Thor Axis drivability
Thor has a new "Class A" style motorhome called the Axis that is built on an E350 chassis: http://axis-motorhomes.com/ My wife and I we really like the twin bed setup and TV placement in the Axi...
Forum Discussion
kgray, I'll be interesting in reading your report on drivability of the Axis. I agree that it is hard to justify the extra $20 for the 24V Sprinter. In Canada, because of the drop in crude's price and thus our currency the gap in list prices will be even wider.
I thought the layout was very nice. I now realize that I didn't give the Axis any time at the recent Tampa Super Show.
Towing is interesting. The Axis comes with an 8,000 lb receiver. The GCWR less the GVWR is 6,000 lbs so in theory it should be able to tow the 6,000 lbs. Our E450 has a GCWR of 22,000 lbs and GVWR of 14,500 so in theory we are good for 7500 lbs - BUT the receiver is rated at 5,000 lbs. What has to be considered is wheelbase extensions and frame rail extensions. Our E450 has been extended and I don't know what that does to the towing limit as it is not Ford that does the extension. (Ford does have what appear to be pretty tight upfitters rules though).
From what I can see with a wheelbase of 188 to 194 they will have extended the wheelbase as the E350's longest wheelbase is 176 inches. I sure do like the wheelbase to length ratios though - over .60.
So, do let us know how it drives. I'm kind of kicking myself for not taking a good look at the Axis and Vegas at the Tampa Super Show last month.
One headache considering either the Axis or Vega is the distance to the nearest dealer - way too far. From our point of view, Thor does a terrible job of product allocation.
Don
I thought the layout was very nice. I now realize that I didn't give the Axis any time at the recent Tampa Super Show.
Towing is interesting. The Axis comes with an 8,000 lb receiver. The GCWR less the GVWR is 6,000 lbs so in theory it should be able to tow the 6,000 lbs. Our E450 has a GCWR of 22,000 lbs and GVWR of 14,500 so in theory we are good for 7500 lbs - BUT the receiver is rated at 5,000 lbs. What has to be considered is wheelbase extensions and frame rail extensions. Our E450 has been extended and I don't know what that does to the towing limit as it is not Ford that does the extension. (Ford does have what appear to be pretty tight upfitters rules though).
From what I can see with a wheelbase of 188 to 194 they will have extended the wheelbase as the E350's longest wheelbase is 176 inches. I sure do like the wheelbase to length ratios though - over .60.
So, do let us know how it drives. I'm kind of kicking myself for not taking a good look at the Axis and Vegas at the Tampa Super Show last month.
One headache considering either the Axis or Vega is the distance to the nearest dealer - way too far. From our point of view, Thor does a terrible job of product allocation.
Don
