Axis, where's the engine?

[Ubugarrity]

I'm interested in purchasing a Thor axis but I'm a little concerned that I can't see the engine or generator. I've searched the internet and this forum for days but found nothing. The engine cover in the cab seems too small for good access but is it? Is there really no way to access the engine?
The generator looks like same situation although it looks like it might be dropped down with some work.
I like the Axis more than the Class C I've seen but at least I can see the engine in the class C.
I'm a complete newbie trying to possibly make our first purchase and would advice on my access fears. Thanks

[DavidEM]

Well, I can assure you that the Axis has an engine up front, but I agree it is hard to find.

Any serious maintenance would require removal of the front hood and maybe some of the sheet metal around it. That is what I concluded would be required just to get to the engine room fuse box on my 2021 Axis.

I have removed the panel to get to the passenger side where the battery is. Other than access to the battery (and that isn't all that great) that is about all you can do from that panel.

I haven't removed the dog house and don't plan to any time soon. My next big maintenance effort will be an oil and filter change. The filter should be accessible from underneath as well as the drain plug. Filling is a chore from up top with a funnel and hose to the fill port.

No wonder Ford dealers don't want to work on Class A motorhomes.

David

[happy]

This video shows the opening to the engine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aKzFIVHWk0

[Ubugarrity]

Thanks. I've watched that video but I only see the beginning where he opens the front. You can literally only see the radiator through there. I'll watch again in case I missed something else.

[Bill Johnson]

The engine is behind the radiator

[JamieGeek]

What it looks like with the doghouse removed:


Note that this is a 2014 and that is the V10.

[txc2936@yahoo.com]

really, the only thing you should be doing in there is checking the oil and servicing the windshield fluid. Axis is nice, look at the 27 foot ACE also. The new V8 7.3 L engine purrsss....

[happy]

They do stuff it in there don't they!!!

[txc2936@yahoo.com]

what? open the hood...look at engine, close the hood....

[Mr Sunshine]

The reality is few people ever need access to the engine. Yes, someday the spark plugs will need replaced, but that's a long ways off for most of us. The air filter is accessed via the hood, as are the fluid fills and the oil dipstick.

The generator has a door for access. You can check and fill the oil and change the air filter easily. There's a small access cover on the bottom to drain the old oil. There's many factors in choosing an RV, but you shouldn't worry about those two things.

Best advice to anyone looking to buy their first RVs? Try a rental first. That will answer some questions, bring up more and save you a ton of money in the long run.

[Ubugarrity]

Thanks guys. Seems like a stupid question but if I bought it and then asked the question, I'd be told I should've asked before I bought it. I feel better about it now.

[taylorbob1]

Originally Posted by DavidEM

…………

I haven't removed the dog house and don't plan to any time soon. My next big maintenance effort will be an oil and filter change. The filter should be accessible from underneath as well as the drain plug. Filling is a chore from up top with a funnel and hose to the fill port.

……….

David

Suggest you reconsider removing the doghouse
When you do you will find that there is little to no insulation.

A few $$$$ spent on adding insulation will greatly improve noise level and engine heat.

[DavidEM]

Originally Posted by taylorbob1

Suggest you reconsider removing the doghouse
When you do you will find that there is little to no insulation.

A few $$$$ spent on adding insulation will greatly improve noise level and engine heat.

Yes I think that is true for older models like your 2017. But I have a 2021 Axis with the new Ford V8 and I think it is well insulated. I have felt all around it while driving and I can't feel any heat at all.

David