Thor ACE confidence

[Shifty103.2]

I have lost almost all confidence in our 2017 ACE 29.2. EVERY time we take it out somewhere something goes wrong. I planned on taking it out west and exploring the USA, but even going to nearby campgrounds turn out to be a challenge. Last time out our slide topper almost destroyed itself, the backup camera kept cutting out (screen goes blank), coach was making noises (clunking like someone hit the coach, I could find nothing),and that was just the last time out. I'll refrain from going through the entire list. How can you enjoy rving and traveling if you have NO confidence in your coach, each time out you're wondering "what now?"

[Ohiomike]

I see you have several posts with issues. Did you recently purchase this coach or buy it new?

I bought a used 2014 Ace that had two major items plus tires due at purchase. The slide trim piece was glued on and falling off and step housing was falling down. I think they had teenage boys that jumped on it but either way I had to fix. I had the best luck with an independent repair guy. Owner operated shop. He fixed things for a reasonable price and I’ve had no issues. I wouldn’t go to a dealer. Try to get a local independent repair shop to look at all of your house issues. If you have the right one and it’s done right you will be set to go. I have full confidence in my coach.


Try an independent and see how that works for you. Good luck

[aether_one]

I have a 2016 ACE 27.1 and have no problem jumping in it and going at any point. We have had a few issues, some related to how Thor built the coach (rain wetting the furnace controller) and some due to the component manufacturer's poor quality control (water heater board failed, hydraulic leveling motor failed, slide motor went intermittent). None stopped us from using the coach and other than having to send the hydraulic motor out to a repair facility I accomplished all the repairs myself.

Issues with the ACE are no different than the issues people have with other models/brands. When you own a house that rolls down our highways you need be be either rich to pay for repairs, or self-sufficient to accomplish the repairs yourself or a combination of the two.

[Shifty103.2]

OHIOMIKE, I bought the coach new in Texas in Sept.2016. It's been to dealers twice, first time for shower curtain recall, (also had front stabilizer installed). Second time for awning failure and leaking windshield. Awning was due to screw through wire during build, windshield still leaks. The rest I've done myself, some with the recommendations of "Triplewide". I'm not above doing things myself, but due to limitations some must be done elsewhere. Living in Canada now and rv repair shops are not as numerous.

[Shifty103.2]

tfryman, I'm not rich and have done many things to my coach myself. Evidently you have had many outings with your coach without issues, we have not. We love the size and layout of our coach but now each time we get in and start it up we look at each other and wonder "what now"? I knew going in I'd be doing things myself and was ok with that. I know nothing is perfect, but I did expect to have enjoyable outings and to see the country without having things break or fall every time. I hope you continue to have good luck with yours, but I have lost a lot of respect for Thor.

[Shifty103.2]

I bought the coach brand new in Sept 2016, It's been one thing after another, our list is quite long. We love the layout and the size, but hate the lack of quality.

[triplewide]

We had some of the same issues you metion on this thread and in you PM. The last trip we took in the ACE 29.3 before trading it in was from Greensboro NC to Olympia Washington. Seemed Like I had one or two issues crop up each day.

Step motor went out.
TPMS sensors were intermittant.
Wiper blade fell off.
Deck screw worked loose, tenting the floor covering.
Seat covering started peeling.
Toad wiring became intermittant.
And many many more.

I have since changed coaches but I suspect that will not eliminate having issues while on the road.

[EdInArk]

Ours is a 2017 and we've had nothing major -- just a lot of minor irritants. We would take it out for a short trip, make a list, and take it back to the dealer. Then we'd do it again. After the factory warranty was out we stopped taking it to the dealer and started taking it to a local RV repair center that's much, much better.

I consider myself very luck not to have had slide or topper problems so far. That seems to be the biggest issue with many.

[manderson2228]

I had a Coachmen that acted like that. Every trip another 2 or 3 problems. It was annoying. I know you dont want to hear this but the happiest day of my RV'ing life was the day i traded that complete POS in and bought a Tiffin, now i can just camp, and enjoy the outdoors instead of playing mechanic and calling dealers for the next batch of fixes.

[RBC2017]

Originally Posted by EdInArk

Ours is a 2017 and we've had nothing major -- just a lot of minor irritants. We would take it out for a short trip, make a list, and take it back to the dealer. Then we'd do it again. After the factory warranty was out we stopped taking it to the dealer and started taking it to a local RV repair center that's much, much better.



I consider myself very luck not to have had slide or topper problems so far. That seems to be the biggest issue with many.

I purchased my ACE 30.3 new in April 2017.
After dozens of trips and 20k miles traveled the only failures in any systems I have had is listed below.
Ground wire needed tightening at backup camera
Gear stripped at entry step. I took it apart and turned it around to fix
The outside refrigerator failed. I replaced with a energy star model cost was about 100 bucks.
Generator would shut down when traveling in hot desert climate. I provided a fresh air vent in door to generator cabinet.
Toilet flush handle popped off, I popped it back on and it came off again. I fashioned a ell bracket to keep flush handle in position.
Interior piece of glass came loose on entry door. I re attached it with clear adhesive.

I keep up on regular service and maintenance and have indoor storage when not in use. My coach still looks new. Call me lucky or stupid considering what I paid new and the well thought out floor plan I would likely purchase the same coach again.

[triplewide]

Originally Posted by RBC2017

I purchased my ACE 30.3 new in April 2017.
After dozens of trips and 20k miles traveled the only failures in any systems I have had is listed below.
Ground wire needed tightening at backup camera
Gear stripped at entry step. I took it apart and turned it around to fix
The outside refrigerator failed. I replaced with a energy star model cost was about 100 bucks.
Generator would shut down when traveling in hot desert climate. I provided a fresh air vent in door to generator cabinet.
Toilet flush handle popped off, I popped it back on and it came off again. I fashioned a ell bracket to keep flush handle in position.
Interior piece of glass came loose on entry door. I re attached it with clear adhesive.

I keep up on regular service and maintenance and have indoor storage when not in use. My coach still looks new. Call me lucky or stupid considering what I paid new and the well thought out floor plan I would likely purchase the same coach again.

I agree, similar overall experience as yours. Only reason we sold the ACE 29.3 was floor plan and options. Wanted King bed, stacked washer/dryer, residential refrigerator. Just couldn't find that in a 30 foot coach.

[Shifty103.2]

Originally Posted by triplewide

I agree, similar overall experience as yours. Only reason we sold the ACE 29.3 was floor plan and options. Wanted King bed, stacked washer/dryer, residential refrigerator. Just couldn't find that in a 30 foot coach.

Triplewide: I agree with that wish list for the most part. We're ok with our bed, but would love a washer/dryer and more storage in bedroom. Does your residential fridge work on propane also or only electricity?

[Shifty103.2]

Manderson 2228, My wife would absolutely love to have a Tiffin. We've done some research since we've had all these problems and Tiffin and Newmar seem to be two that we wish we had. Realizing that all brands have some problems, it seems that Tiffin's service is above the norm and their coaches have quality to them.

[triplewide]

Originally Posted by Shifty103.2

Triplewide: I agree with that wish list for the most part. We're ok with our bed, but would love a washer/dryer and more storage in bedroom. Does your residential fridge work on propane also or only electricity?

Electric only