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Ford Transit RV?

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randallandchris

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Ford Transit RV?
« on: August 19, 2016, 08:52:19 am »
Was recently at PC for service and saw a Transit cutaway chassis with modifications.  Earl said was Kermit's project but didn't have more details of it.  So if you're a fan of smaller motor homes there could be a new alternative available.

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Ron Dittmer

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Re: Ford Transit RV?
« Reply #1 on: August 19, 2016, 09:33:27 am »
Kermit's creativity is never resting, and good to hear he is considering a Transit PC.  Given the Transit weight limitations is a little less than the Sprinter, I anticipate if one is offered,  it would either replace the Sprinter or be another choice for models 2350 & 2400, just as the Sprinter.

When I was at the Chicago auto show this past year, I got a good look at a Transit cut-away chassis which happened to be a utility truck conversion.  The one thing that stood out most for me was when getting into and out from the Transit driver seat.  It felt like getting into and out of a mini-van.  You don't climb up into it like the Sprinter and E350/E450.  I would think a lot of older folks would appreciate that.  I also wonder if the Transit roof is a lot lower because of it.  If so, that would make for a very tall B+ cap for some interesting interior creativity.  If the cap is tall enough and overhangs forward, it could theoretically be sleeping quarters similar to what Born Free offers.....great for the grand kids and also bulb.

For the curious, here are a few of the Sprinter & Transit pictures I took at the Chicago auto show.

2016 Sprinter cut-away chassis


2016 Sprinter Specs


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2016 Tranist cut-away chassis (with utility unit installed on it's back)


2016 Transit Specs.  The sign says GVWR 9,950, but the 2017 website HERE says 10,360.  That is 670 pounds less than a Sprinter which is about the weight of a PC slide out.
« Last Edit: August 19, 2016, 10:09:57 am by ron.dittmer »
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ragoodsp

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Re: Ford Transit RV?
« Reply #2 on: August 19, 2016, 05:29:57 pm »
I appreciate Kermit's creativity but wish he would spend sometime playing with new options for PC to utilize the F-550 chassis and a nice 34'  floorplan.  I would be in line for the first one to roll of the line. 
Ron Goodspeed

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Doneworking

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Re: Ford Transit RV?
« Reply #3 on: August 19, 2016, 09:52:26 pm »
I would like to see PC come out with a new product like that to compete with the Sprinter chassis.   Someday, we will be back in the World of Class B in all probability and I would love to have a PC choice.  If you look at the weight restrictions in Ron's information above, you can understand the limits of the Transit.   I saw a few Transit diesel based units at the Dallas RV show months ago and they were pretty cool. 

Paul

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Joseph

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Re: Ford Transit RV?
« Reply #4 on: August 21, 2016, 12:02:32 am »
I appreciate Kermit's creativity but wish he would spend sometime playing with new options for PC to utilize the F-550 chassis and a nice 34'  floorplan.  I would be in line for the first one to roll of the line.  

I couldn't agree more, with a Diesel option. Ford has some real torque monsters available now that they offer in there pickups that puts out 925 lbs of torque.  Like to see a 34 footer with a queen bed at a min.

It's going to take something along that line or this will most likely be the last Motorhome I'll own.
« Last Edit: August 21, 2016, 12:05:09 am by Joseph »

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ragoodsp

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Re: Ford Transit RV?
« Reply #5 on: August 21, 2016, 02:10:52 pm »
I agree 100% with you Joseph.  Many other manufacturers are focusing on  that 34-35 foot sweet spot in the  market.  I really hope Kermit considers such a move in the near future!!
Ron Goodspeed

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Ron Dittmer

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Re: Ford Transit RV?
« Reply #6 on: August 22, 2016, 10:58:15 am »
Wow, I can't imagine a PC built on an F-Series, but I am surely no marketing guru.  Given PC's history of "All The Big Rig Features In A Small Yet Still Practical Package" strategy, it seems a long-hood F-series would be in conflict.  I also feel the F-Series market is not big enough for Phoenix to offer it.  With the motor home industry in general going through B+/C size reductions, I understand why the Transit is being considered.  I suppose if Ford drops the E-Series, the F-Series may be considered for models exceeding the limits of the Transit & Sprinter.
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ragoodsp

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Re: Ford Transit RV?
« Reply #7 on: August 23, 2016, 11:20:13 am »
I appreciate your opinions and observations Ron D. and you bring up some very viable points.  There is a lot going on in the RV industry for sure with the biggest change being consolidation of the industry....who would have guessed that Fleetwood and Monaco would be second tier players in only a few years?  Who would have ever predicted that Forest River and Thor would be the largest players?  There is a very significant focus on new, more efficient RV's with Hymer now in the US I am sure you will see much more European flavor playing into the design.  Transit, Promaster and of course Sprinter are all attempting to fill the vacuum by supplying viable chassis' that should make for some unique engineering and design by offering multiple sleeping berths etc like one sees all over Europe.  There is no doubt Kermit should be paying attention to the change in trends.    But, what these smaller chassis do not offer is CGVW and I just do not see the US market giving up on their toys such as 4 wheelers, boats, cars, etc,  the majority of RV's in this country (IMO) are used as "toy haulers".  Young people that PC and the rest of the industry need to attract are not necessarily looking to boondock or go to national parks they want their electronics, they want to be able to live in comfort with large refrigerators, king size beds, counter space, none of which you will get on a Ford Transit chassis.  The E-series is 30 plus years old and has really run its course,  Ford recognizes that fact with a planned 2020 discontinuation of the model. The E-series has a small cab, is noisy, lacks safety features that we should all expect these days, does not offer any of the technology that young people want in a vehicle, and it really lacks GVW.  Load up a 2910T with dual pain windows, jacks, etc and see what the weight tips the scales at? (very close to 14,500 I am sure). PC and Kermit have carved out a nice niche in the market I would agree 100% but one has to wonder what the future holds....I wonder what the average age of PC owners really is?   I would have to bet that it is not young......I just think the F-series offers a lot in the way of torque, ride, bigger cab, the demand for the new Super Duty Ford's have blown away all expectations, you know Ford will do everything possible to keep the model well ahead of the competition when it comes to safety and technology.  I just think that PC needs to expand its model offerings on both ends of the spectrum to stay viable in the market.  Obviously, a lot of market research has to be done to see what the demand really is for and expanded  model line up and I am sure Kermit is doing just that?   At the end of the day is comes down to working capital and how much does Kermit really want to invest?  I am sure engineering  a new coach is a huge investment....I am going on way to long but I have a bias in that I want a nice 34' new coach on and F series chassis with a king bed, super slide, with the typical PC formatted body, and guess what I am not young!.   Come on Kermit build me one please?
« Last Edit: August 23, 2016, 01:22:33 pm by ragoodsp »
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Ron Dittmer

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Re: Ford Transit RV?
« Reply #8 on: August 23, 2016, 11:44:39 am »
And an "AMEN" to that ragoodsp.  I cannot dispute your points, especially about the limitations already on the current 2016 E450 chassis.  It's been edged by the RV industry to it's weight limit for it's entire life span of over 16 years.

I personally feel an F-series is a nice platform for conventional C applications.  Overhang a nice big bed over the hood......a seamless bucket design like Born Free offers.

But one really big show-stopper to many prospective buyers will be the difficulty getting in and out from the driver and passenger seats.  It's no van which offers easy access from inside the house.  We had a little Toyota C&C which was a mini pickup truck.  Going to a van in the PC was a huge improvement for us.  An F-Series is so much bigger than a Toyota, but still with similar challenges with accessibility from the house.
« Last Edit: August 23, 2016, 12:19:17 pm by ron.dittmer »
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ragoodsp

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Re: Ford Transit RV?
« Reply #9 on: August 23, 2016, 01:20:07 pm »
I am not sure I agree with the conclusion that the transition from front seats to coach would be difficult in and F-series chassis.  The floor is level in the coaches that I have looked at just like what you find in the E-series and one does not have the dog house to move around.  Check out Born Free's  new Imperial 33' 7" coach with the new super slide, a little on the pricey side but a beautiful coach.  I would never get a bed over the cab, done that once and will not do it again.....blocks your vision out the front, leaks, squeaks, structurally just not sound.  My two cents!
Ron Goodspeed

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gradygal

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Re: Ford Transit RV?
« Reply #10 on: August 23, 2016, 03:25:30 pm »
ron,
we will be right behind you if Kermit ever expands the line with a 33 or 34' PC.

judi
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ragoodsp

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Re: Ford Transit RV?
« Reply #11 on: August 23, 2016, 03:40:51 pm »
Lets keep expanding that order list gradygal!!!  I have emailed Kermit expressing my opinions in regards to the F-series chassis and a nice 34-35 new PC coach.  I am getting excited about the prospect.   Ron G.
Ron Goodspeed