Piss Poor: Ford Transit Trail

[@Artmac375]

still confused. What is wrong with the transit trail?

[@Reparadise]

The Transit Trail is more of a cosmetic treatment to gain market share in the Adventure Van trend, then an actual attempt at building something that'd be good at seeking remote camp spots. In the video, the clearance under the Trail sub-frame is 10in, and the van is not built out or loaded (no interior RV components like a bed, galley, dinette, or outdoor Gear) so expect this clearance to be closer to 9in. The regular Transit measured outside the shop with aftermarket suspension components, measured 11in under the sub frame, and it's fully built out -- loaded with gear and water. The Transit Trail platform is a great base for an Adventure van, but will need aftermarket components to be capable off the pavement... which is what's marketed as. It's unfortunate that Trail owners have waited up to 2 years for delivery of this product and it's a bit mediocre, from a company that's produced some very capable off road vehicles in recent years. Hope that helps 🖖

[@ZillaYT]

It's not really a "raised" vehicle.

[@ryankim3612]

Almost $12K upgrade with minimal ACTUAL upgrades included in the build, and a lot of hype/cosmetic chit.. did I mention the $12K price tag?

[@climbingcue]

Just a cash grab by Ford. Being lazy and not doing it correctly. For $12k it should have been done correctly.

[@PawsAroundTownUSA]

It comes with expensive fluff with less capabilities.

[@robertmckee4074]

This is a great review by someone who really knows their stuff. Thank you for the detailed and revealing comparison!

[@WarNoodle85]

Happy I saw this video. My eyes were set on a trail. But will get the normal transit and get more with upgrades after.

[@lynnedolan7905]

Have a FTC which I love - perfect for my camping purposes. Was thinking of upgrading to a Trail … not any more. Thanks for the video and all the tips.😊

[@kf8048]

Transit Trail also has an 84 mph limiter built in. Also cannot be ordered without the side door and rear door glass. These reasons and more is why I went with a stock Transit and I'll upgrade over time with aftermarket. Plus Ford's latest recall for the Trail is replacing the larger tires with smaller diameter ones so part of the "lift" will be reduced on the Trails.

[@Reparadise]

Yep! Not worth it

[@AJourneyOfYourSoul]

81 mph limiter, which is really about 78 mph with the speedo error.

[@KenLeonard]

My trail came with read door glass.

[@averagealice8877]

Helpful video. Didn’t know about these deficiencies. It’s a complicated subject and everybody’s off road camping goals are different , driving styles, weight requirements etc. We had our Chevy roadtrek lifted and new bigger tires and custom exhaust but we like to be out for long periods and therefore we’re very loaded down with potable water. Making it up steep dirt grades has been a real challenge sometimes. Nothing to do with our 9” clearance which has been fine. Our departure angle is a limiting factor. We could care less about rock crawling to be honest. Turning radius is also important in some camping spots.

[@ChopperChad]

You can do a lot of upgrades for the 12k Ford charges for the Trail package.

[@loricollins3163]

Wow! Great review! So helpful with my future Ford Transit purchase.

[@Reparadise]

Glad it was helpful!

[@SG-oi8rl]

The "standard" Transit 150 AWD comes with 235/65 16 tires, FYI. I have a 2022 AWD, just got a 2" lift kit & new 245/75 16 tires, my van was about $26,000 less than the "trail", lol. I like the twin turbo V6 too, I call it the race van.

[@ourkaravan]

I wouldn't pay the added $12k but it should be noted the 4x4/awd Sprinters use the same type of spacer block lift from the factory, with no actual increase in ground clearance over a 2WD.

[@MrBongo1111]

Yes but sprinter much higher to begin with

[@CharlieMander843]

Just ordered a W2X Cargo. Really glad I didn't go with Trail. When I thought the Trail was awesome, it not having a windowless option was a deal breaker for me. But now Cargo seems much better. I want the flairs and grill of a Trail one day though ha ha.

[@VanlilfewithDaleandBailey]

I already converted my Ford Transit. Sad to hear Ford cheated out on the Trail. I hear thare's a Facebook group the been complaining about all the problems with the trail. I love mine and am glad I upgraded it all on my own and not Ford.

[@dvpzy]

You can repair a Transit yourself and there's plenty of aftermarket parts. With Sprinters is the contrary. But all Mercedez will last a lifetime if and only if you make all the repairs with an official Mercedez service.

[@borandell9915]

Yep. I tried building one of these on Ford's website a couple years ago. Got up to $70K real fast, without really adding that much in the way of trail or off-road capability. Said nah, I'm going Sprinter 4x4. Glad I did.

[@rubiconoutdoors3492]

Problem with sprinter is mercedes dealerships are few, and only few of those dealerships service the sprinter van. If you are using it for travel that is a concern.

[@borandell9915]

@@rubiconoutdoors3492 True. That is one of the biggest drawbacks of the MB. But it is partially offset by the reliability I have experienced with my MB van. And none of the dealers, incl Ford or Ram, want to work on the Thor related problems.

[@rubiconoutdoors3492]

@@borandell9915 yea , that thor is way way over priced. At that point, id buy a toyota tundra and a camper trailer

[@dougmers5491]

Glad I walked away from trail I ordered after waiting so many months. Saw the gone mobile vans trail comparison to stock aftermarket less clearance was clear. The 79-81 mph speed limiter that can’t be overridden is another deal killer. This is best detailed review wish, it was out before I even wasted my time. Ford did trail wrong, could have been so much better. So I went sprinter and are same price now. Ford pro wants high profit margins to pay for ev market mistake

[@anyalpine]

I never heard about the speed limiter. There are roads in the US that are 80-85mph. Limiting to 90mph would seem like a better call.

[@Reparadise]

Yeah the limiter is another 🚩🚩🚩

[@lilyLily1824]

I’ve heard that over and over. I’m going to mercedez.

[@MrBongo1111]

I recently put a deposit on the transit trail knowing it had a recall . I went home and started to read what a disaster this thing is so the next day went and bought a sprinter . The next day got my money back from ford . So happy with the sprinter 144 AWD

[@Reparadise]

We love the sprinter platform

[@keitha.9788]

@@Reparadise What do you think about that little 2.0L diesel engine in the Sprinter? Seems like a really small displacement engine considering the size and weight of the van.

[@Reparadise]

@@keitha.9788 We usually see the high output AWD version, 208 hp. It'll get it going for sure

[@snake10566]

Thanks for being honest.

[@dougbillingham3204]

Thanks for the great advice it’s 12k additional for a transit trail with less than mediocre suspension from stock . I think I can get after market parts That are better and for less money ….i do love The grille and fender falres

[@BrodyIsm]

You can aftermarket the grill

[@cheryl7917]

You just confirmed why I'm glad I didn't add things that could be done aftermarket so they could be more specific to my needs and the weight distribution in my van. I love my Transit AWD and would still go that route if I was to do another conversion but Ford does some weird designing for sure. I hope they fixed their swivel seats so you don't have to open the doors to swivel them and that they made it so the swivel lever moves with the seat so you don't have to break your back trying to move them back to driving position. Do you guys do suspension upgrades? Thanks for great info!

[@Reparadise]

Thanks for watching! We do suspension upgrades everyday - especially on Transits now - reparadise.co/services/adventure-van-conversion/

[@2002guy]

What Ford did with the Transit Trail is pretty cheesy for sure. The Q-lift is the only other sub frame lift/drop out there. It's still mostly a body lift but, from my understanding, it only drops the front differential/t-case and not all the other stuff that the Trail does. So it's better in that regard. I have a 2023 AWD Transit and went the VC Stage 4 route. This includes the additional leaf pack, Falcon external reservoir shocks, the shock relocation brackets and I also got the larger 2800lb Sumo bump stops. This rear setup has really been quite good for a full build out. But in my experience, it has been pretty unimpressive in the front. You get a total of less than 2 inches of lift in the front and the strut spacer ends up putting a pre-load on the OEM strut, that for many of us has resulted in a loud annoying banging sound from the strut topping out. Maybe a bit more up travel with a decrease in down travel? So, I'm not sure I totally agree with the idea that a suspension lift is the better option in the Transit application, at least up front. Better in the rear, yes. Personally, at least for now, I think the best route might be to go with a VC lift in the rear and a Q-lift with B6's up front maintaining all the original axle geometry. Then when the new struts finally come to the market from VC and King, they could be upgraded in both lift applications. That's the route I'm going. But good video. Appreciate what you guys do.

[@Reparadise]

Thanks! Check out the Transit Offroad A arms made by Foes - they're adjustable and improve the front lift

[@2002guy]

@@Reparadise I've considered them and the VC version w/o the heim joint. But other than it being better built than the OEM control arm, the only other reason I'm seeing to get them is for the improved ability to adjust the camber? How do they improve the front lift? I'm probably missing something but I don't see how it would help with the strut preload issue?

[@Reparadise]

@2002guy, according to @FoesRacing (Transit Off Road), the lower control arm gets the camber corrected, and eliminates the need for the upper strut spacer. This allows a Bilstein B6 to fit without the CV bind issue, and is supposed to eliminate the top out clunk/preload issue. We're exited to see the new King Strut soon!

[@kevinh4200]

learned something new today (marker lights are actually a requirement for over 80")..thanks!

[@herbmanning8348]

Thanks for confirming my suspicions.

[@kschuler919]

Great comparison. If a trail owner decides to keep the 245's on their vehicle and remove mud flap, wheel liners and trim pinch weld, have they voided their entire warranty in your professional opinion or knowledge? Thanks

[@Reparadise]

Probably fine to remove cladding and mud flaps - but if you cut anything I'd be wary of the warranty

[@jr.6199]

ask a Ford dealer, its their warranty. I did, and they say "no, their vehicles are often modded since the beginning and it does not affect unrelated parts of the warranty on engine, drivetrain etc." Don't ask them to fix rust on the part of the pinch weld that you cut, right.

[@steadysmv]

Background music should be in the background if it’s necessary at all.

[@alakans216]

Ford should refund the trail owners their $12k, should they go with smaller tire size solution. False advertising is against the law in California.

[@jackbjack]

Nice! I equate this to those of us in Toyota land who go get a base SR5 Taco or 4Runner and THEN mod it to our tastes rather than go buy a Pro version at 12k + more

[@ryanhablitzel]

Adding aftermarket features to upgrade a stock vehicle is not always a win. It can change the vehicle geometry and lead to premature wear/issues. Having a stock vehicle with a factory warranty that can be serviced at any dealer with in stock parts is a very positive consideration.

[@Reparadise]

@@ryanhablitzel you’re right and that’s one reason we exist as a company. But upgrades are fun and stock is boring.

[@Vegathlete]

Thanks for the heads up! Ford didn’t really get it right. People like you should be helping to engineer this right instead of cutting corners.

[@Reparadise]

Pretty sure the engineers had designs the bean counters/corporate wouldn't let through... can't completely blame them.

[@midnite22767]

Hopefully Ford will listen and address deficiencies highlighted in this video, although I doubt it.

[@Reparadise]

If anyone from Ford watches this we'd be happy to help you!

[@Cous1nJack]

Don’t expect Ford is on of the 5k subs some how!

[@jr.6199]

Ford designers and engineers already told the accountants, Marketing and Corp Execs all of this...before it went to production. They are offroad guys and gals too. The Trail was a compromise just as every vehicle is. They gambled with the tire rub issue and now are paying for it...

[@Orbitald]

Are the upgrades are under warranty?

[@Reparadise]

Individual manufacturer warranties - they vary

[@willberg8599]

Pro tip: buy regular transit and put your own mods. Save $10k and have better mods

[@moderntome3804]

Just bought a used 3 year old trail for 12500€. Hope it is worth the money😅

[@patli3408]

He explained a lot is wrong. Ford’s transit trail suspension height clearance will still scrape the bottom chassis if you go off-roading in the real world. The mudflap is starting to already rub against the tire. Poor Marker lights for wide wheelbase. What he is implying, is that you get a better off road capable vehicle if you buy a normal transit and add aftermarket upgrades than going with the transit trail. Not sure what the first commenter was watching.😩

[@Artmac375]

The video does not have enough details for me to compare off-road capabilities of the trail to a regular transit or a transit with after market upgrades. I find those lights just fine, but I guess it’s a matter of taste. Tire rub is an issue and ford should have solved it before the release of the trail. But I think this tire rub happens with aftermarket tires and lift kits as well . So i wish he would have discussed it a bit more.

[@Reparadise]

Thanks for the feedback! We'll make sure to cover these more in depth - @vancompass goes over it well here kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGbKo4psfN5pma8si=SIFjF38jlEv10_RF

[@juanvazquez9447]

Hello my friend, excellent video, I'm looking for those fender flares, but I can't find them online, and I'm not in the USA, if you can help me where to get them online

[@Reparadise]

you know, we've looked - might have to tear them off a transit trail when you see one on the street

[@juanvazquez9447]

😂@@Reparadise

[@Smedeiros1983]

What the engine difference? I was looking at the trail for the twin turbo.

[@Reparadise]

Should be able to get a transit with a twin turbo 3.5L Ecoboost

[@lilyLily1824]

First thing I noticed was the hanging exhaust. What’s the point?

[@Reparadise]

The body is lifted instead of the chassis resulting in that big exhaust gap

[@kevinmcdonald8016]

Problems with power saving mode on ford transit custom sport model 2022 hard to start after two to three days sitting idle, older models you could delete that mode now not an option. Battery on trickle charge to overcome option , to me not good enough, ford sells these vans take your money , then goes missing when you call them out on this issue, no integrity very disappointed Ford Australia!!!

[@Jayda08]

Body lift or differential drop, keeps the CV Axles as straight as possible and helps to keep them at lower angle when lifting a vehicle using aftermarket suspension. Since you work in this field, you should know this.

[@Reparadise]

Yes, the body lift retains stock CV angles. Unfortunately, on a uni-body/uni-ladder chassis like the Transit, the subframe and chassis components still sit at the sock location with a body lift. There’s no advantaged of off-road clearance, or no additional space for oversized tires. All the body lift does is increase the center of gravity, and give the appearance of an off road vehicle. Ford had the chance to address this issue with improved Control Arms and CV Axles for a product that’s marketed as ‘trail rated’.

[@WarNoodle85]

Anyone know if there are nice after market fender flares that look like the trails? I really like the look those bring. Just not for $12k. 😅

[@JoeHellerOfficial]

Stock Transit + aftermarket

[@Sasquatchflow]

So much more money for spacers and A arms lol insane

[@jarrethoney2905]

After market maybe get an air ride suspension

[@Reparadise]

Now we're talking! Bag it out!

[@jarrethoney2905]

@@Reparadise Now I really want to convert a Ford Transit

[@Reparadise]

@@jarrethoney2905 Do it!

[@jarrethoney2905]

@@Reparadise I am currently saving up to purchase one to convert on my own

[@Reparadise]

@@jarrethoney2905 I hope you put some airbags in the budget

[@koldplayz1]

Stock for me.

[@Chris-ut6eq]

Trail seemed like an overpriced money grab, based only on the specs ford listed. Don't recall the premium they are charging for this but seemed way too much.

[@beebop4333]

OBSERVATION wow, the consumer duped again for an extra $25k for upgrades that do nothing except look cool.

[@The3wheelin]

$25,000!!! How'd you get that?

[@XPRoller]

Compare the tire arch distance with sprinter, big difference. Need Off-road camper van? Go with sprinter, an already proved legacy in the industry. Sorry ford fans!

[@chewchew74]

11k extra and they did not even went through basic road testing… American automakers

[@elliothagen9874]

I would take the transit. To someone that dose conversions

[@Reparadise]

We're available in Salt Lake City. We have done quite a few Transit suspension and chassis upgrades now using Both Van Compass and Transit Off Road

[@FreeLander5280]

I tease my brother that my 3.5eb 250 transit work van is more capable than his outback

[@Reparadise]

it could be lol

[@sethdawg]

Wow disappointed with @ford

[@anthonycatania6954]

Aftermarket!

[@alanfaulkner6329]

Fair play. Its junk.

[@carlosguerrero6346]

🆚⛓️🧑‍🔧Nice proyecto

[@joniboulware1436]

Why, why, why would Ford do this? This just another drag on reputation.

[@The3wheelin]

I priced a transit with the add-ons the Trail has.. the trail lift is about $3700 to $4300 not $12,000...

[@Reparadise]

The original mark up for the Trail was around $12k. This included more then just the lift, like a fan, batt., inverter, ect. But, nothing is set in stone. Still, a 'body lift' for that amount is ridiculous when you can get adjustable control arms, HD coil springs, Bilstien struts, and adjustable rear shocks for the same amount.

[@The3wheelin]

@@Reparadise ..I agree that $4K is too much for a body lift. I like the other upgrades the trail package has, which is a lot! Guess people have to decide if they even need all those things.

[@wilfriedgronau5052]

bla bla bla...............

[@rprw1041]

No thanks to any Ford van. Terrible quality

[@The3wheelin]

I had the Mercedes (never again)...and several Promasters in the last 10-12 years...all had quality issues. You pay your hard earned money & hope...

[@reggiejenkins6458]

@@The3wheelinyes. They all have bad and good points. They’re generally on par with each other.

[@cabracove]

LOL, I have an E350 that's been all over the place. Zero problems