Author Topic: The Focus is dead, long live the Jeep Liberty (Read 21371 times)

sleazy rider · « **on:** June 12, 2018, 03:04:09 PM »

I'm tired of fixing stuff at this point. While I was at the old shop last week picking up bike parts, I stopped at my local Ford dealer and checked out a nicely appointed Transit Connect. One thing or another has kept the sales guy and I from chatting until today. Took a phone call and an hour. I pick it up tomorrow.

chornbe · « **Reply #1 on:** June 12, 2018, 04:00:11 PM »

They're built on the 500 / new Taurus platform, right?

sleazy rider · « **Reply #2 on:** June 12, 2018, 04:42:02 PM »

This is a first gen 2010 XLT passenger version. The TC is fairly nicely appointed with a good sound system, decent console and a spiffy overhead bin above the windshield. I'll need to pick up the carpet kit for the rear and build a bed system to start with. It's getting a Class 3 hitch installed to add a dirt bike rack for the old DR350 outside. The ceiling height is ok, but I'm just slightly bent at the waist to stay vertical at a whopping 5'8".

I'm gonna miss my heated seats in the Focus.

Cookie · « **Reply #3 on:** June 12, 2018, 04:46:49 PM »

Out Of Focus.

sleazy rider · « **Reply #4 on:** June 12, 2018, 05:10:40 PM »

Quote from: Cookie on June 12, 2018, 04:46:49 PM

Out Of Focus.

In Transit.

Cookie · « **Reply #5 on:** June 12, 2018, 05:17:49 PM »

Quote from: sleazy rider on June 12, 2018, 05:10:40 PM

Quote from: Cookie on June 12, 2018, 04:46:49 PM
Out Of Focus.

In Transit.

Oooooo

sleazy rider · « **Reply #6 on:** June 12, 2018, 06:09:02 PM »

Quote from: Cookie on June 12, 2018, 05:17:49 PM

Quote from: sleazy rider on June 12, 2018, 05:10:40 PM
Quote from: Cookie on June 12, 2018, 04:46:49 PM
Out Of Focus.

In Transit.

Oooooo

Ahhhhhhhh

Cookie · « **Reply #7 on:** June 12, 2018, 06:11:00 PM »

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Max Wedge · « **Reply #8 on:** June 13, 2018, 06:09:29 AM »

So no bikes inside? You doing a camper version?

Congrats-didn't you just put a new suspension in the Focus?

st2sam · « **Reply #9 on:** June 13, 2018, 07:38:52 AM »

Best of luck with it.

ADV Rider has a lot of good ideas - info. for camper version build-stuff.

IMO this guy did a pretty good job, *and not spending lots of money.*

Check it out if you got a few minutes to spare

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5scicHzBKs

sleazy rider · « **Reply #10 on:** June 13, 2018, 08:14:40 AM »

I went down that rabbit hole at ADV. villageidiot did a good buildout report on his. I've got tons of bookmarks and ideas that are slowly congealing into a plan. For the outside, a roof rack, cargo basket with solar panels inside it and an awning mounted to the side. I may or may not have a powered fan installed. Still debating it inside since there are windows that will open already installed in the rear. It's wired for 110, so a simple small box fan will suffice, I think. LED lighting too. Low draw, small size and bright off a 12v power distribution system based on two deep cycle batteries separate from the internal 12v system.

I'm leaning towards an RV dinette style bed in the rear with storage under it. I want a small powered fridge for keeping stuff cold on a cutoff switch and a small microwave for heating stuff up. Stashed in the storage area will be a propane camp stove for real meals.

Need to pick up some graph paper and sketch out some plans over the next couple months. The mad money savings need to recharge.

For the time being, a chunk of poly carpeting glued to 3/8" plywood cut to fit the floor and an air mattress will suffice.

First priority is the hitch and bike carrier.

Max Wedge · « **Reply #11 on:** June 13, 2018, 09:27:06 AM »

A Fantstic fan would be awesome (Made in Imlay City too Right off 69 behing the farm and fleet store) local pickup/discount.

Vulcanbill · « **Reply #12 on:** June 13, 2018, 09:34:49 AM »

Not sure what it would take to run a microwave not being an electrical type guy but I can tell you that when running our former rig on a Honda 2000 generator, we had to turn off everything else in the rig to run the microwave. And then, since it's an inverter generator, it spools up to what sounds like max RPM just to heat up some grub. We've largely defaulted to just having a medium sized non stick pan handy for stuff that needs to be heated on the road or when boondocking. Not much you can't make hot in a pan.

stevent · « **Reply #13 on:** June 13, 2018, 09:36:19 AM »

We had one of those as a work truck for a while, I liked it well enough and great for getting around the plant. The Colorado crew cab we have now is way too big.

sleazy rider · « **Reply #14 on:** June 13, 2018, 11:57:01 AM »

Quote from: Vulcanbill on June 13, 2018, 09:34:49 AM

Not sure what it would take to run a microwave not being an electrical type guy but I can tell you that when running our former rig on a Honda 2000 generator, we had to turn off everything else in the rig to run the microwave. And then, since it's an inverter generator, it spools up to what sounds like max RPM just to heat up some grub. We've largely defaulted to just having a medium sized non stick pan handy for stuff that needs to be heated on the road or when boondocking. Not much you can't make hot in a pan.

I'll have a propane stove onboard also as the main meal cooker. The TC is wired for 110v, so an appropriately powered site is what I had in mind to run microwaves and fridges. It's now home and surprisingly comfy for the freeway. It's not real wind tolerant, but I expected that with big broad sides to deal with.

jadziadax8 · « **Reply #15 on:** June 13, 2018, 12:16:50 PM »

Fourstring wants one of these when the Jedi dies. I'm sure he'll be

sleazy rider · « **Reply #16 on:** June 13, 2018, 12:28:21 PM »

I realized what the track on the driver's side of the top was for! It's the mount for a pop up camper bag awning.

I just measured the track and it's a 6' awning mount. They even have screen and enclosed rooms for them. That saves me $$$ from having to buy the roof racks and cargo box. The solar panels can be direct mounted to the roof now, keeping some clearance space on this tall pup. It may get ordered next month or I'll wait till mid winter and hopefully a sale price.

fourstring · « **Reply #17 on:** June 13, 2018, 07:49:21 PM »

Quote from: jadziadax8 on June 13, 2018, 12:16:50 PM

Fourstring wants one of these when the Jedi dies. I'm sure he'll be

Well yeah, you keep bringing it up.

I've wondered through the years if you can park a mountain bike in the back without removing the wheels. If the answer is yes, we have ourselves a new toy hauler.

sleazy rider · « **Reply #18 on:** June 13, 2018, 07:58:43 PM »

Well, the rear door opening is nearly 5 feet tall, so I'd guess yes. It appears I could get the dirt bike in it without much fuss. You might even be able to get two mountain bikes in sideways with the rear seat installed.

Virginian · « **Reply #19 on:** June 13, 2018, 08:02:58 PM »

Good stuff happening on this thread!

sleazy rider · « **Reply #20 on:** June 13, 2018, 08:08:24 PM »

So I went out and stuffed my mountain bike in the back.

Virginian · « **Reply #21 on:** June 13, 2018, 08:10:26 PM »

Yeah, yeah, I want to see the ST1300 stuffed in there.

sleazy rider · « **Reply #22 on:** June 13, 2018, 08:37:42 PM »

Quote from: Virginian on June 13, 2018, 08:10:26 PM

Yeah, yeah, I want to see the ST1300 stuffed in there.

It will require the windshield and GPS on the dash shelf to come off, but it'll fit. Too bad it gets ridden everywhere instead.

Virginian · « **Reply #23 on:** June 13, 2018, 09:22:29 PM »

Quote from: sleazy rider on June 13, 2018, 08:37:42 PM

Quote from: Virginian on June 13, 2018, 08:10:26 PM
Yeah, yeah, I want to see the ST1300 stuffed in there.

It will require the windshield and GPS on the dash shelf to come off, but it'll fit. Too bad it gets ridden everywhere instead.

Well played sir.

sodapop6620 · « **Reply #24 on:** June 14, 2018, 05:25:15 AM »

Quote from: Virginian on June 13, 2018, 08:10:26 PM

Yeah, yeah, I want to see the ST1300 stuffed in there.

I was thinking a Dr650 instead. Just to cross the flat states and to be used during winter. I looked at these yesterday on the web and they are about 20K cheaper than their big brother. Now I have to see it in person.

sleazy rider · « **Reply #25 on:** June 14, 2018, 06:02:13 AM »

Quote from: sodapop6620 on June 14, 2018, 05:25:15 AM

Quote from: Virginian on June 13, 2018, 08:10:26 PM
Yeah, yeah, I want to see the ST1300 stuffed in there.

I was thinking a Dr650 instead. Just to cross the flat states and to be used during winter. I looked at these yesterday on the web and they are about 20K cheaper than their big brother. Now I have to see it in person.

Trailer hitch and bumper rack. I'm doing it to haul my DR350 around. I've seen several in use and the owners had nothing but good to say about them. Bonus is, you get to keep all the inside space for stuff that needs to stay dry and secure. Mine was obviously used (2010), but the price was damn reasonable and 22-25 mpg? Hell yeah.

https://www.discountramps.com/black-widow-motorcycle-carrier/p/MCC-500/

The stereo system is functional, but that's the best I can say for it. I'll be ordering new 5.25 door speakers and installing my 1000w amp and subs for "help", along with my 7" aftermarket stereo with built in GPS from the Focus. I kept the OEM radio to put back in the old beater.

Still gotta figure out a good backup camera to use.

Max Wedge · « **Reply #26 on:** June 14, 2018, 06:11:43 AM »

I remember seeing a pic of an R6 stuffed in one, but as I recall, the front tire ended up being between the front seats.

Has anyone looked at the new Dodge (Fiat based) van? You could put a GS in there with the tall roof (65inches), and FWD gives a very low floor. Decent gas mileage, but I have heard parts are not easy to get, but I assume this will change. I would also like to see some real world reliability results.

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Vulcanbill · « **Reply #27 on:** June 14, 2018, 09:41:34 AM »

Options: You haz them:

https://www.etrailer.com/susp-2010_Ford_Transit+Connect.htm

chornbe · « **Reply #28 on:** June 14, 2018, 12:29:00 PM »

Sweet Christmas, that thing is fugly.

sleazy rider · « **Reply #29 on:** June 14, 2018, 01:02:24 PM »

Quote from: chornbe on June 14, 2018, 12:29:00 PM

Sweet Christmas, that thing is fugly.

Whadda ya expect - it's a bastard stepchild of two incompetent car "makers".

chornbe · « **Reply #30 on:** June 14, 2018, 08:09:22 PM »

Good point.

Mostly Old Parts And Rust, married to a Fix It Again Tony.

fourstring · « **Reply #31 on:** June 15, 2018, 12:46:07 PM »

Quote from: sleazy rider on June 13, 2018, 08:08:24 PM

So I went out and stuffed my mountain bike in the back.

As it turns out, a picture is also worth about fifteen grand.

chornbe · « **Reply #32 on:** June 15, 2018, 01:40:44 PM »

Quote from: fourstring on June 15, 2018, 12:46:07 PM

Quote from: sleazy rider on June 13, 2018, 08:08:24 PM
So I went out and stuffed my mountain bike in the back.

As it turns out, a picture is also worth about fifteen grand.

So you bought one, then...?

sleazy rider · « **Reply #33 on:** June 15, 2018, 02:15:45 PM »

Quote from: fourstring on June 15, 2018, 12:46:07 PM

Quote from: sleazy rider on June 13, 2018, 08:08:24 PM
So I went out and stuffed my mountain bike in the back.

As it turns out, a picture is also worth about fifteen grand.

jadziadax8 · « **Reply #34 on:** June 15, 2018, 03:21:29 PM »

Quote from: chornbe on June 15, 2018, 01:40:44 PM

Quote from: fourstring on June 15, 2018, 12:46:07 PM
Quote from: sleazy rider on June 13, 2018, 08:08:24 PM
So I went out and stuffed my mountain bike in the back.

As it turns out, a picture is also worth about fifteen grand.

So you bought one, then...?

Did you?!?!?

sleazy rider · « **Reply #35 on:** June 15, 2018, 03:34:20 PM »

Quote from: jadziadax8 on June 15, 2018, 03:21:29 PM

Quote from: chornbe on June 15, 2018, 01:40:44 PM
Quote from: fourstring on June 15, 2018, 12:46:07 PM
Quote from: sleazy rider on June 13, 2018, 08:08:24 PM
So I went out and stuffed my mountain bike in the back.

As it turns out, a picture is also worth about fifteen grand.

So you bought one, then...?

Did you?!?!?

Andrew · « **Reply #36 on:** June 15, 2018, 10:53:56 PM »

Quote from: sleazy rider on June 15, 2018, 03:34:20 PM

Quote from: jadziadax8 on June 15, 2018, 03:21:29 PM
Quote from: chornbe on June 15, 2018, 01:40:44 PM
Quote from: fourstring on June 15, 2018, 12:46:07 PM
Quote from: sleazy rider on June 13, 2018, 08:08:24 PM
So I went out and stuffed my mountain bike in the back.

As it turns out, a picture is also worth about fifteen grand.

So you bought one, then...?

Did you?!?!?

OOps

sleazy rider · « **Reply #37 on:** June 18, 2018, 02:56:07 PM »

Class 3 trailer hitch is ordered, all the stereo parts should be here today to move the double din from the Focus to the TC. Debating on installing the amp and subs. I AM going to add rear speakers and sound deadener to this echo laden tin box.

Anyone taking odds on fourstring still breathing?

Cookie · « **Reply #38 on:** June 18, 2018, 03:19:34 PM »

Debating?

sleazy rider · « **Reply #39 on:** June 18, 2018, 03:24:21 PM »

Call made on bag awning and an add-a-room for said awning. Waiting on a call back from the shop as to availability. Made in the USA in Chicago! I offered to save the freight and pick it up, but the owners says it's a *real* bad area in south Chicago. Meh, I'm from Detroit. What could go wrong?

The original color I wanted for the awning is out of stock and has been for 9 months. Popular, eh?

It'll probably end up as solid blue. This will alleviate the need to allocate space for a bed inside the van. Picked up some graph paper for doing trial layouts.

Once I get the hitch installed, I'll run up to Harbor Freight and see how their hitch carrier works out. I'm hearing clearance issues, but we'll see.

sleazy rider · « **Reply #40 on:** June 18, 2018, 04:10:40 PM »

Quote from: Cookie on June 18, 2018, 03:19:34 PM

Debating?

Floor space. The TC is not large and I have dual 10" subs in a single box powered by a 1500w amp, a not insignificantly small setup.

chornbe · « **Reply #41 on:** June 18, 2018, 04:24:38 PM »

Will they fit under the seats?

sleazy rider · « **Reply #42 on:** June 18, 2018, 04:40:51 PM »

Quote from: chornbe on June 18, 2018, 04:24:38 PM

Will they fit under the seats?

First thing I thought of. Hell no. There's no room at all. I'm gonna chat with a couple boom-boom sound guys I know and see what we can come up with. My initial thought is to put 'em directly behind the front seats and lock 'em there.

sleazy rider · « **Reply #43 on:** June 18, 2018, 07:05:19 PM »

Ok, that's just crazy fast. My hitch is scheduled for delivery tomorrow. It's coming from a warehouse 15 miles away.

chornbe · « **Reply #44 on:** June 19, 2018, 08:16:37 AM »

NICE!

Hitch-related side note: I was going to order the CURT hitch for Liz's 5 series, and do the goofy-ass installation myself. As it turns out, one of Liz's besties' fiancee just took over running his dad's hitch-n-tow shop, so he got the installation hooked up for me the other day. I didn't have to drill the whacky holes, and didn't have to crawl around on the ground. #winning

Cookie · « **Reply #45 on:** June 19, 2018, 08:29:53 AM »

Quote from: sleazy rider on June 18, 2018, 04:40:51 PM

Quote from: chornbe on June 18, 2018, 04:24:38 PM
Will they fit under the seats?

First thing I thought of. Hell no. There's no room at all. I'm gonna chat with a couple boom-boom sound guys I know and see what we can come up with. My initial thought is to put 'em directly behind the front seats and lock 'em there.

I have this behind the seat in the Ranger. Its no super powered amp/sub but its decent.

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https://www.crutchfield.com/S-4phIZq2rYll/p_777B8PTD/Sound-Ordnance-B-8PTD.html

Max Wedge · « **Reply #46 on:** June 19, 2018, 09:38:38 AM »

out of stock, but $149 is a good price.

Cookie · « **Reply #47 on:** June 19, 2018, 09:56:10 AM »

Quote from: Max Wedge on June 19, 2018, 09:38:38 AM

out of stock, but $149 is a good price.

Back in stock in a week or two.

sleazy rider · « **Reply #48 on:** June 19, 2018, 12:11:22 PM »

Oh, FFS.

Every damn connection for the aftermarket radio requires a make do adapter. I hate adapters aka failure points. Even the OEM antenna wire isn't a standard auto pin plug. Guess I'll have to live with the stock radio and stick a GPS to the windshield for now. I made a new wiring harness up for it with solder and shrink tube to fit, then realized the other stuff was borked.

Cookie · « **Reply #49 on:** June 19, 2018, 12:24:10 PM »

Have you called Crutchfield yet?