Mk7 swb transit with 85hp engine

[jollywalker]

Hi,
I am having my Transit mk5 Autosleeper Duetto welded and painted ready far sale, I want to get a mk7 swb low roof to convert to a camper, and everyday use.
I want a Trend model, and for various reasons like the 85hp model.
Most of my driving is local, with only occasional motorway journeys, mainly to visit family.
Am I right in thinking the 85hp, lightly laden, would hold 70mph (Or more) on a motorway?
Am I best to go with 5 or 6 speed?
Anyone driving one that could advise me?
Cheers

[ned]

I don't think the trend came in 85's, I could be wrong though

[Punto443]

Tbh, I'd think you'd be better with a 115 trend, it's a better base vehicle and probably more common in trend guise.

Bit more power for the weight of the camper and 6 speed box.

[Stumble]

Am I right in thinking the 85hp, lightly laden, would hold 70mph (Or more) on a motorway?

i
I'm sure my tired old one would, yes. But, I have no need to, so I am usually on an economy run

[mark_A]

My 85 is ok on the motorway, but doesn't like going above 70 very much. I've done 2,000 motorway miles on it up to Scotland and back in the past year. Fuel consumption's been alright as well - about 30mpg.

[dumper]

Buy the time you have built it and loaded up for holiday you will be close to or more then likely overloaded so I’d be looking at least a 115ps if not a 140 ps having more power means less gear changing on the motorway and big hills and can give better mpg

[Cider Andy]

85PS will be fine on the motorway at 70mph with weight in it although it won't be so quick to get there and will be a bit wheezy on the long slopes. I would be inclined to get a more powerful engine as, whilst they're basically the same engine, the higher power ones are not overstressed. A 6-speed with a more powerful engine will more than likely be more economical, too. And, as has already been said, most Trends out there will have a more powerful engine.

Pre-Trend (if you're also looking at older Mk7s) there was a GLX with the same standard spec except for cruise control. But it can easily be retrofitted to a GLX by swapping the steering wheel and switching the option on. Alloy wheels were an option on both GLX and Trend (although a lot of Trends have them). But a used set is easy and cheap enough to buy and fit and the new wheel size (16" v. 15" steels) is easy to program into the BCM to keep the speedo reading correctly. Limited is worth a look too, although I'm not sure which kit the Trend has over it. But the Limited seat trim is nice.

[jollywalker]

85PS will be fine on the motorway at 70mph with weight in it although it won't be so quick to get there and will be a bit wheezy on the long slopes. I would be inclined to get a more powerful engine as, whilst they're basically the same engine, the higher power ones are not overstressed. A 6-speed with a more powerful engine will more than likely be more economical, too. And, as has already been said, most Trends out there will have a more powerful engine.

Pre-Trend (if you're also looking at older Mk7s) there was a GLX with the same standard spec except for cruise control. But it can easily be retrofitted to a GLX by swapping the steering wheel and switching the option on. Alloy wheels were an option on both GLX and Trend (although a lot of Trends have them). But a used set is easy and cheap enough to buy and fit and the new wheel size (16" v. 15" steels) is easy to program into the BCM to keep the speedo reading correctly. Limited is worth a look too, although I'm not sure which kit the Trend has over it. But the Limited seat trim is nice.

I didn’t realise it was so easy to retrofit cruise control.
Is it just the glx, or can it be fitted to standard trim vans too?

[panelvan08]

I didn’t realise it was so easy to retrofit cruise control.
Is it just the glx, or can it be fitted to standard trim vans too?

I think it's only the higher spec ones which have the BCM with cruise control enabled, my lower spec one doesn't unfortunately (you can check through Ford ETIS https://www.etis.ford.com/vehicleRegSelector.do), but even then I believe it's possible to switch the BCM, add the right steering wheel and fit cruise control but obviously more involved.

I've put a fair bit of weight in my 85ps, and it's quite happy on the motorway at 70, it's more the brakes which noticeably drop off with more weight added!

[Stroppymonkey]

For work I have a variety of MK7s. Our 85PS is lovely to drive and the only time you notice the power is towing or on Dual Carriageways etc. Ours is 5 speed and I dont think the 85 comes with 6 speed option. My camper conversion is 140ps and thats miles apart (literally!) on big roads. I drive a 115 as my daily and its my favorite. Will hold 70 with a full load and trailer even with a slight incline.
Id advise if youre investing in a base vehicle to go with a bit more than 85ps. Watch out for the early 140ps models as they seem to melt pistons more easily

[jollywalker]

Thanks everyone, it seems the 115hp is the way to go, it sounds just right for my needs.