Ford Transit, a Van for the Ages

Ford Truck's Tag Line,
Built Ford Tough

Ford Transit Van - Fullsize van

Low, Medium, and High Roof Ford
Transit Vans

Vans have been the workhorse of the tradesman since they first came on the market at the beginning of the automotive age. A truck that carries everything protecting them from the elements in fully enclosed body. In recent memory, the iconic van was the Ford Econoline, introduced to the marketplace in 1961, as an alternative to the pickup truck. The Van has been everything from a family hauler, to a camper, to a cargo mover to the everyday work vehicle of millions of workers worldwide.

In those 45 years Ford has increased its size and dominated the market place, not just in America, but worldwide. While Ford also makes smaller versions, currently the Transit Connect, and in the past a short-lived mid-sized van, the Aerostar / Windstar, they never are quite like the bigger brother, the E-Series. Now into the 21^st century with a world market for fuel efficient trucks and vans, Ford has brought to market Ford Transit, replacing the long lived E-Series.

Three engine choices on the Ford Transit

3.5L I-5 Power Stroke(r) Diesel

Powered by a 3.5L EcoBoost® 3.7L (standard) V6 gasoline engines, or a 3.2L Power Stroke® I-5 Turbo Diesel. This full-size van is front engine, rear drive with a 6-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift® capability. Choose your size from the Low Roof (LR) 150-250 through the Medium Roof (MR) 150 - 350 to the High Roof (HR) 250-350HD, with that range, there is a Ford Transit to meet almost every need, from light and heavy cargo hauling, to long body for carpet installers, to comfortable transport for 15 people.

6.5 inch center console screen offers more information to the
driver and passenger and is an option feature in the Transit.

While it can be outfitted with a basic interior with special order manual windows, no radio and cloth seats. Though what was once considered luxury items, such as satellite radio, CD, Bluetooth and USB ports are basic needs that make this van more livable. Lux the Transit out with a premium sound system, a 6.5 inch display on the center console complete with navigation, the screen can also display the view of the back-up camera. All the luxuries that once were relegated to passenger cars, such as 10-way adjustable leather seating and more can be ordered.

Roof has rack plugs
for easy accessory
applications.

On the outside, if you are towing a trailer, there is a hauling package complete with factory installed hitch, wiring for trailer brakes, even a controllable rear view camera to help guide you when hitching. Even plugs to attach roof racks to the van, without drilling into the body, exposing it to moisture and rust. Depending on your needs, you can choose a variety of cargo door options, from sliding side to double doors. On the rear the doors can be set up with handy locks to hold them open when you need to load in and worry about the doors swinging shut.

Easy lock and unlock of rear cargo doors.

The Transit can be set up in in van mode for cargo, outfitted bare bones, without any windows to haul a maximum amount of cargo, or it can be set up with fully fitted work storage combination to support any trade. Maybe you are looking for a Transit Van, fully finished interior with carpets seats and windows to carry passengers in style. Or even a Transit Cutaway and Chassis Cab for box truck, camper and other applications.

In driving the Ford Transit, there is no question first and foremost a work vehicle. While it can be nicely appointed, it does feature hardworking rugged plastic finishes, belying its working roots as a hard working truck. Though with a few optional accessories, even the roughest work truck can be dressed in some fancy Saturday night duds.

For more information on the Ford Transit line, stop into your Ford Truck dealer, if you are looking for it from a business perspective, there is the Business Preferred Network of dealers, which specialize in trucks for work, be it a fleet or a single van. www.ford.com/Transit_Van‎ 

Ford offers #CardShowCash for test driving vehicles.

Doing some research will help you find a variety of fleet discounts even if you are not a fleet operator. Costco, USAA, Credit Unions and other sources have discounts available to members, look into them, the benefits may be more than the cost of membership.