I've been reading about qaulity issues with several of the coaches I was interested in, specifically the slides. It seems as if all the bad slides were Lippert/Schwintek. More to the point, I was looking at the Palazzo 36.1; really nice coach for the price, but it seems to have continuing slide issues. Too bad, since the price and floorplan were nearly spot on. Our price will be in the $150k range if that helps. This issue is not exclusive to motor coaches, or even price points, as DRV is having similar issues in their lines. We also want the diesel pusher, as we will be towing a rather heavy SUV.First, are there brands that seem to have the least issues concerning slides and other quality issues? Second, which brands seem to take better care of their customers? (Thor and DRV get really bad reviews here). With all the info/misinfo available, it's very difficult to sift through it; visiting dealers doesn't help, as we are usually blinded by all the bling the dealers keep pointing out inside and out. At our budget, besides used, are there any viable options, or may we have to raise our budget? Used is always a viable option but, again, there are so many lemons out there that it's hard to sort and find the peach. Information gathered on here has greatly helped me in the past.

We purchased a Palazzo 33.3. Yes our unit has slide issues. However Thor is taking care of the problems. In fact it is in for service now. We took delivery on 11/1/14. They are installing the upgraded 3 track system. I carefully looked at competing coaches in the price range. There just isn't much that can tow a full size SUV. We have 3 kids and need a larger toad.

msturtz wrote:We purchased a Palazzo 33.3. Yes our unit has slide issues. However Thor is taking care of the problems. In fact it is in for service now. We took delivery on 11/1/14. They are installing the upgraded 3 track system. I carefully looked at competing coaches in the price range. There just isn't much that can tow a full size SUV. We have 3 kids and need a larger toad.Good to hear they are fixing the issue; my question is why should they have to in the first place? This is not a new issue; why can't they either install the upgraded tracks during production, or find a better slide supplier? Frustrating, especially since this seems to be the main complaint with the Palazzo. How are you, otherwise, liking it? They seem really well outfitted for the cost. We also looked at the bunk floor plan, but like the 36.1 floorplan better for FT after the brats leave the nest. As it is, there are plenty of sleeping options, and the 1/2 bath seals it.We're going to be pulling an Enclave; not the heaviest, but still pushing close to 5,000 curb. Along with our stuff, that's a little much for me to trust a gasser.

They are putting the 3 track system on all 2014.5 and 2015 units. Unfortunately, this is common in the "production" RV business. They have to cut costs to remain competitive. For me compared to say Jayco, Thor is doing much better at a lower cost. For instance, Thor uses corrugated wire protection and properly zip ties all wires. Everything is neatly laid out and organized. with Jayco they just run the wire as a disorganized mass, no wire protection, undersized wiring, and minimal zip ties. Thor used proper insulation for penetrations, Jayco used little or none. Thor uses cheaper cabinets than Jayco but for me I don't care it is an RV. Jayco adds some bells and whistles that Thor doesn't such as most of their units come with in dash navigation the problem is it is way out of date radio and very expensive and frustrating to update. The bottom line is for what you get Thor has a great value. I really do like their 24*7 customer service never got that with Jayco. Monday - Friday 9 - 5 EST only.

I am hoping this fixes the issue. Very happy to hear about your CS experience. With the towables, Jayco seems to have the upper hand there.Thank you for the honest review of your rig. I've seen a few of the older Winnies with the Freightliner chassis/300 Cat engines; those cabinets aren't that great, either, but the overall affect seems to be one of the "sum of the parts"; taken as a whole it's much nicer.Cabinet quality won't be such a huge deal, as we plan on adding a dish washer and making some other meaningful upgrades as time goes on, and most cabinets will have to be upgraded or rebuilt, anyway. So long as they hold up to continued use and do what they were designed to do.

Thor also replaced our 2014.5 35.1 large slide Schwintek system from a double to triple rail. I just don't know if it will be a long term solution as I plan on keeping this coach for a while. I guess time will only tell.

Slide issues | Good Sam Community

norfla71
Explorer
Dec 16, 2014
I am hoping this fixes the issue. Very happy to hear about your CS experience. With the towables, Jayco seems to have the upper hand there.

Thank you for the honest review of your rig. I've seen a few of the older Winnies with the Freightliner chassis/300 Cat engines; those cabinets aren't that great, either, but the overall affect seems to be one of the "sum of the parts"; taken as a whole it's much nicer.

Cabinet quality won't be such a huge deal, as we plan on adding a dish washer and making some other meaningful upgrades as time goes on, and most cabinets will have to be upgraded or rebuilt, anyway. So long as they hold up to continued use and do what they were designed to do.
msturtz
Explorer
Dec 16, 2014
They are putting the 3 track system on all 2014.5 and 2015 units. Unfortunately, this is common in the "production" RV business. They have to cut costs to remain competitive. For me compared to say Jayco, Thor is doing much better at a lower cost. For instance, Thor uses corrugated wire protection and properly zip ties all wires. Everything is neatly laid out and organized. with Jayco they just run the wire as a disorganized mass, no wire protection, undersized wiring, and minimal zip ties. Thor used proper insulation for penetrations, Jayco used little or none. Thor uses cheaper cabinets than Jayco but for me I don't care it is an RV. Jayco adds some bells and whistles that Thor doesn't such as most of their units come with in dash navigation the problem is it is way out of date radio and very expensive and frustrating to update. The bottom line is for what you get Thor has a great value. I really do like their 24*7 customer service never got that with Jayco. Monday - Friday 9 - 5 EST only.
norfla71
Explorer
Dec 16, 2014
msturtz wrote:
We purchased a Palazzo 33.3. Yes our unit has slide issues. However Thor is taking care of the problems. In fact it is in for service now. We took delivery on 11/1/14. They are installing the upgraded 3 track system. I carefully looked at competing coaches in the price range. There just isn't much that can tow a full size SUV. We have 3 kids and need a larger toad.

Good to hear they are fixing the issue; my question is why should they have to in the first place? This is not a new issue; why can't they either install the upgraded tracks during production, or find a better slide supplier? Frustrating, especially since this seems to be the main complaint with the Palazzo.

How are you, otherwise, liking it? They seem really well outfitted for the cost. We also looked at the bunk floor plan, but like the 36.1 floorplan better for FT after the brats leave the nest. As it is, there are plenty of sleeping options, and the 1/2 bath seals it.

We're going to be pulling an Enclave; not the heaviest, but still pushing close to 5,000 curb. Along with our stuff, that's a little much for me to trust a gasser.
msturtz
Explorer
Dec 16, 2014
We purchased a Palazzo 33.3. Yes our unit has slide issues. However Thor is taking care of the problems. In fact it is in for service now. We took delivery on 11/1/14. They are installing the upgraded 3 track system. I carefully looked at competing coaches in the price range. There just isn't much that can tow a full size SUV. We have 3 kids and need a larger toad.

Forum Discussion

Slide issues

About Motorhome Group

Related Content

Slide/camera issue

Odd slide out issue

Slide Out Issue

Slide alignment issues

Slide Topper / Awning Issue