Winnebago Minnie or Thor Chateau

Markiemark32 wrote:

jkspeers wrote:
First time buyers with absolutely no knowledge. We like 22R Minnie and small Thor Chateau. Does anyone have experience with quality of these brands? Which is better? Really could use some help.

Research roofs: I believe the Minnie has a fiberglass roof vs. the Thor having a rubber roof. A benefit, I ranked as importmant with our recent Class C purchase.

In general (internet/forum chat), Winnebego's get more positive reviews.

If you can go see both, to get a feel of inside setup, quality , layout, etc.... Most likely equipment wise, the two will be similar.

Quality is crazy word in the RV industry, all brands have some negative press if you dig far enough.

Supportting dealers, can make a big difference, along with owner's getting to know about maintenance & proper care.

Good luck and have fun!

Markiemark

While I prefer a one-piece fiberglass roof over a rubber roof, keep in mind most potential roof leaks occur at the seams or where vents or other items are installed. So if you don't maintain your seams and caulking a fiberglass roof is no better than a rubber roof in that regard.

Our class C was a Winnebago with a fiberglass roof. Now our class A is a Newmar with a rubber ("Brite-Tek") roof.

While a fiberglass roof is more resilient to rips or tears from low hanging branches or other obstacles, I'd be more concerned with the overall reputation of the quality of a particular manufacturer than the type of roof material.

Having worked in the RV service business, I'd choose Winnebago over Thor any day.

Ken

You can do a free second owner registration at www.winnebagoind.com and depending upon what year your 22 is find downloadable brochures spec sheets, wiring & plumbing diagrams, owners manuals etc. Also check out the info on the WIT club, we just got back from a great 3 night outing with our chapter. Dick

Congrats and welcome to the Winnie family!

jkspeers wrote:
Thanks everyone. Went with the Minnie. Picking it up on the 19th. Rubber roof on Thor looked really bad.

Congratulations!

Enjoy the new RV!

Adventures await you!

Markiemark

We love our Winnie.

See you on the road!

Thanks everyone. Went with the Minnie. Picking it up on the 19th. Rubber roof on Thor looked really bad.

I'd go with a Class C rig manufactured by a company that has proved itself for decades - Winnebago.

For instance:

I've been all over and under our Itasca (Winnebago) Class C and have found zero evidence of shoddy workmanship or negligent engineering ... only some component failures: The Parallax converter had to be replaced (on warranty - the same model/brand as is used on many other RVs ), the Group 24 coach batteries had to be replaced (on warranty - the same model/brand as are used on many other RVs), and the coach/engine battery interconnect solenoid had to be replaced (by me - the same model/brand as is used on many other RVs).

Our Itasca came stock with many "features" and "options" that time and time again folks here in the forums either wish that their other brand rigs had come with, or have had to add to their other brand rigs.

The Ford E450 V10 chassis under our coach has been superb in every respect - no modifications or upgrades required ... but I did have to learn how to "handle" the engine teamed up with it's TorqShift 6-speed (internal) transmission ... because the Ford truck V10 + tranny combination make up a different animal than the good old lumbering V8s plus 4-speed slippers that I'd been accustomed to down through the years. I love the smooth and spirited V10 + TorqShift duo now that I know how they play together.

No knowledge of Thor but I don't think you will go wrong with Winnebago. We have a 2003 Class C. Just got some faucet parts from the factory; no problem. I like the non-rubber roof. I undeerstand that you can get whatever replacement part you need for older units. It's an old company as RV companies go.

jkspeers wrote:
First time buyers with absolutely no knowledge. We like 22R Minnie and small Thor Chateau. Does anyone have experience with quality of these brands? Which is better? Really could use some help.

Research roofs: I believe the Minnie has a fiberglass roof vs. the Thor having a rubber roof. A benefit, I ranked as importmant with our recent Class C purchase.

In general (internet/forum chat), Winnebego's get more positive reviews.

If you can go see both, to get a feel of inside setup, quality , layout, etc.... Most likely equipment wise, the two will be similar.

Quality is crazy word in the RV industry, all brands have some negative press if you dig far enough.

Supportting dealers, can make a big difference, along with owner's getting to know about maintenance & proper care.

Good luck and have fun!

Markiemark

Here are comments in a THOR owner's forum.