Community Forums

rdalemercer · 11-07-2016, 06:55 PM

Thoughts?

Streetrod37 · 11-07-2016, 06:59 PM

I did a Jayco factory tour and really enjoyed it.

Rwstoner · 11-07-2016, 10:27 PM

We went on a Thor factory tour. They were building Palazzo 33.4's that day. Since that was the model we purchased it was very informative. I asked a lot of questions and they answered all of them. We feel is a tour is a must do and very worth while.

Scarab0088 · 11-07-2016, 11:16 PM

It is noteworthy that there is multiple factory tours for TMC products and even more for Thor RV's.

Since about mid-2015, building the Palazzo was moved to the old Monaco plant on Nelson's Pkwy in Wakarusa alongside production of the Miramar, Challenger, and Outlaw gas motorhomes...as well as the Aria, Venetian,Tuscany, and those awesome Super C's
https://thormotorcoach.com/Motorhome...r-Plant-Tours/

Because of this move, previous tours would have been a very different experience.

The Class A's with much higher sales numbers (ACE, Hurricane, Windsport) and the w-i-d-e variety of Class B's and C's are in TMC's other 3 facilities in Elkhart. I would venture a guess that there is something worth seeing at each of these plants...but the one in Wakarusa is on our to-do list.

And BTW, the TMC Factory Service Center also moved to Wakarusa in 2015, right around the corner on Ward St., if there was anything on your coach that needed attention.

Safe travels

rdalemercer · 11-09-2016, 11:08 AM

Thanks for the replies and comments. DW and I drove to Hershey, PA for the show in September which was a great education. We spent 3 full days looking at too many RV's, attending seminars, visiting booths, etc ... and - based on that visit - decided to visit Winnebago and Thor.

We are wanting to schedule a factory tour where the Thor DP's are being build.

We recently toured the Winnebago plant - and were not impressed with a) not being able to see the Class A's being built except below the last 'catwalk' that we were taken to and b) I expected that the local dealer ("1 mile from the plant") would have has a good supply of the various models that are build, but the selection was less than stellar and - as stated earlier - we were disappointed.

I want to better understand how the components are put together (RV mfgr's are more of an 'assembler' of components) which may provide some insight into how to keep them serviced.

Again, thanks for your input and comments ....

Dale.

**NLOVNIT** · 11-09-2016, 11:31 AM

I took the Thor DP plant tour a couple months ago. It was after shift end so there wasn't really anything being "built", except for a few workers who were staying over their shift end to finish the task they were working on. They were happy to talk with us, though, & I had a nice chat with 2 guys laying floor tile for a Tuscany.

It was informative & our guide answered all questions asked. We were able to go in a few coaches at the end of the tour.

Lori-

MisterT · 11-10-2016, 03:29 PM

I believe the THOR MOTORCOACH factory tour in Wakarusa is only for after-work hours since they don't want non-workers on the factory floor while work is happening.

I found the tour informative, especially if you already own a coach, or are familiar with the workings of coaches, since you then have a better 'eye' for what to pay attention to.

How the chassis looks before the coach is built on it is one of those special areas. It's nice to see how the structure is arranged and the engine, tranny, and generator views while they can be easily seen.
How the walls are constructed, and the floor, is also a great detail. It's nice to know how the plumbing and electrical are run, as well.

I would also suggest the FREIGHTLINER Custom Chassis factory TOUR in Gaffney, SC, also near the home of the FCC Freightliner Service Center. They offer tours while the line is working, and it's a nice walkthru to see how coach chassis, and many other types of chassis, are made.

Pigman1 · 11-10-2016, 04:00 PM

I know it's not what you're looking at but if you want a great tour, go to the Tiffin plant in Red Bay and Belmont. Not only are you allowed down on the manufacturing floor, but if you have any questions, you just ask the workers. We've been through the plants many times, and spent the whole time our coach was being built in the coach and in the plant. We followed it from chassis build through masking and painting. When I wanted to know how my cabinets were assembled, and then how they were fastened into the slides, I went to the woodworking shop and the assembly areas and asked while I took pictures. Mr Tiffin's policy is "be careful, don't get hurt or in the way, and enjoy". I expect if some fools start suing for doing something stupid, his policy will change, but there's no better place to see an RV being built.

JD11 · 11-14-2016, 07:08 AM

We toured Thor, Forest River/Georgetown and Newmar. Best thing we did.

It really helps to understand by seeing what they are actually doing and asking why.

We bought a 16 Miramar after our tours. To be sure, it isn't perfect in terms of build quality but Thor has so far been responsive in terms of getting thru the first year issues.

RDFTravelers · 11-21-2016, 07:53 PM

Just did the tour in Wakarusa while attending the Thor Diesel Club Rally in Oct and have to say it was excellent! They were building all diesels that day and had several Palazzo and Tuscany on the line in different completion phases.

The reason I say this is I did not realize how the coach was framed nor molded and seeing this will sure help me in my future upgrades or items I try to service myself.

It also gives you the opportunity to ask a lot of questions you may have as well. Thor seem very concerned and willing to make sure you are pleased with your purchase.

I would therefore recommend this to every owner who is a hands on owner.

Safe Travels to All.