New wannabe DP owner

[wagge]

Well as many of you my wife and I are considering an escape vehicle. We plan on short trips of 3-5 days but could be lots of driving. We are in Houston and like going to Big Bend about 500 miles away. We like the idea of dry camping and are really looking at the Palazzo 33.2 maybe 13-17 year models.

I have read many reviews about issues with Thor but I am very good at fixing most anything. I am an Electrical contractor and have a large shop with just about any kind of tool you can imagine. I work on electrical systems and have repaired TV's, computers', Scissor lifts, truck, trailers, etc... so I do not mind getting my hand dirty.

I really like the price point, layout, and features of the Palazzo, there does not seem to be much else in a DP in a small format and price range. The only negative I would have is the outside storage, inside looks great.

I looked at the Tiffin 32 breeze but to many issues with the Pre 17 engines and the 17's are more than I wanted to spend.
I also looked at the 26ft Class C Mercedes but I think its just too small and not able to pull a jeep comfortably. I have also looked a Class A gas in the 26-30ft but after riding in friends 34ft gasser it was really had a lot of engine noise, especially pulling up hills. He has since gone to DP

Any comments would be much appreciated while on our quest to find the perfect MH. We want to spend around 100k or so and would prefer a 15-17 year model

Thanks, Bill G

[Mnoel]

Just came across this. Not mine, don't know the owners, but sounds like a good rig if you are willing to travel a little to get it.
https://boise.craigslist.org/rvs/d/b...854041900.html

[wagge]

Thanks for the link, looks like a nice rig. I really want to try for the 16-17 year model, not as many around and more expensive but will keep looking.

[iluvuk]

Originally Posted by wagge

Thanks for the link, looks like a nice rig. I really want to try for the 16-17 year model, not as many around and more expensive but will keep looking.

I think you will find that Thor sells more motorhomes and brands than any other manufacturer so you surely will hear more complaints just because of that. I have owned 3 different brands and I can honestly say they are all about the same with regard to minor workmanship issues and little repairs and adjustments (at least the 3 brands I owned). I have been happy with my Thor Palazzo and bet you can't find a better DP for the money on the market. That said, there are some other great brands and models. Another one that is a bit longer is the Pace Arrow. Good luck!

[wagge]

Thanks for the reply, I would love to have your rig, very nice

[will stevens]

If you live in Houston, take a few days from time to time and go by PPL Motorhomes. They have a great variety of all RV's to walk through to see what you like and don't like. Every manufacturer will be there at some point. Most units are owner consignment (they do sometimes take trades and PPL ends up as the dealer owned unit) I walked there yard several times when searching for my present RV.
And yes I did end up buying from them after about a year of searching.
I had a gas motorhome so no hurry for me.

[lo-tek]

Totally off topic but...

If you're going from Houston to BBNP take US90 to Marathon rather than I-10 to Fort Stockton. It's a prettier drive. You can get fuel in Sanderson on the way out.

I'm in Denton now so my route is different but we've done BBNP several times in the Palazzo.

[HobieBaxter]

We have a 2015 33.2 and have greatly enjoyed it. As others have noted, for the price point a Palazzo is hard to beat. We bought the unit lightly used and haven’t had any serious issues- most which have been caused by my own ignorance. Try Alvarado, TX for large dealerships with good inventories of used units. Tell them what you are looking for and they’ll find it for you. Good luck in your hunt!

[iluvuk]

Wagge,
Did you look at a Coachman Sportscoach? They are very reasonably priced DPs. I have only seen pictures never seen one in person but they look nice enough.