Gemini transit vs mercedes platform

[imalamud47@gmail.com]

We are considering purchasing a 2018 Gemini RV. Our first RV & we are a bit confused .
Would like the pros & cons on which platform we should choose based on reliability, power & handling.
Any comments would be appreciated .

[vfrhugh]

Interesting question. I’d say it depends on your use. The Mercedes has greater load & towing capacity. Also the 24’ Gemini/Compass has a longer wheelbase & overall length. The engine is probably a wash. I only have experience with the Ford diesel and it’s a fantastic engine. We use our 23TR like a second car locally. Perfect size for tailgating at grandkids sporting events. No issues parking on trips. If you want to have a towed vehicle the Mercedes is probably a better choice. If versatility is a priority then the Ford Transit would be the better choice.
Hugh
https://www.thormotorcoach.com/compass/specs/

[safari]

Originally Posted by imalamud47@gmail.com

We are considering purchasing a 2018 Gemini RV. Our first RV & we are a bit confused .
Would like the pros & cons on which platform we should choose based on reliability, power & handling.
Any comments would be appreciated .

The ford has plenty of power,more Ford dealers if need service & it is American.

[Laco]

We have the 24TX on the Sprinter chassis. Sprinter offers higher load capacity, more floor plan options, as least when we bought our 2017. The drivers seat swivels as well as the passenger seat, which is a nice feature, when parked. As far as reliability, we have had ours for a year and a half, no mechanical issues. We just returned home from a week out, yesterday, and broke 18MPG on the trip home.

[Bob Denman]

The Transit offers a fair amount more torque, and might be cheaper and easier to service...

...If you happen to like those floorplans better!

[mountainsam]

The only complaints I have heard from either is the Thor issues that everyone seems to have to work through. Both Mercedes and Ford seem to have their acts together. If it were my time to by again it would be strictly floor plans and how far I lived from a service center for PM maintenance.

[axis earl]

Originally Posted by safari

The ford has plenty of power,more Ford dealers if need service & it is American.

Ford.... with a powerplant made in Romania. Kind of like the diesels in the GMC Colorado/Canyons, made in Thailand. Times are quite different, you never know where things are really made until you dig. No matter the brand names.

[mountainsam]

Originally Posted by axis earl

Ford.... with a powerplant made in Romania. Kind of like the diesels in the GMC Colorado/Canyons, made in Thailand. Times are quite different, you never know where things are really made until you dig. No matter the brand names.

My Ford 3.2 diesel was made in South Africa where they have been made for years. From what I have read they were proven to be very strong engines all over Africa and Europe for a decade or more. They have been adapted to meet US polution standards.

[vfrhugh]

My engine was manufactured in South Africa. The link below is a good description of the 3.2L five cylinder Diesel engine. It’s a very unique design.


3.2L Power Stroke Specs & Info

[Bob Denman]

If that little oil-burner can survive Africa: it ought to find it's chores over here to be a piece of cake!

[axis earl]

Hope no one took my comments in the wrong way. As I said, as long as it is reliable and gets the job done, that is all that matters to me. Seems like several MB powerplants are assembled in the USA now. Who'd of thought?

[axis earl]

By the way, it appears that the same Ford Transit diesel may become an option on the new generation Ranger truck.

[Bob Denman]

It's a "World Economy" all right...

[mountainsam]

Originally Posted by axis earl

By the way, it appears that the same Ford Transit diesel may become an option on the new generation Ranger truck.

Funny thing is, when I took my 3.2 into the Ford dealer in Yuba City CA they had not seen one before. Their techs had just the day before had schooling on them. This was in July 2017. Repairs ( computer rewrite ) were made via telephone with the factory. I told them they would probably start seeing a lot more of them when it comes out in the Ranger. They were surprised they had not heard of it yet. I told them they needed to tune into our forum now and then for updates.

[Laco]

I think in today's economy, you shouldn't get too hung up on where things are built. I have a Chevrolet, as 'American' as cars get, that I bought new, and it was assembled in Mexico. Its the car I used as my Toad for years, and still occasionally, but not often as the Gemini really does not tow that well on steep grades. As a side note, the Ford Transit has been available in Europe for years, but is relatively new in the U.S.

[Bob Denman]

Our Toyota was built in the U.S.
My Spyder was built in Canada
and our Thor was cobbled together in Indiana...