Ford Transit Custom Trail arrives in Australia – your next vanlife vehicle?
Ford has released the Transit Custom Trail van which is essentially a standard Transit but with all-wheel-drive. That doesn’t mean to say the Custom Trail is an offroader, far from it, just that it now drives all four wheels not just the front wheels. What it does mean is that the Custom Trail will be a better option for Australian vanlifers as it’ll better deal with dirt roads, and could manage some beach and dune driving once the tyre pressures are lowered.
However, the Transit Custom Trail should not be used offroad as it lacks ground clearance, approach angle, and departure angle so will very quickly find itself in trouble in rutted terrain, despite standard skidplates. The Custom Trail is only available as a long wheelbase Transit.
The Transit is a two-seater but a third seat can be added for $150. Engine is the current 2.0L diesel offering 125kW and 390Nm with an 8-speed automatic. The AWD system is primarily front-drive and actively transfer torque (turning force) to the rear wheels before it’s needed to deliver all-drive capability. There is no low range or other offroad features.
Non-Trail Custom Transits LWB have a payload of around 1058kg. If the GVM remains the same, that payload may be reduced to perhaps 950kg given the weight of the AWD system and other changes. Fuel economy of the standard Transit is 8.0L/100km, and expect that to rise a little for the Trail.
Manufacturer list price is $61,990.
This video explains AWD vs 4×4 vs 4WD etc:
If you want a capable offroad van then consider the Hiace campervan conversion below, or of that’s not enough, the Canter motorhome.
