Gemini and Compass

[dadepfan]

Originally Posted by mountainsam

Dadepfan,

Do you have any more info on that Ford fuel injection pump ?

Hi Mountainsam, and I'm sorry it's has taken so long for me to respond!

This was an October 16 Ford safety recall (notice 16S32/NHTSA, recall 16V-618) on the diesel fuel injection pump. The recall sad that "..metallic debris.." from the pump "...can enter the fuel system..." and "Depending on where the metallic debris collects in the fuel system, it may cause the fuel injectors to become clogged."

My vehicle is a 2016 Ford Transit, which is what the recall was for. My local dealer fixed this at no charge by replacing the pump. They said it was more than an 8-hour job!

Dave

[mountainsam]

Originally Posted by dadepfan

Hi Mountainsam, and I'm sorry it's has taken so long for me to respond!

This was an October 16 Ford safety recall (notice 16S32/NHTSA, recall 16V-618) on the diesel fuel injection pump. The recall sad that "..metallic debris.." from the pump "...can enter the fuel system..." and "Depending on where the metallic debris collects in the fuel system, it may cause the fuel injectors to become clogged."

My vehicle is a 2016 Ford Transit, which is what the recall was for. My local dealer fixed this at no charge by replacing the pump. They said it was more than an 8-hour job!

Dave

Dave,
Thanks for that info. I will be checking on it. I have the same engine as you. I'll let you know how mine comes out.
Sam

[motorhd]

I spent a lot of time trying to come up with decent running boards for my compass-Transit. I looked over at my 2000 ford expedition and did some measuring and it looked like it might work. I bought a used black expedition running board for $30 and cut it in half,both ends are the same. It came with 4 brackets. A little cutting and welding and the brackets mounted just fine with 2 on each side. The over door led circuit was tapped and the running board lights were converted to 5 watt leds. See attached pictures.

[mountainsam]

Running boards look great.

[Dennis123]

What is the difference between the Gemini and Compass models??
And, I did not get a manual with my Compass. The manual on the Thor sight I found is very generic for several models and makes. Is there a manual specific to the Gemini/Compass models?

[JamieGeek]

Originally Posted by Dennis123

What is the difference between the Gemini and Compass models??
And, I did not get a manual with my Compass. The manual on the Thor sight I found is very generic for several models and makes. Is there a manual specific to the Gemini/Compass models?

Nope, we all get the same generic manual.

[mountainsam]

There are no differences in the Gemini and Compass models, only the name. Actually this forum is probably the best manual you can find.

[Dennis123]

Originally Posted by mountainsam

There are no differences in the Gemini and Compass models, only the name. Actually this forum is probably the best manual you can find.

Thanks, I have not brought mine home yet. Just purchased a few weeks ago and waiting for the weather to improve a bit before bringing it home. I think I found a great dealer. Still a tad cold here in N.W. Indiana. Will bring home in 2 or 3 weeks and start outfitting it. Will not hesitate to ask questions here as this is our first camper.

[Dennis123]

Any comments on the best way to go for tow cars and experiences with same on the Gemini/Compass models with the Ford Diesel?

[saddlesore]

Originally Posted by Chance

Almost any thermometer that is convenient to hold and read while in cold air stream (A/C discharge) will do the trick. Since you're only looking for a difference of about 15 degrees F or less, one that only goes up to about 120 F should work fine.

Hit up a truckstop and grab a produce "pulp" thermometer, just stick the prod into the vent and they have a a shirt pocket clip..

[JamieGeek]

Originally Posted by Dennis123

Any comments on the best way to go for tow cars and experiences with same on the Gemini/Compass models with the Ford Diesel?

A big part of the decision is how you want to tow: Four down, on a dolly, or a trailer.

Typically a trailer is too much weight, cost, and hassle so that is thrown out right away.

Towing four down:

• Easy to connect/disconnect
• Nothing really to store at the campsite
• Will need a brake system of some sort
• Will need to setup some brake lights of some sort
• Can be more expensive than a dolly
• Limited # of vehicles can be towed 4 down
• Typically only setup for one vehicle

Dolly towing:

• A bit more of a hassle connecting/disconnecting (about 15 minutes vs 2)
• Have to store the dolly at the campsite and when not camping (ours just slides under the back of the RV)
• Can tow multiple vehicles (usually any FWD car can be dolly towed)
• No vehicle setup
• Brakes included on dolly
• Dolly usually doesn't add much weight

[Bfdchief24]

Originally Posted by Dennis123

Any comments on the best way to go for tow cars and experiences with same on the Gemini/Compass models with the Ford Diesel?

I went with four down towing a 2009 Mini Cooper with manual tranny. Went with all Roadmaster components. Installed Invisabrake in Mini. Have only pulled Mini once (600 mile trip) Only mods I have done to Gemini is Sumosprings on the rear. I had 0 problems towing. Did some towing around town to get the braking pressure set correctly. When towing I can barely tell it is back there. When I tow I put trans in neutral and leave Key fob out. The invisabrake keeps the Minis battery charged.

[Dennis123]

In the specs for the the 23TK and 23TR, the gray water tank shows two separate capacities. I take it these models have two separate gray tanks?

[mountainsam]

The 23TR has two gray tanks. One for the kitchen sink and one for the bathroom. I am not sure if the bathroom sink empties into the gray tank or black tank but the shower empties into the gray for sure.

As far as towing with the 3.2 Ford diesel, I don’t. The engine seems to have plenty of power but you would be very limited in choices of toads light enough to stay under the combined weight limits. I would assume 4down would be the only possibility.

[Paul N]

Regarding the safety recall for the injection pump, I went to the Ford website and entered my VIN (2017 Compass 23TR/2016 Transit Turbo Diesel) to find a Field Service Action (FSA) for a "Powertrain Control Module Reprogramming" but no Recall for the injection pump.

Anyone else get this FSA? It sounds like something that really should be taken care of as soon as possible.

Paul

[nmcmilla]

Originally Posted by Paul N

Regarding the safety recall for the injection pump, I went to the Ford website and entered my VIN (2017 Compass 23TR/2016 Transit Turbo Diesel) to find a Field Service Action (FSA) for a "Powertrain Control Module Reprogramming" but no Recall for the injection pump.

Anyone else get this FSA? It sounds like something that really should be taken care of as soon as possible.

Paul

I too went to the Ford site and entered my VIN --getting the FSA --but not the recall for the injection pump. I have not called my local Ford dealership yet to see about resolving the FSA. When I called the local Ford dealership about an oil change they said they could not handle the size of my 23TR. Expecting that again so have delayed acting on the FSA. I would be interested in what is entailed if anyone get this work done and any recall info. Nancy

[mountainsam]

I went to the site a few days ago and had no FSA item, but today it is there so must be new. I am going to the Ford dealer tomorrow and schedule this FSA repair. Sounds like a reprogram which I had last summer but we will see. As for the fuel pump I was able to find out it concerned just over 2000 vehicles and mine was manufactured in the time frame the recall mentioned but my RV would have been sitting on the sales lot at that time the recall was issued. So I will be asking about that tomorrow also.

Last summer they had to reprogram my computer due to Regens every 100 miles or so. Hasn't seemed to be a problem after that.

[mountainsam]

Originally Posted by nmcmilla

When I called the local Ford dealership about an oil change they said they could not handle the size of my 23TR. Expecting that again so have delayed acting on the FSA. I would be interested in what is entailed if anyone get this work done and any recall info. Nancy

I think for service all Ford Fleet Truck Dealers could handle the 23TR. May have to drive to the next town to find one.

[Laco]

Going back to the running board issue, mine, which is on the Sprinter chassis, had no running boards, for some mysterious reason. The ones that Winnebago uses on their Sprinter based coaches fits perfectly, which I now have on mine. They really need them, without, the only way my wife could get in, was through the house door. The running boards make all three doors accessible for her.

[mountainsam]

Running boards would help us also since I have a bad left knee that seems to take the brunt of my dismount. I haven't started looking for running boards for the Ford chassis. And I no longer have tools for modifications like motorhd did.