HD-Max Confusion

mmthor · 08-07-2018, 09:25 PM

I've a bit confused over Thor's "HD-Max" finishing option. I understand it's gel coat... but what do you get if you don't go with that option- just raw fiberglass? I prefer the plain white finish over any of their HD-Max options so I didn't see the point in spending more $$$ for the upgraded HD-Max finish... but now I'm wondering if I'm missing something that HD-Max is providing beyond cosmetics.

Beau388 · 08-07-2018, 09:55 PM

HD-MAX® is a colored fiberglass exterior, which makes chipping and road wear less noticeable. Easily buff out light scratches. Costing thousands of dollars less than existing full body paint schemes, the revolutionary and beautiful HD-MAX® exterior changes the way motorhomes look and feel. Thor Motor Coach's HD-MAX®, a high definition maximum value full-color exterior graphics package available in select motorhomes, has changed the RV industry. Just another innovation from North America’s most chosen RV manufacturer. The revolutionary HD-MAX® gel-coat colored fiberglass with graphics package turns heads where ever you travel.

Long & Winding road · 08-07-2018, 10:10 PM

Sounds like you work for Thor. LOL Or are part of a Cult and have been brainwashed.

The Gritz Carlton · 08-07-2018, 10:22 PM

GOOD ONE!!! I was thinking the same thing...he drank the Kool Aid!!

That's my laugh of the day...now I'm gonna get busy and do something constructive.

mmthor · 08-07-2018, 10:23 PM

I read that blurb on Thor's website as well... but it's still not clear to be what you get without HD-Max- raw fiberglass... or is it coated?

The Gritz Carlton · 08-07-2018, 10:25 PM

Color impregnated fiberglass

JamieGeek · 08-07-2018, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmthor

I read that blurb on Thor's website as well... but it's still not clear to be what you get without HD-Max- raw fiberglass... or is it coated?

My guess is that without HD-Max you get what everyone else has: A normal gelcoat of one color with decals everywhere.

The Gritz Carlton · 08-07-2018, 11:42 PM

Or full-body paint with layers of clear-coat.

mmthor · 08-07-2018, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamieGeek

My guess is that without HD-Max you get what everyone else has: A normal gelcoat of one color with decals everywhere.

I.E. the exact same thing... but white instead of beige?

My 23u is supposed to go into production in ~7 days so I'll let everyone know if I end up with a white gelcoated RV or a sandpaper like raw fiberglass shell reminiscent of Cousin Eddie's RV!

Long & Winding road · 08-08-2018, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmthor

I.E. the exact same thing... but white instead of beige?

My 23u is supposed to go into production in ~7 days so I'll let everyone know if I end up with a white gelcoated RV or a sandpaper like raw fiberglass shell reminiscent of Cousin Eddie's RV!

I think your right.

It will be the same but just in all white.

I think the HD max is actully saying is "You can have an RV that is not all white like we use to do but if you get a stone chip it WONT be white underneath the color". (IMO).

But if its white on the outside it will be white on the inside.

Unless of coarse your order the "reverse HD Max color" option

LOL

Beau388 · 08-08-2018, 01:49 PM

Yes the answer was copied from the Thor site. Here is generic explanation of how Thor builds motor coaches. <

Scarab0088 · 08-12-2018, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Gritz Carlton

Color impregnated fiberglass

This

Spent 10 min at the Pomona show touching the surface of a HDMax model, 'cuz the surface has edges at each color seam.

Finally cornered a factory rep and confirmed. The base is color impregnated gelcoat...with decals over it. : (

The gelcoat is colorfast. The decals are the same as always and will fail - someday.

Hooligan2 · 08-12-2018, 08:57 PM

Just checked the invoice for my '16 Siesta Sprinter. 2 Options in each category, HD Max at No charge or Full Body Paint at $7388. No option for plain vanilla.

andy · 08-18-2018, 10:58 PM

I doubt HD Max is even the high-quality gelcoat used in the marine industry given the very poor quality control in the RV industry . Don't believe it if someone told you it's colorfast, there is no such thing as colorfast gelcoat. In the marine industry they use high quality UV inhibitors to retain the finish , I doubt very much Thor is using this. If you want to finish that is going to last , you have to go and paint such as Awlgrip.

sciguy6 · 08-19-2018, 01:10 PM

Mine has "grit" in the finish on the top of the front caps. In less than 3 years, it looked like it was fading but it was the finish had come off. I waxed it twice a year! Washed it regularly. The base coat of whatever it was was still there but it looked like it had been in the Texas sun for 20 years not less then 3 years old in the Midwest, covered 6 months of the year. Got a scratch on the side right down to the "white". Called Thor about it and my year warranty was up and not their problem. No offer to look at it, work something out, even blame me for doing something wrong. Quite upset at the lack of acknowledgement. This and other reasons, sold it and went to another brand.

Bob Denman · 08-19-2018, 01:24 PM

No matter what finish your rig has: none of them look good after the birds have made a bombing run...

(Ours has HD-MAX, with a "Graphics Package...

)

Az&Happy · 08-22-2018, 06:27 PM

Our 2016 Axis lives most of the time in the Arizona sun. It has been professionally polished, but after 2 years, it had aged at least 10. Took it to a repair shop specialized in RVs. Owner says the HD Max is the worst finish he has seen. Repair took a week of manpower to sand twice, three polish and final wax. It now is smooth and shiny again. Recommends wax at least 3 times per year. Cost of ownership went up considerably.

Oneilkeys · 08-22-2018, 07:10 PM

The HD Max finish on my 2016 Axis has not held up nearly as well as the finish on my 2014 Vegas. They should have stuck with their original finish. It was much better and easier to take care of.

Bob Denman · 08-22-2018, 07:13 PM

Does anybody think that the $8000 Snake-Oil polymer finish that the dealers well, will help?

Tom N3EQF · 08-22-2018, 08:35 PM

I have to echo what some others have already said; the HD-MAX isn't all it was hyped to be. My 2015 Windsport finish looks like heck and the decals are cracked and faded. Yes, it's been in the FL sun most of the time but it was detailed two years in a row and the pros (two different companies) did the best they could and both were apologetic that it couldn't look any better.

Since I like the RV, the next move is to get a full-body paint job done on it.

I just love throwing money at the beast!

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