The Ford Transit Connect has become a ubiquitous sight on roads, serving as a reliable workhorse for businesses and a versatile platform for adventurers. This article delves into the experience of acquiring a 2019 Transit Connect for van life adventures, highlighting initial impressions, planned upgrades, and long-term considerations. This specific Car Vanna boasts a 2.0L engine, an 8-speed automatic transmission, and 118,000 miles on the odometer. It’s remarkably well-maintained and features desirable window configurations—glass on both rear cargo doors and the passenger sliding door.
alt text: A white 2019 Ford Transit Connect parked in a driveway.
Initial Impressions and the Surprising Discontinuation
The Transit Connect’s driving experience surpasses that of larger minivans or trucks, making it an ideal daily driver and weekend adventurer. Its compact size and nimble handling contribute to a comfortable and enjoyable ride. Surprisingly, Ford has discontinued this model, despite its popularity and practicality. The hope remains that Ford might reintroduce it in the future, perhaps with a hybrid powertrain like that of the Maverick.
Upgrades and Modifications for Van Life
Transforming the Transit Connect into a capable adventure vehicle requires several key upgrades.
Essential Upgrades
- Floor Mats: The factory vinyl flooring is quite slippery, necessitating the addition of floor mats for safety and comfort.
- Fleet Equipment Removal: Removing unnecessary fleet equipment, such as the cargo bulkhead, shelves, toolboxes, and especially the ladder rack, will improve fuel efficiency and create more usable space. Selling these items could help offset the cost of other upgrades.
- Radio Upgrade: A modern infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is a must-have for seamless smartphone integration. Researching compatible aftermarket radios and professional installation options is crucial.
- Window Tint: A tint strip at the top of the expansive windshield will significantly reduce glare and heat, enhancing driving comfort.
Camping Build-Out
A dedicated camping build-out will maximize the van’s functionality for overnight adventures. This will involve designing and installing a sleeping platform, storage solutions, and potentially other amenities like a cooking area or a portable power system. Details of this build will be covered in a separate post. This build will transform the car vanna into a comfortable and functional living space.
Other Potential Upgrades
- Power Mirrors: The base model’s manual mirrors are a minor inconvenience. Exploring the feasibility of upgrading to power mirrors is a worthwhile endeavor. The convenience and safety benefits of power adjustable mirrors are significant for a car vanna.
Long-Term Considerations and Customization
Beyond immediate upgrades, several long-term considerations will shape the evolution of this car vanna.
Technical Information and Design
The lack of readily available CAD models or drawings for the Transit Connect is surprising, given its popularity for upfitting. Locating such resources would greatly aid in designing and fabricating custom components for the van’s interior.
Aesthetics and Personalization
Adding custom graphics could enhance the van’s visual appeal and reflect its owner’s personality. This is a common practice among van lifers, allowing them to express their individuality and create a unique car vanna.
Performance Enhancements
While not strictly necessary, modifying the suspension, wheels, and tires could enhance the van’s off-road capabilities and overall driving dynamics. This could range from simple tire upgrades to a more comprehensive lift kit installation, depending on the desired level of off-road performance for the car vanna. However, such modifications should be carefully considered based on actual needs and budget constraints.
Conclusion
The 2019 Ford Transit Connect promises to be a capable and versatile platform for van life adventures. With thoughtful upgrades and careful planning, this car vanna will transform into a comfortable and functional home away from home, enabling exploration and enjoyment of the great outdoors. The journey of transforming this van has just begun, and future updates will document the progress and challenges along the way.
