Thor (and others) Quality Construction

[FB_Grateful_Dad]

On another thread, I mentioned being interested in a new Thor. A reply mentioned "good thing it has a warranty, you'll need it". I know around here opinions are like noses, but does anyone have anything definitively good or bad to offer about the Thor line, specifically the gassers in the 34 foot range? I was interested when Mondooker said he was looking at a Windsport 35 but no more comments on that thread.
Thanks as always, Fred

[Alabama_Campers]

We just purchased (two weeks ago) a new 2016 Thor ACE 30.1 and thus far truly like it. We've only put ~1200 miles on it but really no issues with the coach itself. The fit and finish from this entry-level coach has really surprised us...interior walls are very firm, cabinetry is solid with no issues. It's certainly not a $300K coach, but it's all we need. The new engine and 6-speed tranny has lot's of power...and really not that loud climbing the hills...can still carry on a conversation with the DW. As of present I have no issues with the Thor product.

Steve

[tropical36]

FB Grateful Dad wrote:
On another thread, I mentioned being interested in a new Thor. A reply mentioned "good thing it has a warranty, you'll need it". I know around here opinions are like noses, but does anyone have anything definitively good or bad to offer about the Thor line, specifically the gassers in the 34 foot range? I was interested when Mondooker said he was looking at a Windsport 35 but no more comments on that thread.
Thanks as always, Fred

If you compare published prices for new, it will give you a pretty good idea of whether it's an entry level product or one of better quality. We always buy used and drop back in the years, until a quality built and the tried and true reputation closely matches our budget.

[rgatijnet1]

moisheh wrote:
rgatginet1: If one followed your advice then all units are more or less the same. It's not the individual items it is how they are installed. And sometimes where they area installed. Cabinetry is important. Cheap flimsy drawers are a a pain to fix. Inner walls that flex are not good. Fit and finish apply to the outside as well as the inside. Leaky roofs and windows can cause a lot of damage. I would never buy anything from Thor. Using quality and Thor in the same sentence is sacrilegious.

Moisheh

But, according to the posts on this topic, most owners do like them. As with any RV, by any manufacturer, a lemon can get through. Quite a few people do like Thor products and the ability to get in to RVing without spending a fortune. It is a compromise many people make each year.

[FB_Grateful_Dad]

Thanks Skip, that's a nice looking coach. Mondooker, care to share who your
Thor contact is?

[Mondooker]

I've been looking around as well and all but discounted the Thor Challenger but I always liked it. Before writing them off I called and had a 45 minute talk with a guy who know his business. The long and short of that conversation is I have the Challenger back in my consideration!

[Kaz]

FB Grateful Dad wrote:
On another thread, I mentioned being interested in a new Thor. A reply mentioned "good thing it has a warranty, you'll need it". I know around here opinions are like noses, but does anyone have anything definitively good or bad to offer about the Thor line, specifically the gassers in the 34 foot range? I was interested when Mondooker said he was looking at a Windsport 35 but no more comments on that thread.
Thanks as always, Fred

We've been very happy with our 2013 Thor ACE 30.1. Only major problem is that the tranny blew a torque converter, which was a Ford issue, not Thor, and was fixed under warranty. (FWIW--I'm told that the tranny in the Ford F53 is built to withstand a direct hit with a nuclear bomb and blowing one in like a one-in-a-gazillion occurrence.) A few minor issues, but all fixed under warranty, and a few nuisance problems caused by the bozo dealer who installed the equipment for the toad. I would gladly buy another Thor product.

I read once that differences in individual units dwarf the differences between brands and the best thing to do is a neurotically compulsive pre-delivery inspection. Checklists for such things can be found via Google.

Skip

P.S. Great screen name.

[jplante4]

I've inspected a couple of Hurricanes, one before purchase and one after, and I wasn't impressed. They were both early 2000 models and everything that could break was broken. I chalked it up to poor maintenance.

[Dale_Traveling]

I'm the second owner of a 2006 Hurricane 31D. Acquired the rig in 2011 with 18,000 miles and turned over 50,000 this past fall. Enjoy ever minute on the road with the coach. Never had a break down, never an issue the ended a trip early, the coach has never seen the inside of an RV or chassis service center. All the original equipment still works as well as the day I drove it home. I have had to replace a few exterior items due to driving/parking mishaps and getting parts, even for an older coach, from Thor was no problem.

[hooligan]

2016 Siesta Sprinter 24ST by THOR, very satisfied with fit and finish, excellent cabinetry. (new design this year). I'm fortunate in that my dealer is only 5 miles away and I can easily get any problem addressed.
THOR has been very good at authorizing any repairs that I've needed. My dealer ( Carpenter's in Pensacola) has only kept the RV overnight twice (4days total) since I bought the unit in June 2015. (Now over 10,000 miles)
A lot of criticism of manufacturers is actually due to poor response by the dealer.

[moisheh]

rgatginet1: If one followed your advice then all units are more or less the same. It's not the individual items it is how they are installed. And sometimes where they area installed. Cabinetry is important. Cheap flimsy drawers are a a pain to fix. Inner walls that flex are not good. Fit and finish apply to the outside as well as the inside. Leaky roofs and windows can cause a lot of damage. I would never buy anything from Thor. Using quality and Thor in the same sentence is sacrilegious.

Moisheh

[Rwake901]

We traded in a 2014 Thor ACE last spring for our current motorhome. No issues but minor ones all of which I took care of myself. Customer service was great, the dealer we bought it from "not so great". But hey I know not to go back there anymore. Make sure the floor plan is something you really like before you buy. We bought the ACE because we had never owned a motorhome before. We really liked having a motorhome so we traded for a longer one that had the floor plan we really liked. Good luck with your purchase.... 🙂

[billyboy]

I have an 08 thor windsport since new and it's been good. We have 45k miles on it and the only real problem has been the Ford starter

[rgatijnet1]

It is a Ford chassis, the same as what other coach manufacturers use. All of the systems are made by the same manufacturers that other coach manufacturers use.
The small hardware items are probably universal. The fit and finish of a specific coach you should be able to look at before you take delivery.
Anything after that is the same with all manufacturers built on a Ford Chassis.
The fact is that Thor outsells them all so it would make sense that they have more complaints. They probably have more satisfied customers also.

[FB_Grateful_Dad]

Thanks everyone, keep them coming. Thanks Ron, I did see that RVT site, and one called "p*ssed off consumer" or something like that. That one is really full of the 60 maddest owners. I suppose there are similar sites for just about every rig. Now I'm off to followup on Tom's Newmar suggestion.