Ford Transit Connect review and why I chose it
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- Опубліковано 29 вер 2024
- I live in a van and travel the country! Come join me on my journeys. Feel free to contact me at tobyntransit@gmail.com(this is not a typo!)
Opening Title: The Jackson Lake Rag by Toby Busch
Closing Title: One Night in Manteca by Toby Busch
On my next van I'm going to put John's diaper service down the side nobody Will brake into that van.😎
Good idea, was going to "start" a "crime scene clean up" business with mine! ;)
What about the turd-burglers 😨
Brilliant!
They have extended ones too
5- speed gearbox is the best I have one 2010
I love my transit connect lwb high roof 2011 but here in the UK we have 1.8 turbo diesel with manual transmission. So better set up for traveling
Anthony Smith Cool! Do you have it set up as a camper?
TobyInTransit yes mate still a working progress but i have a bed in the back with leisure battery on a split charge system to run led lights, cpu fan which i use as a extractor fan handy if im cooking or boiling water as it has very little draw on the battery. Ive also got over head storage above the cab to which is very useful. Slept in it a few times with me and two dogs quiet comfortably.
Anthony Smith Awesome!!
I have a 2012 Transit Connect which I got used last year with relatively low mileage (51K) for a good price. It’s virtually identical to yours, and i got it for the same reasons you mentioned. My hobby is amateur astronomy and I find it ideal to go to remote dark locations in the deserts or mountains of Southern California hauling my telescopes and camping out of it. I initially noticed the same thing with the transmission, but have learned to take it out of overdrive (the switch on the left side of the drive selector) and keeping the revs up when climbing hills. This is the only automatic I’ve ever owned with a tachometer built in, but its useful for that purpose. My mileage is not is good as yours, usually 24 mpg on the highway. But that’s probably because of the ladder rack it came with. I’m going to keep the rack on because its a perfect fit for the ARB 8 foot shade I mounted on the driver side. It’s wonderful to sit under when your camping.
I plan to start being a nomad at the end of this year in November. Traveling and living out in dark sky country for at least a year. Should be able to carry two weeks of provisions at a time, along with 8 and 15 cm telescopes. I’m retired with no wife or dependant children. I would not recommend the Transit Connect for a couple, but they are perfect for a single man or woman living a minimalist life style. Will be following your further adventures with interest!
Jonathan Hansen Sweet! I wish mine only had 50,000!! Someone else told me about the overdrive button as well, a couple of months ago. I was going to mention it but forgot. Thanks for watching!
If you like dark sky country the you may want to visit Jasper National Park in Alberta Canada. To me it's the most beautiful place on Earth but also is a Dark Sky Preserve and one of the best observation locations on Earth. Glaciers and Ice fields, water falls, trees and mountains to the horizon.
www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/jasper/info/designation/cieletoile-darksky
Do you mind sharing how much you paid. I’m looking to get a used one also but trying to figure out how much is to much??
People talk about having mechanics check out a vehicle. I will tell you straight up all they can do is run diagnostics through the computer and check hoses and belts. No mechanics will remove or tear down a transmission to inspect .
The alleged transmission issues are the only thing holding me back from buying a used 2010-13 Connect. There are quite a few on the market here in the Pacific Northwest but they seem overpriced. 13-15k for a 10-13 year old vehicle that originally cost about 23k new seems crazy! Would you purchase a high mileage Connect if you had it to do over again or try and find one with 50-75k for a few thousand more?
I would like to know as well
Toyota needs to make a Prius van.
Great video. I’m also considering a minivan. I feel like an RV would be too expensive and a huge hassle. I don’t need a lot of “stuff.” Just the basics. I just want that freedom!
I liked what you said in another video about your van and how this made you get up off the couch and get outside and enjoy the outdoors...also how you said live out of and not in. Sounds to me this van type is just about perfect for you.
Grandpadew Yep, I love it! Thanks for watching
I just bought a 2013 Transit Connect. It's loud and kinda shaky. Mostly in lower speeds and idle. I got a pre purchase inspection and immediately took it to a friend's shop where they saw zero issues or red flags. I know it's a work vehicle isn't the smoothest ride. Last trip I did was 9-10K miles and I have comfort concerns on a 400-500 drive. I've spoken to couriers that drive them and their response is "it drives like sh*t". Please feel free to lemme know if I'm just looking fer something wrong or if it's just the normal loss of comfort going from a V6 Santa Fe down to a work vehicle. Oh, and if anyone traveling in these has experienced issues in mild off road or something similar to climbing hills (for example San Francisco yada yada) or the like. Thanks fer any insight. Peace and safe travels, Alex
I love my 2012 Transit Connect. Very similar looking to the one in the video. Except my roof vent is in the back and the solar panel in the front. Same roof vent though. I also have rain guards on the windows so I can keep them opened a little at night without anyone noticing... or rain getting in of course. Mine gets similar gas mileage on the highway. Longest I lived out of mine was 30 days. Most trips though are only about 10 days.
Thumbs up for the cute dog!!!!
I travel in my Cadillac and get nice hotel rooms, it's the only way to go.
Those eggs 🥚 frying, yummy 😊
The stealth advantage of these models is really great for city camping. I have a 2010 converted transit connect in a major city, and no one has a clue that I am sleeping (part time) overnight, a huge advantage over larger sprinter vans.
Thank you for mentioning the clearance, that was my biggest concern with the TC. Enjoying your videos very much.
Glo Shafer Thanks!
Saw you on CheapRVLiving and knew I had to check out your videos. I love your way of speaking! I just bought a Transit Connect and I think I am going to go the route you have - fabric on the walls (there's wood on the ceiling already). Never seen it anywhere else but I love the effect.
i Love your van, reminds me of a beautiful Gypsy wagon inside
I love my Ford Transit Connect got in 2013 has 122,000 I have had no issues at all. Just recently I’ve replaced the suspension front and rear other than your standard repair items it’s a cool little van for work.
Get a iron skillet it will last you for a lifetime and they don't stick if you kill them right and don't wash them with soap just you just have to wipe them out
Tina Watkins Oh my goodness, don’t ask me how my eyes thought that sentence started with “mosquitoes”!! LOL
Tina Watkins oh, I just figured it out - the comment above was talking about mosquitoes 😂
Something that is good for a high mileage vehicle is a cleaning of the transmission filter and change of fluids can prevent a blown transmission. Look for specialty shops. Mine charges $20. Aamco charges about $160. Also when having a mechanic check out a vehicle ask if you can have the oil changed. A good mechanic can tell a lot about the used oil on the condition of vehicle if there are metal shavings etc. You can even have a sample of the used oil sent into companies to have it tested if you're spending a lot.
Helpful
tom cripps these engines are fairly bullet proof mine is over ten years old now no problems apart from fuel injectors regular services and oil changes do the job early uk models suffer from rust and the sills always go first but apart from that theyre great little vans good gas milabe aswell
I am planning on quitting my job, selling my stuff and traveling. I don't want to put a bathroom or kitchen in my van because I don't want to hassle of building maintain and food/waste issues. (I will eat out). I basically only want a bed platform and some storage - I can get a hotel for a night or two if I get tired of the van. I can use gas station bathroom since I have to get gas anyway. Do you have a good blueprint for a bed platform with storage for the 2011 Transit?
The european Transit Connect will get you about 38mpg (US equivalent). Why are American vehicles so shit on MPG?
You mentioned a transmission issue but then said you put another 50000 miles on it. Did you have to replace the trans. early on or no? Very curious. Thanks
I bought a 2010 when they came on the market. I kept it for six years. Wish so much i still had it. It developed some problems and out of warranty. The Ford Escape I bought I camped in last month, with my small dog. With back seats out. All the traveling i did in my transit throughout the western states I did with my mother so we stayed in hotels. On my own i kept thinking of converting, but taking care of my mother took away that option. But my heart still goes with the trans connect and I want to get one again. In fact, if I could find another 2010 again, hard to find, and have the transmission looked after. I would do it. And consistently I got 28 mpg. I am not looking for a full time, since I have a home on the Oregon coast and have no plans ever to sell. you are giving good advice and I agree with what you are saying.
Did you have your transmission fixed? Did they say exactly what it was? Have you had any other problems since? Thanks!
I wonder why the never offered a higher roof in later models of the connects? they have all kinds of options for the regular transit.
I have converted a 2010 Transit Connect into a one-woman travel machine. I won't live in it full time, but I love having a vehicle that gets good mileage and is low profile.
If I'm 6ft 2 can I lay down straight from the passenger seat to the back door I just want to have one with just a foam mattress
Actually 2010 - 2013 models have 135 Sq ft cargo space, where as the newer Transit connects only have 105 Sq ft cargo space. A huge reduction in cargo space in the newer transit connects.
2014 forward is 49.7 inches interior height versus 59 inches on the 2010 to 2013 model... 👍
I just started my van life in a 2013 transit connect!! And I subscribed, reply if you want to chat!! 🤙
thanks for the video ;-) Add salt and vanilla in your recipe , next time ;-)
Good point about advising people to have used vehicles checked out by a mechanic before buying. In most states when you buy any used vehicle it's "buyer beware", meaning once your purchase the vehicle any problems you find are YOURS! I can't tell you how many People's Court cases I've watched on TV where the buyer tries to go back and sue the seller after the sale about problems they discover with the vehicle. The buyer invariably loses the case unless they can prove actual fraud on the part of the seller or the seller provided a specific warranty in writing. It's very hard to prove fraud and no private party seller will ever include a written warranty. Many dealerships won't either, not for a used car. The recommendation is ALWAYS have your mechanic check out the vehicle you are considering buying BEFORE you buy it. Because once you buy it, it's yours, including any problems that need fixing. You may have to pay a mechanic a $100 or whatever they charge to make the evaluation, but that's money well spent if you discover it needs thousands of dollars worth of work done. You might possibly negotiate the cost of the inspection if the seller is willing to split the cost if you end up buying the vehicle. And if the seller refuses to allow the vehicle to be checked out, run away from this deal as fast as possible.
Geezed Out Yep. Thanks for watching!
How do you typically set this up? Does the (private?) seller drive it to your mechanic? Do mechanics do a roving inspection service and perform the look-over on site? Shouldn't the thing be up on a rack to be comprehensive? What if you're buying from a dealer or car lot? What is the typical protocol there? If there are certain things that are found to need attention/fixing, what issues are definitely worth passing on vs. tolerating and getting fixed on your dime to do the deal?
I've only ever bought new and, honestly, bought my last car in desperation mode. With that, I did look over the Carfax, weighed the mileage against the price, looked over the general reviews, and stalked the car online as it dropped in price a decent amount for about a month and a half. Also put a good hunk down so that I only have a $200 car payment and pay extra at will (2015 Passat). But didn't even think about the mechanic. I seriously just needed a car.
Would definitely appreciate a Life Skills overview on the mechanic inspection for a used vehicle.
@@wmluna381 Just saw a posting about a 72 year old woman who had a van half way across the country taken to an inspection by the dealer, and when it passed, she bought it and had it shipped to the West Coast! Most dealers want to sell their product, and most often sincerely think they have a reliable vehicle on hand from their own inspection (especially new car dealerships that also sell used cars: does them NO good to sell a piece of junk to make a few bucks, and ruin the reputation of the dealership to kill off their new car sales! So anything they take in on trade that is suspect is shipped off to the auto auction to let the B and C class dealers try and peddle).
B Miller I’m a 73 year old woman who did that very thing. I’m in Washington and bought my 2013 Transit Connect (60K miles) from a dealership in the Midwest. I looked on the internet for an auto repair shop without 2 miles of the dealership. The dealership took the car to the shop.
The auto repair place was now working for me because I was paying them. They answered all my questions and addressed concerns I had. Told me it will need front brakes soon but not right away. Found a leaky water pump. Should the dealership have known about it? The mechanic said they might not necessarily spot it. It could have happened anytime. The dealership took the van back to their shop, fixed the water pump and arranged the shipping to Washington.
I’ve had the van a few months now and couldn’t be more pleased. Surprise to me it has a backup camera and heated windshield and mirrors. I previously owned a 2010 Transit Connect that got totaled. I looked in my area but couldn’t find one with the window configuration I wanted. That’s why I looked nationwide.
pequet 206 sw , hdi machine 3,7 L / 100 km. Thats about 65 miles , I love it. I hawe some others caravane but for time to time for travel and live in a car is yust grat . Very cheap.
Am an Expedite Courier and own a 2012 Transit Connect, Prius and Transit 350 Hightop/Extended. Would like to see how you installed the shelf above the driver's seat. Interesting. 100 % agree with everything you said about the Connect, especially having a mechanic check it out before you buy it. Had to put $1,700+ into the front end on mine right after I bought it. If I had to "live" in one, I would definitely choose the large Transit. Also, it is much more comfortable to drive.
Do you work for yourself as an expedite courier or are there local or long distance companies that you can get on with as a contractor or an employee typically? I've always wondered about this line of work.
Canada Post purchased hundreds and hundreds of the transit connects for moving mail around. Everytime I see one, I think: I want one of those. I think this is the year. I have a condo but love road trips and sometimes dont want to leave an area just because I have a hotel reservation elsewhere. My build will be single bed, portapottie, fan. And a spot for my big tent in case I want to be outdoors without mosquitoes. My travel will be a combination hotels and stealth camping depending where I am. I enjoyed your video. Cheers.
I know I’m asking you to compare two different styles, but given the amount of space, would a minivan have been an option? I’m guessing yours would have a little more headroom (But maybe not much).
In your opinion, what would be the reasons for choosing a Connect over something like a Dodge Caravan?
Linda Sue Hello! The main differences between the two are generally a minivan will get 5-10 mpg less than a Transit connect. A mini van will normally have more length but less height. The other big difference is that minivans won’t have a flat bed so even less head room and a little more complicated to build out. That being said, if you find a good deal it might be worth it. But I think it would be worth physically to check out the difference between the two. Go to a dealership and just look and that should give you a better idea. Thanks for watching!!
Your videos are pretty good but need to be more polished... watch Bob Wells and Adventure Van Man... I think Adventure Van mans videos are more polished but Bob Wells has more information packed videos and he is a great interviewer... unsurpassed in my opinion... thanks again for the video!
John Doe Thanks for the feedback, and thanks for watching! I’ve only been at the channel since January so I’m not really sure exactly what direction I want to take it yet.
Everyone knows "all the cool kids" are traveling in a 2010 Ford Transit Connect! ;)
WannaBFree Hahahaha! Yep. 👍
hi Toby, ive driven connects,and they are good to drive ,my only criticism would be the lack of space in the drivers seat, I am over 6ft tall and felt there wasn't enough leg room.
Do you think it could handle pulling a Scamp, or boler type fiberglass camper. Thinking of buying a cheaper one, and just put in a new transmission right off the bat. Differently 2010 or 2011.
Audrey Schoenthal I wouldn’t try to pull anything with the Connect, it just doesn’t have the power
TobyInTransit Thanks...Afraid of that. 😢 Perfect size. Bummer.
I just got a 2019 ford transit connect. I was wondering do you sleep with the doors open or do you have a fan on the roof?
Looks like a short wheelbase, vs long wheelbase?
Change the transmission fluid
The 2010-2013 Transit Connect model years had a cargo height of 52". Today, the best is RAM ProMaster City, which is 51.8", AND it has a longer bed length than the Transit Connect's 72" bed length in that the RAM has a 87.2" bed length (15" longer!). The RAM also has the largest engine in this class size of "tradesman van", with a 2.4L versus Nissan's and Ford's 2.0L.
ProMaster City for me!
B Miller Yeah, they seem pretty sweet! The problem with the Promaster City is they just started making them in 2015, so if you don’t have the money for a newer model car they aren’t really an option
@@tobyintransit2533 They're not too bad. cargurus.com shows 5 that are spread out around the country that are all under $10K... then another 10 that are under $11K... Best price/low mileage deal right now towards the low end looks like $11.4K for 74K miles...
Since most modern cars well cared for will deliver 200K miles before getting really iffy, as you said before, having a mechanic check one out for you should put you pretty safe.
B Miller Cool! I’ll keep it in mind for the future. But TobyInPromaster doesn’t have quite the same ring to it....
Thanks, Toby. I was hoping you'd make this video as the TC would be on my shortlist if I were thinking about vandwelling. I think the Prius would win in my climate of the Southeast only because of the "generator on wheels" factor and unbearable Summer (and even Spring) months temp-wise.
I have zero doubt you eat the best of all of the vandwellers I watch and I enjoy watching you make food and like how you live out of your vehicle and not in it. You take us to some beautiful places and I'm glad you have Jax along for the ride. Thank you.
Marco Budro Thanks for watching! One of the great things about America is I don’t think I’ll ever run out of beautiful places to go. It’s huge and diverse. It’s been really fun having Jax along with me!
I saw your interview on Bob Wells channel and came over, I'm marathoning through your videos going backward. It's great you play your own music and list it in description! Safe travels!
Maggie's Corner Thanks for watching!!
Oh honey child I love your transmission sound effect and I love seeing Jax play. Thank you. Your video made me smile💓💓💓
Laura Anderson Thanks for watching!
PRUIS?
Loved your video. I wanted to get an older model connect, but price of $10,000. for a 2016 couldn't be beat. So to save room for me and my German Shepherd service Dog Archer I bought a DISC-O-BED. I can take it apart and pack it away in 2 bags in 5 minutes. Top cot for me, bottom for Archer. I am 6' with plenty head and foot room up front. Plenty comfortable driving. As time goes on these newer connects will have to do as the older ones die. Like you said, "get a bigger one, if you plan to live in it". I have a hudge windshield to see the country. I open the side door to go to sleep. 28mpg, take my boy with me, no rent, drive, and sleep comfortable. That's the ticket. Hope to see you out there. David and Archer
I appreciate your honesty. Because of your information I have decided that the Ford Transit Connect is to small for me. Thank for this review.
This isn’t the Transit connect with the long wheelbase is it? I know they make two lengths. Anyway, dig your honesty dude. I’m 6’5” tall, and even tho I love to go lightweight & minimal, I think if I do vanlife, I’d probably take your advice & go with the larger Ford Transit with the high roof. But it’s all good. Mad respect for what you’re doin.
Toby I've been looking at the TC and like the mileage but not the room inside. SO small but I'm a minimalist so I would set it up as a bed/bench with sitting area near a small table or surface. The one I was looking at had 157k kilometers on it and a new trany. I was like huh? So I checked and yes they do fail. I think you make a good point about load but one guy said never run the engine hard when the trany is cold, this is hard on it. If its a work vehicle where it was a lot of stop and go on a busy route it's going to take a beating. You can upgrade the trany oil cooler and should def follow the vehicle service schedule. Cost of ownership for a TC is high at almost a 1000/year but that is probably mostly due to people not taking proper care of their transmission. This link has a lot of good advice like "Another issue we (and the engineer) discovered with this (CD4E) transmission - you could not use synthetics in it, it was designed around the original Mercon formulation and the clutch material was not tolerant of fluids with different heat/lubricity curves" so just like any vehicle KNOW your vehicle. I'm torn between the Transit Connect and the most bullet proof Van the Chevy Express Cargo.
www.fordtransitusaforum.com/threads/transmission-fluid-change.58089/
I have noticed more and more of the small vans being used by people other than commercial users. All the different brands. My choice for a camper would be a Nissan NV200 with a pop top.
I also have a 2010 connect...mine has a different floorplan...and I am still building...but interesting to hear your thoughts on the subject...woodsmn
Glad i found your channel, I've been thinking about getting a connect myself
I fell in live with the FTC/2010-13 retro European delivery van look the 1st time I saw one. 😊
So interesting going back to older videos in the channel. Your history as a van dweller and hiker is all here to revisit!
what's your opinion on a 2008 model t230? i plan on getting one and the mileage is super low with one previous owner. fully serviced and ready to hit the road.
i have the connect sport110 from 2009 limited edition with loads of sexy features uprated engine twice the power standard model only 250 made im converting it this year to a stealth sports camper
the dog is good for you man, made me feel good just watching Jax? enjoying himself running about. Nice grub too. Stay safe and living the life man. cheers.
Kaylem Thanks! It’s been really fun having Jax along
TobyInTransit would you get a pet full time or would you find it difficult when you are working?
If I could work remotely or make a living from my van, I would love to have a dog! But right now I still have to work regular jobs, and I don’t think it would be fair or safe to leave a dog in the van all day
TobyInTransit I agree. I thought about it but same here. .. not fair leaving a dog for hours. I have thought about dog sitting/walking because in UK kennels cost a lot and that gig serves both you and the dog? Just an idea! Cheers
That is a great idea! I will have to look into it
Your dog LOVES vanlife!! Such energy!
Great playful dog. Makes me happy just to watch him play. Always amazed at their game “rules”. Yeah, I almost chose the Prius or Connect for exactly those reasons. Ended up thinking I needed a bit more clearance. Will swap for Prius or Connect in the future when traveling becomes a bit more important than distance off road.
Thank you for the info and the tour. WannaBFree on youtube also has a 2010 he is traveling in and he did have to replace his transmission. Take care.
Thinking about getting a van like yours. Thanks!
I would need a van that gives me the option to stay inside for long periods of time, so if I do this adventure, I will get a long & tall cargo van. Old folks need to be able to lay around in bed more, hahaha. Gas mileage will be important, but space a bigger priority. I know even a large van is still going to probably get better mileage than small RVs. Always enjoy your cooking segments 😉😁. Also Im glad you have your dog with you now. 👍👍🙂
God bless!
Sunny Rutter Thanks! Yeah, the nomadic lifestyle is not one size fits all. Different people have different needs. There is something out there for everyone! Lots of rigs
👍👍👍
Roslyn Haynes Thanks!!!
whats your opinion on the caddy or the caddy maxi?
Nice! Thanks a bunch! Your pancakes are awesome!
Nice video good van information. My car does great mileage but has low clearance, 3”. I will be very limited as to where I can go. I do have a skid plate under the engine to protect my oil pan etc. as a result there are even oil change shops that I can’t get into lol. Not much off reading for me 😢. For now it what works, perhaps a higher vehicle some day.
Tiny Solar Shack Yeah, I think that’s a big mistake people make. You don’t need the “perfect “ vehicle right off the bat, just go with what you have! Then down the the line you will have the experience to know what the perfect set up and vehicle is, that works best for you. Thanks for watching 🙏
How did you get the fabric attached to the van? Your music is good, play more.
Johnelle Baker Thanks! I will try to get more music out soon. I used a 3M aerosol spray glue, I forget which number. It was one specifically designed to handle high temperatures, which the van walls can get pretty hot in the summer.
Thanks for the review Toby, sounds like it does have a lot of advantages and good tip about those specific years. Amazing gas mileage and ground clearance.
I'll be starting out in my Santa Fe so will see how that goes. I get about 28 mpg on the freeway and love the ground clearance. Living out of it is the big key with any of the smaller vehicles.
Jax is just so full of energy and oh strawberry pancakes ... yummy!! :)
Take care,
Tina
tinabeane Cool! Yeah, SUV’s are an underrated option. It really opens up the places you can get back to. And especially the more fuel efficient ones like you have. Thanks for watching!
Good video, thanks!
you hit the mark every question has been answered great video can you show more off road footage that would be awesome
Great idea! Thanks for watching 🙏
28mpg is equivalen to 33mpg in UK gallons. That's awful - the UK Transit Connect does way more than that and some version of the Fiat Doblo do over 55mpg,
Mark Houghton Haha! Yep, welcome to America, the land of crappy gas mileage!?!
Yeah, mileage would be better if we had those small diesels not available here.
Marionville Missouri home of the white squirrel.
Carrie Sapp Haha! I’ll try to check it out the next time I pass that way, thanks for watching!
I've been wanting a FTC for a long while now...what stealth! What great gas mileage! Haven't come across one that would work for traveling/camping but I'm def keeping my eyes open. Thanks so much for this review, Toby!
Thanks for watching, Rhonda!
I bought my first one at a used car place that specialized in buying fleet vehicles, vans etc, at auction. Their mechanics would go through them before reselling.
What they told me about the transmission issues was that companies get the FTC because they have good gas mileage but they tend to overload them. Shouldn’t be a problem for a van dweller/camper.
Mudflaps......
Love the review it is the one I hope to get,. What is your thoughts on windows on the sides and back?
quinnkdjs I was totally gonna talk about that in the video but forgot! I would say if you’re going to just sleep in it and live outside, your better off with no windows. It’s easier to keep cool in the summer that way. But if you’re going to be spending time in colder, windier or rainier climates, it sure would be nice to have the windows to open up the space a bit. In the end I would probably just adapt to whatever is available. If I found a good deal, I wouldn’t worry about whether it has windows or not. Thanks for watching 🙏
TobyInTransit I have had two FTConnects. I like the windows in the sliding doors. You can wake up and look out the window still in bed. I like the windows in the back doors to see behind when driving. Windows can always be covered up for stealth camping
I love my TC. It's my cozy, safe place. I have a 2010 model that I use to camp in the summer up here in Canada. It gets great gas mileage and is just big enough for me. It has about 112,000 miles on it. No problems with transmission yet (knock on wood). Yah I didn't get it checked by a mechanic before I bought it either. Luckily I have a mechanic in the family but have not had to avail myself of his services yet. Just did weekend trips last summer but taking a month long journey this year. Can't wait.
Linda Macdonald Awesome! Yeah, it’s been a great little home for me. Thanks for watching
FORD:
Found On Road Dead
Fix Or Repair Daily
F'd On Rotten Deal
I'd love to know your maintenance costs over 2-3 years.
Thanks for mentioning the transmission issues of these cars most dont say it and i almost bought one for travelling. But after reading all the bad reviews of their small engine not powerful enough and bad transmission, am not going that way anymore... looking for a astro or a promaster City
Dimitri Waardenburg Well, it’s not necessarily that the engine isn’t powerful enough. It’s that the engine isn’t powerful enough for what a lot of people try to use them for. But as it turns out, my transmission is in good shape! What I thought was the transmission going out was actually the motor mounts
@@tobyintransit2533 cool haha glad for you 🤘 but still to many bad reviews for me :p thanks for your time
FYI the ProMaster city van gets some negative reviews also. Most of these smaller vans seem to get negative reviews from people. I wouldn't let that dissuade you from getting a Transit Connect.
@@andrewconway7730 thanks but
I went bigger afterall... i was able to look in the connect and was way To small for my gf and i and a 90 pound dog 🤣 i went for a 2000 chevy astro 🤘i sacrificed mpg for space and more power :p
@@dimitriwaardenburg4631 sounds like you made a better choice for a commuter van. 2010 transit connect is not a great commuter van, but good for conversion into an overnight van for 1 person. Lots of cargo space and headroom for living in.
How long is your cabin from back to front seat? Newer Transit Connect has XLT model where length is 87"
Are they're any vans available with manual transmissions?
No
I have a 2006 diesel LWB 90bhp which does over 40mpg; (not off road mind) very tough little vans; but make sure the wet belt is in order; an extremely poor and complicated timing belt idea/design.
i like your thoughts about if one is living in or outside their vehicle
how long will you do this?
Yourpleasure721 Haha! That is a good question. I don’t put a lot of thought into that honestly. I am going to do it for as long as it still works for me, which I have no way to predict how long that will be. But travel will always be the theme and focus whether I am living out of a van or not
good answer
Cool video, another youtuber; (wannabefree) pointed me 2 ur channel. I'm definitely thinking about one of these. You answered some of the questions I had about this vehicle. It's either this or a chevy cargo van. But I'm gonna be driving soooo much. I do landscape paintings and much of of times is spent driving and searching. Hauling a big van everywhere is a pain in the ass. After looking at used vans, anything over 100k miles on it can and often do have transmission issues. One thing that worries me is the repairs on these is probably more and they probably aren't as durable as a real old fashioned van. But still, I'm considering one anyway. thanks again for the vid.
Max Kors There are a lot of these vans floating around out there with over 200,000 miles, so I think they’re pretty durable. Mine is at 172,000 and I haven’t had any major repairs yet. Thanks for watching!
cool. yea I'm looking at em today. Is the newer one a bit longer? I think it is. So it's either headroom or length. Probably the longer one might work for me since I won't be turning it into anything fancy. I've been traveling in the mini van for a good while. I just have a gym membership for showers and use walgreens and gas stations for bathrooms. All I cook is hamburger or eat fast food. So All i need is some the bed and to organize a couple of storage bins. Like you mentioned. I'll be living "out" of the van. not so much "in" it.
Max Kors Cool! For the first year I just had a futon mattress right on the bed of the van and a big storage tote that I cooked on top of. It worked out pretty well. Good luck 👍
yea that sounds bout right. that's all i think i'll need. thanx again.