Community Forums

Bad Bolt · 12-07-2013, 07:12 PM

I watched this video and think the floorplan, construction, under storage, wheel size, window tech are really.....really appealing.

If I were going gas, this one would be one on a very short list.

Anyone have one of these yet?

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bdickson · 12-07-2013, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bad Bolt

I watched this video and think the floorplan, construction, under storage, wheel size, window tech are really.....really appealing. If I were going gas, this one would be one on a very short list. Anyone have one of these yet?

been living full time in a 2013 37GT since February and really like it.

DGShaffer · 12-08-2013, 06:25 AM

What a great video. I made a copy in case I fall off the roof after being told to take my lounge chair and cooler up there to watch the races

That was seriously a stupid lack of editing for Thor!!!

However, I did enjoy watching and hearing about all the changes made with the design and feel that Thor does an outstanding job considering it's a gas chassis and comes with a gas chassis price! Having taken both the Thor factory tour and the Newmar tour I have an appreciation for the difference in Thor's superior build process.

I do prefer my DT floor plan with the large L shaped couch and fire place. I also haven't warmed up to the non propane refers yet. At least until they add a fuel reserve for the generator.

Here's the scenerio (however unlikely): You traveled all day in 100 degree weather, the coach batteries are low from keeping the refer cold to the point where the generator was just about to top them off. You hook up and leave to go sight seeing for the day and as soon as you pull away the shore power goes out. Now your batteries are already exhausted and the generator can't start because you pulled in with less than a 1/4 tank of fuel.

bdickson · 12-08-2013, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DGShaffer

What a great video. I made a copy in case I fall off the roof after being told to take my lounge chair and cooler up there to watch the races

That was seriously a stupid lack of editing for Thor!!!

However, I did enjoy watching and hearing about all the changes made with the design and feel that Thor does an outstanding job considering it's a gas chassis and comes with a gas chassis price! Having taken both the Thor factory tour and the Newmar tour I have an appreciation for the difference in Thor's superior build process.

I do prefer my DT floor plan with the large L shaped couch and fire place. I also haven't warmed up to the non propane refers yet. At least until they add a fuel reserve for the generator.

Here's the scenerio (however unlikely): You traveled all day in 100 degree weather, the coach batteries are low from keeping the refer cold to the point where the generator was just about to top them off. You hook up and leave to go sight seeing for the day and as soon as you pull away the shore power goes out. Now your batteries are already exhausted and the generator can't start because you pulled in with less than a 1/4 tank of fuel.

Don, I'm also undecided about the benefit of a residential refrigerator. The four door Dometic in our 2013 37GT runs just fine, and has the benefit of running on propane or electric (from the generator) when running down the road. Just one comment on your scenario: While running, the engine alternator is sending a charge to the house batteries, so they may not run down quite as quickly. I didn't catch what size inverter is in the 2014, I wonder if they've beefed it up from the 1,800 watt I have?

ChasA · 12-08-2013, 06:38 AM

DG,
The batteries would be charged by the alternator while driving.

DGShaffer · 12-08-2013, 06:47 AM

I understand that the batteries are charged when driving but not knowing what the inverter draw is compared to the alternator output I can't say for sure that if it's really warm on the outside wall if they can be at 100 percent after a full day of traveling. I also realize that my scenario is unlikely but that justifies my preference for a dual power source refer

to Bruce, I can only assume that all these new residential refers are being fed by a much larger inverter and at the same time that larger inverter has a greater parasitic draw. The shot where they open up the battery bay, although hard to see, looks like it still only has the 2 batteries where the DP's have 4

Bad Bolt · 12-08-2013, 09:53 AM

Alternator output is based on load. I'd think the batteries would be fully charged when parking.

About the fuel, it's a good argument. But, it's not the only one to keep your tank full when leaving the camp site for a while. We all need to make sure that whatever system that needs fuel has it if we leave for the day.

A careless camper will fall victim to most rigs shortcommings, either way. We all learn by mistake. I know I have...

dezolen · 12-08-2013, 10:08 AM

Be sure to check Tiffin Allegro Open Road gas coaches. Had never even seen one before we bought ours and having seen the rest feel we have the best.
Compair shower enclosure of the Thor to Tiffin just to start things off.

DGShaffer · 12-08-2013, 11:41 AM

The reality is that an alternator has a limitation, it's output isn't open ended and driven by demand, it's driven by the size. However, as I stated, my scenario is a perfect storm of coincidence and your comment about arriving with enough fuel to support this situation is a good one. Maybe I'm just jealous of residential refrigerators?

I looked at the Alegro and didn't like their floor plans. I also found the Thor products in my price range to have more of the features and build quality I appreciate.

Fred and Bonnie · 12-08-2013, 12:08 PM

The "Show Stopper" with Thor gas units are the "Short" beds. While the beds are listed as Queen/King they are only 76" long, a regular beds are 80", not good for tall people.

Fred