn't make sense. But oh well I guess that's what I have to live with. (Driving around in a vehicle that automatically unlocks after you lock it, unless you sit there for 20 minutes trying to get it not to unlock.) I loooooove my Connect, but for that reason, I will never buy one again.
@@girlygirl1890 I haven't had this problem. I did see this thread where others had similar problems. One person replaced their door lock actuator and it fixed it. However, their other door started doing it... so.
It did make me wonder though if you could troubleshoot it by switching the door lock actuators from one door to the other... assuming that you only have the problem with the driver's side door and not the passenger side one. If the problem switched sides then you would know this is the problem. If both doors started working correctly then maybe just a loose connection. If both start unlocking then you are sc#$@d.
The door lock actuator is expensive (over $300) so I wouldn't just run out and buy a new one. I would troubleshoot first if you can. It might end up costing more to troubleshoot though if you have to pay someone to do it for you.
Here is a link to the thread. I also provided a link to a site that sells the part... not so you can buy it from them but because they have a nice diagram of what the part is. Their site shows it is #13 on the diagram.
fordtransitconnectforum.com/topic/4038-doors-keep-unlocking-when-driving-where-is-the-door-sensor/
www.fordpartsboss.com/a/Ford__Transit-Connect/53516855__6473971/SIDE-LOADING-DOOR-LOCK--HARDWARE/MB10400.html
@@girlygirl1890 Btw, I've never tested this but I wonder if the doors would lock/unlock using the key if you disconnected the battery. If so then maybe disconnecting the actuator might work? You probably just wouldn't be able to lock the doors from the inside while driving.
I'm just tossing out ideas. I'm definitely not a mechanic so I'm not sure if these are good ideas or not.
@@101perspective oh. It actually does this with *any* door that the truck thinks is not closed all the way. Like, if you close any door and you don't slam it to the point where it's about to fall off, then the computer system shows that the door is still open and then the indicator light will show that a door is still open and the lock will not lock. It locks first, then immediately clicks to unlock back. Even if you go and make sure to slam all of the doors, then sometimes it still thinks a door is still open. (yeah, that's a pain.) I only mentioned the driver's side because that is the only door that I use and open and close, so that's the only door that shows as "still open" (lol) sorry.) But anyhoo, I'm going to check that info on the door lock actuator that you mentioned by looking it up. I'm also thinking about calling one of those "emergency "Pop O lock" companies to see if they might can provide any insight. Like you said, I'm going to do lots of troubleshooting before spending any major money though. Thanks so much. : )
@@girlygirl1890 Oh, I think I see the dilemma. If you open any door then the system automatically unlocks them all. Same for when you lock them. So, there is no way for you to know which door is causing the issue... assuming it is even a door issue and not a computer one or what have you.
I think I was thrown off by your use of the chain and lock. I thought you were only chaining one door, which made me think it was the only one unlocking. To me that sounded like something funky with just that door.
Anyway, it sounds like it is possible that it is even one of the back side doors that is the issue then... since those are unlocking also each time (if they work like mine do).
I'm not sure how you could troubleshoot this. And since the back doors probably use a different actuator I'm not so sure you would want to just buy one and hope that this is the issue. Because if switching out the front ones doesn't fix it then you are stuck needing to do the back. And if switching those out doesn't fix it then you are stuck needing to replace a 2nd front one... then a 2nd back one... and it could end up still not working since it had nothing to do with the actuator. That would be like $1,500 down the drain probably.
The Mazda you posted was literally made by Ford 😂
The MS3? I know they were owned by Ford at the time, but I believe the engine and transmission were built by Mazda. If it was Ford, then they did a great job with that car. Loved it!
I drive a Freightliner semi at work and it has the assist and randomly hits the breaks sometimes.
Great video. I was also thinking about buying that van, and I’m afraid of the little problems you just talked about.
Thank you! I haven't had any issues with the engine cutting off since filming this video. It's almost to 22,000 miles now. I'm certainly skeptical of it's long term reliability, but will probably trade it in right before the powertrain warranty expires lol.
Mystery of the disappearing windshield wiper fluid:) Another hint - don't buy the window covers.
ITS THE EGR VALVE!!
The motor in this is the same as the escape, basically a Mazda motor. The transmission on the other hand...
Made me laugh several times😅
Dismayed to hear there isnt a known fix for the wifi on start up thing.
Getting famous off comments day 303 so i can live the dream
Your battery charge has to be over 75% for the stop start to work
Good info! The dealer must have sold it to me with a bad battery cause the auto start stop never worked lol. Once I had the battery replaced...it worked fine.
My second hand Ford was about six years old when I bought it, Stop Start function never worked and I couldnt figure out why. Then the battery failed completely and had to be replaced, now it Stops and Starts the engine regularly. Apparently when the battery is functioning below normal capacity this feature will not kick in.
How is the Van as far as power? Looking at this as a camper for traveling more mountainous areas of the US. Heard they might not be good for going up mountain roads.
It's certainly a weak motor. I did drive it up to Winter Park CO and you spend a ton of time high in the rev range, but as long as you aren't in a rush, it will get you to the top.
@@CobraKyle thank you
How does it do on dirt roads?
Thanks
You're welcome! Thanks for watching!
What kinda bed is that?
About those glitches you mention at the start... you probably shouldn't have named the van Christine, just saying.
3. ... the Transit XL is also an option 😇
Weather tech makes the best window coverings.
I think I looked at them originally, but they were rather expensive if I recall. Might give them a try once my current ones wear out.
What’s it like going up mountain passes? I want to get the same van but pop the roof and put a tent up there which I can access from inside. Just a little worried about power going over mountain passes.
I did take the van to Colorado last summer, and it's certainly slow up in the hills. It managed ok, but spent a majority of the trip in the upper rev range and wasn't happy about some of the higher speed limits.