Getting Ready to Place a 2022 Transit Van Order

Any day now, you’ll be able to place a 2022 Transit van order. Like maybe today or tomorrow! So, I’m scrambling to finalize the details of how I want it from the factory.

I’m still believing my local Ford dealer, who told me 2022 Transits would probably be able to be ordered in August. It didn’t happen. On September 1^st, I verified the order system is open for other 2022 models (Bronco, etc.), and last year’s 2021 van orders are clearing out of the system.

I’m an optimist. And as much as I love Mercedes and their ability to deliver vans, I can’t get over the extra $20K and diesel implications. So, here we go; my Transit nomadic adventure continues. Here is my previous article in this series.

What I Want from My Van

I’m getting a van for the adventure lifestyle. Plus, it’s something to carry and insulate me and mine through these recurring 500-year storms (just healthy awareness, no doomsday here). Also, I plan to be ready for the less traditional camping options that are popping up, like these in Michigan.

1. Decent and comfortable drive, handling, and towing. Nice looking with ground clearance. Able to go somewhat off road. Dependable and safe.
2. Cargo and sleeping for two people routinely, up to four in a pinch. Cooking and refrigeration. Toilette and washing facilities, though not necessarily a full “bath”.
3. Electrical system: able to handle add-on devices like fans and lights; able to be supplemented by solar; can be fed by an external generator; able to store supplemental power; can power supplemental heating/cooling when vehicle is not running.
4. As much storage as practical for this class van. Windows, screens, ventilation, insulation. Front seats that can face backward to extend “living” room. Decent sound system (useful at camp site). WIFI hot spot.

Things I Know About My 2022 Transit Van Order

Basics will be:

• Avalanche gray cargo van with black steel wheels (Note: 2022 colors did not change from 2021);
• 148” wheelbase (235.5 inches bumper to bumper), with the high roof;
• configured as a 350 one-ton, all-wheel drive (AWD), not dual rear wheels;
• powered by the 3.5L ECO BOOST V6 gasoline engine, 10 speed automatic transmission, and 3.73 limited slip differential.

I want everything in the Adventure Prep Package (47N), with the exception of the fixed rear cargo glass. I don’t want the rear windows because they afford little or no vision after the van is built out, as well as insulation issues. When ordered without rear door glass, a traditional windshield mounted rear view mirror is not included on the van. To occupy this windshield space and provide a constant rear view when going down the road, I will order new item (90C), a digital rearview mirror. In the 2022 specifications, 90C is listed as late availability. If Ford sputters on this new feature, I will go to the increasingly nice new aftermarket options to get decent rear view.

I hope that individually specifying the bulk of the Adventure Prep Package items will not have a cost implication for me; fingers crossed. Here is the 2022 Adventure Prep Package page from the specification document; this package does a lot for the look and function of the vehicle, and is the starting point for some outfitters.

Beyond the Adventure Prep Package, I will be adding in other options, like these.

Option numbers are in parentheses.

• Adaptive cruise (60D); Enhanced Park Assist (94B); Blind Spot Assist (65A).
• Extended fuel tank (655); full 253 degree opening rear doors with hold-in-place magnets in the open position (65A); running boards (68H), power sliding side door.
• Trailer brake controller (67D) and heavy-duty trailer tow package (53B).
• Front carpet (16G) and tray-style mats (86N).
• B and D pillar assist handles; 2 additional keys; large center console; remote start (68B); dual note horn.

Open Questions That Impact My Van Order

Hopefully, these are the final ones!

1. Given that Ford factory swivel front seats only turn toward the front doors, what is the best way to set up swivel seats that truly fully spin to face the back? And can these swivelers be electric power and heated? Should I just order the basic seats and assume to go with aftermarket seats?
2. What aftermarket options are there for supplemental heating and cooling that work without the engine running? If it works well, do I still need the factory available auxiliary heating-cooling (which is dependent on the engine running)?
3. What is the best aftermarket sliding door window options? Can an aftermarket window be added to a power sliding door?
4. What is the best basis for entertainment/navigation; what are the 12” screen setup options, really?
5. Need better understanding on mold colorings, side mirror options, window tinting and defrosting, passive entry/start, rear view display in rearview mirror (61B), 360-degree camera versus high resolution digital camera, rear compartment lighting options, back up alarm, side sensing system (94A), auxiliary heater / AC prep package (62C).
6. What is: heavy-duty floor covering; front/rear split view camera; perimeter anti-theft alarm; PowerPoint 12V (especially versus power outlet option (90D); auto stop-start option.