Any Ford Transit van owners?

[Cobb]

I saw one the other day and was shocked at how small it was and low to the ground. I know ford has made a lot of changes to their van line up as well as the other guys, but couldnt find much on this site about it.

Just wondering of real world mpg.

[dirtydave]

A friend has one he doesn't hypermille but stays at 55 on the highway and he gets 22-25mpg. I bet I could get 28 out of it.

[slowmover]

I'd imagine the final gearing is optimized for city/regional, not long distance. A "trailer tail" sure would be cool for a vehicle like this.

FORD website sez 30-mpg hwy.

"Transit" now appears to cover a large range of vehciles. Sprinter size. The "Transit Connect" is what I believe we're speaking of here.

1600-payload and 2k towing (which might be bumped).

Hook up a CASITA to this would be interesting. At the edge of comfort (TT weight and keeping a good speed), but addressing the gap between vehicles would REALLY pay.

[Cobb]

Well, Ive look at quite a few "mini" vans like the Honda, Toyota, Mazda. The Mazda looks like its too short, the Honda and Toyota is too expensive. I havent looked at the Dodge/Chrysler offering nor Nissan. I did look at the Transit Connect. Im looking at adding a wheelchair lift so someone small and short can roll inside next to one of the folding seats and hop in the seat and wear a seat belt.

I guess the second question is on engine choice. The 1.6l eco boost engine gets 30 mpg tops but need premium fuel. The regular 2.2 engine takes regular and gets 27 mpg tops. Considering the vehicle has a towing ability Ive wondered how the eco boosted engine would do on a grade with a full load. I think the regular engine maybe better for that unless the 1.6 has some sweet spots or driving habits to really offset the fuel price difference.