Absolutely, from a stop in rain- pulling out is completely different. The traction is far superior. I haven’t had the chance to run it in snow yet but have had plenty of moments in the ‘16 that were scary as hell.

They’re the only ones not manufactured in the US.

Ya... the Euro fleet is a year ahead of us in changes and revisions usually though. They get the latest and greatest then the leftovers come our way. Bummer

Here it is: [Link: remotecentral.com]|

Pics are blurry because of photo buckets shenanigans.

I wholly disagree with that point. Maybe it’s because I’m a one man band, I have to think in shear efficiency. Most of my jobs are long multi day/month projects which means there is plenty of time to get equipment and gear there. No sense in dropping off all the gear at once. (Which makes sense if you have a crew)

I’m not sure what the future will hold in the way of 85” TVs, but I can get a 75” in the back. When I was forced to work out of my F150 I figured out JIT and drop shipping. For the most part I have it down to a science for the larger items (racks, large TVs, screens etc.

If the van is organized, you can get a BOAT load of gear in a transit. Think of access, from the outside. Nobody is bending over, and a lot of times it can be more efficient. In my new design I’m going to not have anything accessible from the inside, things will be done all from the outside, utilizing drawers and clever storage ideas.

Look, there are days i sometimes wish I had larger van, but, being small far out ways the cons. Fuel is far cheaper, it forces you to stay Lean and efficient. When you have a MASSIVE van it invites disorganization, it invites “I have space, I need to fill it” when I did the original downsize in 2013 I looked at the amount of crap I was carrying, and it didn’t make sense at ALL. When you really look at the tools you use daily, the parts you use daily, you will be amazed at how much you don’t need to carry.

I'm curious if anyone has gone with the Mercedes Metris. It was what I really wanted when I bought my TC, but the deal on the TC, plus better financing and knowing what a service nightmare the Metris would be for me if it ever had a problem. But as far as size goes, I think the Metris is absolutely the perfect size.

I have a friend that runs a higher-end landscape lighting company, and they have Metris' for their service and sales vehicles...they love them.

I've got a 2016 Metris. Perfect size for my needs. Drives quiet, comfortable, plenty of power (I'm a flatlander). Had one safety recall and one sensor/service issue. Otherwise trouble free. Highly recommended if the size is right for you.

I am in agreement with Gerard.

For a service truck that only needs minimum materials the connect works. If this is your everyday service and install truck there is no space to fit everything you need. For us (a company that does a lot of one/two day installs and prewires) these trucks are not big enough for the boxes of wire, tools and ladders. Albeit we have shelving on both sides and have contemplated of removing the one side of shelves, still doesn't increase the cargo space enough to make it any easier to work out of. We try and do everything possible to utilize space by using totes for prewire materials (Screws boxes, LV brackets, CVAC) but they still don't help. Trying to utilize two ladders is almost impossible. You can't fit a 6' ladder in the back without angling it so it either has to go on the roof (eliminates having a larger 8-10' ladder or angle it which takes up necessary space. On a retrofit job the rear isn't long enough to house fish stick so we need to angle them to get them in.

As for fuel I don't see it being any better/worse than a full sized van. We have two crews going to the same site for a week, one in the connect the other in a Ford E-250. Both trucks could be filled up Monday Morning and the Connect would need Fuel on Wednesday and Friday where the E-250 may need to fill up Thursday, Friday at worst. The cost is typically $40-$50 to fill up the Connect and $90-100 for the E-250 so I don't see the fuel benefit (we are in Canada please don't question our gas prices). The Connect is more of a hinder since I am needing to get fuel twice as often. I don't know the Tank sizes but would think that the E-250 is about double to connect.

When considering a vehicle, i have never in my life EVER had MPG even be part of the equation. Means so little, its NEVER a determining factor, if a factor at all. Then again, Ive always had trucks so used to shiatty mileage? Maybe thats why lol.

I have a 2014 transit connect with 135,000 miles. This vehicle has been extreamly reliable. I have been planning on getting the full size Transit med high van for years... My colleague has the Promaster. That Promaster is a foot wider than the Transit. I just like the ford better. The problem for me in S. Fl. is condo's. I can park that tiny connect in the garage. That won't be the case when I upgrade. I will say that there is not enough room to use the connect efficiently . I can't wait to get a van that I can almost stand up in...I am 6' tall.. I do not want the super high Transit...