| Both sides previous revision
Previous revision
Next revision
|
Previous revision
Next revision
Both sides next revision
|
rv:ford_transit [2022/05/11 16:39]
princess_fluffypants [Dimensions] |
rv:ford_transit [2022/07/08 16:37]
princess_fluffypants [Dimensions] |
| === Single vs. Dual Rear Wheel === | === Single vs. Dual Rear Wheel === |
| |
| Dual Rear Wheel (DRW) vans offer advantages in load-carrying capacity which can be critical for heavier builds. They can also offer better performance in when driving in conditions with deep sand, gravel and mud (when equipped with proper tires) as the much larger contact patch prevents them from sinking into the surface. The wheel track of DRW vans is 2" wider than SRW, and some owners report that it gives a more stable and solid feeling when driving on pavement. It also offers redundancy and control in the event of a sudden rear tire blowout. | Dual Rear Wheel (DRW) vans offer advantages in load-carrying capacity which can be critical for heavier builds. They can also offer better performance in when driving in conditions with deep sand, gravel and mud (when equipped with proper tires) as the much larger contact patch prevents them from sinking into the surface. The wheel track of DRW vans is 5" wider than SRW (78.3" for SRW, 83.1" for DRW) and some owners report that it gives a more stable and solid feeling when driving on pavement. It also offers redundancy and control in the event of a sudden rear tire blowout. |
| |
| Single-Rear-Wheel vans are preferred for vans that are frequently driven on snowy pavement, as the narrower contact contact patch can more easily press down through the snow and to the pavement below. | Single-Rear-Wheel vans are preferred for vans that are frequently driven on snowy pavement, as the narrower contact patch can more easily press down through snow to pavement below. |
| |
| The costs of needing to replace 6 tires instead of 4 is mostly a wash, as the tire sizes used on the DRW are cheaper than the SRW. | The costs of needing to replace 6 tires instead of 4 is mostly a wash, as the tire sizes used on the DRW are cheaper than the SRW. |
| Windows are a //huge// source of heat loss or heat gain in the summer. If you're adding windows to your van, make sure you also invest in some kind of shades or covers for them. [[hvac:insulation|Some links are here]]. | Windows are a //huge// source of heat loss or heat gain in the summer. If you're adding windows to your van, make sure you also invest in some kind of shades or covers for them. [[hvac:insulation|Some links are here]]. |
| |
| **Replacing factory windows is best done professionally.** The factory windows are glued in, making them extremely difficult to remove without specialized tools and solvents. Installation of aftermarket windows into cargo vans without factory windows is similar in difficulty to installing a roof vent (probably easier as you don't have to climb up onto the roof) and can be DIYed. | **Replacing factory windows is a pain in the butt.** The factory windows are glued in, making them difficult to remove without scratching up the paint. Some people find it easier to simply break the factory windows (covering them with sticky tape first to minimize the mess), but using an oscillating saw and wire cutting kit it is possible to get them out intact. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=PcJTtMBqoqY|See this old video from Mercedes on how]]. |
| | |
| | Installation of aftermarket windows into cargo vans without factory windows is similar in difficulty to installing a roof vent (probably easier as you don't have to climb up onto the roof) and can be DIYed. |
| |
| If you are adding windows to get some additional ventilation, one option is to install the factory Ford windows from prior model years. From 2015-2019, pop-out windows were offered as an option from the factory on the window in the sliding door, behind the driver, and in the rear quarter-panel windows for the Extended-length body. This option was removed for model year 2020. ((Speculation being it was due to high breakage rates for the window latching mechanism. Seems to be the Ford way. Rather than fix something, just remove it.)) But there have been no changes in the Transit's body around the windows since it was introduce in 2015, so a pop-out window from any model year should fit into any van. You can see about finding one from a scrapyard, or ordering a new window through a dealer. [[https://parts.ford.com/shop/en/us/body/glass-windows-and-related-components|Part numbers can be found here]]. Pay attention to the color, "Privacy Glass" means the Dark Grey Tint. | If you are adding windows to get some additional ventilation, one option is to install the factory Ford windows from prior model years. From 2015-2019, pop-out windows were offered as an option from the factory on the window in the sliding door, behind the driver, and in the rear quarter-panel windows for the Extended-length body. This option was removed for model year 2020. ((Speculation being it was due to high breakage rates for the window latching mechanism. Seems to be the Ford way. Rather than fix something, just remove it.)) But there have been no changes in the Transit's body around the windows since it was introduce in 2015, so a pop-out window from any model year should fit into any van. You can see about finding one from a scrapyard, or ordering a new window through a dealer. [[https://parts.ford.com/shop/en/us/body/glass-windows-and-related-components|Part numbers can be found here]]. Pay attention to the color, "Privacy Glass" means the Dark Grey Tint. |
