For the past 6 months we have owned a new 2013 32 foot class C Leprechaun 317 that we have had nothing but problems with. It has been in the shop as much as it has been at our house so I am considering cutting my losses and getting out of the Leprechaun. I believe there is a good possibility that I can do an even trade with the dealer to a 2013 Thor Windsport 32A that they just took in on trade. The owner of the Thor moved up to a diesel pusher after owning the Thor for 6 months. The Thor gives us lots more living space but there are things we would give up moving from the Leprechaun C to the Thor. The Thor does look showroom new. The dealer is not a Thor dealer, so that concerns me as to what that means for maintenance. My budget doesn't allow me to move up to a more expensive Class A.Any thoughts on this model Thor or making this sort of trade in general?

Sorry to hear that. What sort of problems are you having?

I think they are pretty much the same class of RV. Thats not to say that a higher class RV dosen't have problems. Me personally I would not buy Thor. Everyone I had has had issues and has been JUNK. That is my opinion based on MY experiences.

rjxj wrote:Sorry to hear that. What sort of problems are you having?The biggest issue we are having with the Leprechaun is water intrusion in the cab over. Because of either poor installation or poor design, water leaks in and pools in the one piece cap. The cap will literally hold a couple of gallons and then dump it on the driver and passenger when driving and cornering the unit. Nice, right? The cap is supposed to reduce water leaks but in this case it is the cause. I am finding that this is a widespread issue and I am not the only one. The dealer is now making their 4th attempt to fix the problem, but now there is water damage and mold so they basicly need to do a cab over rebuild. They are waiting for parts from Coachmen now.

Hmmm, if the owner of the Thor only keep it 6 months before moving up...that should say something. Sorta sounds like the pickle you find yourself in with the class C.Consider that you may be cutting your losses now, but will you find yourself facing the same dilemma again in the near future??

bluwtr49 wrote:Hmmm, if the owner of the Thor only keep it 6 months before moving up...that should say something. Sorta sounds like the pickle you find yourself in with the class C.Consider that you may be cutting your losses now, but will you find yourself facing the same dilemma again in the near future??You raise very good points. I could end up with a used coach, no warranty, and a dealer that doesn't carry the coach I move to. Thanks for helping me boil it down. I think I will put my energy into either undoing the original deal through the lemon law or pressing Coachmen to make my coach right and compensate me in some way, perhaps by extending my warranty. We actually do like the Leprechaun if they make it right. At this point do you think talk to an attorney would be a wise thing?

Move to a Class A? | Good Sam Community

15 Replies

Finally_Time
Explorer
Nov 02, 2013
I traded my 3 month old poor handeling, water leaking, cheaply made Thor ACE in on a Winnebago Vista. That ACE probably looks good to a buyer looking for a very low milage almost new coach. The problems won't show up until after a trip in the rain with it fully loaded for travel. Like bluwtr49 said, beware of an almost new coach on a dealer's lot.
Richert
Explorer
Nov 02, 2013
Trade that Class C in for a Winnebago, Newmar or Tiffin class A. Just sayin!
cenfl
Explorer
Nov 01, 2013
We have a 2013 THOR Windsport 32A, our first motorhome. We would not buy it again. Have had numerous problems during the first year of ownership; everything from poor cosmetic "fit and finish" issues, to a main slide and leveling system not working properly. We are coming up to the end of our one year factory warranty this month and will be making one last trip to the dealer we purchased from for some warranty work. Glad we bought an extended service plan for this coach because sad to say, we fully expect to need it.
timmac
Explorer
Oct 06, 2013
GollyCollie wrote:
For the past 6 months we have owned a new 2013 32 foot class C Leprechaun 317 that we have had nothing but problems with. It has been in the shop as much as it has been at our house so I am considering cutting my losses and getting out of the Leprechaun.

I believe there is a good possibility that I can do an even trade with the dealer to a 2013 Thor Windsport 32A that they just took in on trade. The owner of the Thor moved up to a diesel pusher after owning the Thor for 6 months. The Thor gives us lots more living space but there are things we would give up moving from the Leprechaun C to the Thor. The Thor does look showroom new. The dealer is not a Thor dealer, so that concerns me as to what that means for maintenance. My budget doesn't allow me to move up to a more expensive Class A.

Any thoughts on this model Thor or making this sort of trade in general?

I would stay with what you got since its still new and work out the issues, don't knee jerk into possible other issues with another motorhome, your dealer now doing those repairs know the issues and will use it to low ball you, get the issues fixed and behind you and than start looking, you might change your mind and keep it.
Keystoner
Explorer
Oct 06, 2013
I think you should do a better research on this Thor....have read some pretty poor reviews. I'd think twice!
GollyCollie
Explorer
Oct 06, 2013
Clay L wrote:
I don't know about FL but in most states the lemon law only applies to the chassis, not the stuff built onto it.

In Florida the defect needs to be something that isn't primarily a 'facility of living'. This water problem being above the drivers seat effects the drivability and safety of the vehicle and therefore it meets the requirements under Florida's lemon law, at least that was the opinion of the person I spoke to at the Attorney Generals Office. Now what that gets you, I don't know. I need to find an attorney that can lay it out I guess. Extra agrivation in my life is the last thing i was looking for when i bought this rig. I should be camping right now! :(
MarkieBob
Explorer II
Oct 06, 2013
My holiday rambler vacationer was also in the shop near half the first year on warranty. I'm so glad we got the extended warranty as we've already used it. The rig now seems fixed and fine. I agree that lots of rigs have issues when new--hence the need for the warranty.

Keep all paperwork on repairs, keep on it daily to make sure it's done right--and the rig should be fine some day. I agree also that buying another used rig may give you new problems.
Clay_L
Explorer
Oct 06, 2013
I don't know about FL but in most states the lemon law only applies to the chassis, not the stuff built onto it.
Executive45
Explorer III
Oct 06, 2013
GollyCollie wrote:
At this point do you think talk to an attorney would be a wise thing?

IMHO, and I'm not one who goes the attny route very often, I would talk to one immediately. You've already said you're going the lemon law route. To do that effectively, you're going to need help. I wouldn't tell anyone at the dealership that's what you're doing as that usually breaks down communication avenues pretty quickly. Keep those open as long as possible. Keep the lawyer thing in the background. Seek advice not action at this point.....Dennis
Ranger_Smith
Explorer
Oct 06, 2013
GollyCollie wrote:
rjxj wrote:
Sorry to hear that. What sort of problems are you having?

The biggest issue we are having with the Leprechaun is water intrusion in the cab over. Because of either poor installation or poor design, water leaks in and pools in the one piece cap. The cap will literally hold a couple of gallons and then dump it on the driver and passenger when driving and cornering the unit. Nice, right? The cap is supposed to reduce water leaks but in this case it is the cause. I am finding that this is a widespread issue and I am not the only one. The dealer is now making their 4th attempt to fix the problem, but now there is water damage and mold so they basicly need to do a cab over rebuild. They are waiting for parts from Coachmen now.

Usually those leaks are easily repaired by sealing around the lights on the cap. That is mainly where they all leak from time to time.