After seeing a rise in demand for RV units over the summer, Ford announced it was upgrading features for its Ford Transit chassis designed to be used in motorhomes.
The new Transit will include three new and improved option packages, Ford announced, including the updated Transit Motorhome Prep Package for cutaway, the new RV Prep Package for cargo van and a new Adventure Prep Package for cargo or crew van.
“With many Americans working from home and practicing social distancing during the pandemic, the popularity of recreational vehicles has soared at the same time package delivery has seen incredible growth,” stated Tiffany Chang, Ford fleet brand strategy manager. “Our new 2021 Transit options help people design the recreational vehicles of their dreams and help enable our commercial customers to more efficiently deliver goods and services across the country.”
Ford quoted RVIA as saying 46 million Americans planned to take an RV trip in the next month, and noted that more than half of all motorhomes sold in the U.S. are built on Ford chassis.
In looking at the upgrades, the Transit’s Motorhome Prep Package now includes adaptive cruise control for added confidence on long trips. Customers also can choose an available new economy-rated version of the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, designed to support high frontal area conversions such as larger motorhomes.
The RV Prep Package adds driver-assist features including a side-sensing system and adaptive cruise control, as well as a heavy-duty trailer tow allowing drivers to haul bikes or other toys. Exterior enhancements include front fog lamps, and inside, a four-way manual swivel driver and passenger seats are standard, as is an eight-speaker sound system.
The Adventure Prep Package bundles together popular camper van options including all-wheel drive, 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, 3.73:1 limited-slip differential rear axle, heavy-duty front axle and privacy glass. Driver-assist features include adaptive cruise control, reverse and side-sensing systems, and blind spot information system. Standard technology includes an 8-inch color touch screen with SYNC 3 and dual USB ports, power point and dual absorbent glass mat batteries.
The 2021 Transit includes new wheel choices and three new exterior colors. A honeycomb mesh grille is standard on all 2021 Transit models.
Production begins this fall at Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Missouri.
