New Lithium option for Thor B's

[Bob Denman]

$100? I'll tell "Sonny-Boy" and see if he has a death-wish also!

[Bob Denman]

What did you think of the epic "steel ball and window" video?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6maUvgt3tCQ

I bet that he planned that EPIC failure in order to get the video spread to the largest audience possible!

[JamieGeek]

Yeah that is pretty funny even if planned.

[Bob Denman]

I just saw a news report saying that CyberTruck reservations have reached 146,000!
Elon Musk could sell a plate of ribs to a woman wearing white gloves...

This truck isn't even scheduled to start production for at least two years... with the "Plaid" model coming at least a year after that!

[JamieGeek]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

I just saw a news report saying that CyberTruck reservations have reached 146,000!
Elon Musk could sell a plate of ribs to a woman wearing white gloves...

This truck isn't even scheduled to start production for at least two years... with the "Plaid" model coming at least a year after that!

Interesting, the reports I've seen have said 220,000. We'll see. I would imagine there will be quite a few since the deposit is only $100. (I'm still rather surprised that they managed to get 400,000+ for the Model 3 at $1000 a pop.)

[Bob Denman]

It's all about the "Benjamin's" All of that quick cash is pretty useful...

[Chance]

Originally Posted by JamieGeek

Interesting, the reports I've seen have said 220,000. We'll see. I would imagine there will be quite a few since the deposit is only $100. (I'm still rather surprised that they managed to get 400,000+ for the Model 3 at $1000 a pop.)

$400 million? Not a bad way to raise cheap capital.


I was thinking how perfect a motorhome concept would have to be for me to commit a similar down payment to Thor before even seeing one. I suppose if it was exactly what I wanted, maybe it’d be worth the gamble.

[JamieGeek]

Originally Posted by Chance

$400 million? Not a bad way to raise cheap capital.


I was thinking how perfect a motorhome concept would have to be for me to commit a similar down payment to Thor before even seeing one. I suppose if it was exactly what I wanted, maybe it’d be worth the gamble.

Not really that much of a gamble as all of these reservations are 100% fully refundable. So at worst you're out a bit of interest had you kept the money in your account instead of theirs. As such I think the companies are required to keep that cash available for anyone who does wish to cancel and get their refund.

The really funny thing is that the Ford deposit doesn't even go towards the car. If you read the fine print it is automatically refunded to you once you place an order with a dealer. In addition to that they aren't even guaranteeing that you get the first shot at the car!? Its basically just some way for you to get some skin in the game for Ford to judge how many people are willing to put $ on the car...market research.

[Chance]

By the way, it appears Musk has mentioned that inspiration was influenced by Blade Runner vehicle, not DeLorean. I kind of see that too.


Camper version:

https://rvbusiness.com/tesla-concept...pop-up-camper/

Or here

https://www.curbed.com/2019/11/22/20...c-truck-camper

[Bob Denman]

I stll see Doc Brown all over that truck...
But "Blade Runner" also works...
I'm curious about the battery pack that "Plaid" will be using...
The 500 mile range sure seems promising; but what does it take; to make it work?

[Bob Denman]

Back to the "Build to order" idea...
Every car, truck, SUV, and CUV manufacturer has been doing this for decades...
Dealerships always have units in stock, because they need to have a product that you can put your hands (and eyes!) on.
They'll try to sell you the on the lot unit; because that's the one they're already paying for.
You CAN order your RV (We did!): it just takes time for it to be built.
But you still are limited to the options that are listed in the playbook. They could (but won't) built you a 17 foot-long diesel pusher with 605 horsepower, and bunk beds....
They need to have the "buy & build in bulk" discounts available...

Unless you're willing to open up your wallet, and REALLY get serious about paying for it.

[Chance]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

......cut.....

You CAN order your RV (We did!): it just takes time for it to be built.
But you still are limited to the options that are listed in the playbook. They could (but won't) built you a 17 foot-long diesel pusher with 605 horsepower, and bunk beds....
They need to have the "buy & build in bulk" discounts available...

Unless you're willing to open up your wallet, and REALLY get serious about paying for it.

Years ago I contacted Thor and was told repeatedly that they wouldn’t modify an Axis 24.1, and I was only asking for them to delete the slide and add a dinette in place of couch, features they already had in other Axis/Vegas at the time.

Now that Thor owns Hymer, if they offered to build a smaller Class A the size of a Hymer but on a Ford E-350, I’d place a deposit like those for a Tesla or Mach-E.

However, I know that Thor would never be able to build a low-profile, ~23-foot Class A Hymer-clone, without slides, and narrow like their Sprinter Cs (90-inches) without super-sizing it in the process. The temptation to make things larger is too ingrained in our culture.

[Bob Denman]

If you want them to build that for you: get a job in their design Office, and make your case!
Orrr.... pay the money for a custom builder to put it together for you.
You'd be the only kid on your block with one...

[JamieGeek]

Yeah you can only build to order with the options they provide: Colors, trim, outside TV or not, etc. so its partial build to order.

As far as Cybertruck Musk has also said that it was inspired by the Lotus Esprit "submarine" in The Spy Who Loved Me--he loves that car so much he bought it!

[Bob Denman]

The Guy has good taste in cars: that's for sure!

[Chance]

For those who showed interest in Sequence itself and not just the lithium battery-based electrical system, I just saw that Coachmen has the new Nova built on RAM ProMaster van.

It’s almost identical floorplan to the Winnebago Travato and Thor Sequence. I haven’t seen any detail information yet, but one difference for those who were concerned about windows not opening much on Sequence is that the Nova has the Euro-style windows that open fully.

I searched for “Nova” to see if this had been discussed already but got Nova Scotia hits, so I’m not sure.

If nothing else, it shows manufacturers don’t hesitate copying each other.

[Bob Denman]

So are you "pulling the trigger" on it?

[Chance]

I was only sharing information for those who like that particular floorplan.

I personally don’t, and would not consider any motorhome or van that doesn’t have at least two additional forward-facing seats. The tiny refrigerator and microwave under galley counter at knee height are also deal breakers, as is the present ProMaster van. The ProMaster van is a great size, but I drive way too many miles to settle for that drivetrain and the extremely limited towing capacity.

[Bob Denman]

It sure sounds as if you need a diesel...

[Chance]

RAM no longer make a diesel ProMaster. It failed miserably.



I know what you mean, but no, I’m fine with gas as long as fuel tank can provide adequate range. A small Class C or B+ doesn’t need a diesel unless you just like the idea of having one. There are available gas engines with plenty of power as long as you don’t mind paying for extra fuel.