Looking at creating a camper / day van with one of these. Id like a transporter but these seem great value for money. What’s the 2.2 TDCi engine like? Looking at a 2013 - 2015 one, are the bodies galvanised? I’m assuming they are classed as an MPV with car speed limits?
We have the 2,2 in our camper had it from new for 5 years, did have to have the gearbox rebuilt last year after a bearing collapsed.
We also have a Tourneo Custom LWB 2.0 auto which is first class for everyday use and bike duties
Daughter has just done an Alps tour utilising her Tourneo Connect with a Decathlon drive away awning. She said it was great but it wouldn't be for me.
If you start with a Tourneo then yes, car speed limits will apply. Any other variant of Transit Custom, including the DCIV (double cab in van aka VW Kombi with 2nd row of seats) are van speed limits. Incredibly out of date legislation but it is what it is. I'm unsure where it stands with full camper conversions on panel vans and reclassifying body type, I believe not as straightforward as it used to be.
2.2 is the euro5 engine in vans until approx early/mid 2017. Thereafter moved to 2.0 euro6 engine with Adblue. Both have various power outputs: unsure on the 2.2 but the 2.0 power BHP is simply the mapping with no physical changes. Issues with both engines but all depends how they're looked after.
We've got a 2017 2.0 euro6 DCIV. Good basis for a day van, less so as a camper due to the bulkhead between 2nd row of seats and cargo area. But that same bulkhead keeps the bikes/cargo separate from my kids in the back seats which is one of the reasons we bought a DCIV. Front seats will be going on swivels soon to make an - admittedly cosy - little dining area for picnics in typical Scottish weather when outdoor is unwelcoming.
There's a great camper based on the Tourneo/Transit (in my opinion)
The Nugget
https://www.ford.co.uk/vans-and-pickups/transit-custom/nugget
The rear kitchen layout makes much more sense to me than the traditional VW side kitchen.
I drove a couple for 3 years or so. Very car-like inside in terms of comfort, position, toys, but I found the suspension a bit lacking when fully loaded, causing lots of rolling and pitching. My Trafic is much more secure when cornering. Check the front door hinges as they are known to fold, causing damage to door and wing panels.
There’s a great camper based on the Tourneo/Transit (in my opinion)
The Nugget
https://www.ford.co.uk/vans-and-pickups/transit-custom/nugget
The rear kitchen layout makes much more sense to me than the traditional VW side kitchen.
Haven't seen that layout before - intriguing. Although lacks any option to carry bikes inside whatsoever compared to a traditional side kitchen layout. I used to carry 2 bikes inside our VW T5, front wheels out and forks clamped at base of rear seat, with longer 29ers just poking their rear wheels between the front seats. Could still carry 2 rear passengers at same time as that although one had to clamber over the bikes to access their seat.
Although why don't they use the L2 version of vans for these factory conversions? VW are the same with he California - SWB/L1 only. A LWB/L2 only adds an extra 40cm but that makes a huge difference to interior space.
Check the front door hinges as they are known to fold, causing damage to door and wing panels.
Good call. Usually caused by wind blowing doors out of hand.
Rear barn door hinges can go stiff as well. Avoid that with a tailgate but far less common although not if going Tourneo.
I don't know much about 2.2. common issues but 2.0 had a dodgy batch of injectors, replaced under warranty.
Firm in Penistone do campers, worth a look at some of the mods they have done
https://www.firthcampers.co.uk/
Haven’t seen that layout before – intriguing. Although lacks any option to carry bikes inside
I think you could have them inside, at least 1 maybe 2 packed in soft bike bags.... maybe? They'd have to go outside once you're parked up though
Is there a way of telling if the front door hinges have been replaced?
Not that I’m aware of. They only get replaced if there’s been damage, and like-for-like design of hinge. I’m 3 years in, living with van parked nose-down on steep driveway, and doors/hinges are fine. Just need to take the usual care when opening door that the weight/wind doesn’t wrench it from your grasp, I.e. common sense.
It was the check straps/links that were the issue, not the hinges. Basically they were too long and allowed doors to open too far. This problem was sorted after mid 2016.
I’m assuming that all the bodies are galvanised with these newer models?