Ford is working to increase the number of conversions offered on its newly updated heavyweight van. Engineers and product managers have been working closely with a number of bodybuilders to offer a new long wheelbase dropside, a double-cab dropside and a Luton on the new Ford Transit 2t.
New Dropsides
Ford already offer a single-cab dropside, along with a one and three way tipper, box, curtainsider body, but in an exclusive interview with Parkers Vans, the product manager for the Ford Transit, Dave Petts, explained Ford was looking to expand the dropside offerings in the van’s conversion portfolio.
“We’ve been speaking to a number of our fleets and these are two products that have raised a lot of interest”, explains Dave Petts, Product Manager for the Ford Transit. “It makes a lot of sense too, considering the construction industry is back on its feet and performing well”.
The L5 dropside offers a load length of 5.2 metres, while the double-cab can accommodate up to seven workers. By comparison, the current dropside can transport up to three workers and up to 4.06 metre-length loads. Both bodies are expected to be built by Hampshire-based VFS Commercial Vehicle Converters.
New Luton
Mr Petts also disclosed his company has been working with Telford-based Ingimex to develop a Luton van. The new Luton offers up to 17.4 cubic metres of load space, and up to 1081kg of payload thanks to a lightweight GRP body.
Availability
The new Luton body is available to order from dealerships now, which prices starting around £30,000 plus VAT. The new dropsides should be ready to order by the end of the year, and prices have yet to be announced. Expect slightly longer lead times with conversions, as dealer stock is fairly limited.
