Thor Palazzo - anyone drive/ride in one yet?

[psw757]

We were thinking about pulling the trigger on a 2014 33.3 but after reading about all these issues and unsatisfied owners I may reconsider.

There is a new diesel pusher from forest river the sr300 340 bh. Exact floor plan as the 33.3 but seems to be a little more thought out with better fit and finish. Supposedly built on the Berkshire line at roughly same price point as palazzo.

I may consider this instead!

You guys scared me here!

[HeavyH2O]

My family and I have enjoyed our 2014 33.3. It has not failed us in anyway that could be considered severe. There were some standard items that needed to be addressed, but, I saw those same little items on the Berkshire 390BH we had been considering. We have put on 6,000 miles this summer, done 10 race events (weekends), 5 times to the Dells, three longer trips and a couple of other short ones. Bedroom slide has been cycled about 70 times and the big slide about 60 or so.

I would be curious what Forest River is using for their slide assemblies. But, for anyone interested, it is effectively almost an exact twin of the Palazzo. The only thing is the bunks. My kids voted against the 390BH because of the TVs and layout (same setup in the SRF300). They preferred the 19 inch ones on the wall and the shared one in the hallway (I have a 26 inch mounted there).

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f254/lega...ml#post1789911

[jimbo2013]

There are over 1,000 built, count the folks having major not minor problems.

Of those they were slide issues which appear to be fixed with an upgrade motor & parts, the dealers have frustrated a few in their drag ass way of getting it fixed.

I looked at those Berkshire Legacy's, not impressed but you need to see & drive both.

I don't think it's built better, but it not the same price point expect a $12K up cost

[psw757]

Originally Posted by jimbo2013

There are over 1,000 built, count the folks having major not minor problems.

Of those they were slide issues which appear to be fixed with an upgrade motor & parts, the dealers have frustrated a few in their drag ass way of getting it fixed.

I looked at those Berkshire Legacy's, not impressed but you need to see & drive both.

I don't think it's built better, but it not the same price point expect a $12K up cost

Got a quote on one already. Despite a msrp of 20k more, the out the door price after discounts was only 6.5k more.

Considering it is almost the same layout some of the advantages are the full fiberglass roof, air horns, solid hardwood cabinets not veneer or laminate and it appears the entertainment system is a bit different. Speakers in cab and in the outdoor entertainment system. Also, the tile flooring is a composite tile that is laid individually, easier to repair if needed.

I'm just glad there are more choices in this segment, it I worth the extra cash? Who knows!

[psw757]

Originally Posted by jimbo2013

There are over 1,000 built, count the folks having major not minor problems.

Of those they were slide issues which appear to be fixed with an upgrade motor & parts, the dealers have frustrated a few in their drag ass way of getting it fixed.

I looked at those Berkshire Legacy's, not impressed but you need to see & drive both.

I don't think it's built better, but it not the same price point expect a $12K up cost

I haven't had the opportunity to see the Legacy in person yet.

Can you point out a few things that you didn't care for about it? I do like the Palazzo, just want to make a good sound decision.

Thanks

[StevieD]

A good point would be that Warren Buffet does not need any more money.

[jimbo2013]

Originally Posted by psw757

Got a quote on one already. Despite a msrp of 20k more, the out the door price after discounts was only 6.5k more.

Considering it is almost the same layout some of the advantages are the full fiberglass roof, air horns, solid hardwood cabinets not veneer or laminate and it appears the entertainment system is a bit different. Speakers in cab and in the outdoor entertainment system. Also, the tile flooring is a composite tile that is laid individually, easier to repair if needed.

I'm just glad there are more choices in this segment, it I worth the extra cash? Who knows!

Well if it's only $6500 more you didn't get a good deal on the Palazzo perhaps, what were the two quotes?
And dealers

Fiberglass roofs R not always the best go to the Tiffen forum they have numerous problems.
Horn? $150
I recall the cabinet doors R wood I think the frames are covered (maybe someone can check that) It's not my house it's entry level RV.

But take a closer look either one will work I'm sure

[psw757]

Originally Posted by jimbo2013

Well if it's only $6500 more you didn't get a good deal on the Palazzo perhaps, what were the two quotes?
And dealers

Fiberglass roofs R not always the best go to the Tiffen forum they have numerous problems.
Horn? $150
I recall the cabinet doors R wood I think the frames are covered (maybe someone can check that) It's not my house it's entry level RV.

But take a closer look either one will work I'm sure

My main concerns that I developed from the forum here are the slide issues and the drop down bunk problems. Other than that I can fix the little stuff and don't sweat that too much. There is always more to the story with some of this stuff.

Anyway the two 2014 Palazzo quotes I received off the top of my head came in at $142,900 and $143,600.

The one Legacy Quote I received was $149,300.

I have no doubt that whatever we choose that these prices are very good. I at least feel good with that at the moment! LOL!

[psw757]

One more question for those with the 33.3 model.

Do you all find the exterior storage to be adequate for all your hoses, chairs, tables, grill and other gear?

[TheArnolds]

Originally Posted by psw757

We were thinking about pulling the trigger on a 2014 33.3 but after reading about all these issues and unsatisfied owners I may reconsider.

There is a new diesel pusher from forest river the sr300 340 bh. Exact floor plan as the 33.3 but seems to be a little more thought out with better fit and finish. Supposedly built on the Berkshire line at roughly same price point as palazzo.

I may consider this instead!

You guys scared me here!

You are comparing a new model RV, with no operational history to a model that has 2 model years of service. I suggest that you purchase the Forest River and get back with us in 2 years and let us know how your RV is doing.

[psw757]

Originally Posted by TheArnolds

You are comparing a new model RV, with no operational history to a model that has 2 model years of service. I suggest that you purchase the Forest River and get back with us in 2 years and let us know how your RV is doing.

That is a valid concern we have as well!

[User1011]

Schwintek In-Wall Slide-Out

Lippert supplies slide mechanisms for many of the RV manufactures. Forest River is listed -- check their website out and see what the company is all about. They have been around for over 50 years and supply many different components for motorized RV's. If nothing else, it is interesting to read about the company and it's history.

[HeavyH2O]

Originally Posted by psw757

One more question for those with the 33.3 model.

Do you all find the exterior storage to be adequate for all your hoses, chairs, tables, grill and other gear?

I have a toolkit (four drawer), Weber grille, table, six folding chairs, firepit, drag radials, hoses, wash supplies, etc and it all fits quite easily. Tools in the bin by the door and the rest by the large storage. I keep the power cable and adapters in teh front bin. The passenger side is empty. It has a ton more storage than my old 31 foot class C.

[rebane]

Originally Posted by StevieD

Go to Thor and let them fix everything. I am probably more than efficient in fixing things. I can fix most everything on the coach but the slide. I let Thor do all repairs. They have always done a great job. Second Thor coach and very happy.

We love our coach!!

I agree!