Community Forums

Jkealey · 10-12-2022, 03:05 PM

I am interested in a used Aria model 3901.
I have read from other posts where there was a problem with the basements having some serious leaks. I have seen a bunch of posts referring to the 2018 models. Does anyone know if the problem is just to that year?
Has a fix been discovered for this and has Thor fixed the problem?

Thanks for your inputs.

LDK1 · 10-14-2022, 08:40 AM

Would suggest if you haven't already done so, join the Facebook group "Thor Aria Owners Group". Do a search in that group, and ask the question if your search results do not provide the needed info. I have a 2019 Aria 3901 (bought new in 2018) and had plenty of basement leak issues. Fortunately, all basement leaks have been addressed along with all the basement flooring replaced with marina grade materials.

LDK1 · 10-14-2022, 08:42 AM

Suggest also if not already done, join the Thor RV Forum and search/ask. App is in the Play Store.

Jkealey · 10-15-2022, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LDK1

Would suggest if you haven't already done so, join the Facebook group "Thor Aria Owners Group". Do a search in that group, and ask the question if your search results do not provide the needed info. I have a 2019 Aria 3901 (bought new in 2018) and had plenty of basement leak issues. Fortunately, all basement leaks have been addressed along with all the basement flooring replaced with marina grade materials.

Thanks, have requested to join FB group.
I don't understand the flooring you replaced in the basements.
I currently have a Thor Outlaw, storage compartments are all roto cast PVC.

LDK1 · 10-15-2022, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jkealey

Thanks, have requested to join FB group.

I don't understand the flooring you replaced in the basements.

I currently have a Thor Outlaw, storage compartments are all roto cast PVC.

Just saw your FB post. Hopefully you get some helpful additional info.

I had the basement flooring and sidewalls replaced at the Thor Factory Service Center in Wakarusa. I can't recall at the moment the maker of the materials they used. They did share "marine grade" which to me means the basement flooring and sidewalls will not absorb water and in turn rot.

Many fixes were performed at the factory service center to address the leaks including a LOT of sealing particularly around the wheel wells and chassis frame that goes full length through the basement, all door seals replaced, and plastic flaps added behind front wheels.

In addition to basement leaks, biggie challenge with the Aria is the slide operation. The Schwintek system has been problemsome for sooooo many, particularly the passenger side super slide. Due to many many failures of the super slide, I gave up and changed the Schwintek system for all 3 slides out with the Vroom slide system.

I love my 2019 Aria 3901, but it came new with a bunch of challenges.

Reach out if you need additional info.

PCBrown · 10-18-2022, 04:26 PM

We have a 2023 Aria. To date we have driven through substantial rain and wet roads and no wetness in the basement at all nor slide problems. We had a 2016 Palazzo which did have wet basement areas but the materials and door seals are completely different in the Aria. To date, we have had NO warranty issues whatsoever. Great floorplan

Polishilldav · 10-18-2022, 05:04 PM

I have a 2017 Aria 3601. The original basement door seals were useless. Thor then went with a larger C flap seal that was not much better.
I replaced all my seals with an automotive seal that worked pretty good. At the Thor rally in 2019 I bought the third version Thor seal, which is a larger "bulb" type seal. I replaced all my seals again with this version and have had no issues.
I believe all new units have this seal.
Another point to look at is the sealing at the front wall of the first bay where the two main support beams pass through. I crawled under the unit and on the front side of the wall sealed the junction with Flex Seal Tape.

Mikem610 · 10-20-2022, 05:55 AM

What size was the bulb seal that was used that has been working for you?
I have a Venetian and I also have the leaking problem. The floor was replaced once and still gets water inside.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polishilldav

I have a 2017 Aria 3601. The original basement door seals were useless. Thor then went with a larger C flap seal that was not much better.
I replaced all my seals with an automotive seal that worked pretty good. At the Thor rally in 2019 I bought the third version Thor seal, which is a larger "bulb" type seal. I replaced all my seals again with this version and have had no issues.
I believe all new units have this seal.
Another point to look at is the sealing at the front wall of the first bay where the two main support beams pass through. I crawled under the unit and on the front side of the wall sealed the junction with Flex Seal Tape.

Polishilldav · 10-21-2022, 07:22 AM

The bulb is about 1.25 in in width before compressed when the door is shut.
I bought the seal from Thor parts at the Thor rally in Elkhart.
Thor now will sell parts directly to Thor Diesel Club members without going through a dealer.
In addition to this latest seal version I also lined the inside face of the basement door with a strip of neoprene rubber. I bought a roll 4 in. wide and 1/4 in thick. I put it around the circumference of the door on the inside so when the door is shut it makes contact with the bulb seal.
Lastly I adjusted the door latch shims to make sure each door shut tight.
Probably overkill, but it has worked.

Mikem610 · 10-22-2022, 03:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikem610

What size was the bulb seal that was used that has been working for you?
I have a Venetian and I also have the leaking problem. The floor was replaced once and still gets water inside.

Thanks! Looks like I’ve got some work areas! This level of detail was so helpful though! Thanks again! I’m gonna give Thor a call and see how to get these parts rolling.

Mikem610 · 10-22-2022, 04:04 AM

Do you have a contact with Thor Parts that you could share? Thanks again!

Polishilldav · 10-23-2022, 10:25 AM

I have always called: 877-855-2867.

I have been told you can order parts direct. You may need to belong to the Thor Diesel Club, I am not sure. If you do it is worth the $ so you can cut out the dealer when you need parts.

sawman91 · 11-27-2022, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jkealey

I am interested in a used Aria model 3901.
I have read from other posts where there was a problem with the basements having some serious leaks. I have seen a bunch of posts referring to the 2018 models. Does anyone know if the problem is just to that year?
Has a fix been discovered for this and has Thor fixed the problem?

Thanks for your inputs.

You may need to replace the door seals with larger ones, seal openings around the corners of the bays, especially two front on curbside. Lots of good info on facebook Aria group.

ChiefBob · 02-01-2023, 01:41 PM

I have a 2018 3401 and I am in the middle of the repairs now. I bought the improved seals on Amazon for about $70 for 25'. It took three boxes to do all the critical doors. The right front compartment floor was rotten so it and the walls are removed and awaiting composite replacement from Thor. I have sealed and resealed the front of the transverse compartment, the frame penetrations and the right wheel splash area. The left goes into the open-bottom propane compartment.