As we typically do here at Ford Authority, we published a few tongue-in-cheek stories (or fake news, as folks like to call it these days) on the first of April, otherwise known as April Fool’s Day. However, our story about the fictional Ford F-150 Super Max – a basic work truck with a regular cab and extremely long bed – drummed up quite a few comments from our readers, with most of them revolving around the idea that they would love to see such a truck actually reach production. Our imaginary Ford pickup would theoretically be equipped with a 14-foot bed, but as Ford Authority reader bhtooefr pointed out in the comments, such a machine already exists – just not in the U.S.
That machine is the Ford Transit Chassis Cab – which, in Europe at least – can be equipped with an incredibly long 17-foot bed, one that even features drop-down side panels for easy access. Opt for the shorter 10-foot bed, and it even tilts back like a dump truck, as well as side to side to make removing items even more painless.
Of course, many American Ford pickup owners would love to get their hands on such a creation, but this particular type of Ford Transit Chassis Cab is only sold in Europe. This makes some sense, given the fact that vans are Europe’s commercial vehicle of choice, and The Blue Oval doesn’t sell the F-150 or Super Duty in that particular market. The Ford Transit family has racked up its fair share of awards in that region over the years, and continues to top the sales charts – and reliability rankings, to boot.
Of course, the European Ford Transit Chassis Cab can be had in a variety of configurations, with regular or four-door cabs, and many other options. However, it’s the super-long bed version that has us the most intrigued, and we imagine that if FoMoCo decided to bring such a machine to the U.S., at least a handful of people would be happy to purchase one – or, at least, something like it.
We’ll have more on the Transit soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Transit news and 24/7 Ford news coverage.
Comments
The Transit is available in North America as a Cutaway (open back cab) and as a Chassis Cab (enclosed cab). Both are available in three different wheelbases, to accommodate a wide range of up fitter bodies and equipment.
Perhaps a knockdown pavkage, imported from Europe, could be made available.
Might also need the Euro cab too
These could sell well in the US I bet with out getting just the chassis, and then finding a bed style you want.
I’ve always wondered why van-based trucks (the old Econoline and now the Transits) never caught on here. The vans are a lot cheaper and it’s more maneuverable with the short hood. Maybe just the low volume of single cab buyers is the hang-up, and of course they don’t look as good.
Anything 4 seats or less/relatively narrow/relatively low msrp – needs an exclusion pass from the c.a.f.e. calculation. C.a.f.e. kills viable niche segments.
If the Bronco gets to a point that it’s played out… a midsize pickup w/ flatdeck bed idea works on a mini-Unimog style regcab sold next to a same wheelbase conventional bed crewcab. Then a shortwheelbase regcab/6′ bed & trail SUV pair. No extended cab, cover that with bed storage accessories. Maneuverable workhorses within an off-road niche.
This country is still open enough the larger truck could just be a flatdeck bed on a long F-350. For when manuveurability isn’t a big deal. An E-series dually cutaway with a decent sleeper could be a very nice hotshot truck.