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We picked up our 2022 American Coach Patriot in TX 2 days before this video came out. While we like it overall, the headaches started within 10 minutes of taking delivery and there is a glaring inaccuracy spoken by Ron in the video. The towing capacity is usually 5,000 lbs for the class B vans we had been looking at. Ron states in the video that the towing capacity is 7,500. But according to American Coach's own people, the capacity is actually 5,000. Who is right? And while the van in the video may well be a 2021 Transit, the vehicle sold to us, which again is a 2022 American Coach Patriot MD2 just like in the video, the Ford chassis is actually a 2020. We thought a model marked as a 2022 would at least have a 2021 chassis, but instead is has a 2 year-old chassis. Ron makes the point in the video that Ford upgraded towing to 7,500 so we were really happy, then let down when we found out our chassis is 2020. One person at AC said there is actually no difference between the 2020 and 2021 Ford 3500 HD Transit chassis. Still, seems a little bait and switchy to me. There are issues with the Ford side, American Coach side and the dealer side of the vehicle. On the American Coach side: The water heater and house heater in our unti do not work on electric, though the system is supposed on either petrol or electric according to several videos (including this one). We plugged into 30 amp shore power and the temperature never changed. The water heater and house heater DO work on petrol, however. American Coach responded very quickly and walked us through how to get the petrol side working. The walkthrough of the systems from the dealer, we sadly discovered, was about half the knowledge we needed. Again, American Coach has been very responsive and they are working to find a service center near us (American Coach's service centers are only in Oregon and Indiana - we are in central California) to fix our particular unit. So the videos may be correct, but not for us. Another issue on the American Coach side is one of the solar panels on top of the van seems to be missing. One person at AC said there are supposed to be 3 panels, another said the are supposed to be two so we are waiting to hear what is supposed to be up there. We only see one panel. A minor issue is a small (about 1 inch square) plastic cover that hides the screw that holds the driver's side sunvisor keeps popping off. I don't know if that is a Ford or AC issue. On the Ford side, there are two issues: The first is none of the four key FOB's we were given actually function. We picked up the vehicle, drove down the street to a Sam's Club to get supplies for the 1,500 mile drive back to home. I get out of the vehicle, shut the door and push the lock button on the key FOB. Nothing. We try all 4 of the FOBs. None of them work. They do not lock or unlock the doors, they do not operate the sliding side door and, most importantly to personnel safety, the red panic button doesn't work. There was a Ford dealer about a mile from the RV dealer (the RV place said it's a Ford issue. They swore the FOB worked before - which of course they said it worked) We pulled into the Ford service to get the FOBs fixed. The dealership says they tried reprogramming all of them, but it failed. They said that the FOB's are put into a transport mode at the factory and then dealerships have put the FOB's into a functioning mode, but they were unable to get any of the four FOB's to work. Yes, there are KZread videos supposedly to fix this (turn the key on 8 times in 6 seconds, click the lock button on the FOBs, etc) however, those videos do not mention a key fact: That method apparently only works on vehicles that do not have the Ford keypad on the door. If the keypad is there (which it is on our vehicle but doesn't work) it's a completely different process. The second issue is a TPSM fault warning that does not go away. The tech at the RV store where we bought the van said that tire pressures vary wildly in the Texas humidity and he would check all the pressures, make them even, and the fault would go away after that. He lied. The fault warning is still there. The Ford dealer also could not fix that issue. I believe they said they didn't have the right tool to fix it. On the dealer side: The sales person failed to mention that the privacy shade that was supposed to come with van was not present. We discovered this while waiting at the Ford dealership. He said he had contacted the manufacture of the privacy shade and it would be shipped directly tool us. Why he didn't tell us that before we left, I don't know. Also missing from the van, and we discovered this before we left, is the boards that go across the back between the seats to make the bed one large piece were missing. The tech at the RV dealership said he would grab a pair and put them in the back for us. He did put boards back there but they are completely the wrong size and do not fit. The RV dealership is looking into finding the right size. Here's the bottom line if you go to buy one of these things: Check that EVERYTHING works. Don't just let the tech run through systems and show you the buttons (yes, I did record all the technician's demo so we could go back and refer to it.) Make them show you that every system works. The tech didn't even know if the cruise control was adaptive or not (it is, and works well BTW). That means for hot water and hot air in the house, you have to turn the system on electric. AC says on electric it's only 5,000 BTU, so it's not going to be as hot as running on petrol, but it will at least heat the house well in 40 degree weather. Wait about 10-15 minutes, watch on the readout that the temperature is actually going up then run the water in the two sinks and the shower to make sure you are getting hot water. Feel the hot air out put. Shut it all down. Try its again on petrol. And something we didn't notice while at the dealer is there is a tear in the armrest of the passenger front seat. Aggravating on a brand new vehicle of this price. I suspect the dealership knew it was there and didn't say anything. As I said in the beginning, overall we like the van. The Ecoboost Six is a responsive engine with plenty of power and had no problem passing every RV and semi truck we came upon. It does ride like an HD cargo van, so don't expect it to absorb the bad sections of road (we were on I40) quietly, but it was comfortable on good roads. MPG over the course of about 1,600 miles was 13 mpg. We like the size and features. I wish it had at least one external storage container. The dump hose is not a pleasant smell to store inside the van. We ended up putting it in a plastic kitchen trash bag then inside at sealable plastic storage box, then storing it under the bed (yes, we rinsed out the system first). An externally accessible storage would also be a place to put the water hose, which is always going to drip a little when you are done using it. This is our first RV and we have a lot of plans. Hopefully, American Coach will fix their issues and Ford will fix their issues and we can get on the road with everything working soon. Thank you.

@dking4883

2 жыл бұрын

I think the 2020 chassis was 5000 and the 2021 is 7500. Doesn't the video says this is on a 2021? Another Patriot owner said she tought after the conversion it lowered the rating to 5000. If you find out, let us know.

@FEARNoMore

2 жыл бұрын

@@dking4883 Yes it's on a 2020 Ford Chassis. You can tell by the grill.

@seanmcculley

2 жыл бұрын

@@dking4883 I keep replying and the reply keeps disappearing. KZread has a glitch that doesn't allow detailed responses with proper source citations.

@seanmcculley

2 жыл бұрын

@@dking4883 Ford's own towing specs for a 2021 Passenger Transit 350 HD Long-EL, AWD with 3.5L Ecoboost 6 is listed as 6,600. For the 2020 model, it's 6,100. What Ron talks about the tow hitch at 1:59 and says “it’s rated at 7,500 lbs” that’s incorrect. There is a Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package available but its features do not include an increase in towing capacity. As listed by Ford, the package includes: • Tow/Haul Mode with Trailer Wiring Provisions • 4/7 Pin Connector Assembly and Rear Jumper • Relay system for backup/B+/Running Lights • Frame Mounted Hitch Receiver On our van, they used a 10,360lb GVWR version, for those that are curious. Also, the van featured in the video is a 2020, not a 2021 (as Ron says at 1:52). The front grill changed between the two years. There’s actually been some complaints about the aesthetics of the new grille in Transit forums. The easiest way to verify the year of the van (for future videos) is to look at the manufacturing tag on the inside of the driver’s side door frame. BTW, there have been a number of other issues that have been discovered that I’ll detail later once they are all fixed. (Note: Tried posting this several times but KZread kept auto deleting. I removed all the links where I got this info, so maybe this replay will stick now.)

@RagingDork

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for posting this. Was a bit skeptical about the 7500 lb towing especially since it doesn’t mention it on the site. If it could actually tow 7500 lbs I would totally buy this over the sprinter. O well 🤷🏻‍♂️

Would love more focus on the van and less talk!

Those lithium batteries will freeze in the winter especially in New England area. Volta system inside STO still has charging issues during the winter.

I would love it if manufacturers would do a cutout “door” where the dump valves are because those of us with bad knees hate the low drain that is way in there. A flip up door would help.

Recently discovered your channel Hank ...great content brother! You've made researching B vans for a future purchase very helpful. Putting a 'face' to the Coachmen and American Coach/Midwest companies with the one-on-one discussion/product tours featuring Ron and Nick, impressed me with their 'consumer-centric' mindset, that seeks owner input and responds with product improvement. (I'm amazed at how fast Coachmen can integrate changes to their production) The positive experiences you and Lola have had with your Beyond, have me leaning towards a Transit from either Coachmen or American Coach. BTW: The same positive impression regarding Nick at SSRV comes across as well. New subscriber!

Beautiful. I assume the rear seats double as the bed. I would have loved to have seen it in the bed configuration.

Good job …kept an open mind and was glad to hear the features.

That is hot! Looks comfy, love the storage and color schemes!

Thanks Hanks. We are currently in the early stage to find a class B coach. We are all over the board trying to figure out which unit is best for our needs and what our needs actually are. You videos help us to figure it all out.

Great video. Thanks you guys and gal

It’s nice to have options and I’m glad to see this Ford option but I hope they will do one with a rear bathroom because it make the rest of the inside look and feel so open.

Now this is what I'd love to have. I'm a huge fan of Ford

Great video! Glad I got my Beyond when I did!!

Way to go, Hank. Another great review!

What is the difference in the size of the bathrooms? Rear bath like yours vs side bath? I love the rear bath but wish it came with full size frig instead of smaller one like your. I'd give up the extra counter space for full size frig.

Nice video. Thanks Hank!

@LolaStrange

2 жыл бұрын

You are very welcome. Thanks for joining the premiere chat!

Love this model, the black matte color and the inside is great. Definitely love the 2200 BTU option and the option to upgrade the tow package. Amazing craftsmanship. I also love the Ford Transit. What I would love is a floor plan like the Galleria 24A for more garage storage, is that a future floor plan for the American Patriot? Just wondering.

Thanks

Thanks Lola

@LolaStrange

2 жыл бұрын

My pleasure! I just wish I had better lighting so I didn't have to fight with the sun and loose terribly...☹️

Beautiful, I would love to see a van conversion for a small person family it would be cool to see.

If you knew you would be doing a commercial, why wouldn’t you have dusted?

Would love to have seen the windows open and blinds.. to see the natural lighting.. overall nice video.

Very nice if I can order it with the fuel efficient Ford 3.2 diesel and adaptive cruise control I’ll buy one

It’s very attractive van!

It seems like there will be more Class B vehicles on the market!!!!

Very interested. Will there be twin bed option available

Thank you for posting this Hank! We've been looking at a Solis (really prefer cassette toilets) but this video may have just sold us on the Ford Patriot. Long time viewer of the Hank Strange Situation btw.

In my head it seemed like you were talking to Commander William Riker.

Needs Cable hook upon passenger side. Also an additional item in bathroom for shampoo and conditioner and of course a mirror.

Wow wow wow!!! This baby is just right. I absolutely love everything about it. Hank can you get a vid on the new Winnabego all electric class B ? I don’t like the he range but it looks promising

The front spoiler helps with aero and fuel economy. Makes it look better too. This is a feature rich van.

Love Black tank is gravity, the transit is great, will they have a bed loft/garage model? Thanks Hank great vid. All electric is the way 2 go for me.

Found you… new subscriber The batteries 👌🏼

Wish you could get the who setup in a Cargo Van.. I don't need all the glass for cold weather conditions. A cassette toilet would be nice too...for Boondocking!

I have a everyday 2015 ford transit panel van, I bought new, haul the bike, Kayack and dogs and love it. I ordered a ford 2022 patriot in Feb, of course I am now getting a 2023, 2022 van, I hope in Oct, it will be like +$15,000 more than quoted! My dim headlights SUCK, it's like driving with no lights at all, terrible, even with the updated bulbs. I am hoping and expecting much better headlights? Plus for that much more, I am hoping I get some of the nicer MB stuff, like the auto waste hoes. Do you know if the lights are improved for the 2022? Hope you and Nick get one in soon, so I can see all the new added features, and decide if I am 100% going for it. Love you guys, Thxs Kate

Nice, another new strange video. Love it.

Can you put in composting toilet/no black tank? Would rather have larger fresh water tank.

@FEARNoMore

2 жыл бұрын

Probably not. They are not a custom builder I think.

Nice looking van

@strangerpalooza

2 жыл бұрын

yes it is! American coach always kicks it up a notch with interior design.

I want it

We just picked up our long awaited American Coach Ford Patriot in Texas.LOVE IT.We have absolutely no complaints and we drove over 2000,00 miles already.We are wondering how the house batteries get charged and do we need to buy an additional alternator?Also how do we turn on the heat?Thank for our beautiful van.

@dking4883

2 жыл бұрын

Do you have the Eco Lithium Package? The house batteries are also charged with the chassis alternator. To turn on heat, touch the Timbeline control screen. Choose the fuel icon lower left or electric icon lower right. Set the thermostat temp.

@allancameron9548

2 жыл бұрын

@@dking4883 thank you

I love it..but how much..nice fridge..nice microwave,nice bath..except for curtain..all in all nice ❤️

Does that repel radar some of those paints can

What are the wait times?

it is nice and something i would consider however i would like to see the bed fold down and i would like to see the tv drop down instead of taking up an entire seating area and possible expansion of the bed...the bathroom and shower is very clever, i am struggling with the large amount of room the tv is taking up and again total waste of space , seating ,and bed extension but i do love this model just can not get past the wasted space for a tv

Today is October 26, 2021. Can I place an order for delivery in April-May 2022?

Awesome paint,need dry bath thou☺️

Cannot believe you didn't show the bed folded dowm. All I have in my mind is the Dog cusion that was covered for some good reason.

It’s great that the overhead compartments are pass through but not sure that the smaller compartment doors allow you to take full advantage of that feature. Our 2021 Beyond has large overhead compartments (and doors) but they aren’t pass through. Love the rear overhead storage. The dark colors are nice but makes it all look smaller. I always enjoy your videos Hank and Lola!

Can u get it with the split beds, and rear bath like yours?

@LolaStrange

2 жыл бұрын

No, currently there is only this model. Ron did say that there will be other models coming, but no time frame on that yet.

Perhaps I misheard, but I understand that the MD2/4 designation was Mid bath- driver side and 2 or 4 captain seats in the van…. Perhaps the nomenclature is changing?

@moWelles

2 жыл бұрын

Then probably my misunderstanding.

@lisagoforth9653

2 жыл бұрын

@@moWelles no whatever the acronyms may be, this should be a really sweet camper van🙏🏼😊. Looking forward to this video..

@strangerpalooza

2 жыл бұрын

MD2 is the floor plan for sure...I checked with American Coach

I never hear you give dimensions of anything. Would love to know how wide the isle is, headroom from floor to a/c cover, bathroom dimensions, how wide the bed is( side to side, front to back), how big the counter space is, how tall the counter is, what is water pressure, all tank capacities, are tanks heated for winter? I also noticed that with all the stuff tucked up under behind rear wheels that mud flaps aren't standard. Any idea what the ground clearance is? What cubic feet of frig is? I wish they had a pullout freezer draw to make it easier then getting down on the floor to get stuff out of freezer. I love the towing capacity so you can pull a little"garage"trailer for you bikes, grills, tools, spare tires, hoses,etc.

@dking4883

2 жыл бұрын

I'll try to get you some of those dimensions tomorrow. We don't have any problems accessing the freezer. It is no different than my bottom freezer on house fridge, except this has a door instead of a drawer.

Can you get shinny paint outside if you like gloss?

@dking4883

2 жыл бұрын

The matte finish is an option instead of the regular auto paint.

Loved the video and info - with overall details provided on this new product line. Love the eco-freedom package. I also encourage American Coach to provide more info on social media. There’s a lot of high quality packed in these vans. In a 30-40 min videos, it can be challenging to get every detail in. We all want all information 😊😉I have a few initial questions- Would welcome info on the ground clearance, as compared with a Coachmen Beyond, whether there is a small desk work space behind the driver’s seat (shown on floor plan) and verify the driver seat swivels. Would also welcome some figure of comparison on how many hours would 1 gallon of gasoline provide heat /or hot water… Will check American Coach website for more info. Thanks, Hank, Lola and Ron for this initial video.

Thinking about a class b

Wow. How beautiful. How much is the cost of this patriot.

Can you tell me the cost and what dealership will have these?

What the size

But does the bed electrically fold out to a full bed.

@gforrest2000

2 жыл бұрын

Yes

Hank you were discussing with Ron Preston about the tow rating on the Ford Transit as 7500lb. I understand that the GVWR is 10360lb. What is the GCWR for the American Ford Patriot? If I could tow a 4,500lb Jeep Wrangler behind this Van, I would be interested in buying one. However I cannot get an answer regarding the GCWR. I called MidWest, Sunshine State and LaMesa RV in Orlando. No one knows the answer. Hope you can help. Thanks

Nice van but in the back there is a cabinet that makes the small side seat useless.

from many of the owners I have talked to they say go gas like the ford because they can be repaired just about anywhere where in the Mercedes that is not true there are not many places to get parts or worked on it some have said to do it over etc they would go gas

Is yours AWD too?!

Can This RV be sold in the Philippines

I wish you had put the bed down. I have no idea what it looks like. Could a tall person fit on it. 6’3”

@dking4883

2 жыл бұрын

The mattress is about 75" long from back door to galley cabinet.

What is the price on this feature?

What website?

Terrible placement of lithium batteries. Those Battleborn batteries should be inside or at least in a partly heated area.

So smart to go with the Ford instead of the totally unreliable MB

Interior height?

great tour,vehicle is waayy too costly for me..

The first thing I noticed was the sliding door track isn't painted. I think I've seen some RV vans color matched. A minor detail. The second thing is a Ford Transit comfortably issue. I have driven a diesel passenger van for work. The driver's compartment wheel well is in the way. It cuts down on the floor space. My company has Spinters and there is more room. Please comment if you understand what I wrote.

@dking4883

2 жыл бұрын

Both hubby and I ride comfortably in the Transit. The seating is higher and somewhat closer to the dash, but he is 6'2 and no issue for legroom.

@FEARNoMore

2 жыл бұрын

You're just a Diesel Mercedes guy. It's all good. lol

@277kne

2 жыл бұрын

@@FEARNoMore We have the Spinter and Transit passenger vans at work. I feel the Transit is quicker from the start. Both are diesel. I drove the Ford Transit the other day. It's a foot rest that I don't like. The Sprinter doesn't have that.

@277kne

2 жыл бұрын

I'm adding to my comment about the Ford Transit. It's the foot rest in the driver's area. The Sprinter has a wider area and more comfortable foot rest.

no one is going to tow a wrangler when they can tow a superb Bronco

Solar panels? This was off grid, right?

How much?

Watched again. I know it’s their signature look. But American Coach and Midwest. Needs to move out of the 1980’s Miami Vice motifs. Ie the low chin spoiler and wheel flares. I’d unbolt both if it was mine. The painted MB logo looks again 80’s posh and not in a good way. That said great build quality hands down.

@dking4883

2 жыл бұрын

The spoiler is an option.

@JohnSeitz

2 жыл бұрын

@@dking4883 not sure on the ford model. But yes on sprinter it’s a line item. On the transit they also have that ugly rear wheel bulge too. I get it trying to make it look upscale but blahhh

No bed demonstration=problematic bed.

Your were right about the color for southern states. I'd like to see a matte-white.

So im in the market. Should I bring a van to you? or make the complete purchase through you?

First in 2015, so 7 years in the US

The Ford chassis is nowhere to be found on the American Coach website, only a Mercedes chassis!

@strangerpalooza

Жыл бұрын

I know all the manufacturers are having a tough time getting the Ford Chassis right now. I will actually see Ron at the Ocala RV show. I will follow up on the status of chassis.

I may have missed it but do front seats swivel?

@theShamrockShepherdWagon

2 жыл бұрын

probably only the psgr seat if so. looks like the driver seat would be blocked by the bathroom

@dking4883

2 жыл бұрын

Both front seats do swivel.

Oh, I love the open square window. Can listen to nature plus it has a screen. That is a feature that I would love!!!!!

That looks like a 2020 chassis. I would be upset if I bought a 2022 model and got a 2020 chassis.

@FEARNoMore

2 жыл бұрын

It is a 2020 chassis, you can tell by the grill. This dude just lied to Hank or he just can't tell the difference.

How much? 🤔🤔🤔

Pretty* But I can whip up some scrambled eggs in butter on that hood in the summer. Lol 🔥

Yea Fog Lights hooray

What is the size 24 or 20

@dking4883

2 жыл бұрын

The chassis is 22'.

It's pretty but even being 4 ft 11 I'd feel claustrophobic in it.

When is there going to be a md4 on the ford transit?

@timdunmyer4549

2 жыл бұрын

Don't understand what the point of an MD4 would be since it already has rear seat with belts? To me it seems wasted space.

@dking4883

2 жыл бұрын

Jeff, looking at my Transit, all I can see is the bath area and half the galley wiped out if 2 additional seats. :-) Everything would be really squished with 2 more seats on that 22" chassis.

@jeffreymanske

2 жыл бұрын

@@timdunmyer4549 I could stuff my son in the truck of my car,but I prefer to have the family up front like the Mercedes.

160 Plus

Do yourself and buyers a favor and setup a visit with Terry Minix the VP of Embassy Specialty Vehicles to see a true innovating class B coach builder. Get ready to have your mind reoriented...forever...These are great folks at ESV. You will speak to Wanda Keiser if you call. They are also in Elkhart. I'm picking up my new Traveler Sport on November 3rd.

@dking4883

2 жыл бұрын

No refrigerator and that bathroom would not be for everyone.

Nice, but not a massive high-end to me. Very dark colors and will show so much dirt. Will be very hot box coach in the south. This is a opinion from someone that has a Grech Starda Ion.

@dking4883

2 жыл бұрын

This is high end. We looked at the Strada; it does have some nice features, but our opinion was that the Patriot fit and finish and craftsmanship was better. There are other color options for the interior.

Can he do a 17 Foot van bed in the back full size bed remove the 2 small couch and have set up that it is plz can u fine out for ty sir and sorry for my comment ur doing good job u and ur wife !

@ritaaguilera9396

2 жыл бұрын

The same color in size out plz ty

Looks nice. But matte paint typically is a nightmare for keeping it look new. Build quality seems sub to Roadtrek

@LibbyRal

2 жыл бұрын

It doesn't look new from the start. Looks like it's been sitting out in the sun for years. Ugly

@HappybyChoice

2 жыл бұрын

F11 does a great job with matte paint.

Button to open van door isn’t reachable by driver 🤔

You should have showed the bench seats made into the bed. No way I would consider buying something without seeing this in detail first.

@dking4883

2 жыл бұрын

The rear lounge is push button to raise and lower, in the Firefly panel. A board lays between the side seats and the pillows cover it to make almost a king-sized bed. We use it like a hybrid full bed at the top and twin at the other end.

@BrittMFH

Жыл бұрын

Same as all of them, I'm sure. Would you really consider buying from just watching one video, anyway????

Like what I see

Ron said giving the people what they want .4 seats Ron that's what we want on the ford transit chassis.

@LolaStrange

2 жыл бұрын

Lol 😂 Ron is aware. He said there will be other models coming, along with a roof rack, ladder etc...

@timdunmyer4549

2 жыл бұрын

That one has seats in rear.

@dking4883

2 жыл бұрын

We own one of the first Transits. This is a 22" chassis. 2 extra seats would wipe out the current galley and bathroom space or really squish everything down.

How many times is this guy going to say “ya” “ya”