Community Forums

cobiker · 02-03-2021, 11:53 AM

Hello, I'm new to the forum and we are looking into purchasing a used diesel pusher and the Thor Palazzo 36.1 looks to offer a lot for the price.

I've not been able to check out any yet, but wanted to know if there have been any significant changes or improvement in the features available on the Palazzo over the years. Also in the quality of the fit/finish over the years. If there were better years to have then others.

Currently looking at a 2016 36.1.

Appreciate any input. Many thanks, - Scott

parks0412 · 02-05-2021, 10:54 AM

I have a 2016 33.3. I think the '16 and maybe the '17 are the sweet spots. Prior to '16 there were problems with the slide outs. '16 and newer have the three trac system and seem to have solved the problem. They also have a newer front cap. Starting in '18 they have the firefly system (I think that's what its called). Its a computerized control of all the functions in the coach. I tend to stay away from fancy electronic gizmos. I fearful they will fail and I won't be able to turn on the lights.

Best of Luck!

iluvuk · 02-05-2021, 01:22 PM

As has been said, you need to get one new enough to have the 3Trax system on the slide. I think it was actually about 2014 and into 2015 that they started with 3Trax...just verify the coach has it. As far as the Firefly on my 2018, I had similar concerns as to the complex electronics but it is lighter (many fewer wires in coach) and very versatile and controllable with phone or ipad or the color touchscreen on the wall. I really like it and it has worked well so far (3 years and going).

StevieD · 03-15-2021, 05:46 AM

Our 2013 33.2 is the 7th off the line. 66,000 miles. Never had problem with slides. We still love it and look forward to being back on the road.

StevieD · 03-16-2021, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StevieD

Our 2013 33.2 is the 7th off the line. 66,000 miles. Never had problem with slides. We still love it and look forward to being back on the road.

I know our coach was 7th because I was at Thor with my other coach one week after we ordered the 33.2. We watched the 1st 33.2 come off the line and then changed the colors of the interior while we were there. We had a huge problem with our first Thor coach that was a Fred. It was a bad transfer switch that started a small fire. Thor took excellent care of the problem. We continually were abreast of progress of the building of the 33.2. Over the years we have done a number of upgrades and are very happy with the coach. Perfect floor plan for us.

iluvuk · 03-16-2021, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StevieD

I know our coach was 7th because I was at Thor with my other coach one week after we ordered the 33.2. We watched the 1st 33.2 come off the line and then changed the colors of the interior while we were there. We had a huge problem with our first Thor coach that was a Fred. It was a bad transfer switch that started a small fire. Thor took excellent care of the problem. We continually were abreast of progress of the building of the 33.2. Over the years we have done a number of upgrades and are very happy with the coach. Perfect floor plan for us.

Have you had the dreaded basement floor storage rot problem with water intrusion? I am dealing with that now to a degree.

StevieD · 03-24-2021, 06:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iluvuk

Have you had the dreaded basement floor storage rot problem with water intrusion? I am dealing with that now to a degree.

No, we store our coach plugged in, in a 75 ft storage locker so it is dry most of the time. It is expensive but we feel it is worth it keeping the sun off the coach and dry while not using it. I wash and wax the coach after a long trip and clean the roof. Use 303 and put it away clean. Always ready to go. Our 2013 looks like new or better. We had the interior reupholstered a few years ago with two tone Remington vinyl and my wife keeps the inside clean as a whistle. I have the coach serviced every January by a Freightliner coach specialist. All this costs money, but we spent more on the coach than we did on our house and want to keep it as new as possible. Just like mowing the lawn.

ChuckandMary · 03-27-2021, 07:16 AM

Yes, and added the extra support under the basement compartments as well. Some say Marine Plywood with Flex Seal. Others have used a composite board and sealed the seams along the rails. We are dealing with the same issues in all basement compartments. Good luck in getting a good seal.