Quote:
Originally Posted by Chance
I find it a strange business decision. Trying to build an Econoline replacement in-house basically sends a message to Ford that the Transit isn't an adequate substitute. How long do they think the Econoline cutaway is going to be around anyway?
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From everything I've read the cutaway is committed through at least 2019. They've already replaced the necessary tooling, and their UAW contract runs that long. The current form of the Transit certainly is not a suitable substitute. GCWRs come up short by 10,000 pounds compared to the E-series, and the running gear barely compares with current 1/2-ton pickups. A few years ago I read that Ford would try a new cutaway based on the F-series chassis, but those rumors seem to have dried up, so maybe they gave up on that?
One thing is for sure.... Pickups just don't make a good substitute for many applications. You lose 3' of usable space, and have headroom problems making the transition into the body. Visibility is terrible off-road. Turning radius is worse.
Maybe Ford will try putting a new cab on the F53/59 chassis? The bottom end of the F59 already overlaps the E450 stripped chassis. Even if they do, I think that would be several years out still, so SMB has some time to make back their investment before needing new molds.
I do think they took the right approach with their E350 styled body. There's already dozens of companies that make slab-sided cutaway bodies, and a few that make styled narrow fiberglass bodies (Turtle Top has a couple options, and Aerocell has one now). Why should they try to compete with a market that's already served? Let's face it... Folks still like the E-series or they wouldn't be selling them. And for some folks an E350 body keeps them on the good side of their HOA. After seeing the woefully inadequate specs on the Transit, I know I'll be sticking with an E-series. Unless I win the lottery. In that case I'd build a Dakar-style AWD rally truck out of a Freightliner Argossy.