Can I improve the offroad performance of the Ford Transit Trail?
Hello Robert, I came across your article on the new Ford Transit Custom Trail AWD van while researching its capabilities. (Along with one by Allan Whiting, Outback Travel Australia). Both of you mention the poor (140mm) ground clearance. I’m trying to find out if a suspension lift would be an option to make the Trail more off road capable (similar to that of the VW 4Motion Transporter or Crafter) and who in Australia would have a lift kit for such a new model (that would still help retain the original Ford warranty). Was just wondering if you had any advice.
Yes, a suspension lift would help the Trail for sure, it’s very low clearance as it is a van, and there are some kits available for the vehicle already. The replacement springs should be stiffer so when loaded the van won’t sag as much which gives you an effective clearance improvement. The performance should be similar to the VW and other vehicles.
Note that a suspension lift won’t change minimum ground clearance on the Trail as it has a live (beam) rear axle. What will help there is taller tyres. How much taller I can’t say, but I’d guess another 30mm diameter would be okay which would help a little, give you another 15mm. You’d need to fit-and-test, and try not to go wider. The suspension lift will allow you to fit those tall tyres, but note your gearing will be a little affected, it will become slightly higher.
You may also wish to investigate if a locking differential can be fitted to the front, rear or both axles – there won’t be one specifically for the Trail, but possibly the ARB components for other Fords may fit.
Even with a lift and taller tyres the Trail will not keep up with a Ranger or Everest as it’ll still lack clearance, approach/ramp/departure angles, tyre diameter and so on. But every bit helps, and those two modifications will make a good difference to its offroad capability.
Two alternatives to the Trail shown below are a 4×4-modified Hiace and a Canter motorhome, albeit much more expensive.
As alternatives, see below for a video on a Hiace modified as 4WD, and also the Fuso Canter 4×4 motorhome albeit at a different price point!
