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05-23-2015, 08:06 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 10
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About to Purchase 2013 24R...need advice
Hello all!
My wife, 5 year old daughter, and I are about to purchase a lightly used (around 10k miles) 24R. We sold our ROO last fall because we wanted something more comfortable for longer trips. With that said, this is a really big step for us, and we have been saving for quite awhile. Growing up, my family camped a lot, and I'm blessed to have a wife and daughter that love camping as well.
So, as stated, this is a really BIG commitment and dropping that kind of money on a rig scares me...so I thought I would come to the forum to ask about reliability. I have already located a Mercedes Sprinter dealer/service center close to home that can service the unit yearly. The Mercedes part of the unit is still under warranty. Any advice or input others can share about their units is greatly appreciated, such as service cost, reliability, etc.
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05-23-2015, 08:50 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: San Diego
Posts: 1,074
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We have a 24s and I love it. Very few problems , amazingly easy to drive.
Reasonable gas mileage
Fits in a normal parking space
It's so nice to be set up in 5 minutes
We have had our unit for almost 3 years. Mostly local camping.
We also tow a jeep. Mercedes engine is fantastic.
Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums
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05-23-2015, 09:15 PM
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#3
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 10
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Sandie,
Thank you for your response. I tried to send you a private message; however, I think you might need to delete some of your messages before you can receive anymore. Thanks again.
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05-23-2015, 09:27 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: San Diego
Posts: 1,074
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Currently camping
Just deleted all private messages
Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums
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05-24-2015, 05:04 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Orange Park Fl.
Posts: 1,876
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LilysROO
Hello all!
My wife, 5 year old daughter, and I are about to purchase a lightly used (around 10k miles) 24R. We sold our ROO last fall because we wanted something more comfortable for longer trips. With that said, this is a really big step for us, and we have been saving for quite awhile. Growing up, my family camped a lot, and I'm blessed to have a wife and daughter that love camping as well.
So, as stated, this is a really BIG commitment and dropping that kind of money on a rig scares me...so I thought I would come to the forum to ask about reliability. I have already located a Mercedes Sprinter dealer/service center close to home that can service the unit yearly. The Mercedes part of the unit is still under warranty. Any advice or input others can share about their units is greatly appreciated, such as service cost, reliability, etc.
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I have a 2014 24R on a 2013 chassis. Drives and performs great! Just returned home from a 4000 + trip and have to say that I did not really get tired on some fairly long driving legs across Texas and Ariz. I have over 20,000 miles on it now and I tow a car 4 wheels down. You don't even know the towed is back there. I do recommend the Hellwig sway bar even though you can do without it.
Good luck and happy camping!
Would recommend doing your own oil changes. Dealers charge way to much.
__________________
2014 Solera 24R
USN Retired
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05-24-2015, 06:10 AM
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#6
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 10
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Thank you Mike; trips like that are right in line with what we plan to do. So I assume changing your own oil does not affect the warranty? Also, I've been reading up on the DEF light. How often do you add fluid, so the light doesn't come on, which would then require having MB reset it? Thanks again.
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05-24-2015, 06:24 AM
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#7
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'79 Bonneville
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Vermont
Posts: 96
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DEF
The def light comes on about 1000 miles before the reservoir is empty so there is no need to prevent it from coming on. If you wait a few hundred miles while the light is on, you can empty the large size DEF into the reservoir without overflow and carrying the not quite empty container around.
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05-24-2015, 06:47 AM
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#8
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 10
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If the light comes on, doesn't MB have to reset it? I just didnt want to arrive at a campground and the light come on with the nearest MB service dept more than 4 hours away.
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05-24-2015, 07:10 AM
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#9
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'79 Bonneville
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Vermont
Posts: 96
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the light resets itself when you fill the resevoir - consult the MB manual for details
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05-24-2015, 08:35 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,748
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"So, as stated, this is a really BIG commitment and dropping that kind of money on a rig scares me..."
Honestly, when your little one starts school, your schedule really changes. So, that being said, you really need to use this thing to make it worth it IMO.
A couple things;
DIY oil changes can save you at least $150 bucks, but please read the forum posts here for guidance on proper oil, etc.
DEF's injection rate is 50:1 Fifty parts fuel to one part DEF. In other words look at it this way, about 2 1/2 oz DEF per gal of diesel +/-. There has been issues with the emission computer talking to the ECM ( main engine computer)which triggers the DEF light in some units. Some think MB engineers have gotten the software bugs worked out. But there have been posts here that might not fully agree and it seems the approach, MB's that is, has been to change parts to get the light to go out. That being said, overall the motor performs well and the issues have been sporatic. I would get the chassis VIN and ask your local MB dealer to give you an update to see if that one has had the software updates, along with any service work. Thats enough right now to chew on. Remember this; "life is a journey... not a guided tour"
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05-24-2015, 08:44 AM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 242
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I'm on the first camping trip with mine. I drove 300 miles yesterday with no issues. It handles really well; the engine has good power. The rig is roomy (I have the 24S). Easy to set up once you figure out the systems. Mine will be my full time retirement home on wheels in 3 months and 8 days). It's a nice rig!
__________________
Charlene
and catpanions, Purrl & Lucy Lu
2014 Solera 24S
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05-24-2015, 08:44 AM
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#12
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 10
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Thanks kickin...we plan on using the coach a great deal, as our jobs give us several weeks in the summer, fall, and spring. If the updates have not been completed, is it covered under warranty or is that a question I need to ask MB? Thanks again.
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05-24-2015, 09:06 AM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 115
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Just an FYI that a local Mercedes Dealer told me that they could work on my 24S but found out they could not.
They figured all they needed was a tall ceiling to accommodate it but when they went to put it on the lift found out that their lift was not compatible. There was some kind of interference with one or more of the tanks underneath.
Not sure how you could determine that beforehand but figured I'd mention it. For basic maintenance, I don't think you really need a dealer personally but it would be nice to know there was one nearby for special requirements.
A freightliner dealer may be a better alternative if you have one nearby. Unfortunately I don't
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05-24-2015, 10:06 AM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,748
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LilysROO
Thanks kickin...we plan on using the coach a great deal, as our jobs give us several weeks in the summer, fall, and spring. If the updates have not been completed, is it covered under warranty or is that a question I need to ask MB? Thanks again.
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It's what the industry refers to as a TSB, or Technical Service Bulletin. They will inform you at the dealer and there is no charge. But, like another poster mentioned, not all MB dealers can handle the MH due to high clearance issues. Call ahead and make sure, just don't talk to the first person who picks up, drill down to the service dept. Just sayin'
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05-24-2015, 10:52 AM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Orange Park Fl.
Posts: 1,876
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LilysROO
Thank you Mike; trips like that are right in line with what we plan to do. So I assume changing your own oil does not affect the warranty? Also, I've been reading up on the DEF light. How often do you add fluid, so the light doesn't come on, which would then require having MB reset it? Thanks again.
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I try and not let the DEF light come on so I top off before I leave home and then approx 3000 miles will top off again. If it comes on, not a big deal. like others have mentioned you can run for awhile with the light on and then add 2.5 gal. I did have the light come on once and it would not go out right away. I think I ran 100 miles after topping off with the light on. Stopped for some food and the light did not come on after restarting the engine. I do carry an extra container of DEF in my towed.
I change my own oil and keep good records/receipts. Easiest and fastest oil change I have ever accomplished. Read the long thread on oil changes and you will get more info. than you need.
Links to oil change threads
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...c-80393-2.html
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...0-a-75911.html
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...nge-27371.html
__________________
2014 Solera 24R
USN Retired
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05-24-2015, 02:45 PM
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#16
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Dr Travel
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Full timers
Posts: 176
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We put 35,000 miles on a Sprinter-based Airstream Interstate (class B) in 7 months. Not a hiccup. Only oil changes at 10K. Which are expensive, but that's a "so?" Thing drives like a dream. Engine is kind of indestructible. I understand that other maintenance on the Mercedes engine/drive train is way up there - brake work, tranny work, etc. But it is so spaced out it sounds like you'll manage that aspect well with your disciplined approach to $$$. Since you have a family it would be great to get a little bit bigger rig, but that Mercedes chassis only handles up to 24'. Go and have fun! Their resale value is high and used units are hard to come by.
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05-24-2015, 02:46 PM
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#17
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Dr Travel
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Full timers
Posts: 176
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Beware changing oil yourself. You put too much in and you'll wreck your engine, although it won't stop warning you as soon as you start up the engine. Put too little in, and ditto. Same thing - warning. For peace of mind, unless u know what you r doing, get a dealer or an auto service place with a good track record of caring for this machine.
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05-24-2015, 03:06 PM
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#18
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 77
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I have a 2014 24R, and I love it! It drives really nicely, and it fits in small campsites.
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05-24-2015, 04:23 PM
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#19
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Colorado Springs
Posts: 18
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Our Solera 24 SLED will be a year old next month. It has taken us to Alaska, and separate trips to Florida and Virginia from Colorado. We did put in a sway bar and are ready to change out the magnadyne radio (it is wretched). We learned about DEF on our way to Alaska. Now my DH tops it off every night while I set up the inside - I know, it is a tough job pushing those slider buttons, but somebody has to do it The MB dealer suggested adding more after every two fill ups, so that might also be a good habit. On our most recent trip home from Virginia, the computer started to 'ding' and flash 200 in the space where the mileage is displayed. It stopped after a few seconds. Whew! Then after 20 miles or so, it did it again.... then after a while, it flashed 400. After freaking out - we were 1600 miles from home - I found a local MB/Sprinter dealer to call. The service man very politely informed us that the computer was simply telling us how many miles over we were from the scheduled required maintenance. Every 200 miles it would change the number and ding. As soon as we got home, we made an appointment to have her serviced. Pleasantly surprised that the maintenance, with oil change was only $240. We really love our Solera. We are retired and travel with our 2 Aussie Shepherd pups. Hope to make some trips here in the west this summer, if it ever stops raining here in Colorado, haha.
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05-24-2015, 06:34 PM
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#20
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Missouri
Posts: 28
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We have 20,000 miles on our 24R and no issues with the drive train. Great engine/transmission for the unit. Before we purchased our RV I thought I had an MB dealer lined up who could work on it. The first time I tried to use him he did not do all the requested work. I found out they work on RVs in their parking lot since they did not have any doors high enough to get it in the shop. I now use another MB shop who can get the unit inside their shop. You might want to verify that your height unit will fit in their doors.
In regards to DEF I fill up before trips. If the trip is long enough that I may need to add some DEF I take some with me and add before the light comes on. My light came on the first time at about 3800 miles. As I recall it took a while for the light to go off after adding the DEF.
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