The New Ford® Transit Trail™ Van Reveal

[@marcomcdowell8861]

I would guess that someone purchasing a Transit Trail, eventually would feel the same way you do after putting a similar amount of effort and care that you've done with your home. It's nice that they've come out with something that even novice's could get and have something that'll give them a head start so to say. Also glad to see Ford reach out and sponsor a person that uses their products.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

As someone that's owned 3 Transits for work, with a 4th on order(I have no choice due to contract requirements), I don't wish these vans on anyone. I've had endless problems with mine and I'm not hard on cars. Bought a Ford Escape hybrid with 180k on it and I added 200k before selling it. I even had a 300zx and put 200k miles on that. The longest I've gone with a transit without a major problem is 28k miles

[@michaelmcglothlin366]

@@veganpotterthevegan I have a 2018 as a shuttle vehicle with a less than careful driver. It has over 105,000 miles now and it has only needed normal maintenance and a water pump.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

@Michael McGlothlin there are always anomalies like that rare Range Rover with 400k original miles. Transits are problem vehicles. I work with over a dozen others with transits and ALL of us with ecoboost have had short lived headgaskets, over 1/3 have had transmission issues and we've all had issues with our sliding door

[@zenofthemoment]

I like it. I could see my wife and I doing our first couple years of retirement out of it. True, not as off-road capable as Sasquatch or my 4Runner, but at some point we just want to go see the sights, not fight the terrain for miles. It’s a perfect starting platform for the right customers, and I think it’ll find them.

[@jmoto385]

Ford's Transit Trail looks like a good rig for snowy/icy roads and easy dirt roads and I'm glad Ford came out with all-wheel drive. The Ford vans I had before treated me real good, but I will stick with my 3/4 Ton GMC SAVANA 2WD, Limited slip, lifted, larger off-road tires for where I want to drive. Thanks for the video's, Your hard work is appreciated

[@markbutterfield2189]

I think the used van that you built out makes the most sense, you know every part of your van and if it does need work you can do it. Like you say the challenges in the journey is what makes van life an adventure.

[@MrElmag12]

Totally agree with you mate, also I'd buy an older van model so much less electronics to go wrong. If things go wrong you might be able to fix some stuff yourself.

[@lionessliving9862]

I bought a new 2020 AWD Transit and LOVE it. The process of doing the interior build, learning carpentry, DC electrical system, 3D design, plumbing etc was more than enough for this solo female to feel accomplished and also be confident in being able to repair anything on my own with my build. I have learned some basic mechanical things as well, but am so happy that I have the warranty. And that there is a Ford dealership ANYWHERE. The AWD particularly shone when I got stuck in deep soft sand at Elephant Butte NM. Simply deflated my tires to 15psi, used my recovery boards and threw it into mud/ruts mode. Such a BEAST. Was really a "hold my beer" moment and it solidified my satisfaction with going with the Ford Transit. Also, drives like a dream on the highway and doesn't skip a beat on high mountain passes. I will always have a van for vanlife, and when I'm ready to upgrade, I will be choosing a Transit again.

[@bigfoot7.350]

Sasquatch is the ultimate solution.. and your road to adventure together has been an awesome journey!!!!!

[@SledorFish]

I was checking out the Transit Trail online the other day. The all wheel drive and towing capability make it a great choice for me. Unfortunately right now I just can't justify the price of a new one for 2 to maybe 3 weeks of use a year. Hopefully some day though.

[@nevadabadger7925]

I like it! I bought a 2014 E-250 to convert to 4 wheel . While waiting for my position in the que I used it to “overland”. I found that the van worked well for what I was doing. I lifted the van 4”. I like what I see here.

[@g.r.2985]

I know you have a special relationship to your rig. With all the blood sweat and tears, who could blame you. Most people don’t work on their marriages as hard, 😊. I have been waiting to see this new Transit converted into a serious rig but I guess I will just have to wait a little longer. Safe travels, and by the way I love your videos! You have a knack for story-telling not found among most van-lifers, let alone other creators.

[@md51236]

"And our relationship has become symbiotic to point where I need it and it needs me." That's a good line. Insightful.

[@lindasteller]

I just bought one of these babies today -- well, I ordered it. Will take about a year to come in. I'm stoked.

[@bobbysnow5478]

Thanks for the Video! Good job! Trade-offs for everything! All machines require a lot of care and feeding! Such is anything with crankcases and batteries! I got the DIY bug out of my system 35 years ago

[@Invictus13666]

Nice video, Jason. Nice that ford approached you as well-good to have people representing that arent puff queens. Hope you’re doing well. Haven’t been around the socials at all for a couple months.

[@lorenworthington8739]

Nice to see Ford is reaching out to the hardest working, blue collar van man On KZbin.

[@patrickmullen5529]

I put deposit on 2024 hope I get it asap

[@timkline162]

I know this is an older vide but if you're still reading.. how does this work? Do you have to buy a regular transit first, and then have an authorized modifier do the rest of the build for you? I'm not seeing anything listed on Ford's site about it, I was just curious about pricing. I'm looking for something like 4WD/AWD Winnebago travato where it has a bathroom in the back and 2 kind-of twin beds

[@SuperBacDoc]

That closing statement was friggen awesome bro! Well said

[@korybeckwith834]

I follow you on KZbin and your van conversion and I am interested in building something similar. I drive one of the several Transit vans we have a work almost daily. I do miss the old E350s with the 7.3 diesel that we used to have. The two vans are totally different beasts. The E350 seemed more rugged and tough. You had better visibility in the E350. The Transit van is a joy to drive, has great acceleration and it good on fuel if you drive it normally. The E350 was easier for me to get in and out of, as I am a big guy. Some of the problems with the Transit van is the door to the fuel filler breaks often and the replacement parts are expensive. A long thin coolant line from the engine breaks often and are sometimes difficult to procure from the dealership and according to mechanics difficult to replicate. The Transit was designed by Ford of Europe and is a joy to drive. I like the back up camera and land assist. Sometimes find the engine shut off (stop start) at a stop annoying, but you can turn it off. This new all wheel drive, Transit Trail lifted van would be an interesting camping van conversion for the fact that it already comes stock with what mods you want. Ive been driving Fords for 40 years and own several of them. Some are European Fords ithat Ford imported. Nope I dont work for Ford. I wish I did or at least I wish they would listen to an avid fan.

[@alexanderweaver7066]

Thank you, Jason! This was the video to help me me decide to buy this particular van over the Ford Transit AWD model by Coachman. The Coachman AWD model is nice but too "sterile" for my taste. I converted a 2019 GMC Savana 2500 cargo van and if it an AWD system I would keep it. I've lived in my Savan for a year and a half and love it. However, it keeps me in the Southwest to avoid winter road conditions. The Ford AWD system would hugely boost my travel options to explore winter adventures.

[@broinsocali]

This Transit Trail van would work very well for me. I'm new to car camping and camping in general.

[@Spaceman-jo5mz]

Great review, on the Ford Transit Van, but your commentary at the end about your Van and the symbiotic relationship ,”where I need it and it needs me.” resonates in the primal conscious. 👍

[@andrewgable7273]

I think it was as good of a place to start for Ford. Neat concept. Interesting for sure. But for some of the places I want to go, that van would get high centered or stuck quite quickly. More lift, and an optional 4x2 or 4x4 would be better. Squach is more to my liking, and I love that van. You did a great job on it, and its capabilities show!! Thanks for this. Later!

[@eugeneenslow8563]

I see the transit trail as a step in the right direction, and FINALLY, something to compete with the Mercedes. However, if I could find a van like yours, that I could live in while conversions and modifications were being made. I would go that route with the goal of a much more capable rig than the transit trail.

[@TradesmanOutdoorAdventures]

Cost breakdown for the Transit would’ve been a useful comparison point. Appreciate the video!

[@borandell9915]

Yes. I know we can do it ourselves but would be good info for the video. I'm about to price one. They probably didn't want to "sticker shock" us.

[@thomasquigley7040]

I think this is a great move for Ford. They're taking the van conversion market by storm. With Dodge Vans being only FWD, and the double whammy of Mercedes pricing and diesel issues, Ford is in a great position to dominate. I agree these vans are build for the highways, and maybe gravel forest service roads. That still covers a lot of territory. It's not suitable for overlanding or weekenderlanding like you do. But that's ok. That's where their pickups and Kimbo / Scout / Four Wheel Campers come in to play.

[@PrimalOutdoors]

I think this van could serve a lot folks very well. I think the AWD system will suit most folks. For everyday driving in bad weather conditions like snow and ice I think AWD is superior to 4wd. Most folks are looking at the lack of 4wd as its road block to off roading it, but to me the road block is the approach and exit angle. The real issue is going to be cost and Ford delivering on the product. Jason

[@nightwalker3828]

Where can you purchase one of these fans? I’ve talk to a lot of Ford dealers and they don’t seem to carry them nor did they want to order them for you?

[@_skud]

I have zero skill in this area and this comes pre packed with a lot of features i would have to do myself or pay to have done. Still refining the lifestyle in my starter rig, though. Once i'm ready to graduate i'll remember this. Thanks for the look

[@nickjacques6087]

I would be a transit van buyer when I go back to the States because I am not mechanically handy and have no home base or family to help with repairs. It is definitely a commitment due to the cost of the van. Also, I am not sure if he eco boost engine will last a long time. But may chance it and try to change fluids a lot. I could see putting line x on the exterior and lizard skin on the interior and with the additional alternator put in some hefty electrical system. I think this van has a larger fuel tank so a heater would be added as well. Thank you for putting your genuine views on the van and your life living in a van. I really like you and your videos and find it all so beautiful, entertaining and helpful. Thanks for all the hard work and interruptions to your day/trips to make these videos.

[@JK-ns5dr]

You had me scared, I thought you were getting a new van, Another KZbinr from up your way got a fancy new van and it changed everything for me. I don't really watch his channel anymore,

[@j.franklin4999]

I think that they made a good van for a large percentage of people who just want to get out and see what it's like. Nothing too hardcore, nothing too technical. Probably perfect for a light overlanding rental Fleet as well. Personally, I would take an older SWB High Roof with either the EcoBoost or the 5cylinder diesel and drop it off at Van Compass for the full 4WD conversion/lift. After that, I'd make it my own with the interior/solar and comms.

[@jaesi8081]

I wanted one not because i want to live in it permanently but to enjoy the nature on the go.

[@Jossy92]

YOUR CREDIBILITY GOT THE COMMERCIAL A THUMBS UP. THANK YOU.

[@dmwi1549]

Old: learn and improve as you go. Field fixes possible. Lower entry and monthly insurance costs. New: higher cost and complexity with little chance you’ll need to fix it on the side of the road, but fast forward a few years when the warranty has ended and the van has depreciated, how will you like it then? If it’s anything like my 2019 4x4 Sprinter it’ll have a dozen recalls, mostly for software. Which leave you wondering if these new vehicles are disposable items long before Sasquatch drives it’s final mile. I’m currently looking for an older - less tech filled option for mild overland travel.

[@HighRoad317]

Glad to see this Van first from you for me..

[@Tiersmoke92555]

Will it fit in the average drive-thru with the fan option?

[@andy_an_outdoors_guy]

I really appreciate this video -- especially coming from you. (and good on Ford for reaching out to you). I'm totally in the market for a van I can use for longer adventures - and have been looking closely at Transit and Sprinters. I've heard very good things about the Transit's AWD and 10 speed transmission -- and just as important - the solid engine that is used in other ford products and be repaired pretty much anywhere. I've also seen options for lifting the Transit a bit too -- which is something I might consider to get a tiny bit more clearance.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

I’d like to see Ford give the Transit connect (smaller delivery van) the “trail treatment. Right now they aren’t available in AWD. As far as the big transit, I think a true 4WD system would be a better fit.

[@mikecox3659]

Hopefully they have solved the driveshaft problem.

[@michaelblock3998]

Congratulations Jason!! This is a huge sponsorship!

[@harryshigeura3892]

I would need much more clearance, and true 4WD ... your build, Sasquatch, is what I need !!!

[@boschlotz]

I have been looking at this new vehicle. Finding one is the issue currently. I enjoyed your honest feedback.

[@mdhen4]

Is the transit lighter and thus climb more easily? How does the range compare of a full tank? How easily can it be modified for insulation, electrical system and refrigeration?

[@Brockdorf]

Can you buy this direct from Ford or only thru a customizer?

[@E38vip]

Interesting, i wanted to get a t3 westfalia but this is basically the same as my Amazon van. Good stuff Ford .

[@Matthew-sb2xx]

Been desperate to buy one since I found out about them but not sure how to get one in the UK...

[@johng5187]

Yep good ole van is where it's at!!!

[@2-old-Forthischet]

Is this pre or post Ford management firings?

[@crjmoto]

Great video. The best part about my old Econoline - no payment. It allows me to have a nice 4wd truck, and other toys, as well. Otherwise, I'd be all over the Ford Transit Trail. I think it's pretty awesome if you're ok with a sizeable payment or have the expendable cash.

[@Gusgreek24]

Time to get rid of that old dinosaur 🦕 lol jk great video! Love the new Ford 👍

[@bryan_913]

Is the inside already set up? No video of the back area

[@toons5233]

does this mean you test drive one? something like the medium roof would be nice for little more head room toss on pop up top for when you need to stretch out would be nice set up as long as you can do solar power and have roof fan it would be nice balance

[@51sicboy]

YES! Finally. The $200k rigs aren’t realistic for most of us. This gives us an opportunity to experience van life in an affordable way.

[@JohnDoe-xm9ql]

Cool video Jason...

[@sierramantrvlnus]

Yay! That was good! Those who can do, those who can't, there is nothing wrong with getting a little help. If you can afford it.

[@ScoobyDo2009]

Do you know if there is any way to install a second row of seats in this for the rest of the family? This would make the perfect vacation vehicle for us!

[@CarJaco]

The MSRP is $143,750. Then of course, market adjustment of $40,000 and other dealership fees. Out the door, estimated price of $212,999. Comes standard with 4 cylinder hybrid.

[@griffithd05]

I have a 2021 Transit HR 148 and I love it. The upgrades that come with the Trail would have been nice to not have to do myself or pay someone to do (lift)

[@brandonbuchanan8034]

Yours! I don't want all that fancy stuff. I want my Ford tough.

[@Maples01]

I will say this, my old man worked for the phone company, he was responsible for cell tower repairs, unpaved, mostly gravel and mud trails with a 2wd van with over 5000 pounds of equipment in it, not once did he ever not make it up to the tower here in the mountains of Tennessee, that Transit doesn't sit off the ground high enough to really need 4wd, its a pavement princess, a wasted option, it would high center the parking area at most off road parks!

[@HighRoad317]

Congratulations on this project

[@redarmysoja]

I'm guessing that's a $70,000 to $100,000 rig.

[@JustMe-999a]

$65.9k with an empty cargo area

[@randomlybro]

Marked up to 80k here in Texas empty shell..

[@buffalo068]

why are they advertising this so much when you can’t get one for maybe a year ???? If you know anything about how one can order , please respond ? thanks

[@bradleybement7809]

I just (4/10/23) corresponded with a dealer and was told the following: "They are only building a handful of 2023's and full production will run the 2024 model."' "Order banks open fully on May 1 for 2024 orders." "If you place a 2024 order we are being told they will start to arrive in December." I agree that it is infuriating how these auto companies consistently advertise and hype products that you can't get for a ridiculous amount of time.

[@5353iceman]

I like both. I would rather have a transfer case, not awd. Good video. Have a Merry Christmas

[@jaredcolahan759]

lol Curious ? what do you think the starting price is? I had a transit with the quigley. loved the system, not impressed with the 3.5 twin turbo.

[@ShredwithEd]

Let's just hope they can actually ship them. I'm on a Transit Forum and there are hundreds of people that had 2022 orders canceled, and they were asked to order 2023's. I'm at the end of a VERY long list LOL.

[@michaeltichonuk2176]

You presented extremely well! Ford could have done so much worse. It is your trials and tribulations that are interesting. Yet it's your videos of the Natural World that really trip my trigger. Much Respect 🙏.

[@stevekast4712]

you rock and stay with what you wanted to do built because it is customized to you

[@MeanOneMeanOne]

Very cool. Stay true to your journey brother and don't sell out like others.....rocking a new rig like that puts it out of most folk's price range and basically lame. Your build is awesome and makes it attainable for most people.

[@DoctorHayduke]

We need to make sure that we don't sterilize adventure to the point where it becomes irrelevant. I don't remember where my wife and I were going, but I do remember needing to jerry rig a belt for the water pump on our Vanagon to make it to town. I remember lots of things like that, and until this moment I hadn't realized how many cherished memories are wrapped up in repairing old rigs we had relationships with while being out on the road. (Jeez, sentimental much?)

[@null0286]

What caused vans to be blocky to then be more curvy?

[@Justforfun-ek7et]

I want one of these but I’m not about that van life. I want 3 rows of seats in the back. I have a large family and we like to go do all the outdoor activities. And for myself I wanna be able to throw all my bikes in the back out of prying eyes at the bike parks. I can use this like a pickup truck when needed and camping would be a breeze. Plus I really like how this Transit Trail looks, badass.

[@LucaCoppadoro]

I'm not sure if a preproduction model was shown, and whether the Ford Motor Company has assessed the effects of your independent modifications to your vehicle, and evaluated or tested your vechicle as modified.

[@recoblade1465]

I think for the people that have the money this would be a great starter it's better than the two-wheel drive of got a little bit of a lift to it so you can get out there into some slightly questionable situation and it has a warranty so if it does break when it breaks it's covered. I'd recommend it to my sister she was getting in the van line. Me personally though I like knowing that if I break it I can fix it out in the bush within reason

[@jelicoe]

Do you think Sasquatch has overequipped offroad capability for what you do on this channel? Do you go out of your way to test it? In a roundabout way, I' m getting to - Could you get by with a low to the ground AWD van and still camp at the same places?

[@matthewlockhart3226]

Very nice! I would definitely consider this van.

[@henrymoreland8719]

Lovely, I will just recheck some old lottery tickets. Ps, I prefer your van.

[@nicktaylor9957]

Congrats Jason on the sponsorship. I am very interested in this van. A couple of concerns for me (Ford if you're listening) 400W inverter not going to be adequate. Towing capacity leaves something to be desired, for my needs. Other than that I think it's a great starting point.

[@ihikebc2295]

Get a Jackery battery (they sell them in the 240w-2000W range), charge it via the 12 volt outlet while you drive or the engine's running (or even via a portable solar), and you got your power even without having to go the complicated (and expensive) RV battery setup route.

[@borandell9915]

Agree. The thing that stuck out most to me was the small 400w inverter. No where near enough. But I know it's a curable problem. Also, the additional alternator is a big plus.

[@doughaning8982]

Mission-focused purchase of transportation. Does the vehicle fit your mission? I'm not following you to the top of a rocky mountain. But I would get out there in the woods down a dirty muddy snowy road. I like your van, the Transit van would just fit my skills and goals better. Love your videos!

[@Ambohouse]

Good looking van.. Building a 1979 ambulance right now.. lol im that sick twisted guy who wants to fix stuff. But would love to be able to afford a rig like this.

[@theresabass685]

Hey Jason. 👋🏽 I was thinking the same thing about the Sasquatch van and your life style. The Ford although nice but I wouldn’t go off road too much with it. The electronics is always the first to malfunction in dusty areas. Like the van for me I stay a little closer to the road. I’ve been having a lot of health issues lately and haven’t been out but once this year. I enjoy watching your videos got to catch up with what I missed. Until next video 👍🏽🔥⛺️

[@ihikebc2295]

Ford makes a lot off capable 4x4 vehicles full of electronics, and people go off-road in all kinds of conditions in those vehicles.

[@pnwadventuresandgearreview8749]

Cash is king it really depends on your financial situation and need. I do like that Ford has came out with this it gives a lower price option compared to a Mercedes sprinter van. It seems like a good mid level option to get started with and can be upgraded as money and time allows thanks for sharing Jason.

[@bc5299]

why would ford bother advertising these things as there is a three to four year wait for transits right now. I'm a fleet purchaser and ordered one a year ago and last week my fleet rep said there is a 99% chance I won't get one this year either. maybe I'll get one in year three.

[@msyotaboy]

Can't wait to see these!

[@mrmichaeltscott]

Towing capacity?

[@siedpe13]

also the transits awd independant front suspension will provide a smoother and more comfortable ride compared to a solid front axle 4x4

[@stealth1fighter]

Problem is you can’t find one anywhere! Come on Ford what’s the problem?

[@sneil560]

What is the estimated cost of one of these vans?

[@toycam800]

I just cant get over the fact that its a uni-body design and a v6 so i bought a 2022 gmc savana but than im not trying to live in it. Nice video

[@bruceforster3709]

VERY good video! The two years before I got married, I'd fallen on a hard times. I had a 1971 Chevy C-30 Van that was my place to live, because I had no money to pay rent. It literally saved my life. I did things to MY van to suit my needs and make it more livable. So, yes. I hear you!

[@matthewhoopes7757]

My thoughts. And since I have time to comment I guess I will. I had a 2003 E350 with the 7.3. Had it 11 yrs. Two build outs. 3.5 years living in it during nursing school. Countless road trips. Had plans for the Ujoint off road kit...even had the axles bought. Did virtually all the mechanical work on the van. As a travel nurse I began living in it a second time. Routinely went off road. But at 280K miles it began to nickle and dime me. Little things. The amount of money to add a 4x4 system plus get everything right would have been astronomical. I finally made the decision to purchase a new Ford F350. Base model with a few upgrades including 4x4 and the new 7.3 gas. $53K. Then I purchased a near perfect truck camper for 7k. I still love vans and even bought a minivan which I will do a small camper conversion on. Knowing what I know now and with current my income I'd do the Transit trail without question. I'm just not going to off road a full size van to any extreme degree. I'll use my dual sport or quad for that. And to all the people that say the 7.3 diesel is a great motor keep in mind that the block is good but everything that attaches to it goes out like any other item. Hoses fail, seals fail, sensors fail, turbos fail etc etc. And its not because of a lack of maintenance. Anyway, my 2 cents

[@amyfawkes6153]

I saw a video that suggested that the inside of the transit trail will have spots that are predrilled to assist in the inside build. I haven't seen a video address this. I was hoping this one would. It seems as though Ford is holding that information back??

[@PrimalOutdoors]

I heard that as well but Ford did not share that information with me. Jason

[@deeblack2847]

I would like to see the interior.

[@dalefourroux6402]

Always enjoy your videos you're doing a great job. 🇺🇸🎄🥃

[@matthewhall792]

What does one cost???

[@AH-bm4ts]

Makes more sense than a pickup truck in most cases.

[@gerald4nomads]

I currently have a Ford Transit all-wheel drive and love her. However, all wheel drive systems can not compete with a four-wheel drive system. And not meant for true off road, anywhere an all-wheel drive system can go regular rear wheel drive can do the same thing so save your money or invest in a true four-wheel drive system

[@mikelyon5595]

Needs an e-locker rear differential and skid plates!

[@stubstoo6331]

Good entry vehicle for someone not mechanically inclined to do a build.

[@NothingCoherent]

Ignoring budget, it boils down entirely to what sort of trails you want to explore. It isn't just low range 4WD vs. regular AWD; you have to also consider suspension travel and "AVERAGE" ground clearance (not the useless "minimum" they love to advertise). A body-on-frame vehicle where everything is tucked safely up high inside the frame rails, with solid axles that can fully articulate, is in an entirely different category of offroad capability than a unibody with independent suspension. I'd rather have the Transit if I was a long-distance road tripper visiting parks. I'd rather have the offroad beast if I wanted to get away from crowds and see the real back country. They are both cool vehicles, but there is very little overlap IMO.

[@TBGaels32]

4wd will always be the better option even with its trade offs. AWD is for the beginner/weekend warriors. Besides I think there are better options than the Ford even if it’s a older model and have to do repairs.

[@SensuTech]

In usa and Canada you can choose 3.5T to 5T in awd version.. In Europe only 3.5T useless awd version

[@stlouisarch2162]

Ultimately, it is as you say, it depends on your exact situation. Some will be better off with one route, others the other. Btw, how does the Ford compare dollar wise, say with the Mercedes equivalent?