Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Thor Forums > Thor Community Forums > Introduce Yourself | Say Hello
Click Here to Login
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 08-14-2019, 05:17 AM   #1
Junior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: Arizona
Posts: 7
THOR #16309
When the elderly decide to go rv’ing again.

Hi everybody,

Richard is 81, I’m 73 and use a walker. Yet, we decided to buy a slightly used (2,800 miles) Thor Vegas, 25.3 because we just can’t sit at home and wait to die.

So, we are on our shake down run and it’s apparent we need front sway bars, sumo springs, insulation under the dog house, better seats and an extension to fit on the black tank because Richard has arthritis in his hands.

Any suggestions on any of those things?


Thanks in advance. Please answer sooner rather than later... we are at the ages where we don’t buy green bananas... however, they did gave us a twenty year loan. Go figure.

__________________
Barbboyer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2019, 10:52 AM   #2
Member
 
RVwithDogs's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
State: North Carolina
Posts: 44
THOR #15887
for the black pipe problem, do you mean something to make it easier to turn the cap? I saw this online which may help , Camco Mfg 39758 Rhinoflex Sewer Fitting Wrench. I have not used on so not sure if it is awkward to use or not.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	w087968_3.jpg
Views:	100
Size:	8.9 KB
ID:	19612  
__________________
Steve and Rebecca
2 Golden Retrievers - Sydney and Brigid
Black Mountain, NC
Current coach: Itasca Navion IQ 24V
Former coach: Thor 22FE
RVwithDogs is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2019, 11:03 AM   #3
Senior Member
 
Brand: Still Looking
State: Missouri
Posts: 425
THOR #5437
As for the seats you might check this out; shop4seats.com

Its just me but the sway bar and springs I would wait until you drive it alittle bit more. There is something called "cheap handling fix" CHF that tightens up the sway bars. There are a lot of posts here about it.
__________________
S.O.B.
Retired and never looked back
be happy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2019, 11:08 AM   #4
Axis/Vegas Enthusiast
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.4
State: Michigan
Posts: 9,837
THOR #1150
Quote:
Originally Posted by be happy View Post
As for the seats you might check this out; shop4seats.com

Its just me but the sway bar and springs I would wait until you drive it alittle bit more. There is something called "cheap handling fix" CHF that tightens up the sway bars. There are a lot of posts here about it.
Vegas is on an E-Series (E-350 or E-450) chassis CHF doesn't apply for that coach.

Take the suspension mods one at a time driving a bit in between to see if you even notice the mod: Starting with an alignment (unless you know it has already been aligned), followed by front Sumos, etc.
__________________
2022 Thor Axis 24.4
2021 Mach-E
blog - https://spareelectrons.wordpress.com/
JamieGeek is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2019, 12:29 PM   #5
I Think We're Lost!
 
Bob Denman's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
Quote:
Originally Posted by Barbboyer View Post
...Thanks in advance. Please answer sooner rather than later... we are at the ages where we don’t buy green bananas... however, they did gave us a twenty year loan. Go figure.
They must know something about you, that your Doctors don't...
You've already received some pretty darn good advice: I'll just add a hearty "Welcome to the Forum"!
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
Bob Denman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2019, 12:32 PM   #6
Senior Member
 
Oneilkeys's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Travato
State: Florida
Posts: 2,475
THOR #1765
Good advice from Jamie. As far as the insulation is concerned, while it may important from a comfort standpoint, it is not something that you can probable do yourself. The dog house is not easy to remove the first time (at least mine was not) and you have to climb into the engine to put insulation there. Probably very expensive to have a shop do it.
__________________
Oneilkeys is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2019, 12:37 PM   #7
Axis/Vegas Enthusiast
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.4
State: Michigan
Posts: 9,837
THOR #1150
Quote:
Originally Posted by Oneilkeys View Post
Good advice from Jamie. As far as the insulation is concerned, while it may important from a comfort standpoint, it is not something that you can probable do yourself. The dog house is not easy to remove the first time (at least mine was not) and you have to climb into the engine to put insulation there. Probably very expensive to have a shop do it.
They could probably put a blanket or carpet over the top of the doghouse--if it doesn't already have something on it from the previous owner.
__________________
2022 Thor Axis 24.4
2021 Mach-E
blog - https://spareelectrons.wordpress.com/
JamieGeek is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2019, 12:38 PM   #8
Site Team
 
revjeffrey's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.1 Windjammer
State: Illinois
Posts: 1,179
THOR #7074
Welcome and Congrats!
81 is the New 61... I'm hoping.
I agree take it slow. I would start with A steering wheel alignment, Saf-t-Plus , Sumo's and 4 new shocks. Safe travels Rev.
__________________
Rev. Jeffrey 2017 Thor Axis 24.1 E450 Windjammer.
Silver Safe-T-Plus Steering Control
SSF-106-40 SumoSprings Solo Front Bump Stop SSR-107-47 SumoSprings Rear Bump Stop
Hellwig 7718 Front Sway Bar & 7180 Rear Sway Bar
Koni FSD Front Shocks 8805-1042 / Koni FSD Rear Shocks 8805-1043
revjeffrey is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2019, 12:41 PM   #9
Site Team
 
revjeffrey's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.1 Windjammer
State: Illinois
Posts: 1,179
THOR #7074
As for dog house insulation. I would take it to a business that installs custom radios in your area. Would be a piece of cake for them.
__________________
Rev. Jeffrey 2017 Thor Axis 24.1 E450 Windjammer.
Silver Safe-T-Plus Steering Control
SSF-106-40 SumoSprings Solo Front Bump Stop SSR-107-47 SumoSprings Rear Bump Stop
Hellwig 7718 Front Sway Bar & 7180 Rear Sway Bar
Koni FSD Front Shocks 8805-1042 / Koni FSD Rear Shocks 8805-1043
revjeffrey is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2019, 01:31 PM   #10
Member
 
Brand: Still Looking
State: Michigan
Posts: 87
THOR #3954
When the elderly decide to go rv’ing again.

Heavier sway bars front and rear will help control side-to-side swaying and lean when going through fast sweepers.
IMO, most all heavy vehicles benefit from tighter suspension/body control. You don’t want to fight the steering wheel every time a big rig passes you.
__________________
Mel556180 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2019, 01:56 PM   #11
I Think We're Lost!
 
Bob Denman's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
Sumo Springs might be even easier to install...
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
Bob Denman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2019, 02:06 PM   #12
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: S.O.B.
State: California
Posts: 1,368
THOR #3483
Handling

I can tell you what it took with our 2016 Axis. Alignment/Weighing each corner (for proper tire inflation numbers), SumoSprings in the front, Saf-T-Plus and Koni shocks on all four corners. Made a huge difference. As far as the sewer hook up goes, this rig is one of the least handy for we older folks because it is so low to the ground and the need to pivot the fitting downward. Not much can be done about this particular issue. Drive carefully and enjoy.
__________________
axis earl is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2019, 03:00 PM   #13
Senior Member
 
Long & Winding road's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2017 Axis 25.4
State: Arkansas
Posts: 2,669
THOR #12231
Welcome for the forum. Lots of valuable information here.

Do some searched on the topics mentioned above and you will find lots of treads discussing them.

And dont be afraid to ask questions. Even if they seem simple.
__________________
2017 Axis / 25.4: Big Foot Levelers, Aims 1200 Watt inverter, Ceramic Window Tint, Full River AGM 6V batteries, Front Hellwig Sway bar / Rear Track Arm, Safe T Plus Steering Stabilizer, PD 4655 converter, Hard Wired Surge Guard, WEboost + WiFi Ranger, LED Headlights/Driving lights, TPMS, Surge tank, Tornado flush, Viair Compressor
Long & Winding road is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2019, 04:50 PM   #14
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: Georgia
Posts: 2,585
THOR #4735
Talking

Quote:
Originally Posted by Barbboyer View Post
...
Richard is 81, I’m 73 and use a walker. Yet, we decided... because we just can’t sit at home and wait to die...
Please answer sooner rather than later... we are at the ages where we don’t buy green bananas... however, they did gave us a twenty year loan. Go figure.

perfect!!! Go seniors!


go...travel....enjoy....and don't worry about all that 'stuff', you may not have time to!!!! : )
__________________
TurnerFam is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2019, 11:42 PM   #15
Senior Member
 
PictureTheSouth's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Windsport 27K
State: North Carolina
Posts: 343
THOR #11007
As others have said - "Welcome to the Forum"; and welcome to this next stage of your adventures!

That said - once (if) I reach age 81, I'm going to be pleased if I can just make it up the stairs and into the driver's seat. Anything I can do beyond that is "gravy" as we say down heah.
__________________
PictureTheSouth is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2019, 02:05 AM   #16
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Citation
State: Texas
Posts: 920
THOR #8139
Quote:
Originally Posted by Barbboyer View Post
Hi everybody,

Richard is 81, I’m 73 and use a walker. Yet, we decided to buy a slightly used (2,800 miles) Thor Vegas, 25.3 because we just can’t sit at home and wait to die.

So, we are on our shake down run and it’s apparent we need front sway bars, sumo springs, insulation under the dog house, better seats and an extension to fit on the black tank because Richard has arthritis in his hands.

Any suggestions on any of those things?


Thanks in advance. Please answer sooner rather than later... we are at the ages where we don’t buy green bananas... however, they did gave us a twenty year loan. Go figure.
As mentioned a couple of times, get an alignment.
Check with your tire manufacture for the correct air pressure, it IS NOT what is on the tire sidewall and 10 (or more) lbs lower than what is posted on the door.
Those #'s are for a MH or delivery van that is carrying its maximum weight.

Here are a couple of parts that may help Richard with the black tank.
https://www.amazon.com/Camco-39509-S...ateway&sr=8-16
Put this on the existing waste gate and leave the original open, makes it much easer to drain the tank.
https://www.amazon.com/Valterra-T58-...ateway&sr=8-17
__________________
abjbrtd is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2019, 11:51 AM   #17
Senior Member
 
Oneilkeys's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Travato
State: Florida
Posts: 2,475
THOR #1765
I’ll tell you one thing on the black and grey tanks. I bought a “Clean Dump” waste pump system that attaches permanently to the outflow pipe. It connects to a pump which is connected to a 15’ hose. All fit in the waste dump compartment. To use it, all you do is open the door, take out a few feet of hose (just enough to reach the dump) pull the black handle to open the black tank, open the valve at the end if the hose, flip a switch to turn on the pump and it empties in two minutes. You then close the black tank, open the grey tank and dump that. When you are finished, you close the valve at the end of the hose, put it back in the compartment and drive away. No connection, no mess, no smell (it’s all contained within the system), no cleaning sewer hose. I’ve had one in my last three RVs and I won’t have another RV without one. At 74, I don’t need to be on the ground wrestling hoses and attachments. With the Clean Dump, I dump every other day and never even think about it. Takes the hassle away from one of the worst job in RVing and you will “wow” you neighbors at the dump station.
__________________
Oneilkeys is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2019, 12:32 PM   #18
Senior Member
 
The Gritz Carlton's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: THOR Chateua 35SF
State: Florida
Posts: 5,850
THOR #11130
..."we are at the ages where we don’t buy green bananas"...

Hilarious!!! I've already used this line 3 times with friends!!!
__________________
Now an SOB
Traded Thor for Melbourne Prestige 24NP
2018 THOR Chateau 35SF
Two Labs, Bugsie & Blondie
Blondie passed in 2020 at 5 to Leukemia
The Gritz Carlton is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2019, 12:39 PM   #19
Senior Member
 
DocMike's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Nexus Viper 27V
State: Georgia
Posts: 1,666
THOR #2142
Barb,

As far as the steering, I found the installing of the Safe-T Plus stablizer made the biggest difference for me.

DocMike
__________________
Sheree & Michael NCNG LTC(ret) with Munpi, RC and Sheba (cat).
2019 Nexus Viper 27V, E-450, 5 speed "Ms. Enterprise", Infotainment Center, HUD, , Safe-T-Plus, Curt SpareTire Mount, ext. WiFi Antenna, Roadmaster Tow Sys& Invisibrake.

DocMike is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2019, 12:48 PM   #20
I Think We're Lost!
 
Bob Denman's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Gritz Carlton View Post
..."we are at the ages where we don’t buy green bananas"...

Hilarious!!! I've already used this line 3 times with friends!!!
I've got to renew my Driver's License today. It'll be good for eight years; if they give it to me.
I plan on using that line today for sure!
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
Bob Denman is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Thor Industries or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.




All times are GMT. The time now is 08:27 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2