Ford Transit Custom

Rob Rides EMTB

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Anyone got one, specifically the crew cab version? Wondering how useful the space in the back is for bikes and stuff.

I think I'm going to get a van at some point in 2020 and replace car, but will definitely need 5 seats! Transit seems like a good option....
 

Zimmerframe

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In usual forum style, I'll completely ignore 95% of your words when composing a reply ..

Saw this yesterday, think it's a VW crafter. Looked to have a good amount of space in the back and lots in the front ..

crafter.jpg


Now if we had a "Travel" section, this kind of information would already be there for you :)
 

R120

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I rate the Mercedes Vito as the best bike friendly crew cab at the moment, comes as standard with 2 individual seats top front and 3 in the second row, doesn't have a bulkhead, and the rear door is a lift up as standard too.

This means (lack of bulkhead) you can buy a standard length version, and just remove one of the rear seats, to let you roll a bike in fully assembled - with the seats all in you have to take off the front wheels.

NDS7393789_WU17EWP_3.jpg
 

Paul Mac

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Have you looked at one of these beasts?
It's a Ford Raptor
Screenshot_20191219-094905_eBay.jpg
, can seat 5, but obviously doesn't have an enclosed storage space.
 

Rob Rides EMTB

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I rate the Mercedes Vito as the best bike friendly crew cab at the moment, comes as standard with 2 individual seats top front and 3 in the second row, doesn't have a bulkhead, and the rear door is a lift up as standard too.

This means (lack of bulkhead) you can buy a standard length version, and just remove one of the rear seats, to let you roll a bike in fully assembled - with the seats all in you have to take off the front wheels.

View attachment 23183
Really like the sound of these...
 

Topov

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L1 version of the transit custom has 1600mm to rear door so a bike wont fit in without front wheel removed, L2 version has 1850mm.. so short wheelbase bikes fit but NOT a 2020 kenevo unless you put I on the diagonal
 

Mikerb

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My van is a vw t5 Shuttle lwb. Fully lined out just like car with seating for 8. Take out the 3rd row 3 seater and you have a 5 seater plus enough load space for 4 bikes side by side on fork mounts. Quieter and warmer without the condensation problems of a panel van. The Kombi lwb is a 5 or 6 seater...same dimensions but less window and basically a panel van.
 

dobbyhasfriends

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I love my custom, I have a 68 plate with 14k miles without a hitch, Ford sells more customs than there are blades of grass for a good reason..

Im a heating engineer so I dont have the DCIV but I do use it to transport my bike and kit etc, you wlll easily have room.
Dont be tempted by the vivaro and its derivatives, a lot of my fellow tradesmen have had the turbo's blow at 30k(ish) miles..

my only regret is that I didnt buy the 170 auto, I live up near BPW and do all my journeys on small steep lanes and seem to have to change gear a lot..

overall mate its quick, reliable (for me anyway) comfy on long hauls and pretty refined considering..

only other vans I was thinking about when I bought mine were the VW transporter and Vito but they are way more expensive with less kit..

are you considering leasing ?
 

Rob Rides EMTB

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I love my custom, I have a 68 plate with 14k miles without a hitch, Ford sells more customs than there are blades of grass for a good reason..

Im a heating engineer so I dont have the DCIV but I do use it to transport my bike and kit etc, you wlll easily have room.
Dont be tempted by the vivaro and its derivatives, a lot of my fellow tradesmen have had the turbo's blow at 30k(ish) miles..

my only regret is that I didnt buy the 170 auto, I live up near BPW and do all my journeys on small steep lanes and seem to have to change gear a lot..

overall mate its quick, reliable (for me anyway) comfy on long hauls and pretty refined considering..

only other vans I was thinking about when I bought mine were the VW transporter and Vito but they are way more expensive with less kit..

are you considering leasing ?
Yeah possibly a lease. Have looked at a few options from T6 / Vito and the Transit Custom. Just trying to work out what’s the best van for my needs and a fair price!
 

dobbyhasfriends

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Yeah possibly a lease. Have looked at a few options from T6 / Vito and the Transit Custom. Just trying to work out what’s the best van for my needs and a fair price!

a DCIV will always be a bit of a compromise but i reckon you could get bikes in sideways..
Ive found leasing is my best option, its about £200 a month cheaper than hire purchase with the option to buy at the end of the lease term or simply give it back for another.. the company I used for leasing are excellent and offer a zero deposit option as well.

for what its worth I have been so impressed with my custom that I was going to order the tourneo version as a family wagon and if not then it will be the DCIV
 

Rob Rides EMTB

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a DCIV will always be a bit of a compromise but i reckon you could get bikes in sideways..
Ive found leasing is my best option, its about £200 a month cheaper than hire purchase with the option to buy at the end of the lease term or simply give it back for another.. the company I used for leasing are excellent and offer a zero deposit option as well.

for what its worth I have been so impressed with my custom that I was going to order the tourneo version as a family wagon and if not then it will be the DCIV
Sounds good. Who did you use?
 

dobbyhasfriends

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Sounds good. Who did you use?

EDIT: the L2 would be a good option, bit of extra length is always useful eh :p

Ford UK Deals | Transit Custom 320 L2 2.0TDCi 170 Limited DCIV SV Sport Van | New Vehicle Solutions

also, people are right about the security but that applies to all vans, they all have their weak points. the DCIV has windows in the back anyway making security a different matter to a panel van, I imagine you wont be leaving bikes in it overnight but if you do there are security options.. I had some hook locks and drivers side hykee installed but if you check these guys out they will have the solution you need.

Sussex Installations are the Van Security Specialists - Order Online for Worldwide Delivery or book Installation in Sussex, Lond
 
Last edited:

DTZ

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I've been looking at options recently. My requirements are at least 4 seats, and room for 4 bikes (2 x Spec Levo / and 2 x "big" kids bikes)

I've looked at all sorts, but as I've looked at various vans (Vito / Viano / Transporters / Transits) etc in all of their various flavours I have decided that my best option is probably a SWB VW Caravelle. It just about has the space for what we need (if we take some seats out), has the flexibility to be used for various days out etc, has a slightly higher level of comfort than a panel van or Kombi and can probably be used daily.

Price wise, they are not the cheapest, but they seem to hold their value and when compared to a Kombi version (which is a lower spec and not as nice) they aren't actually that expensive.
 

stiv674

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The reliability issue is a pointless argument, something as popular as the Transit is going to have more issues than the Sprinter for example, it can also come down to luck, or lack of it.

My 67 Custom has been fine during the 9000 miles I've done so far, 170 Auto, it's quiet, comfortable, nice to drive and despite initial concerns I've not missed having a car one bit.

To be honest, most new vans are so much better than they were ten or so years ago.
 

Mcharza

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The reliability issue is a pointless argument, something as popular as the Transit is going to have more issues than the Sprinter for example, it can also come down to luck, or lack of it.

My 67 Custom has been fine during the 9000 miles I've done so far, 170 Auto, it's quiet, comfortable, nice to drive and despite initial concerns I've not missed having a car one bit.

To be honest, most new vans are so much better than they were ten or so years ago.
9,000 miles driven? After driving over 100,000 miles and still having no problems, I believe it's a durable van
 

stiv674

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Zimmerframe

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Rob Rides EMTB

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Sharp without being tacky .. well, maybe not the blue bits ..

Kinda looks like you said, hey, here's my Kenevo, make a van "look" that's inspired by it.

It's all well and good. But what does Mrs H say ... (That's for Hancill not Hurdle..)
Yeah I’m not a fan of the blue bits.
Mrs H hates it. And all vans.
 

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