Community Forums

RV-Writer · 10-13-2016, 11:21 AM

Looking at a 2004 Four Winds Mandalay. I don't see a specific owner forum for four winds so wondering if they made good coaches? Did someone buy them out? They want 55k for it. I know to do inspections etc, just wondering if anyone has or had one of these and what you all think of the manufacturer etc...

Here are the options it has:
350 CAT Enginge (50,474 Miles)
Allsiomn MH 3000 six-speed automatic
Onan 8.0 KW Quiet Diesel Gen ( 277 hours)
Length: 41' 5"
Fuel: 100 Gallons
LP: 121.5 Pounds
Fresh Water: 110 Gallons
Black Tank: 55 Gallons
Gray Tank: 66 Gallons
Hot Water Tank: 10 Gallons
12- Cubic Foot Two way Stainless Steel Refer w/ Ice Maker
2200 Series Washer/Dryer
In-Motion Satellite
Central Vacuum System
Solar (Front A/C Only)
Cold Weather Package
Hardwood Oak cabinetry

RV-Writer · 10-13-2016, 11:23 AM

I am also looking at a 2007 coachmen sport coach cross country. Same kind of question - is there a forum for these brands? Anyone have one or had one? What do you think of them?

Thanks

mhbell · 10-13-2016, 03:16 PM

Four Winds was bought by THOR There are owners groups and forums. Look for Thor owners group.
Mel

Shell925 · 10-13-2016, 03:34 PM

I have a 2004 Mandalay 40D and I love it. I also bought used several years ago and and have made several trips in it. It has had some problems but none other than you would expect out of a coach that old. I have been looking at an upgrade to a newer coach but cannot justify the additional cost over what I have now.

RV-Writer · 10-13-2016, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mhbell

Four Winds was bought by THOR There are owners groups and forums. Look for Thor owners group.
Mel

Thanks for this info. I have heard very little good about Thor so I may need to move on.

RV-Writer · 10-13-2016, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shell925

I have a 2004 Mandalay 40D and I love it. I also bought used several years ago and and have made several trips in it. It has had some problems but none other than you would expect out of a coach that old. I have been looking at an upgrade to a newer coach but cannot justify the additional cost over what I have now.

Thanks - any trouble getting support out of Thor? Can you list the kinds of problems you have had? The RV dealer has good reviews for their service department and the owner seems very honest. A solid motor and transmission are my biggest worries - but getting nickel and dimed isn't fun either.

MisterT · 10-13-2016, 04:12 PM

you asked whether it might be a good coach - yes, but Thor has NOTHING to do with that - why bring them into the mix?? it was built by FourWinds.

powderman · 10-13-2016, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MisterT

you asked whether it might be a good coach - yes, but Thor has NOTHING to do with that - why bring them into the mix?? it was built by FourWinds.

If he needs parts specific to the coach, won't he need to get them through Thor??

mhbell · 10-13-2016, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MisterT

you asked whether it might be a good coach - yes, but Thor has NOTHING to do with that - why bring them into the mix?? it was built by FourWinds.

X2 it was built before four winds was snatched up by Thor. I would never buy another new coach. Only used.
Mel

mhbell · 10-13-2016, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by powderman

If he needs parts specific to the coach, won't he need to get them through Thor??

Not necessary. Most of the materials are 3rd party anyway all appliances are. Look at all of the Orphans out there and most of the time you can still get parts from the 3rd party vendor. Fiber glass (Filon) repairs can be made by any good body shop. As far as Thor goes I've had no problems getting Schematics and Manuals from their archives. The only problem I could see might be some trim parts or maybe decals, and a lot of those can be bought from 3rd partys. Example the head light assys on my present motor home can be purchased from Jeep. They are the same.
Mel

Z06 · 10-13-2016, 08:25 PM

We have owned a 2003 Mandalay 40B for 3 1/2 years with very little problems. We love it.

RV-Writer · 10-13-2016, 08:44 PM

Thank you all for your feedback. I am very new to the Motorhome game so I don't know the ins and outs of how to get help / parts / manuals and all that.

My bringing up Thor is an indication of that newbie status and an acknowledgement that Thor has not garnered a good reputation from my reading of sites like IRV2. I believed (maybe incorrectly) that I would have to go through Thor for some things house related (wiring builds Windows and the like) - what chassis would be under this and who would I go to for chassis work? Engine and generator I guess I would take to a Cummins or CAT shop.

The best resource I know of is sites like this so I thought I would ask.

RV-Writer · 10-13-2016, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z06

We have owned a 2003 Mandalay 40B for 3 1/2 years with very little problems. We love it.

thanks for telling me that. There are two of you that have them and responded with positive feedback. I haven't seen any responses saying "they suck, stay away).

Rich-n-Linda · 10-13-2016, 08:47 PM

We have a 2006 Mandalay 40E. Absolutely love it.

In my opinion it is a better built coach than the same era Winnebagos and Itascas that we looked at.