FORD TRANSIT (PICK UP/CUTAWAY)

OVERVIEW

BODY STYLE: Specialty Vehicle

EXT. COLOR / INT. COLOR: Oxford White / Dark Palazzo Gray

ENGINE: 3.5L EcoBoost® V6 Engine

TRANSMISSION / DRIVE TYPE: Automatic / RWD

EMISSIONS: Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions : 15K mi/year

HISTORY

The Ford Transit, also known as the Ford T-Series in some markets, is a range of light commercial vehicles produced by Ford since 1965. Sold primarily as a cargo van, the Transit is also built as a passenger van (marketed as the Ford Tourneo since 1995), minibus, cutaway van chassis, and as a pickup truck. Over 8,000,000 Transit vans have been sold, making it the third best-selling van of all time and have been produced across four basic platform generations (debuting in 1965, 1986, 2000, and 2013 respectively), with various “facelift” versions of each.

The first product of the merged Ford of Europe, the Transit was marketed through Western Europe and Australia; by the end of the twentieth century, it was marketed nearly globally with the exception of North America until 2013 when it replaced the Ford E-Series in 2015. The Transit has been the best-selling light commercial vehicle in Europe for forty years, and in some countries the term “Transit” has passed into common usage as a generic trademark applying to any light commercial van in the Transit’s size bracket. While initially designed for the European market, the Ford Transit is now produced in Asia, North America, and Europe for worldwide buyers. Upon production in North America, the Transit won second place in Motor Trend’s 2015 ‘Truck of the Year’ award, behind the newly introduced mid-size Chevrolet Colorado pickup and ahead of the new Ford F-150.

As of 2016, the Transit was the best-selling van of any type in the United States, minivan sales included. The Transit is an important part[quantify] of Ford’s 57 percent share of the full-size van market in the United States.

DESIGN

Available Safety Technology

Safety is very important when you’re driving a large vehicle and the Ford Transit Cutaway offers plenty of safety features to keep you secure on the road. With a standard SOS Post-Crash Alert System™, your car will provide a distress call after an accident. This makes it easier for people to find your vehicle so passengers can be taken care of quickly.

In order to improve your stability even in harsh road conditions, drivers will also have access to standard AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™. This system monitors when your vehicle is losing traction or otherwise handling poorly, and it’ll provide brake pressure to get you handling steadily again.

Built-In Convenience Features

Ford Transit Power OutletIn addition to offering a number of safety features, this cutaway van also provides us with a set of standard 12-volt power points. If you have to plug something in while you’re on the go, you can use the Ford Transit Cutaway to provide power. This way, you’re prepared to use any equipment you need no matter where your jobsite is.

In addition, you’ll be provided with a standard center console, which will provide you with an easy place to store small items on the go. With these convenience features, you’ll be able to make an effective workspace right inside your vehicle.

SOME INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRANSIT

When you’re driving every day, you want to make sure you’re using a powerful engine that can get you from Point A to Point B in comfort. Standard with this vehicle is a 3.7L V6 engine, which is capable of delivering up to 275 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.

This power is only further complemented by the standard 6-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift®. With six gears available to you, you’ll be able to transfer just the right amount of power even with heavy loads inside the cargo area.

Plus, with the help of the SelectShift® system, you’ll be able to switch into a manual mode on demand for more control. This feature will allow you to demand more power on the fly when you need it most.

HOW TO TAKE CARE YOUR FORD?

Preventative maintenance is the best way to keep your Ford Transit running reliably and reduce the risk of breakdown.

Here are the top ten preventative maintenance tips that we suggest all trucking businesses follow:

1. Check fluid levels: Verifying your engine oil, coolant, transmission, brake, power steering and other underhood fluids only takes a few minutes and is an easy way to avoid major problems. If you see a drop in a fluid level between checks, it’s a good indication that you have a consumption or leak problem and can fix it before it becomes a major problem.
2. Change fluids: The frequency for changing your fluids will depend on how many miles you drive, the weight of the loads you carry and the type of driving you do (highway, dusty roads, city traffic, etc.). Trying to get extra life out of your fluids may save in the short term but cost you big in repairs and breakdowns later on.
3. Verify tire pressures: Any trucker will tell you that tire pressure is critical to check often on your large truck or tractor-trailer.
4. Check your tires: Uneven tire wear can be related to tire pressure issues or problems with your alignment or suspension. Include a check of your tire condition and tread depth as part of your preventative maintenance plan.
5. Inspect your brakes: When you’re carrying a full load, you want to be sure you can get stopped safely. Frequently check your brakes and replace them when they reach the minimum wear condition.
6. Check air filters: A clean air filter can go a long way toward reducing your fuel consumption and helping your engine run more smoothly.
7. Do a battery load test and electrical system verification: If you operate in colder climates, a check before winter is the best way to avoid charging problems.
8. Inspect your gearbox and clutch: A regular inspection of your gearbox and verification that it is functioning properly can help you catch problems as they arise. You will also want to ensure that your clutch isn’t slipping, as this can affect reliability and fuel economy.
9. Check out your exterior lighting: A quick walk-around verification of your exterior lighting helps you catch burnt out bulbs and replace them before you hit the road.
10. Service your fifth wheel platform: Problems with your fifth wheel platform can slow you down and even keep your truck off the road if you can’t securely hook up your trailer.

Every trucking company has a unique fleet of trucks and trailers and needs to adapt their preventative maintenance list to suit their situation. Including these ten tips in your list will help ensure your trucks run more reliably and are less susceptible to breakdown.

Source: bobbellford, wikipedia, andymohrtruckcenterinc.