The reaction of fac-[M^IIIF₃(Me₃tacn)] ×x H₂O with Gd(NO₃)₃×5H ₂O affords a series of fluoride-bridged, trigonal bipyramidal {Gd^III₃M^III₂} (M=Cr (1), Fe (2), Ga (3)) complexes without signs of concomitant GdF₃ formation, thereby demonstrating the applicability even of labile fluoride-complexes as precursors for 3d-4f systems. Molecular geometry enforces weak exchange interactions, which is rationalized computationally. This, in conjunction with a lightweight ligand sphere, gives rise to large magnetic entropy changes of 38.3 J kg^-1 K^-1 (1) and 33.1 J kg^-1 K^-1 (2) for the field change 7 T→0 T. Interestingly, the entropy change, and the magnetocaloric effect, are smaller in 2 than in 1 despite the larger spin ground state of the former secured by intramolecular Fe-Gd ferromagnetic interactions. This observation underlines the necessity of controlling not only the ground state but also close-lying excited states for successful design of molecular refrigerants. Molecular coolers: Even labile fluoride complexes (see picture; Gd purple, Cr/Fe/Ga orange, F green, O red) are useful precursors for polynuclear, fluoride-bridged 3d-4f systems. Molecular geometry enforces weak exchange interactions, which is rationalized computationally. This, in conjunction with a lightweight auxiliary ligand sphere, gives rise to extremely large magnetic entropy changes.