Community Forums

Casaverde · 09-25-2015, 09:42 AM

Thor has just announced two Ford Transit diesel-based motorhomes:

2016 Compass Motorhomes

2016 Gemini

Pricing doesn't seem to be available yet.

LVJ58 · 09-25-2015, 10:44 PM

Still can't understand WHY Ford doesn't offer a diesel powered class A F53 chassis

Scarab0088 · 09-27-2015, 03:06 PM

To Casaverde!

These and several other brand-new models could be shown for the first time at Elkhart Open House:
TMC Rolling Out 2016 Lineup At RV Open House | RV Business

Hope someone going takes and shares some photos

Timberdog · 09-28-2015, 03:26 PM

They look good except for that cheesy shower curtain.

Sweetbriar · 09-28-2015, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LVJ58

Still can't understand WHY Ford doesn't offer a diesel powered class A F53 chassis

Freightliner has a front engine diesel chassis available but I can't think of a builder using it. Unless there's a demand Ford is going to build one.

Freightliner Motorhome Chassis ? FRED Chassis

nothermark · 09-28-2015, 03:55 PM

Anything on the Transit will be appealing to the "I don't want a towed" folks. Anybody who want room to move can forget it.

There is a simple reason not to do a diesel F-53 chassis. They would cost way more than one could hope to recover in fuel savings so it would be a net loss to most people.

Casaverde · 10-01-2015, 09:23 AM

Thor factory rep says that both the Compass and Gemini will be shown at the California RV show in Pomona next week. We are planning to go and will take and post some photos.

cjscotty · 10-02-2015, 08:21 AM

The flip up mattress looks kind of interesting meaning you could use the room as a seating area also with bed flipped up. I personally would love to see a B+ version like this with two twins that made into a king bed instead, with storage under the twins from outside, and a door that opened out the back. You could then use this door to put more items into from the outside until u get to your camp, etc. I also like as many windows as possible in a small RV (Winnebago is doing an INCREDIBLE job with this right now) and would prefer there to be a window behind the bed also. I also think they are making the sofa appear much larger than it may actually be. Very much looking forward to seeing one in person.

JohnBoyToo · 10-02-2015, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timberdog

They look good except for that cheesy shower curtain.

And that's the UPGRADED/Premium one

Casaverde · 10-09-2015, 05:28 PM

Just back from the CA RV show in Pomona. Thor was showing the Gemini and the Compass, both on Transit diesel chassis. Will post a few photos later. We didn't like the floorplan in the rear with the flip up bed. It leaves a somewhat unfinished looking area with a bench seat.

Coachmen also showed the Orion on the Transit chassis. They will be offering it with the Ecoboost gas engine. Two floor plans available. Drawback is that you can't tow anything with it. At least the Thor could tow 2100lbs with the diesel, according to the Thor rep.

Casaverde · 10-09-2015, 06:28 PM

Here is a link to some photos we took
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/n2ber475b...D2oLtOFBa?dl=0

Timberdog · 10-10-2015, 06:03 AM

Did they say why the tow capability is so low. I'm guessing it's a weight issue but my Coachmen prism is rated for 3500 lbs with the MB diesel. I'll have to check the diesel spec sheet on the transit. I still like the idea though. I wonder if the Ford dealers will service them?

Casaverde · 10-11-2015, 09:43 AM

Correction: I believe the Coachmen rep was incorrect; Ford doesn't offer the chassis cab with the Ecoboost engine. The chassis cab is only available with the standard V6 gas engine and the diesel.

Not sure why the towing capacities are so low. Also, the Transit motorhomes we saw at the show from Thor and Coachmen are using the 156-inch wheelbase, not the longer 178-inch wheelbase that Ford makes available for the chassis cab. The longer wheelbase is more similar to the Sprinter wheelbase of 170-inches.

Here are the chassis cab specs:
http://www.ford.com/commercial-truck...ions/view-all/

Perhaps it's a supply chain isssue and Ford hasn't made the longer wheelbase chassis available yet to the motorhome manufacturers. There's still alot of misinformation out there. The Pleasureway rep told us that Ford doesn't offer a longer wheelbase like the Sprinter, which is clearly incorrect. Buyer beware and make sure you do your own homework.

cjscotty · 10-13-2015, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Casaverde

Here is a link to some photos we took
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/n2ber475b...D2oLtOFBa?dl=0

Like the looks and like how they put a large window over the sink/stove area, many do not, either no window or a small window. That makes a lot of difference in the inside feeling larger and more open. I don't mind the back with the bed up, kind of like the dual purpose where u could throw some pillows on it to use as a seating area when bed is up. Do you have photos of the sofa area? What is the size of the sofa, and is it just a jackknife? Thanks.