We will be getting a Class A Toy Hauler about this time next year. Looks like we really only have two choices without getting into the half million dollar plus makes/models; Thor and Newmar. We've looked at both, and we aren't sure what to get. The positives on the Newmar: Quality appears better (important), gas nozzle for the toys (slightly more important so we won't be looking for ethanol free gas where it's hard to find).The positives on the Thor: The ramp converts to a patio (very important), sliding glass doors going into the garage (I love them, but not a necessity). I'm not wondering people's opinions on the patio - I know we and our pups would love it, and yes, I know I can place chairs under an awning outside, haha, but we'd like the patio. I'd like some opinions on what you like or don't like about your purchase on either make, and if there is any kind of conversion to make the Newmar ramp into a patio. I know there is a "hump" in the ramp built in for anti-high centering, which the Thor has in the garage. We would be getting a new model. Thank you!

Can't believe it would take much as a owner mod to turn a ramp into a patio and I have to believe the quality of the Newmar exceeds the Thor. I own a Thor product and have looked at replacing it with another Thor, Winnebago, and Newmar. Thus far the Newmar is way ahead on all counts.

IMHO Anything that Newmar makes will be better than a comparable Thor product.

Newmar is a better built coach, hands down. It also has a much longer wheelbase (266" Newmar vs 242" Thor) which will prove better handling and reduce the likelihood of the rear axle being overloaded with the garage loaded.One more thing I like about the Canyon star is the stealth rear cargo door. I think to anybody who isn't familiar with it, it just looks like another Class-A unlike the Outlaw which makes its garage very conspicuous. I think this greatly reduces the chance of getting broken into. In fact, with some black highlights (or plastic mesh inserts) added to the Canyon Star, it would look a lot like a Diesel Pusher from the back.

Gammo, I see the Canyon Star has two sized garages, one called a garage and one called a shed. What are you going to put inside?I see that Thor has a loft area on two floor plans above the garage.... which seems cool for extra sleeping. I'm not sure what it looks like in person as I can't find photo's.Keep in mind that something large like patio doors might rattle, not sure how secure they are.Bottom line is, get what fits you the best as that's what you will enjoy. Newmar offers SO many different floor plans, reminds me of the old Monaco.Good luck,MM.

Mr.Mark wrote:I see that Thor has a loft area on two floor plans above the garage.... which seems cool for extra sleeping. I'm not sure what it looks like in person as I can't find photo's..While the Outlaw has a loft, the Canyon Star has a full bedroom (one Outlaw floor plan does have a sofa sleeper in a separate room, but then you don't get a couch in the living area).The loft is just that... a loft. Enough space for sleeping and crawling around, but probably not enough space for secksy-time.

Class A Toy Hauler - Newmar or Thor | Good Sam Community

tatest
Explorer II
Sep 12, 2015
If cost is no object I can't imagine myself buying a motorhome from any of the Thor companies (except maybe Airstream) over an equivalent Newmar product. Take the time to visit the Newmar factory, if you are unsure. They run two tours a day. Nappanee, Indiana, west side of town.
conceptumator
Explorer
Sep 11, 2015
I have to agree with what others are saying, just can't believe the Newmar and Thor are in the same price range. I owned a Thor Hurricane for several years and loved it, but compared to a Newmar? No way they're the same beast! The Newmar is way up there in quality. Most likely the same chassis and no difference going down the road but much nicer and better resale value. Here's a thought - look for used ones a few years old from each manufacturer, then look them over to see how they've stood up to usage. I think that will swing you the way you want to go.
bsinmich
Explorer
Sep 07, 2015
I had a 2003 Newmar Mountain Aire gasser. I had to sell it this past summer because I could no longer getup the 6 steps into it. Everythig I am trying in my 2 new to me MHs is done by comparing to the Newmar. There is no comparison.
Gammo
Explorer
Sep 06, 2015
Haha, excellent Bruce! Thank you!
Bruce_Brown
Moderator
Sep 06, 2015
I own a Newmar MH and a Thor TT. There is ZERO comparison between the 2.

Enjoy your new Newmar.
Gammo
Explorer
Sep 05, 2015
rgatijent1, the problem with the Simba is we want a "real" queen bed/bedroom. We have dearly loved our pop-ups and hybrid beds over the years with the tent "feel," and if we are having to leave those, we want to replace them with a more comfortable bed, lol! Thank you though!

Fire Up, It has the same chassis and motor as the Thor. If you go to YouTube and type in 2015 Newmar Canyon Star 3921 you'll see some great walk-throughs! Quality in person is really nice. There is also one other floorplan with the full garage, but I can't remember the model number.
rgatijnet1
Explorer III
Sep 03, 2015
I know that you said that you wanted new but IF you would consider used, try to find one of the Safari Simba toy haulers. The quality is excellent and you can still find them with low mileage, two or four captains chairs, and one to three queen sized beds. There is no ramp. It is a 3000 pound capacity hydraulic lift to raise your bikes and then this acts as a raised patio once it is in the up position. There is also a fuel tank to store gasoline for your toys and it is a diesel powered coach. The wheelbase is 260" and you can find a good used one for under $100K which leaves plenty of money for more toys. I think the last year they were made was 2010. Here is a brochure from 2008. Safari Simba
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Sep 03, 2015
sch911 wrote:
IMHO Anything that Newmar makes will be better than a comparable Thor product.

x2
bumpy
carringb
Explorer
Sep 03, 2015
FIRE UP wrote:
This is the first we've seen in motor home toy haulers besides the ugly Outlaw. I sure like the Newmar. What kind of engine, floor plans, sleeping arrangements does the Newmar have? I typed in Newmar Canyon Star and, all I got was a few for sale at a dealership which, gave no information what so ever. Just says "Call for price".
Scott
FIRE_UP
Explorer
Sep 03, 2015
This is the first we've seen in motor home toy haulers besides the ugly Outlaw. I sure like the Newmar. What kind of engine, floor plans, sleeping arrangements does the Newmar have? I typed in Newmar Canyon Star and, all I got was a few for sale at a dealership which, gave no information what so ever. Just says "Call for price".
Scott

Forum Discussion

Class A Toy Hauler - Newmar or Thor

About Motorhome Group

Related Content

Newmar class A

Newmar quality

my Newmar

Flexsteel and Newmar

Maneuverability of toy hauler vs class A DP