Ford Transit Connect

[frank kayser]

Anyone have any experience with the Ford Transit Connect for hauling audio gear? With a 1600 lb payload and 135 cu.ft, I'm guessing it may cube out before weighing out. Seems it might be more than adequate for a weekend warrior - at least better than the station wagon.



And as a side note... (rant on???)



What is it about diesels and the US? Europe has lots of nice diesel vehicles just not available here in the US - the Transit Connect being one, and available with a six-speed stick, to boot. Are we saying that no one here wants the economy of a diesel?



Seems like the only diesels we can get here (besides VW and Mercedes) is the big straight six Cummins, the V8 PowerSmoke, and Chevy's V8 Duramax - and only in their largest vehicles. Of course everyone loves those - so why is it that the US is assumed to just not like diesels?



I'm guessing getting a diesel connect in Canada or Mexico (either available?) would be a no-no (grey market...) and a Customs / DMV nightmare.



(OK rant off...)



frank

 

[TJ Cornish]

Re: Ford Transit Connect

My Astro van has 170 cu ft. Probably couldn't get quite 1600 lbs safely in it, but I routinely pack it to the ceiling and haven't felt dangerously overweight.

 

[Tim Padrick]

Re: Ford Transit Connect

My Astro van has 170 cu ft. Probably couldn't get quite 1600 lbs safely in it, but I routinely pack it to the ceiling and haven't felt dangerously overweight.

By my estimate I used to pack 1600 in my '92 Astro Extended. I'd have been killed in a front ender. It handled it well though. I had D tires on it, which may have helped the handling.

 

[frank kayser]

Re: Ford Transit Connect

My Astro van has 170 cu ft. Probably couldn't get quite 1600 lbs safely in it, but I routinely pack it to the ceiling and haven't felt dangerously overweight.

By my estimate I used to pack 1600 in my '92 Astro Extended. I'd have been killed in a front ender. It handled it well though. I had D tires on it, which may have helped the handling.

That's kinda like the way I feel in the wagon right now... Got no idea of the weight in there, but cubed out to the max - no passengers, please.

 

[Matt Vivlamore]

Re: Ford Transit Connect

I see those things better for a DJ.



I don't think I could fit my SOS rig in one for a small band: 6 mains/monitors, 2 subs, 2 8space amp racks, mixer (01v96), 15 mic stands, 1 mic box, 1 snake box, 1 bag of speaker cables and Lights. This rig only weights about 1000# (minus me & help).

 

[frank kayser]

Re: Ford Transit Connect

I see those things better for a DJ.



I don't think I could fit my SOS rig in one for a small band: 6 mains/monitors, 2 subs, 2 8space amp racks, mixer (01v96), 15 mic stands, 1 mic box, 1 snake box, 1 bag of speaker cables and Lights. This rig only weights about 1000# (minus me & help).

Matt,

What are you using to haul that rig - if I recall, you sold your pick-um-up and went to a trailer? Or was it a box truck? Would your kit fit in a regular long wheelbase or extended full-size van?

 

[gordon mcgregor]

Re: Ford Transit Connect

There is a long wheelbase Connect in europe still a small van but the extra 3 or 4 inches helps, with care you could get 2 Unity size speakers and maybe 4 small wedges and a O1v and cables in no problem as long as you used tote boxes for cables and kept any racks small(powered speakers?). To drive they're not bad I drove one for a while at work and it was fine as a van, the ride is better with some weight in it they cope well with their max payload the difference in front wheel traction both in braking and accelaration is the most noticable difference between full and empty some quite extensive slides are possible even with ABS, if there is a choice of engines get the more powerful one and the 6 speed box. Oh yeah 40-45 imperial MPG if you don't thrash it 35 ish if you do



Edit Ha just noticed no diesel in the US I don't think I've seen a petrol (gas) engined one over here ever so no idea what the milage would be though the power is similar to the big diesel here so it'll haul it's payload fine.



G

 

[Matt Vivlamore]

Re: Ford Transit Connect

I see those things better for a DJ.



I don't think I could fit my SOS rig in one for a small band: 6 mains/monitors, 2 subs, 2 8space amp racks, mixer (01v96), 15 mic stands, 1 mic box, 1 snake box, 1 bag of speaker cables and Lights. This rig only weights about 1000# (minus me & help).

Matt,

What are you using to haul that rig - if I recall, you sold your pick-um-up and went to a trailer? Or was it a box truck? Would your kit fit in a regular long wheelbase or extended full-size van?

Frank,



I have a 2006 Chevy Express, extended version with the Duramax Diesel. With it loaded I average 16 mpg. But I also carry a pair QRx212s, more SRX718s (up to 6 total) and the LS9-32. Plus a few other cases (5 total that re the size of an 8 space rack).



I used to own a 06 Chevy Crew Cab (with 5' bed) and a 5x8 trailer; but I ran out of space in the trailer when I moved from the 2 UCS1 to 4 SRX718s.

 

[Mike McNany]

Re: Ford Transit Connect

I checked the Transit Connect (what a long, dumb name!) out thoroughly at the Ford dealer. IF I wasn't pretty locked into 4wd for my area, I'd get the van in a heartbeat. I'd have to get a cargo barrier for it but it would haul everything I usually take for a basic gig including my Mackie SR1530s if so desired since I sold off my subs. Basically I could take my small trailer load plus drums in the Transit Connect instead of towing a trailer and loading up my SUV.



I'd prefer that van to using my larger SUV (yes, I have 2) for the DJ gigs I occassionally do.



If they had an AWD version that would probably make me buy one.



Mike McNany