My friends new Mercedes van was the biggest piece of junk ever, he kept it 6 months, it broke down everywhere on his trip, it was towed further than he drove. He went back with Ford and has had no problems in two years driving cross country 4 times since. I might be a bit biased, I have an E350 van and an E450 motorhome that have never given me problems, my chevy work truck had 400,000 hard miles on it when work bought me a new one. My dad always told me just because you're buying new doesn't mean they won't break down. My brand new Toyota truck broke down, blew up, fell apart front to back in the first 600 miles just driving at 65 on the freeway on the way home from work, completely empty. Last year when I was looking for another van I couldn't find a used one for under $50K
Just bought a new Thor Rize on a Ram Promaster 1500 chassis. Besides numerous issues that have popped up with the RV portion, the RAM chassis is trying to kill me. When engaging the adaptive cruise control, it only takes a few minutes before it sees a speed limit sign that isn’t there. First time it happened, I was doing the speed limit of 70 on an interstate. With no signs of any type in sight, a warning flashed saying “new speed limit detected - 35 mph” and it then immediately started slowing the vehicle….not gradually but very quickly! And the car behind me had to take evasive action to avoid rear ending me! I tried using the adaptive cruise control several more times under safe conditions and the same thing happened. My local RAM service center dismissed it saying that since it’s an RV, it’s probably too heavily loaded and out of balance. I’m going to keep taking it back until I can qualify for the Lemon Law.
I have a Thor on a PM chassis. These little vans are not made to carry the weight of a Thor RV build. They are delivery vans, not intended to be a full time living RV with a sh*t ton of heavy stuff like full tanks and appliances. The tranny is usually the first thing to go because of this. Ideally, these vans loaded down should only be used for flat landing. I took mine out west into the mountains before I knew this. I had the tranny serviced at 30k miles and the fluid was toast. Don't travel with full tanks, empty them to reduce wear and tear, plus save gas. Adaptive cruise control is hard on the tranny and drive train with all the extra weight. I don't recommend using it. Travel light. Take your van to a CAT scale and weigh it. Do the math based on the GVWR. Jettison whatever you don't really need. Keep your fluids and filters changed and serviced. Have a happy van life! ✌️
@@CeruleanSky1111 - thanks for the tips. To add to my previous comment, I travel alone with very few additional items. The fresh water tank was nearly full but the grey tank was empty. The cassette toilet was empty. I will have it weighed empty and again after loaded for a trip. The Promaster 1500 has a load capacity of 4,000 lbs and, without weighing it, I’d be willing to bet the interior build, using lightweight particle board, is probably less than 2,000 lbs! As to strain on the engine and transmission, I haven’t noticed much with the new 9 speed transmission. It seems to handle uphill grades quite easily.
Also proptip, now that chatgpt can do audio and photos. Use it to help diagnose and troubleshoot. Some things might be well within your ability to fix or atleast understand the issue. This works well with other diy stuff too. For cars, I refuse to buy new, not super handy but constantly learning. Have a family mechanic in Westfield that has gone to the auction each time i need a new car. Saved a boat load over the years
I’ll look into that. I’ll say this though, my negative experience has FORCED me to learn how to troubleshoot and repair cars, and there is much value in that.
Its sad, but your experiences are not unusually today. It is not just Ford. I have owned brand new GMs, Dodge, and Fords. Everyone i purchased brand new off the dealer showroom floor. Each one of them had issues right from the start. While the Ford has not been perfect, it has been the least problematic. My advice when looking at vehicles, check with Consumer Reports magazine. In my experience many issues can be resolved if the dealer is responsible. Many horror stories are due to greedy dealers who do not want to fulfill factory warranty problems. Again , research consumer complaints about specific dealers as well. There are some dealers out there, of all brands, that are notorious for bad customer service. I enjoy your videos. Keep up the great work. Dont get discouraged, your not alone in the vehicle blues. Most of us have been down that road.
Not only is it sad that new vehicles have these problems but my experience is if the Ford dealer knows its being paid by warranty they in turn do the minimum fix possible, or in my case no fix at all!
In 2020, 2021 & 2022 vehicles were slapped together with garbage due to lack of supplies and lack of workers. - I suspected in 2020 there was going to be a lot of problems with many vehicles manufactured during those time frames. Many people do not know or realize this.
The warranties Ford offers are part specific. For the wiper motor I’ve replaced three times, they only offered warranty first time. Same for other elements.
From rookie to veteran my friend. We all get there 😅
This was one of the best information videos I have seen in all my years of vanlife. Good job 👏
You bought a FORD expecting not to have mechanical problems??🤔
😂
Another great video as always
Thanks again!
just started watching your ventures, nicel
Thanks
My friends new Mercedes van was the biggest piece of junk ever, he kept it 6 months, it broke down everywhere on his trip, it was towed further than he drove. He went back with Ford and has had no problems in two years driving cross country 4 times since. I might be a bit biased, I have an E350 van and an E450 motorhome that have never given me problems, my chevy work truck had 400,000 hard miles on it when work bought me a new one. My dad always told me just because you're buying new doesn't mean they won't break down. My brand new Toyota truck broke down, blew up, fell apart front to back in the first 600 miles just driving at 65 on the freeway on the way home from work, completely empty. Last year when I was looking for another van I couldn't find a used one for under $50K
I’ve heard many similar stories about the sprinter.
Unless you can perform your own repairs, new or newish van is a good option for most people.
That's what I thought but my new van has had nothing but problems.
Just bought a new Thor Rize on a Ram Promaster 1500 chassis. Besides numerous issues that have popped up with the RV portion, the RAM chassis is trying to kill me. When engaging the adaptive cruise control, it only takes a few minutes before it sees a speed limit sign that isn’t there. First time it happened, I was doing the speed limit of 70 on an interstate. With no signs of any type in sight, a warning flashed saying “new speed limit detected - 35 mph” and it then immediately started slowing the vehicle….not gradually but very quickly! And the car behind me had to take evasive action to avoid rear ending me! I tried using the adaptive cruise control several more times under safe conditions and the same thing happened. My local RAM service center dismissed it saying that since it’s an RV, it’s probably too heavily loaded and out of balance. I’m going to keep taking it back until I can qualify for the Lemon Law.
They always blame something else or someone else! I had the same problem with Ford!
I have a Thor on a PM chassis. These little vans are not made to carry the weight of a Thor RV build. They are delivery vans, not intended to be a full time living RV with a sh*t ton of heavy stuff like full tanks and appliances. The tranny is usually the first thing to go because of this. Ideally, these vans loaded down should only be used for flat landing. I took mine out west into the mountains before I knew this. I had the tranny serviced at 30k miles and the fluid was toast. Don't travel with full tanks, empty them to reduce wear and tear, plus save gas. Adaptive cruise control is hard on the tranny and drive train with all the extra weight. I don't recommend using it. Travel light. Take your van to a CAT scale and weigh it. Do the math based on the GVWR. Jettison whatever you don't really need. Keep your fluids and filters changed and serviced. Have a happy van life! ✌️
@@CeruleanSky1111 - thanks for the tips. To add to my previous comment, I travel alone with very few additional items. The fresh water tank was nearly full but the grey tank was empty. The cassette toilet was empty. I will have it weighed empty and again after loaded for a trip. The Promaster 1500 has a load capacity of 4,000 lbs and, without weighing it, I’d be willing to bet the interior build, using lightweight particle board, is probably less than 2,000 lbs! As to strain on the engine and transmission, I haven’t noticed much with the new 9 speed transmission. It seems to handle uphill grades quite easily.
@@Patrick_Rosswishing you many miles of bliss!
@@CeruleanSky1111 - I appreciate the good wishes but I will be selling it as soon as possible.
I find it easier to focus on you without the strobing lights. This video is Such great info on buying not a rant
Thanks for the feedback! Maybe I'll keep the strobe off going forward!
Yeah, because it's right by his head. It's impossible to ignore it. It's a distraction.
Also proptip, now that chatgpt can do audio and photos. Use it to help diagnose and troubleshoot. Some things might be well within your ability to fix or atleast understand the issue. This works well with other diy stuff too.
For cars,
I refuse to buy new, not super handy but constantly learning. Have a family mechanic in Westfield that has gone to the auction each time i need a new car. Saved a boat load over the years
I’ll look into that. I’ll say this though, my negative experience has FORCED me to learn how to troubleshoot and repair cars, and there is much value in that.
Its sad, but your experiences are not unusually today. It is not just Ford. I have owned brand new GMs, Dodge, and Fords. Everyone i purchased brand new off the dealer showroom floor. Each one of them had issues right from the start. While the Ford has not been perfect, it has been the least problematic. My advice when looking at vehicles, check with Consumer Reports magazine. In my experience many issues can be resolved if the dealer is responsible. Many horror stories are due to greedy dealers who do not want to fulfill factory warranty problems. Again , research consumer complaints about specific dealers as well. There are some dealers out there, of all brands, that are notorious for bad customer service. I enjoy your videos. Keep up the great work. Dont get discouraged, your not alone in the vehicle blues. Most of us have been down that road.
Not only is it sad that new vehicles have these problems but my experience is if the Ford dealer knows its being paid by warranty they in turn do the minimum fix possible, or in my case no fix at all!
I literally thought the same thing about June earlier today
In 2020, 2021 & 2022 vehicles were slapped together with garbage due to lack of supplies and lack of workers. - I suspected in 2020 there was going to be a lot of problems with many vehicles manufactured during those time frames. Many people do not know or realize this.
That makes total sense and I know I’m not alone, at least with the 2021 transit.
You’re so smart
Its almost 2025 and no flying cars . We were promised flying cars !
Just here to respond to the title: no shit 😅
What a terrible, terrible company Ford is. I would never buy a vehicle from them. Absolute terrible customer service!
is there any brand you would buy new? Or are they all as awful as Ford?
People have horror stories from all the big three vans... Promaster, Transit, and Sprinter.
@@undertheradarvanI’m a minivan dweller… it’s small but mighty. Minimalism for the win 🎈
Why did you pay Ford anything......wasn't there a warranty (36month/36,000 mile) on this brand new vehicle ?!
The warranties Ford offers are part specific. For the wiper motor I’ve replaced three times, they only offered warranty first time. Same for other elements.
If you think new vans have problems just wait until you see the problems used vans get. You got unlucky.
Question is are those used problems fixable for less than 27,000? That's how much I would have saved.
You should have buy the Mercedes...! They simply work...!
Not true according to another commenter here.