Community Forums

Jacksonjack · 10-19-2017, 08:55 PM

Looking to get a 27-30 class A . I know they all basically come on the same chassis and use the same appliances. I'm looking at 2016 and newer. Interested in build quality of these 4 brands since they are popular in my area... coachman, winnebago, Thor, and Forrest river. Who has the best construction and will hold up ?

1doodadd · 10-19-2017, 09:30 PM

Go on youtube and look up each make and see the problems with each. Hear it from the owners mouth. Thor and Forest River I have seen several bad owner reviews.

ThePowells · 10-19-2017, 10:22 PM

Jackson, yes you will hear a lot of bad about Thor,,,,,,,, BUT!
Thor has by far the leading marketshare and it is like tax cuts and the rich, pay more, save more, build more, get more complaints. We love our coach and Thor has been great to deal with, what little we have done. Only issues have been a leaking leveler line that LCI expeditiously replaced an a loose accent light that may have created a water intrusion that our dealer took care of the day after I found it.
We are planning a visit to the factory service center to address a few minor things, but what I really want is the 110V electrical system rearranged to make it easier for SWMBO to work from the coach.

Sicduc · 10-20-2017, 04:17 AM

Where is the box to check for none of the above...?

Sandy Swede · 10-20-2017, 05:13 AM

OP, I am assuming that you are looking for a gas rig. Correct or no? All will have problems, but you should (1) look at build quality, and (2) research owners' comments.

If I had to pick among the four you cited, Winnebago would be my choice. Is the Newmar Baystar out of your price range? If not, you should give it consideration. But, of course, I am biased (and what MH owner isn't?).

Best of luck on your search. Many times that is half the fun!

soonerdave · 10-20-2017, 05:22 AM

Not sure it really matters which brand you buy, they all have problems. I would look more at the dealer, their service reputation, and then find a floor plan you like within your budget.

mpinva · 10-20-2017, 05:41 AM

Made a list of must-have features (6 spd. trans. and outdoor kitchen) and floor plan then eliminated all that had full wall slides. Went to several RV shows then started the dance with local dealers. Ended up ordering a new Thor Hurricane 31S from Total Value RV and drove to Elkhart from VA for delivery. Love the coach. Handles well, no major problems. I would buy another newer Thor 31S in a heartbeat.

Cloud Dancer · 10-20-2017, 05:52 AM

I wold first study every detail of the roof design,...and I mean everything, starting with the framing to the exact last layer of laminate. Successful RV roof technology has been around for decades. IF they can't get the roof right, forget about that brand.
The problem is that there are several other main parts of the overall design that also have to be right. With my experience, I would have to say that I can't help you, because what would satisfy me are the ones I can not afford (none are on your list). Sorry

mpinva · 10-20-2017, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThePowells

Jackson, yes you will hear a lot of bad about Thor,,,,,,,, BUT!
Thor has by far the leading marketshare and it is like tax cuts and the rich, pay more, save more, build more, get more complaints. We love our coach and Thor has been great to deal with, what little we have done. Only issues have been a leaking leveler line that LCI expeditiously replaced an a loose accent light that may have created a water intrusion that our dealer took care of the day after I found it.
We are planning a visit to the factory service center to address a few minor things, but what I really want is the 110V electrical system rearranged to make it easier for SWMBO to work from the coach.

SWMBO?

adamfolger · 10-20-2017, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sicduc

Where is the box to check for none of the above...?

Same here and yes I have owned a Workhorse era Thor Hurricane. The motor was the only good thing about it. The others I cant speak from experience but I know I would not buy one of them. The question is like...which margarine do you like best...I prefer butter. So what would I buy...it is in my sig.

Mudfrog · 10-20-2017, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jacksonjack

Looking to get a 27-30 class A . I know they all basically come on the same chassis and use the same appliances. I'm looking at 2016 and newer. Interested in build quality of these 4 brands since they are popular in my area... coachman, winnebago, Thor, and Forrest river. Who has the best construction and will hold up ?

Ours is an older Itasca Sunova 27C (Winnebago). I would consider it to be somewhere between a mid to entry level motorhome. We looked at different brands and decided on it. There were a few reasons why we chose it, the main being the quality we got for the price. The construction, fit and finish, and floorplan were the things that sold us. I looked in cabinets, under bed, under dinette storage, in the outside storage compartments and found that wiring/plumbing were neatly ran and that holes needed for routing were clean cut. We've owned it 14 years and the coach itself has been pretty much trouble free.

The Workhorse chassis on the other hand, uhhh, can't say the same. Seems there is always something that requires attention on it.

"007" · 10-20-2017, 08:36 AM

Welcome to irv2.
More information on the BAY STAR short to long chassis and coach.

You can get any brochure and owners guide for years since BS were made by following the info in this link.

To see all the modifications and items in the coach's by BS owners use this link and scroll down to the BAY STAR Section just below the Canyon Star Section.
Good luck in your search