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We're looking at the first NA generation. We have outgrown our Mini, it's just too small for our dog if we carry anything else. We want to stay with a small footprint and light as we tow behind our RV. My biggest question is, will I be able to fit a motorcycle in the back? I know it won't fit in straight, but I am thinking it might angled across the cargo bay. Overall length of 87", 82" with the front wheel turned. Anyone have any idea if it might fit?
I have the SWB van and can sleep in the back--I am 6'. That would not fit your bike. Add the 16" with the LWB and you're up to somewhere around 88". I don't know about height but weight would be no problem.
I just double checked the Ford towing guide, and the neither generation of the Transit Connect is not listed for 4 wheel down towing, so that would probably make size irrelevant.
I'm not sure if I understand. Are you saying that the TC cannot be 4-wheel towed?
That is the case...here are the Ford towing guides. On the flat towing page in each guide is a list of vehicles that can be flat towed. The guide says that if the vehicle is not listed, it cannot be flat towed with 4 wheels down.
I would need to load the bike at an angle as it is a minimum of 82" long with the front wheel at full lock, and the TC cargo floor is 72" long. I don't think I could get the proper angle. Maybe I could remove the passenger front seat to get the extra length? Height is not a problem as the bike tops out at 47".
I have a 2015 short wheel base van and it has 6' of cargo floor. The long wheel base van has an added 16". Have you been to a dealership with your tape measure--that might be the best way of checking out your options.
The LWB is in the new series only and does not have the height necessary. I bought a Grand Caravan instead of a passenger TC because I need more height to stand up bicycles in fork stands. Even the new non-passenger TC does not have a lot of height. Removing the passenger seat in the old TC is possibly your best option.
The Mercedes Metris, new to the US in 2016, is a stellar sized box for cargo, although it is probably too pricey if you're looking at last-gen TC's.