Need some help

[Dakota1]

We're looking to buy our first Class A and really like the features and floor plan of the Thor Windsport 35m. We've read many mixed reviews on Thor.
Would love to hear from Thor owners.

 

[Rich W.]

I’ve had two thor products - a 2001 30’ class C and a 2008 24’ toy hauler. The class C seemed pretty much bullet proof as long as I stayed up on repairs and maintenance. I bought it used with 80,000 miles on it, and it was a rental until 60k so it had some hard use. But it was a simple rig with no slides or awning and I did a lot of PM, updates, and upgrades, but never had any problems relating to mfgr shortcomings.

The toy hauler trailer tended to have “falling apart” issues but it got much harder use as trailers do - when you’re not riding in it you have no idea what’s going on back there or what your’e putting it through. So I did a lot of repairs, welding, some fabricating, but all of it was a result of using it a little harder than was probably intended.

I‘ve read a lot of accounts of bad experiences with Thor RVs resulting from materials and workmanship but you’ll find that in any production RV. Some more than others but I can confidently say there are worse choices than Thor. You just have to really stay up on your maintenance and watch for any issues developing and address them right away. If the price is right, the brand is no reason not to buy. Almost all RVs need constant maint and repairs and how you address that need will determine how well the coach holds up.

 

[TheLooks]

I have been trying to figure out how to answer these kinds of questions. As an RV tech I dont want to bash any brand. Here are my observations. People think they are built like houses. NO People think they should be able to drag them thru Louisiana for example and they should not suffer from the roads. NO People think their kids and dogs will not harm the interior. NO People think they can live in them full time and not harm them. NO, in fact the manufactures say they are NOT to be used in this manner. What manner is acceptable is anyone's guess. For the money, people think the axles and springs and hangers are state of the art... NOOOO. IF they took the time to understand the shortcomings of these units, many would not buy. But the lure of the open road and independence and well done commercials advertising them catch many unaware. The industry has suffered greatly in the last 4 or 5 years due to increased demand, profits to be made, and reduced focus on quality to push the output.

 

[Dakota1]

I get what your saying100%. What concerns me is when I read about delamination and multiple electrical problems. You being a RV tech are these complaints valid ? I never give 100% to what I read or hear knowing that lots of people can never be satisfied and feel the need to complain no matter what the situation is. Just don't want to purchase a product that needs to be in the shop constantly especially since we live on long Island and the closest shop is 2-3 hrs away.

 

[Rich W.]

My class C did have some delamination but it seemed to start at nearly 20 years old, and hopefully methods and materials have improved since 2001. Definitely something to look into. What year is the Windsport.

 

[TheLooks]

Delamination is a result of poor glue up or water infiltration or both. Many people never look at their roofs and seams, so poor maintenance is responsible for some of it. Tree limbs can poke a small hole without being noticed and it takes no time from there. As to electrical issues, the answer is that there is no code enforcement in the RV industry. The fixtures are the cheapest and lightest possible. They are not installed by electricians. The outlets they use are horrible. They push the wires down into metal slots like the crappy little things you buy to splice into a wire without cutting it. Prone to loosen with vibration. In the newer units people come into the forums all the time with pictures of a rats nest of wires in behind the panels. Just yesterday I worked on a 2022 model 5th wheel that had 9 different issues to deal with. Many people are getting an inspection of the unit by certified inspectors. This is pricey but they have a comprehensive list of things to test for you before you purchase. Better to find out before you buy then on your first trip.

 

[TheLooks]

Look at some of the youtube videos of the Alliance units. They are using a no luan plastic material called Azdel which does not absorb moisture and does not delaminate.

 

[Dakota1]

My class C did have some delamination but it seemed to start at nearly 20 years old, and hopefully methods and materials have improved since 2001. Definitely something to look into. What year is the Windsport.

It's a 2021.

 

[AbdRahim]

A few things to consider and investigate - this applies to any brand;

When buying a new RV, it is not unusual to spend the first one to three years fixing defects and stuff.

Make sure, if you buy froma dealer, that they have an excellent reputation for service. Most do not. Before you buy, enquire as to how long a wait there is for service. Do you have todrop it off and leave it until they get a chance to look at it, or can you make an appointment for theday they will begin work on it. Most I have seen want you to drop it and it could be there for weeks, before they even look at it.

Check with local campgrounds to see if there are good mobile techs nearby. They may be able to get to you sooner than a dealer.

Does the manufacturer have a repair facility to fix things under warranty. Check their reputation for quality and their reputation for standing behind their product.

I am so glad I dud a lot of research before buying, and did not buy the first pretty thing I looked at.

Oh and don’t even consider buying without test driving it!!

 

[Dakota1]

Wow alot of great info. I didn't know about the 1-3 yr nightmare that could happen ! I was leaning towards a Camping World for service but have heard mixed reviews about them.
As far as the drive first, without a doubt. I spoke to a dealer in NJ and when I asked the sales rep about test driving he said we don't do that here. You can drive it after you pay for it and if you don't like it you we'll take it back ... YEA RIGHT !! He couldn't understand why I wouldn't return his calls or emails. Great advice thanks very much.