One Week In Challenger

[Joe-FL]

We only got to drive our 37GT about 60 miles back to our campsite after taking delivery, so counting the test drive we only racked up about 80 miles on it. Everything based on those miles felt solid and comfortable.

As far as livability, in some ways this size MH is better than a 38' fifth wheel and in some ways it is not.

Living room/galley area is about the same. There is about the same amount of counter space in both, however the MH is short on cabinet storage. We thought the double door RV frig was big on the 5th wheel, but this residential frig in the MH puts it to shame.

Entering and exiting is much better in MH. Every fiver we owned had somewhat weak outer steps and were just a little awkward to use.

Shower is much smaller on Challenger 37GT, but the bathroom space is bigger and there are two sinks, so all that probably evens out.

Bedroom is tighter with less hanging space and drawers for clothing. Wasn't excited about going from a king bed to queen, but it is working out okay. Another negative is the MH only has room for either a combination washer/dryer or a RV stackable. Our fiver had a side by side washer/dryer in its own hallway.

There is about 4 times the amount of outside storage on the MH as compared to our 2014 fiver. The exterior storage doors are much easier to use and a higher quality. The fresh water tank and other systems easy to get to which will be good if any have to be repaired or replaced. In the 5th wheels all the tanks and gate valves are buried in the belly and next to impossible to repair yourself.

An additional feature which is an improvement over the fiver would have to be having a fiberglass roof instead of rubber.

Even though our fiver had Lippert auto-level, it is still faster and easier to set up camp with the Challenger. Even though hooking up and unhooking a fifth wheel isn't difficult it still involves numerous additional steps and extra safety precautions.

All in all we are very happy with the transition from fiver to MH, and so far we have to give the Thor Challenger pretty high marks (almost sounds like an ad).

[DNS]

Glad to hear you're happy with the Challenger.
The main negative with the 37GT floorplan is that it isn't easy to pull in and toss something in the microwave while traveling. It's a long stretch over the counter top with the slide in. Couldn't do it if I was any shorter, but still love the floorplan.