Ford Transit Custom Towing & launching ability.

[smallribber]

We are thinking of getting a Ford Transit Custom L1H1 and converting it into a simple micro camper. I was wondering if many people on here tow their boats with this type of van and if so how they are on slipways

[RoyP]

I have a L2 H1 Berlingo 1600 and tow my boat. the van is also a micro camper with external rear awning on the barn doors.

No towing issues

[Peter_C]

Good tires and a limited slip are worth every penny. They do make a 4x4 version $$$$$

[smallribber]

Originally Posted by Peter_C

Good tires and a limited slip are worth every penny. They do make a 4x4 version $$$$$

Yes I have been looking for the 4 x 4 version but they seem very few and far between

[Nasher]

Is there a front Towbar available for them?

As with any Front Wheel Drive vehicle it's getting the weight on the driving wheels that's the issue.

[smallribber]

Originally Posted by Nasher

Is there a front Towbar available for them?

As with any Front Wheel Drive vehicle it's getting the weight on the driving wheels that's the issue.

That is an excellent point. I dont know about the front towbar but will do a little research

[smallribber]

Cant see one immediatly but there are loads of ordinary tow bars for the rear on ebay for about £150

[Nasher]

It will have to be a removable one for the front as on a newer vehicle they are 'not for highway use'.

[Pipster100]

I’ve launched and recovered my Ribcraft 585 with my Transporter T5.1 the slipways I’ve used it on have all been pretty decent so haven’t had any issues. It’s the T32 version so rated to tow 2400kg and tows very well. I’ve also done a camper conversion, had the pop top and windows etc done professionally then made the interior to suit my needs as only for my wife and I.

I’m about to put it on the market as just not using it enough so better for it to go to a good home and have some use.

[Brinormeg]

Just remember the weight limit used to be different between models, although maybe not make a difference for your use.

[69cmw]

Originally Posted by Easedalenovice

Yes I have been looking for the 4 x 4 version but they seem very few and far between

Are you sure Ford do a custom 4wd? I thought it was only the bigger transit that came with 4WD

[smallribber]

Originally Posted by 69cmw

Are you sure Ford do a custom 4wd? I thought it was only the bigger transit that came with 4WD

I think they do but I would not be going for that one. My Budget is up to say £15K so somthing around 2018 70k miles

[Peter_C]

Originally Posted by 69cmw

Are you sure Ford do a custom 4wd? I thought it was only the bigger transit that came with 4WD

Yes the Transit comes in an AWD version in the USA at least starting in I believe 2020. There were upfitters converting them to 4x4 long ago with a hefty price tag.

The Transit is also rear wheel drive, so a limited slip would make a world of difference. Unless they now use traction control to prevent wheel spin. Haven't researched them in awhile. They come in a 3/4 ton and a 1 ton version with a dually version even for purchasing more tires!

They discontinued the smaller Transit Connect, because...well in America using more fuel is

[Brinormeg]

Originally Posted by Peter_C

Yes the Transit comes in an AWD version in the USA at least starting in I believe 2020. There were upfitters converting them to 4x4 long ago with a hefty price tag.

The Transit is also rear wheel drive, so a limited slip would make a world of difference. Unless they now use traction control to prevent wheel spin. Haven't researched them in awhile. They come in a 3/4 ton and a 1 ton version with a dually version even for purchasing more tires!

They discontinued the smaller Transit Connect, because...well in America using more fuel is

I think out with conversions, it was this last year they did a 4x4 version over here…….and as for fuel price…we won’t go there
Autos are rare and get a hefty price hike as well!

[mhill]

The autos are shocking to tow with (non 10 speed) and have a very low permissible weight too.
Much better of with a Transporter 4motion if you want 4wd, having had a Transit Custom & T6 4mo at the same time on the work fleet id always take the VW as they drive so much nicer and more responsive.

[smallribber]

Originally Posted by mhill

The autos are shocking to tow with (non 10 speed) and have a very low permissible weight too.
Much better of with a Transporter 4motion if you want 4wd, having had a Transit Custom & T6 4mo at the same time on the work fleet id always take the VW as they drive so much nicer and more responsive.

I would not go for the Auto as very poor at towing I am after a manual in the 2.2 engine size. They don't have the wet belts that can be an issue I understand

Not interested in VW's

[Brinormeg]

Vw probably still amongst the best out there, but you pay a premium for them.

Wife can't drive a manual, which adds to the cost as well, and that's with any manufacturer.

Be cheaper trading her in

Although with age....the idea of an auto definately appeals to me, more and more!

[Nasher]

Originally Posted by Peter_C

The Transit is also rear wheel drive

I didn't realise until I googled it after your post that the transit is available in either Front or Rear Wheel Drive options.

I thought only the really early 1960/70s ones were RWD, possibly into the 80s at the latest.
After that I thought all would be FWD
Apart from the various 4WD options of course.

I wonder how many in the UK are Rear Wheel Drive.

[mhill]

Originally Posted by Nasher

I didn't realise until I googled it after your post that the transit is available in either Front or Rear Wheel Drive options.

I thought only the really early 1960/70s ones were RWD, possibly into the 80s at the latest.
After that I thought all would be FWD
Apart from the various 4WD options of course.

I wonder how many in the UK are Rear Wheel Drive.

The Transit Custom is FWD only.

[Steve509926]

Originally Posted by Brinormeg

Although with age....the idea of an auto definately appeals to me, more and more!

That's not nice talking about your wife like that Brin