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discus277 · 01-05-2014, 09:43 AM

I am intrigued with this new "RUV concept" which you can see here:

2014 Vegas RUV Motorhomes: Class A RV by Thor Motor Coach

We bought a used 32 foot Class A gas coach this summer and drove it to Alaska without a toad. Loved the trip and love our floor plan but sometimes the size is just plain inconvenient. I have thought about a toad but can't get sold on it. The other issues with our current gas coach are ride, handling and power. Some of these, especially power and ride, could be solved with a small DP but the "bigness" is still a factor.

Our style is we are always on the go. We don't drive it someplace and park it for a week. This new smaller Class A Thor might be the answer for us. It's so new that I have not been able to find much on line yet.

Looking for thoughts about it if you care to share? Also, where in the southeast I might see and drive one?

Thanks, Jim

SeeTheUSA · 01-05-2014, 09:52 AM

Looks similar to the Winnebago/Itasca Via/Reyo . . . probably less expensive since not diesel/not Mercedes.

Bad Bolt · 01-05-2014, 11:16 AM

It's a class A body on a Ford 350 class C chassis. Has 16" wheels on a sprung suspension. Because they are not on lots yet, I would find an Axis to test drive and you would be driving the same thing, essentially.

For a gas powered rig, if you want performance, the shorter the rig the better. I'll bet the Axis and Vegas are pretty snappy in performance, as they are much lighter than a long class A or C with the Ford V10.

I would not hesitate to have a custom performance tune from Diablo or other vendor to release more power from the engine. Believe me, there is always room for more power in a gas engine, if you so desire. Just need to get the fuel mapping correct to avoid detonation.

This kind of coach sure has its appeal because it's small and manageable. If you want a better ride than what a sprung suspended coach has, the only way is to go diesel with air ride.

What I would do if I could afford to lay down $70k or thereabouts, I'd look for a five or six year old DP and be done with it. They are plentiful. If you must have new, then, you're more limited, for sure.

A good move would be to put a Ford Powerstroke or Mercedes diesel in this setup. There is a Super C diesel Ford out right now. Don't see why that can't be translated to the Axis/Vegas.

I wonder how much of a hassle it would be to service the engine, as it looks like they've really crammed a lot into a little space with the design.

discus277 · 01-05-2014, 05:23 PM

I had been looking at the used diesel as you suggest....am not really interested in buying NEW...but this Vegas/Axis came along and I find it very intriguing.

I know I can't get the superior ride with the Ford truck chassis but if I can get more power and the greater maneuverability that might be enough.

You say, find an Axis to drive..aren't the Axis and Vegas the same thing?

Thanks

Bad Bolt · 01-05-2014, 06:28 PM

If you are going to want to test drive the Vegas, they are probably not on lots yet. Finding an Axis to see what you think would be the thing to do, as they are very similar.

They are appealing. In some sense, they kind of remind me of the vintage mid 20' Winnebagos...short and sweet and affordable. However, what the new short rigs have to offer compared to vintage coaches cannot be overstated.