Ford transit connect

dcorbett62
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Morehead City, NC US
2/8/2019 8:01am Edited Date/Time 5/19/2021 8:51am
Anyone ever stuff a bike into one?
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2/8/2019 8:18am
Yea it fits but you have to compress the forks quite a bit and put the bike at an angle.
grunkster
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Rochester, MN US
2/8/2019 8:44am
lame. bikes roll right into my promaster city...fyi
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4
observeroffacts
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Lake Owens, MO US
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2/8/2019 9:30am
I used to have one. I would ratchet strap the forks down and then release them once it was inside. Not the most fun thing ever but it works.

I always felt better with the bike inside of my vehicle for obvious reasons. The smell of gas can be strong if you’re sensitive to that type of thing...I’ve always had two strokes and run VP so it was like a chamber of sweet smelling nectar hah.
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The Shop

Gandorlf
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GB
2/8/2019 9:43am
Rolls straight in, no compressing needed. If you put a full bulkhead in it will need to go in at an angle. Very cheap on Diesel (I have the 1.8 TDCI). Mine is my daily driver too.
Spooner
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2/8/2019 9:46am
I have a 2015 so it’s the second generation. You won’t get a bike in it unless you really compress the forks. The 2010-2013 you can fit most bikes right in but those vans are pretty terrible. I just use a hitch rack with mine. I have 160k miles on mine and it’s been flawless.
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Gandorlf
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2/8/2019 9:50am
Spooner wrote:
I have a 2015 so it’s the second generation. You won’t get a bike in it unless you really compress the forks. The 2010-2013 you can...
I have a 2015 so it’s the second generation. You won’t get a bike in it unless you really compress the forks. The 2010-2013 you can fit most bikes right in but those vans are pretty terrible. I just use a hitch rack with mine. I have 160k miles on mine and it’s been flawless.
Not sure why they keep making them smaller and smaller. Mines an 07 but only has 137k on it.
Spooner
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2/8/2019 9:57am
Gandorlf wrote:
Not sure why they keep making them smaller and smaller. Mines an 07 but only has 137k on it.
The second gen is longer but it’s like 5” shorter.
dcorbett62
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Morehead City, NC US
2/8/2019 10:48am
Spooner wrote:
I have a 2015 so it’s the second generation. You won’t get a bike in it unless you really compress the forks. The 2010-2013 you can...
I have a 2015 so it’s the second generation. You won’t get a bike in it unless you really compress the forks. The 2010-2013 you can fit most bikes right in but those vans are pretty terrible. I just use a hitch rack with mine. I have 160k miles on mine and it’s been flawless.
Gandorlf wrote:
Not sure why they keep making them smaller and smaller. Mines an 07 but only has 137k on it.
I found a good deal on a 2012 transit xlt. I’m really looking at one for daily driving but also to be able to throw a bike in the rear.
dcorbett62
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2/8/2019 10:48am
Spooner wrote:
I have a 2015 so it’s the second generation. You won’t get a bike in it unless you really compress the forks. The 2010-2013 you can...
I have a 2015 so it’s the second generation. You won’t get a bike in it unless you really compress the forks. The 2010-2013 you can fit most bikes right in but those vans are pretty terrible. I just use a hitch rack with mine. I have 160k miles on mine and it’s been flawless.
Gandorlf wrote:
Not sure why they keep making them smaller and smaller. Mines an 07 but only has 137k on it.
dcorbett62 wrote:
I found a good deal on a 2012 transit xlt. I’m really looking at one for daily driving but also to be able to throw a...
I found a good deal on a 2012 transit xlt. I’m really looking at one for daily driving but also to be able to throw a bike in the rear.
Transit connect xlt*
2/8/2019 11:00am Edited Date/Time 2/8/2019 11:05am
Which version is it? I have a '06 Transit Connect. But it's the long wheelbase + high roof version. I can throw my bike in it without problems. You'll need the high roof though if you don't want to compress the forks. Maybe length wise a bike will also fit in a short wheelbase version but I'm not sure. I don't know where the American version is made but please keep an eye out for rust!!! The sheet metal is really sensitive at least in the European version. Other than that it's a good van.



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Gandorlf
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2/8/2019 11:12am
Which version is it? I have a '06 Transit Connect. But it's the long wheelbase + high roof version. I can throw my bike in it...
Which version is it? I have a '06 Transit Connect. But it's the long wheelbase + high roof version. I can throw my bike in it without problems. You'll need the high roof though if you don't want to compress the forks. Maybe length wise a bike will also fit in a short wheelbase version but I'm not sure. I don't know where the American version is made but please keep an eye out for rust!!! The sheet metal is really sensitive at least in the European version. Other than that it's a good van.



They're solid vans love mine as well. They don't go in the smaller ones I've tried, when my bike went for a top end we used one of these and needed both wheels and the subframe off to fit it in. Deffo go for the LWB HR.

And yes they rust like hell, my sills are getting welded over next month!
1
dcorbett62
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Morehead City, NC US
2/8/2019 11:12am
Which version is it? I have a '06 Transit Connect. But it's the long wheelbase + high roof version. I can throw my bike in it...
Which version is it? I have a '06 Transit Connect. But it's the long wheelbase + high roof version. I can throw my bike in it without problems. You'll need the high roof though if you don't want to compress the forks. Maybe length wise a bike will also fit in a short wheelbase version but I'm not sure. I don't know where the American version is made but please keep an eye out for rust!!! The sheet metal is really sensitive at least in the European version. Other than that it's a good van.




Premix
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AS US
2/8/2019 11:19am
I bought a brand new connect XLT long wheelbase for about 1/2 a riding season. You have to strap the front end down a few inches. Got two newer huskys in there. It was a neat setup but it was a pain in the ass and I had a bunch of problems with it. Sold it and bought another full size truck.




2/8/2019 11:20am
dcorbett62 wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2019/02/08/324059/s1200_5882C2DA_34A5_4DCF_ABB6_E62420C2CBB3.jpg[/img]

Yup. That's a high roof. Not sure about the wheelbase.
Spooner
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2/8/2019 1:35pm
We only got one version of the 2010-2013. The 14+ there are two wheelbases but most are long wheel base. One height.
Orange224
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Philadelphia, PA US
2/8/2019 2:06pm Edited Date/Time 2/9/2019 8:18am
I have a 2011 Ford Transit Connect XLT and keep my bike inside at an angle as mentioned in the above posts. I do keep the front wheel in a wheel chock (I also use tie downs so the bike doesn't move at all) and the rear wheel fits tight in the back corner once my rear doors are closed. I also keep the bike on a stand so the forks stay off the ground (this works great for me especially when I am loading everything up the night before riding so I can just hop in the van and drive to the track in the morning). I am usually driving with my wife and two dogs (German Shepherd + Australian Cattle Dog) around with me along with all of my riding gear, VP gas plastic jug, medium sized cooler, small tool box, etc. It is a tight fit but if you are an organized person and don't mind unloading some stuff once you get to the track just to unload your bike then it is a good vehicle for you. I will be purchasing a newer Transit soon (low roof version) when the time comes because I personally prefer to park inside of my garage / no worries with parking garages when staying at hotels for races. Although, the Transit Connect has been great to me these past few years and I am usually tagging a CRF 110 alongside my KTM with no real problems.


dcorbett62
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2/9/2019 2:47am
Orange224 wrote:
I have a 2011 Ford Transit Connect XLT and keep my bike inside at an angle as mentioned in the above posts. I do keep the...
I have a 2011 Ford Transit Connect XLT and keep my bike inside at an angle as mentioned in the above posts. I do keep the front wheel in a wheel chock (I also use tie downs so the bike doesn't move at all) and the rear wheel fits tight in the back corner once my rear doors are closed. I also keep the bike on a stand so the forks stay off the ground (this works great for me especially when I am loading everything up the night before riding so I can just hop in the van and drive to the track in the morning). I am usually driving with my wife and two dogs (German Shepherd + Australian Cattle Dog) around with me along with all of my riding gear, VP gas plastic jug, medium sized cooler, small tool box, etc. It is a tight fit but if you are an organized person and don't mind unloading some stuff once you get to the track just to unload your bike then it is a good vehicle for you. I will be purchasing a newer Transit soon (low roof version) when the time comes because I personally prefer to park inside of my garage / no worries with parking garages when staying at hotels for races. Although, the Transit Connect has been great to me these past few years and I am usually tagging a CRF 110 alongside my KTM with no real problems.


I’m assuming that’s not the American version?
Orange224
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2/9/2019 6:37am
dcorbett62 wrote:
I’m assuming that’s not the American version?
It is the American version.
dcorbett62
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2/9/2019 9:10am
dcorbett62 wrote:
I’m assuming that’s not the American version?
Orange224 wrote:
It is the American version.
Orange, I sent you a pm
809
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Paducah, KY US
2/9/2019 9:27am
I have a 2017 connect long wheelbase now, after having a 2014 Transit 250 medium roof, medium wheelbase. I recommend the big Transit, the connect just doesn't have enough room and I have had a couple of issues already at 45,000 miles. The big Transit was pretty bulletproof.
Spooner
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2/9/2019 1:03pm
809 wrote:
I have a 2017 connect long wheelbase now, after having a 2014 Transit 250 medium roof, medium wheelbase. I recommend the big Transit, the connect just...
I have a 2017 connect long wheelbase now, after having a 2014 Transit 250 medium roof, medium wheelbase. I recommend the big Transit, the connect just doesn't have enough room and I have had a couple of issues already at 45,000 miles. The big Transit was pretty bulletproof.
Just wondering what kinds of problems you’ve had. I had a leaky axle seal early on but that’s really the only problem I’ve had.
endurox
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Garden City, ID US
2/9/2019 1:05pm
Then there is the full size transit short WB and low roof.
809
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Paducah, KY US
2/9/2019 1:34pm
809 wrote:
I have a 2017 connect long wheelbase now, after having a 2014 Transit 250 medium roof, medium wheelbase. I recommend the big Transit, the connect just...
I have a 2017 connect long wheelbase now, after having a 2014 Transit 250 medium roof, medium wheelbase. I recommend the big Transit, the connect just doesn't have enough room and I have had a couple of issues already at 45,000 miles. The big Transit was pretty bulletproof.
Spooner wrote:
Just wondering what kinds of problems you’ve had. I had a leaky axle seal early on but that’s really the only problem I’ve had.
A few things, none too major but it only has 45,000 miles. The original tires wore out quick, had to have an alignment. It currently has a severe roar, similar to a wheel bearing. I have been trying to figure it out since it only has 36,000 bumper to bumper warranty. It is either the support bearing for the passenger side axle or a transmission bearing. Also, the wheel bearings press in the knuckle instead of being a hub assembly that has been common for years now, my opinion is that is stupid. It also has recently developed a rattle somewhere in the dash, pretty annoying mixed with the roar. I never had a issue with the big Transit, I will be going back to a big Transit or a truck next.
5/17/2021 10:06am
Gandorlf wrote:
Rolls straight in, no compressing needed. If you put a full bulkhead in it will need to go in at an angle. Very cheap on Diesel...
Rolls straight in, no compressing needed. If you put a full bulkhead in it will need to go in at an angle. Very cheap on Diesel (I have the 1.8 TDCI). Mine is my daily driver too.
Have u still got it mate
JBlain619
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Severna Park, MD US
5/19/2021 8:51am
I finally got to take mine out. My FIL retired and closed his painting business and he gave this to me. I had to remove all the lettering and gave it a wash. I've grabbed a couple magnetized items(Paper towel holder, aerosol can holder, rubber glove dispenser, flashlight) from Harbor Freight and put them on the inside wall for quick access. I will start doing more once I use it more often to see what else it will need.


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