Thor Super C (Chateau/Four Winds) improvements and mods

[Sites]

Hey folks,

I purchased a 2014 Thor Chateau 33SW last August and right from the start I experienced the new RV owner blues. In short, after driving back to San Diego from where I flew out to purchase it in Texas, it spent its first 3 weeks in the shop with about a dozen issues, ranging from minor to major.

That said, aside from all of the issues, now that I've resolved most of them either through warranty or just fixing it myself after the local Thor service dealer either did a half-assed job fixing a problem, or just flat out didn't fix it after it sat in their shop for weeks, I like this motorhome. I wanted something fairly nice and that could reasonably tow 10k+ LBS, since I have a desert prerunner truck and several motorcycles to trailer out with the family. Dynamax's were nice, but out of the $$$ range I was willing to invest on a first MH. I also looked as used medium duty chassis Super C's (older Show Haulers, etc.) but anything close to $100k was too dated looking and generally VERY used. So I saw the F550 chassis based Thor 33SW and bit the bullet.

After owning it for about 7 months now, my impression is that Thor came up with a great layout and mated it to a good chassis, but as a result of both production line quality assurance issues and the general feeling that everything beneath the surface was designed to speed up build time, there are many improvements that can be made by owners to make this coach better. And frankly, should have been done at the factory before shipping off to the dealer! 🙂

The reason I'm starting this thread is because I've noticed a few other Thor Super C owners on here and other forums, that have all mentioned having similar issues (house water pump leaks, front fuel tank filling issues, front hydro jacks too low from the factory, poor house battery capacity, etc.) I've also noticed a few very cool modifications and improvements by others on here as well, such as relocating the house batteries to one of the storage compartments and switching to a bank of four 6v batts. I figured it would be useful to try and centralize the communication of issues encountered, how to resolve them and suggestions to improve the coach.

I've done a few already and will post one of them shortly. Hopefully other Thor Super C (33SW, 35sk, 35sg, Etc) will chime in as well.

[dnhill]

I now have my 35SK back from the dealer. This was the 7th trip for repairs to the dealer and I drove to the factory for repairs once. This last time it was at the dealership for 95 days. It seems like all systems are working for now.

The worst problem fixed (again) was the cap came loose from the cab. I hope it is a permanent fix. Although it was out of warranty, Thor covered the repairs that were either fixed fixed once or more during the warranty period or was reported by the end of the period.

If I were to purchase another Thor product, I would spend a couple of months close to the factory for the repairs. Or, I will find a used MH that someone else had to fix before they gave up on it.

All that said, I really like the layout and features. I am ready for some enjoyment with the MH. I have had more trips for repairs than for fun.

[mbacfp30]

Thanks RobbieH. We will see and I will let you know how my towing goes. Have a great day.

[RobbieH]

I have the 7.5. I should take a picture and post it. I am FAR from the ground. There is no way I will scrape. I leave it in even when I am not towing.

[mbacfp30]

Hi RobbieH,

Hope all is well. Got my 10 inch lower for my tow bar. Doesn't look too low on this truck...have you had any issues with scratching it going into normal places...I know extreme angled will probably be problematic. Any going to do a test tow this a Friday. Thanks and I hope all is well.

[RobbieH]

RE_Todd wrote:
Someone explain the automatic generator start to me please? I downloaded and printed the manual, haven't played with it yet. I set the switches to 11.6 volts, 1.5 hour run time. If I push the test button, I'm assuming the generator should start, then shut down if battery voltage is above setpoint. If not, it will run for 1.5 hours.

In normal operation, just set it to Enable (I think that's what it says). It will come on at the setpoint (11.6) then run for the amount of time you have set. It won't shut off when fully charged. I wish that were the case.

If you hit Test, it should start. I always go shut it off manually at the panel, so I don't know if it would run for 1.5 hours in your case or just shut down after a while.

[mbacfp30]

I believe you are correct. Never played with it yet. I've never needed to use it. I believe I did press the test button and my generator turned on (if memory serves me correct).

[RE_Todd]

Someone explain the automatic generator start to me please? I downloaded and printed the manual, haven't played with it yet. I set the switches to 11.6 volts, 1.5 hour run time. If I push the test button, I'm assuming the generator should start, then shut down if battery voltage is above setpoint. If not, it will run for 1.5 hours.

[RobbieH]

Mine love to travel as well. I keep mine on 50a at all times. I keep the fridge loaded and ready to go. We use it as a guest house quite a bit also.

[mbacfp30]

Luckily I've never experienced that issue, but thanks for the heads up. Before every trip I hook up to 50amp shore power (at my house) to get the refrigerator loaded and cold before we leave. I run my generator 80%+ of the time due to the kids and 2 Golden Retrievers that lay on the bed in the back while traveling...one sleeps while the other looks out the rear window...mine both love to travel.

[RE_Todd]

RobbieH, My 4 yr old Boxer is tough, the 10 month old Great Dane puppy is scared of his own skin!!

Came home today, cranked the internal switch for about 25 seconds. Flashing light went off, then the generator started. I'll keep working on figuring this thing out.

[RobbieH]

So that's what I saw on mine. I would hear the fuel pump, then when it went to start it just went "click". See my troubleshooting points above.

Dogs are pretty tough. I have two border collies. 🙂

[mbacfp30]

Thanks for the update Todd. Did Cummins start the generator from the RV control panel or at the generator? Maybe a short or something from the RV control panel? Weird...Thanks for keeping us up to date. Nigjt

[RE_Todd]

The generator wouldn't turn over, but you could hear the fuel pump running. I had checked the batteries, inverter battery voltage, and fuel levels. The nearest Cummins/Onan warranty site was able to start it and run it with no issues. We picked it up and haven't had the no start issue since we got it back.

I'll be looking around under the bed to see if I have a loose connection, wire damage, or anything else that might be a problem. The generator doesn't appear to be the no-start source.

RobbieH, we ran the a/c more for the dogs than the people.

We'll see what happens, and if I find a smoking gun I'll post it.

Thanks

[RobbieH]

Sites wrote:
It might also be worth mentioning whether "not starting" means:

1. The generator is turning over, but not firing?
2. Its not even turning over when attempting to start it.

Excellent points!

[Sites]

It might also be worth mentioning whether "not starting" means:

1. The generator is turning over, but not firing?
2. Its not even turning over when attempting to start it.

To add to RobbieH's comment about fuel consumption while running the generator, once the rear tank reaches something like 1/3 or 1/4 full, the generator will no longer be able to draw fuel from it. I've had this happen before, but immediately knew it was because my rear fuel level was too low.