Gemini and Compass - Page 50

Dennis123 · 05-11-2019, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RDC54

vfrhugh, I was re-reading the thread and saw your posts (#387 and #441) on your troubles with the diesel exhaust filter. We had the same problem last summer when on our first big trip with our then-new Compass 23TR. We were driving through Idaho, using cruise, 65 MPH, and got the warning "Exhaust Filter Overloaded" and "Drive to Clean". Continued driving did not clear the warning. Called the Ford dealer back home (none of the dealers in the area could get us in), and their suggestion was to keep driving. We finally had to stop for fuel, and turning off the ignition seemed to clear the warning. It returned once we were back on the highway. This happened several more times driving through Montana and North Dakota. On a whim, we decided to stop using cruise control, and didn't get another warning the rest of the way home!

Once we got home, we took it into the local Ford dealer, and they did a manual clean on the exhaust filter...for $299! Their best guess as to what caused the issue was that we weren't driving aggressively enough, and needed to accelerate more aggressively when on the highway. Not sure I buy that...

We haven't used cruise since, and haven't had any more issues with the "filter overloaded" warning coming on. Currently have about 7400 miles on our rig.

We are planning a spring trip, 2000+ miles, and would really like to use cruise control. Wondering if you (or any others) have had any further issues?

Going through old posts and saw this. It was interesting because in talking to the mechanic that did my oil change and a couple of recall items he mentioned that the diesel engine would perform better if driven more aggressively. He did not give me any particulars, but found his comment interesting after reading posts related to the above issue.

vfrhugh · 05-11-2019, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dennis123

Has anyone taken down the inside vinyl frame around the sun roof? One corner has become lose and in looking at it, I will need to take the entire frame down to repair. There are caps on the four corners where the screws are located. Is there a trick to removing these caps to avoid damaging the vinyl covering around the frame?

Dennis
If you find out how to remove these fasteners please post here. I’ve traced a lot of annoying rattling behind this panel. Afraid to force anything as these panels are problematic.
Hugh

clarkwood · 05-12-2019, 12:03 AM

I have attached a photo of my Passenger Storage Bay with Telescoping Ladder.

Ladder is located at the very bottom. It is part of my Emergency Sprinter Kit.

1. Pancake Compressor to pump up tires on AC Shore Power or AC Generator

2. NOCO GB70 Battery Jump Start for Truck and House Battery Emergency

3. Hughes Power Watch 30 AMP Surge Protection

4. One 215/85 R16 Continental Tire only for Emergency Tire Repair when in the middle of no where and looking for a tire (Off the Rim as you have a 33.3% chance of pegging a front, inside dually or outside dually rim.) located in the back pass through storage.

5. 50 AMP to 30 AMP Camco Dumb down AC Dog Bone

6. Full Set of basic standard and metric tools

7. 5 gallons of emergency diesel to get me to a Pilot or Flying J in the middle of the night if caught needing fuel in the middle of no where in the middle of the night

nmcmilla · 05-12-2019, 01:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by socwok

Hi Nancy,

Since you seem to have some experience in winterizing your RV do you have any suggestions for de-winterizing it? I had the dealer winterize mine last year because it was my first year. It can't imagine it would be too difficult to do. I have called the dealer but no one has gotten back to me. Would appreciate any information you can give me. Cathy

Hi, Sorry to say I am a bit late getting my Gemini out of storage this year. I will be de-winterizing in the next day or 2. I will be performing tasks similar to Coveman2's list --although I did not put antifreeze into my freshwater tank I just emptied it. My winter climate is fairly moderate so I blew out my water lines (bike pump and city water valve adapter) and I only put antifreeze into all the actual drains/toilet (therefore into black and grey tanks) and I left my grey tank valve open (having read how this smaller exit line with only a small amount of water froze/cracked on that writer). I think the most important thing for me will be making sure my low point drain is closed and the lines leading to the on-demand heater are open. Nancy

mountainsam · 05-12-2019, 05:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dennis123

Going through old posts and saw this. It was interesting because in talking to the mechanic that did my oil change and a couple of recall items he mentioned that the diesel engine would perform better if driven more aggressively. He did not give me any particulars, but found his comment interesting after reading posts related to the above issue.

I have not had a problem with mine in nearly two years, since Ford flashed the computer and updated it. This was at no cost to me. The dealer actually talked with the Ford Diesel division engineers. If you are having problems with the regen I would suggest you take it in to a Ford Truck center and discuss it with them. I don’t believe more aggressive driving is the answer.

I will see if I can get more info on what they did to solve the regen issue for me.

mountainsam · 05-12-2019, 05:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clarkwood

4. One 215/85 R16 Continental Tire only for Emergency Tire Repair when in the middle of no where and looking for a tire (Off the Rim as you have a 33.3% chance of pegging a front, inside dually or outside dually rim.) located in the back pass through storage.

All your tires have the same rim. Outside duals are just turned in.

nmcmilla · 05-12-2019, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coveman2

DEWINTERIZING CHECK LIST
....
Pour mineral oil in grey and black water tanks (grey through kitchen sink, black through toilet) This keeps the seals lubricated
....

Hi Coveman2, this step interests me....can you explain it a little more? Is it the 2 gate valves that get lubricated? So, I guess you do this when both tanks are empty --then drain the mineral oil out before using the tanks? And how much mineral oil do you use between both tanks? Nancy

Coveman2 · 05-12-2019, 04:51 PM

Nancy: I just dump it down the kitchen sink and toilet but you can dump it down the bathroom sink also as it drains into the black water tank. I use a half a cup every six months and it keeps the mechanisms lubricated. I know people who live in warmer climes use coconut oil but up here in Canada it gets too thick when cold. It does not matter when you drain the tanks, I usually put it in just before I empty the tanks
Coveman2

socwok · 05-12-2019, 06:44 PM

Thanks for the information, Nancy. We had a strange winter on the East Coast, frigid temperatures one week and very mild the next. Flushing the system is my challenge for this week!

clarkwood · 05-13-2019, 12:18 AM

Thanks I feel like a dummy, thought I read something from Alcoa saying something different, reading too much stuff too fast.

mountainsam · 05-13-2019, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clarkwood

Thanks I feel like a dummy, thought I read something from Alcoa saying something different, reading too much stuff too fast.

Well maybe I should rephrase me response. Ford wheels are interchangeable. I would assume Mercedes would also be. Looking at your pictures I dont understand the last one. Is that a Hitch carrier? I have been thinking of getting one for me 23TR. If so, how do you like it?

clarkwood · 05-14-2019, 03:04 AM

Yes this is a Cargo Carrier I made myself.

The carcass is a Haulmaster aluminum carrier, broken down the sides off, then I screwed a Lund Pickup Truck 5' Cargo Chest onto the haulmaster,

I added Lights for both a license plate bulb and two signals that I plug into the rear towing hitch.

I saw a bunch of much more expensive flimsy plastic ones.

This is very sturdy and cheap to build.

I put our Air Fryer, waffle maker, induction cooker and all those things from home when you are on the road for a while. Winter coat storage to the south, and a bunch of extra clothes you otherwise would not take.

I added a dual hitch post on the back so I can pull my 5x8 motorcycle trailer and have my cargo box too.

mountainsam · 05-15-2019, 02:49 AM

Wow, thumbs up on that job. That is very impressive. Just about what I have had in mind. Those pics will set the bar on what I look for.

Thanks for your post on this topic.

Sam

CWS · 05-15-2019, 10:02 PM

I just installed Bully BBS-1103 Black 2 Pack Side Step from Amazon.com...easy install and works.

nmcmilla · 05-16-2019, 05:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CWS

I just installed Bully BBS-1103 Black 2 Pack Side Step from Amazon.com...easy install and works.

These steps look good. When you say an easy install...I see from reading the installation .pdf ...it looks like some drilling is required? Nancy

CWS · 05-16-2019, 10:52 AM

Yes...if you have a hand drill and basic bits, tools and familiar with their use, it is no big deal......just follow the directions....taking my time (measuring twice and drilling once for each hole) it was done in a morning project........ not expensive and the black ones blend right in.

yukongrant · 05-16-2019, 01:41 PM

What do people use for sun shades for their Compass/Gemini? I have the Compass 23TR Ford Transit model. I have not found anything that seems to fit yet. Suggestions?

Coveman2 · 05-16-2019, 01:44 PM

Weathertech makes a perfect fit for the side windows and the front is very good
but there is one small opening at the rear view mirror which we just put a small piece of reflectix and made it perfect

socwok · 05-16-2019, 05:56 PM

Thank you so much for that list and information where I can find the schematics. I have done much of that but can't even find the water tank to figure out how to drain any antifreeze that might be in it. I have been underneath and can find the black water and grey water tank but not the fresh water one.
The dealer was not any help, but offered to do it for a hefty price!
Thanks again, I do like to be able to do thinks myself. Cathy

mountainsam · 05-16-2019, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by socwok

Thank you so much for that list and information where I can find the schematics. I have done much of that but can't even find the water tank to figure out how to drain any antifreeze that might be in it. I have been underneath and can find the black water and grey water tank but not the fresh water one.
The dealer was not any help, but offered to do it for a hefty price!
Thanks again, I do like to be able to do thinks myself. Cathy

Do you have the 23TR model? If so the water tank drain will be found inside the rear storage compartment by removing the left side panel. It has a finger hole to help removing it but you will have two screws to remove first. Your water pump is also located there. I have been told that some Gemini models have the drain inside the wet bay to the rear. I think this would be the 2018 models but not sure. I assume you found the low water drain valves?

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