WILL IT BE ANY GOOD? 2024 Transit Custom Test Drive and Review

WILL IT BE ANY GOOD? 2024 Transit Custom Test Drive and Review
This week we test drive and measure up the New Custom to see if it will be any good as a camper.
Thanks to EASTBOURNE TRANSIT CENTRE for giving us the keys for 24 hours: www.birchwoodgroup.co.uk/ford...
If you would like to see the specification of the transit in the video, or the entire Ford Commercial range please click here: www.ford.co.uk/vans-and-picku...
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🎥Filming and Editing: Ali Jassim / just_jassim
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of Combe Valley Campers Ltd, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Combe Valley Campers Ltd assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Combe Valley Campers Ltd recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Combe Valley Campers Ltd, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Combe Valley Campers.

[@kevinadaway8257]

I insured my camper project through Howden after your recommendation and was amazed by the quote so thanks for that 👍🏻👍🏻

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Thank you!!

[@chrisleeks3890]

I’ve had one on hire for a while and after a week and 750 miles under my belt, I simply adore this van. I have never driven a Ford Transit Custom before. I too have the fully specked van. It feels huge compared to the T6.1 I normally drive. The seating position is a bit higher than the VW.The heated seats are amazing and very comfortable. A right hand arm rest would be nice, VW please put one in the T7. The infotainment system is next level, the drivers display only has two layouts, digital and analog and look very basic. The drivers display also seems to be tilting towards the driver, this got some getting use too, may be to stop glare on the screen.The driver info menu appears on the right of the drivers screen using the well laid out buttons on the steering wheel. The beeping telling me to slow down was annoying but I found out how to mute it in the settings. I’m driving the DSG version and the gearbox is super smooth, as good or better than in my VW T6.1 auto. It also has all the driving settings, including Sport. I was sceptical about the square steering wheel but now I get it, it’s very comfortable to use.The alarm and electronic deadlocks work very well. Oh and lastly, I have lost count on how many Transit Custom drivers, have sat behind me, driven beside me checking out the van. I have also had drivers at the services, wanting to look in the cab. Well done Ford and VW, this van is amazing and to all you VW skeptics, the T7 will be EPIC! Oh and the LED headlights are soo bright, even in dip and are as good as any on top specked cars. No more firefly’s in Jam jars fit the future T7 owners!,

[@Marc1979nufc]

I had mine 2 days, it’s back at ford garage now under warranty they’ve had it 15 days and still not sorted

[@MrSwatUpNorth]

I’ve had mine for 2 months now and really like it!👌🏽 I’m converting it to a weekend camper on Fridays and go back to normal on Mondays and just take it to work! Soon ordering a roof tent

[@richardsracingmad]

It looks great for a camper / day van thing

[@3500P5]

I’m looking at getting a new van early next year, strong contender. Mind you my last 2 have been Transits, might fancy a change.

[@doughobbs7706]

Have they fixed/will this rot like previous Transit vans as they historically are very prone to it!

[@ianduckworth9925]

Like the sound of a plug in hybrid. Best of both worlds for daily driver and then long trips for camping 😎

[@BigSmartQuiz]

VERY heavy vehicle because of a full 2.0 litres engine, a 14Kw battery and an electric motor, plus after seven years or so, nobody will buy the vehicle with the battery capacity massively reduced. ALL major manufacturers are not interested in buying ANY electric vehicle after about 7-8 years, because the battery needs replacing and the cost is HUGE. Ask any dealership honestly, they will all tell you the same. Electric vehicles are merely a stop-gap for the rich at the moment.

[@user-ol5xu8cm4l]

It's a big improvement over the pervious box style custom. Prefer the sporty/aggressive look of the T6.1 but hopefully kits and a rear spoiler will help and one that will accommodate a rear bike rack such as the ABT type. Interested to know the interior size difference to the transporter will have to measure the transporter to find out and see if a lwb is possibly the way to go hopefully only 40mm longer like VWs.I would be interested in a twin door as like the option to cook from outside but still using the work tops seems good idea.Think the van seems promising as long as all the Tec doesn't give endless faults.

[@3500P5]

The tape measure bit was hilarious 😂

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Made myself look like a right baffoon eh!

[@madetinsheffield]

Hope the new transit custom doesn't have a wet timing belt that blocks the oil pick up.and a DPF that blocks up and has to go back to the dealership to have to wait 4 months for a software update,

[@bertfairbrother7745]

Heated steering wheel What, swap the fairy for a NatNav any day... just my two penneth . Thanks for for the review.

[@nathanstevful]

We are getting these soon to replace our vivaros. I can't wait. The stellantis vivaro is not the best, turning circle of A 4tonner in fact I could probably turn a 4tonner in a smaller space.

[@jackgrimes-wl8fb]

Don't these have the "Wet belt" (timing/cam) system? Whereby the belt actually runs in the sump oil? (Several operators have numerous vehicles just stood in the yard waiting for new engines. Weird idea. I think the VW Transporter has a dry belt system. Good video, thank you.

[@DegeneratronMedia]

Hey Leigh, were you at an overlander convention in Norway this weekend? If not I saw a guy that looked just like you there.

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Sadly not, but it sounds fun! What’s the name of the event?

[@DegeneratronMedia]

@@CombeValleyCampers it was called Camp Villmark (wilderness), and was a sort of big hunting/fishing/camping event with a whole stadium reserved for people showing off their overland camper builds. Everything from the mandatory Land Rovers and Land Cruisers to T5's and even a Rav4. Glad I didn't bother that guy then😅

[@CombeValleyCampers]

🤣 yes good job! That sounds like e great event. I shall look into it for next year!

[@stevezodiac491]

Can you spec a new Ford Transit / VW transporter esque camper van without a disintegrating wet timing belt and subsequent total engine failure ?

[@CombeValleyCampers]

They do an ev version!

[@stevezodiac491]

​@@CombeValleyCampers so it's timing belt disintegration or time and use cycle degradation ? What a choice ? Rock, hard place comes to mind.

[@joshkiej6601]

They do a hybrid with a chain and maybe the VW will have a VW engine

[@Ben-up7xi]

Hi, Which engine have they used?Hopefully not that dodgy ford one with the wet belt!

[@CombeValleyCampers]

I believe that is the engine they have chosen for the diesel but there are the previous and ev versions

[@karlkjj]

Would have loved knobs for air conditioning as a user of vans for work and camping gloves don’t like screens ….. its something I think the designers missed

[@chrisdavison2022]

I've had a few of these pass me out and about, (HGV driver). All I can say is.... They've shrunk!!! They've suffered 'shrinkflation'!! Just like the Vauxhall Vivaro, they're smaller than they used to be.... Even seeing you in there, you look hemmed in... But on a lighter note... I'll be ringing Howdens tomorrow morning for a quote. my insurance is also due.

[@3500P5]

I find it strange they don’t have a digital rear view mirror , as the run out versions of the previous model all have them.

[@CombeValleyCampers]

I was not aware of that! Thank you. To be fair the large centre screen does do a great job when being used for the reverse camera

[@dieselbushcraft1299]

That particular model looks well spec’d out with lots of modern conveniences and gadgets. I have two concerns about the T7 when it finally lands. First concern and without driving and playing with one is just how complicated and distracting is it driving a vehicle that has everything menu and touchscreen driven, I know a lot of modern vehicles are the same so this will be a problem that I have with anything modern. My other concern is the engines, will they be VW or the Ford wet belt engines which do seem to have issues . I know that correct servicing and maintenance plays a large part in reliability of any engine not just the wet belt but they do seem to have a bad reputation. Only time will tell with the engines and overall reliability of the vehicles.

[@mistersteviechen]

I agree about the screens. Give me dedicated knobs, buttons and switches any day. That way you can do everything by feel, without taking your eyes off the road.

[@scottap30bot]

Do we think that this could cause a purist split, and have a pro/con out come, so, people who want a vw transporter will still be looking at the t6.1, meaning vw vans like from the T5 up to t6.1 will hold/increase in value, so good for current owners, but bad for potential buyers?

[@l1oko251]

I like the look of it, I think the rear has some similarities to the old mk2 transit, it’s Just a shame they have kept the 2.0 eco blue engine in it , the amount of wet cam belts snapping/ breaking up and clogging the oil pump feed and also the brakes failing as the bits of belt block the vacuum pump is quite alarming, Ford have now even brought the service interval for changing them down from 150k or 10 years to 80k or 6 years. Also I’m sure a lot of converters will be glad to see the rear door stays gone but I can see the doors flying open in windy conditions and potentially hitting other vehicles.

[@CombeValleyCampers]

It seems that the engine has caused the most controversy with most people I have spoken too?

[@l1oko251]

@@CombeValleyCampers yes it’s a daily conversation on the transit custom forums, some are failing as early as 20k there is a recall on them for faulty belts but only for the year 2017, but they are failing on later vans as well, some say it’s poor servicing and incorrect oil making the belts break up, but others have full Ford service history and have still failed, also got to take into account the amount of transit customs on the road and like any forums you are going to have a lot more bad things on there than good, however I still think putting a rubber timing belt in oil is not a good idea.

[@smiffysmiffy123]

If the belt is an issue when you buy just change it. You’ll still save a fortune on a comparable T6. Plus you’d change a Transporter belt at 80k anyhow so not a great difference really.

[@smiffysmiffy123]

It will make a fantastic camper van just like the one before it. Transport owners will come to realise how long they have been paying over the odds. I think you’ll now see a potential bigger market share for custom conversions.

[@CombeValleyCampers]

When it happens! We will be prepared :)

[@stevenwhite1490]

Depends what engine they are using , the Ford wet belt engine has been a big problem so far

[@CombeValleyCampers]

As I have learned. Im not 100% sure which engine/drive train combination VW will use as yet

[@linoleumbonypart385]

One thing it’s going to keep the resale of T6 prices high

[@CombeValleyCampers]

I think you are right mate!

[@mesutkayman]

Why do you think that? (I am new to vans)

[@CombeValleyCampers]

@@mesutkayman because the T6.1 will be the last 1tonne transporter VW makes, therefore demand for existing vans will stay high

[@chrisleeks3890]

Oh shot, maybe I was lucky. Hope it’s sorted now.

[@paulbower5274]

the future looks good

[@zanders001]

What is the colour?

[@CombeValleyCampers]

It’s called Grey Matter from the brochure

[@michaellittler2616]

It looks a nice van it’s a pity it’s a wet belt engine ,my wife has a ford B max petrol engine it’s had the oil changed every year regardless of mileage with the correct oil ,we have just had the belts changed a year earlier than ford recommend and the main belt was starting to fray and it had cracks in it at a cost of £900 I hope VW are not going to use the ford engine in there van ? time will tell

[@CombeValleyCampers]

There has been known problems which is a concern going forward

[@algie1962]

🤣 Tape measure rage

[@drtomdennis]

I'm struggling to understand why anybody would go for a VW t6, ford transit, vivaro size van when things like the Peugeot boxer and that style of van exists? This van allows you to put a full size double bed. Sideways offers more length on the H1L1 I have personally add a lot of time driving and using both a boxer and t6 and I know the t6 drives better as it is much smaller in many regards. But if you're intention is to get a camper van, why would you genuinely choose such a small vehicle? Both the transporter and the boxer fit a standard parking space. Both will go into any multi-story car park, so as a daily use van both are fantastic, put why sacrifice to space.

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Thanks for your comments. I feel the VW and transit will always be a more popular conversion base due to the availability of conversion parts and ease of conversion, and also resale value. Volkswagens in particular hold their value extremely well compared to most other vans.

[@Cous1nJack]

Don’t see many boxers in multi stories pal.

[@joshkiej6601]

The large vans are nice to stay in. The transporter and custom are nice to drive in. And when you get into a city you will actually be able to find a parking space

[@Wildsoul62]

I had a Peugot Boxer camper. Yes it had alot more space and camper luxury, but to use it as an everyday drive was not practical due to size. Small lanes driving ( eg devon Cornwall) a total nightmare with any oncoming traffic. I got rid of the Boxer and now have had my ford custom for over a year now. Fixed bed, heating etc and one german shepherd with me. We explore, hike and the Ford is thr perfect size and drives like a car (170hp) 👍🏻 love it!

[@shanemjn]

Thats odd hearing Ford and VW have worked together on a van. From all the vans I've driven, I've always thought the transit was the best and, i hope you can forgive me for saying, but the transporter was the worst

[@CombeValleyCampers]

You’re forgiven!! I have good experiences with both vans, and if you prefer the fords then you may well like the new version!

[@linoleumbonypart385]

You must have driven the wrong transporter … T6 caravelle most comfortable mile eater .. funny I was in a popular Derbyshire carpark today it was full of transporters not transits

[@paddymuppy]

You are correct. VW hasn't worked on it. It is 100%designed, engineered and built by Ford using all Ford parts and engines. The VW will be a rebadged Transit. The only VW component with be the electric motor and battery in the EV version

[@shanemjn]

@@linoleumbonypart385 tbf the only transporters I've driven are t6.1s. Driving wise, the transit is miles ahead, that thing drives better than a few cars I've driven. As a 6 foot 4 person, the cabin in the transporter is very cramped. The mirrors are terrible, the transit has the split mirrors with the wide angle which the transporter is missing. One of the transporters is a DSG and it either hunts for gears or holds them for far too long. The transporter feels like it's trying to drive through its brakes, almost as if you've kept your foot on the accelerator while braking. I did 14hours in a transit, with a hour break for a ferry, I'd take the transit for that journey over the transporter every day of the week

[@SRW-ci2nv]

@@shanemjnwhat a load of guff, I’m 6ft 7" and do not feel cramped at all.

[@TheMase60]

😮Camper van market will move over to the Ford Transit no point paying the transporter tax any more VW will have to price the T7 the same as the Transit to compete.I think a new market may open up referbishing old transporter back to new.

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Refurbishing the older vws had always been think, but you might be right there!

[@TheMase60]

@@CombeValleyCampers I think people will see value in fixing older transporters that are not viable today not to far in future.

[@SC-nv8ve]

Sadly, it’s totally Ford. Top diesel engine is only 170 bhp and has the infamous wet 💦 cambelt. VW customers won’t be happy with the reverse in power and reliability . Has the van world gone backwards? Will the vito now be the best van? The only light at the end of the tunnel is the 2.5 petrol hybrid but will it be as reliable and last as long as a diesel.

[@earthcrawler1159]

Rust bucket

[@Milner_THX]

Loved your review excellent information.. Unbelievably annoying music, totally unnecessary .. I’m hard at hearing and your music is the same level as your voice and I can’t understand what you’re saying 😞

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Noted, thank you so much for your comments :)

[@spelterworkstiger]

It will never be a VW Transporter

[@richardsracingmad]

You can buy one exactly the same with a VW badge….if that’s your thing. You will probably have to pay a lot more for a silly badge too😂

[@colinlee5429]

Like you im not into modern vehicles, thise sensors and buzzers woukd drive me mad! Looks good from the front but the rest is hideous......think vw have mucked up big time getting into bed with ford? We shall see. 🤙

[@mattmunkey6871]

Nope! You don’t want ford either. It’s only because vw are not doing their own vans that it leaves no option. Merc vans are being missed as the alternative. Imo I’m not going ford.

[@CombeValleyCampers]

There are many great vans that can be used as a camper :)

[@paddymuppy]

You keep saying Ford worked with VW on this. They did not. Also, the Trail was available on the previous model.

[@roar1964]

Why do i keep hearing about this Wet Belt problem in the comments, keeps turning me off buying one. are they really that bad, why did they keep this bad engine than.? Also loved the review thanks.

[@paddymuppy]

VW didn't work on that van. It is 100% designed, engineered, and built by Ford with all Ford components and engines. The VW will be a rebadged Transit.

[@user-eg8xd9ix3h]

Why have they put the pop top on back to front ie the highest part is over the bed,not at the place where you want to stand towards the front ? Good luck to the developer trying to sell too many of these🤨🫣