Should I buy a 2017 Thor Gemini Diesel?

[Newfiepet Lady]

Hi! I’m new to the forum and would love some feedback on the 2017 Thor GEMINI 23TB Ford 3.2 liter DIESEL power stroke engine on Transit 3500 chassis. I’m considering buying it. It has 70,000 kms.
What kinds of things should I beware of? How are they rated?
Thanks in advance for your information.

 

[dkoldman]

Hi! I’m new to the forum and would love some feedback on the 2017 Thor GEMINI 23TB Ford 3.2 liter DIESEL power stroke engine on Transit 3500 chassis. I’m considering buying it. It has 70,000 kms.
What kinds of things should I beware of? How are they rated?
Thanks in advance for your information.

I am guessing kms equates to about 42,000 miles? If true 7,000 miles per year is normal.

You ask what to be aware of? The answer is everything. I don't think how it is rated is relevant if you like the coach. You need to do a deep dive check on everything. Find a PDI list and get with the owner and go over everything, Expect to spend 4 to 6 hours and if everything works and pass your eyeball test, buy it.

Do not take my check out everything lightly, verify everything works. If the owner does not have the time to allow you to check everything, I would pass. Only exception would be if you knew you were getting a crazy good price and not mind paying to fix the things that are wrong.

 

[ghnl]

Welcome again, Newfie.

I can't answer any specific questions about that RV but I can offer some general advice.
1) Service records. It would be good to know that the manufacturer's recommended service has been been done.
Leaks. Many RVs die an early death due to roof & plumbing leaks. Under that snazzy fiberglass exterior is a fairly thin plywood box. All the RVs I've had were not made with waterproof plywood. if water gets in it doesn't take long for the plywood to delaminate and all strength is lost. And repair/replacement is not cheap or easy.

P.S. check tire date codes. If it still has its original tires they are ~ 7 years old. The tread may appear OK but the rubber does not age well. A blowout at highway speeds is dangerous & can cause a lot of damage. Investigate the cost of a six new tires. That can be a good bargaining point against the asking price.

 

[Newfiepet Lady]

Thanks for the response. I would be purchasing this RV from a dealer. I read in reviews that the motor’s emission system can be problematic. I need to check out warranty as well.

 

[yukongrant]

We own a 2019 Compass (basically the same as the Gemini) on a 2018 Ford Transit chassis. So just a couple of years newer. We have 70,000 km on ours.
70,000 km is not very much for a diesel - if it's been maintained. I really like the power - it gets up and over the mountains we drive every year. And the mileage is very good for an RV. It's very easy to drive.
You are correct the DEF emissions system can be problematic. I'm not sure about the 2017 year. But Ford has a lengthy list of components they will replace under extended warranty IF one of them fails. I had a sensor fail last year. They replaced it quickly at no cost. But they refused to replace anything as a preventative measure.
The advice you have received about checking everything is sound. We've had few problems with any parts of our RV. I'm quite pleased after 6 summers of travel. But I know others have had problems. That's why you really need to do a thorough inspection.