Buyer’s Regret? Or Not Yet… Econoline vs Transit

[@jmdrstv]

I bought a Sprinter for the same reasons in 2019 and have no regrets. Standing to change…so nice. Bikes out of sight…so nice. Bed always there and ready to go…so nice.

[@TheLocalsender]

I lived out of an e250 for two months touring BC and I reakin loved it. Nothing on a transit but the Econoline was such a solid rig

[@barrakingbeatz7794]

I purchased a sprinter after battling with 4x4 wagons for a long time. I’m all about the van life now!

[@clarkleakins879]

Transit is designed for: One, aerodynamics. Competes with Mercedes and Dodge. Two, newer engine/driveline design shared will the F series. Third, the drivers position is easier for deliver drivers jumping in/out. Fourth, now unibody construction, with various heights/lengths, easier to manufacture. More of a world design, than the old E series primarily USA design. Do you know if this Transit has been as durable and dependable as the E series? What are the major components cost to replace (engine/transmission/differential)? What is the difference in MPG? base E series (4.6 v8 engine) vs new base (3.7 engine v6).

[@MichaelRyanCaputo]

Excited to see your build. I went from a Promaster to recently getting a bronco that I'm building out for overlanding/camping/mtb

[@TheLoamWolf]

Sounds fun!

[@reidcrosby6241]

Wise choice , to get away from the Promaster. Although the Broncos are having issues, my friend is a Ford mech at a major dealership near a large metro area. I think he said ttannys and e.5 engine is issue.

[@themtchannel2110]

besides styling, the biggest difference i noticed is construction techniques and finish quality. the econolines were much more like passenger vehicle build and finish whereas transit is kind of modular, snap-together, commercial use vehicle. i had the series 2 econoline, then 3 of the newer series 3 econolines. but after really not liking transit style for some years - so glad finally got a transit and am in the modern era. looks like a mars rover :D fwiw - the secret to econoline driveability is getting new front shocks often

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

Every friggin transit I had to rent to move big stuff had a lot of rust for a newer vehicle, ok I'm in Canada but you should look into it and get it protected with a coating 😉

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks for the tip!

[@reidcrosby6241]

The damn boxed sheet metal that holds rear axle in place is STUPID for snow (rust) country

[@Kristian_Saile]

I have spent a good deal of time with the euro and US versions of most of the modern vans but man, I just prefer our E350 RB50 Sportsmobile which is a 7.3 Powerstroke and 4wd. It has such huge payload , towing, offroad ability… I had a new Sprinter based Story Telker Overlamd rig for a few weeks this winter and the electronic Nannie’s were so obnoxious and intrusive… I know it’s all a trade off for interior suave and modern convenience but I can’t imagine how some of these are going to hold up long term. I think out of the new vans the Transit would be top of my list but I am already leaning towards finding a mint later E350 RB and taking it to U Joint and doing a fresher conversion of ours gets too tired.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Heck yeah! That was on our list of dreams too. But the height of the Transit was appealing. We wanted to fit more bikes and gear and stand a bit more upright. But. A UJoint 350 will happen one day.

[@NerdsonDirtMTB]

Love my T250 130 mid roof, its a great shuttle rig with a rack out back and a few bike mounts inside. Cool to see your rig, the Ecoline is a classic

[@TheLoamWolf]

Right on man. They are sweet for sure. And it will be missed!

[@bbarker5766]

Ive looked at a bunch if different vans and do gave a soft soot fir the good ole Econoline's. I've been thinking about them again but in a DRW with more of a box instead of the standard van setup. I am looking forward to your build out on the transit.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Nice. Yeah those boxes allow for some really cool builds. Thanks for watching and stay tuned. The build has already progressed a ton!

[@DesignerBrandon]

Thank you for that! Just what I was looking for.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Awesome glad it was helpful

[@guambra2001]

The E350 is freaking great. But I’d take whichever is paid off.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Yeah....We're a few months in and having a car payment definitely isn't as cool as that paid off 350! But it sure does drive nicer.

[@tygastfield613]

As someone with a ford transit mid roof as well, I am VERY curious to see how you do a bed and have bikes stored inside.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Stand by!

[@superyamagucci]

I've only driven the Ford out of those two, and I _hate_ driving vans in general. But I was genuinely impressed with the Transit when I had to take one for a few days. Was a longest available at the time (maybe still), and that thing was like a Tardis on wheels. Drove like a car around town, kept breaking the speed limit on the motorway. If I could get a 4wd one here, I'd be entirely happy with one. Or an old Mitsubishi Delica/L300 4wd van. They're ridiculously capable offroad. Surprised more MTBers don't have them - just the cool whitewater kids that dabble in 2 wheel sports.

[@ironscott]

Not being a jerk but these on the video are both Ford brand.

[@superyamagucci]

@@ironscott Ha crap, I meant the Transit - never seen the other one before, US market only?

[@ironscott]

@@superyamagucci Not sure if they were ever sold or produced outside the US. The Transit replaced them around 10 years ago. Still see a lot of them on the road. To me, they have always been very utilitarian and built for work instead of pleasure. I've seen some crazy "overland" builds with 4x4 conversions. They'll probably live a long time due to their simplicity.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Yes they will! Much better for 4x4 off road application for sure. One day we may get one just for that. Haha

[@jnsdebraekeleer]

I haven’t driven either van, but can’t you adjust the steering wheel position on the transit? There should be a lever underneath the steering column to unlock it. Usually you have quite some adjustment range…

[@TheHooniverse]

I believe you're correct - adjustment should be underneath the wheel on the column.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Yes but it still doesn’t put it quite at the right angle that we’d like.

[@JimTMcDaniels1]

The number 1 thing that the Transit van has done for people who want affordable vans, is to reduce the value of the solid e-series vans for the sweet spot seekers. Ha Take care

[@HaroldLeeDye]

Why does no body ever open the hood and view the engine area ?

[@ChuckNorris-wp7cc]

Quigley 4x4. They make a great product.

[@TheLoamWolf]

We've definitely been eyeing up their stuff since the Econoline days!

[@TheHooniverse]

@@TheLoamWolf Quiqley is good but U-Joint Off-Road is king

[@TheLoamWolf]

Don’t doubt it!!

[@HarryPotterFan777Wizard]

First

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks for watching