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 Tech Forums > Modifications and Updates
Click Here to Login
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 01-08-2020, 03:24 PM   #1
Junior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ARIA 3901
State: Texas
Posts: 9
THOR #13013
Post ARIA storage floor boards

Have a '17 3901 Aria.

Issue is the floor boards for the storage compartments are deteriorating at a very alarming rate.

They are all sagging and the floor under the water tank has detached.

Obviously from water and the driving in wet conditions has made all the flooring weak.

Has anyone done any repair and what is the suggestion.

Just a very poor use of a material that shouldn't be in this application from THOR.

__________________
330jetjoc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-08-2020, 04:56 PM   #2
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: Georgia
Posts: 2,585
THOR #4735
while you're certainly past your normal warranty, I would still call/email Thor Warranty Center and tell them that this has been happening since day one and they need to replace the flooring - they did for us, and we were slightly out of the warranty period.
__________________
the Turners...
two Campers, two Electric cars
former diesel pusher traveler
TurnerFam is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-21-2020, 01:25 PM   #3
CSR
Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Aria 3901
State: Minnesota
Posts: 50
THOR #6177
We are experiencing the same deterioration in certain spots on the basement storage floors. We plan to replace them in the spring. Not sure the cost and time to travel to Indiana is worth having Thor fix the problem with the same materials. The problem will likely occur again in a few years. Am considering replacing the plywood with a light weight composite board as it will be more suitable for wet conditions. Currently considering Coosa Composite Board - Bluewater 26. I will update if we decide to go this route.
__________________
CSR is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-21-2020, 01:32 PM   #4
Senior Member
 
The Gritz Carlton's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: THOR Chateua 35SF
State: Florida
Posts: 5,850
THOR #11130
Seems there was a recall recently on this issue with some of the bigger models. Your coach isn't so old that Thor may consider helping you. May not be a full-on warranty claim but they might offer some assistance...at least in the form of advice or discounted labor. This will be a big job...I'd seriously consider negotiating help from Thor and take it to the factory Service Center for the work either way. They've had a lot of experience repairing this specific issue and they know it exist. The labor rate is only $100 per hour and they don't have to stand around for days scratching their heads (on the clock) wondering how it was put together. Do it once, do it right. Seems in a previous post by another owner, they replaced all the material and have redesigned the sealing process. The Wakarusa Service Center is excellent. Their statement..."we didn't build it but we can certainly fix it".
__________________
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 01-21-2020, 01:58 PM   #5
Junior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ARIA 3901
State: Texas
Posts: 9
THOR #13013
Follow up[

Thor is evaluating at this moment.

My fingers are crossed and hoping for a good resolution.

The floor board below the fresh water tank has completely deteriorated and is hanging below the coach.

An embarrassing site to say the least and another issue is the install of the slider trays was attached directly to the floor boards with no support.

I would hope the install people would have had some common sense about this issue also.

Will keep all updated.

Thanks for your replies.
__________________
330jetjoc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-21-2020, 02:10 PM   #6
Senior Member
 
The Gritz Carlton's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: THOR Chateua 35SF
State: Florida
Posts: 5,850
THOR #11130
Use the power of the past...they know it's an issue so make sure you remind them. And...be nice! They get their butts reamed enough by thousands (many unjustified)...when someone nice comes along, they love you and jump through hoops for you.
__________________
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 01-21-2020, 02:20 PM   #7
Senior Member
 
The_Breeze's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Chateau 31L
State: Florida
Posts: 2,063
THOR #12189
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Gritz Carlton View Post
Use the power of the past...they know it's an issue so make sure you remind them. And...be nice! They get their butts reamed enough by thousands (many unjustified)...when someone nice comes along, they love you and jump through hoops for you.
aka you attract more bees with honey than you do with vinegar
__________________
The_Breeze is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-22-2020, 01:51 AM   #8
Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Aria 3901
State: Arizona
Posts: 78
THOR #14127
Quote:
Originally Posted by 330jetjoc View Post
Have a '17 3901 Aria.

Issue is the floor boards for the storage compartments are deteriorating at a very alarming rate.

They are all sagging and the floor under the water tank has detached.

Obviously from water and the driving in wet conditions has made all the flooring weak.

Has anyone done any repair and what is the suggestion.

Just a very poor use of a material that shouldn't be in this application from THOR.
I have a '17 3901 as well...was wondering if you could post pics of the issue so I can compare to mine. I don't have boards hanging down or 'sagging' but I have had moisture issues in the basement. Curious what to look for.
__________________
aznytfury is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-24-2020, 04:41 AM   #9
Junior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ARIA 3901
State: Texas
Posts: 9
THOR #13013
Floors

Hope these pix might be of assistance.

I also have the slider trays that are mounted to the wooden floor.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	8331858D-4B59-4A00-BE37-7406DDE748C3.jpeg
Views:	140
Size:	20.7 KB
ID:	22309   Click image for larger version

Name:	0B61CB8D-46A5-46EC-AE0B-22F199D673E4.jpg
Views:	136
Size:	143.9 KB
ID:	22310  

__________________
330jetjoc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-24-2020, 04:47 AM   #10
Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Aria 3901
State: Arizona
Posts: 78
THOR #14127
Quote:
Originally Posted by 330jetjoc View Post
Hope these pix might be of assistance.

I also have the slider trays that are mounted to the wooden floor.
Oh my...sorry to see that happened. I will inspect mine carefully and report back what I find. I didn't realize that was such a risk. I also have the slider trays and they are packed with several hundred pounds of materials. Now I am really concerned.

Thanks,
Hunter
__________________
aznytfury is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-24-2020, 02:27 PM   #11
Junior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ARIA 3901
State: Texas
Posts: 9
THOR #13013
Smile Floor boards

I installed some angle iron between the supports of the storage undercarriage
Seems. To have helped and made my brain not think so much about the eventual outcome.

I suggest using aluminum angle bar can get at Home Depot and attached with sheet metal screws.
I attached the slide roller fittings with spacers and it has definitely improved the structure.

Hope you can see in the picture.

Still awaiting THOR’s response to the deterioration and delamination of the floors.

And I have been the nicest of customer hoping to get a positive response.Click image for larger version

Name:	2F69EC54-0029-4793-A0CF-DDD8D3D31D7C.jpg
Views:	130
Size:	83.3 KB
ID:	22323
__________________
330jetjoc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-24-2020, 02:42 PM   #12
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Aria 3901
State: Idaho
Posts: 695
THOR #9660
I also have used aluminum angle to support the wood structure. I used stainless nuts and bolts to the framework. I have a few compartments that seem to be holding up, and a couple that have sagged quite badly.
Mike
__________________
Vicki and Mike, Aria 3901- The Wined Up Bus, towing 16 Jeep JKUR.
m1noel is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-26-2020, 11:28 PM   #13
Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Aria 3901
State: Arizona
Posts: 78
THOR #14127
Thank you for the info and pics. I went ahead a took a couple pics under my 2017 Thor Aria 3901. Looks like the dry Arizona climate and indoor storage are allowing my coach basement floors to hold up ok so far...but I think I am going to proactive install some cross-member bars. A buddy of mine is a skilled welder...may solicit his assistance vs. bolt-ins.

Pics:

Click image for larger version

Name:	2020-01-24 17.14.38.jpg
Views:	148
Size:	112.0 KB
ID:	22354

Click image for larger version

Name:	2020-01-24 17.14.35.jpg
Views:	156
Size:	70.4 KB
ID:	22355

Click image for larger version

Name:	2020-01-24 17.14.24.jpg
Views:	133
Size:	90.8 KB
ID:	22356

Click image for larger version

Name:	2020-01-24 17.14.18.jpg
Views:	131
Size:	110.3 KB
ID:	22357
__________________
aznytfury is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-27-2020, 01:50 AM   #14
Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Aria 3601
State: North Carolina
Posts: 39
THOR #5972
I have a 2019 Thor Aria 3601. Will this be a problem with mine? Freightliner had to replace our a/c compressor and they said that everything was covered up underneath. We store ours indoors. We are going camping for Valentine's Day at Ocean Lakes in Myrtle Beach, SC and my husband is going to check on our storage compartments prior to leaving. Really appreciate this Forum and all of your help, guidance and suggestions....
__________________
Carole H. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-27-2020, 04:15 AM   #15
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Aria 3901
State: Florida
Posts: 103
THOR #6952
Wow! Thank you for sharing. I also have a 2019 Aria 3901 and wonder if we can expect the same problem. Sounds like this is a major issue and Thor should take of it.
__________________
greenfield3 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-27-2020, 12:49 PM   #16
Senior Member
 
The Gritz Carlton's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: THOR Chateua 35SF
State: Florida
Posts: 5,850
THOR #11130
I would be pro-active and contact Thor before an issue started...especially if you are still under warranty. No one can answer if this "may" happen to you. It's a known issue and there is a resolution. It very well may be Thor will cover modifications to the seal areas...before any damage may occur. If its stored indoors and you're not driving it...I would be the fort you'll have no issues. If you get it out and drive it in the rain...highly probable you "may" have issues, if your unit was constructed in the same manner as the owners with issues. Pro-Active is the path of least resistance.
__________________
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 01-27-2020, 01:56 PM   #17
Junior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ARIA 3901
State: Texas
Posts: 9
THOR #13013
Follow up[

Quote:
Originally Posted by aznytfury View Post
Thank you for the info and pics. I went ahead a took a couple pics under my 2017 Thor Aria 3901. Looks like the dry Arizona climate and indoor storage are allowing my coach basement floors to hold up ok so far...but I think I am going to proactive install some cross-member bars. A buddy of mine is a skilled welder...may solicit his assistance vs. bolt-ins.

Pics:

Attachment 22354

Attachment 22355

Attachment 22356

Attachment 22357
I see you also have the slider trays attached to thee wooden (particle) boards.

I was very concerned and that is why I installed the cross-members.

Remember that steel will have long term concerns vs aluminum and the weld points will be and issue.
__________________
330jetjoc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-28-2020, 03:38 AM   #18
Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Aria 3901
State: Arizona
Posts: 78
THOR #14127
Quote:
Originally Posted by 330jetjoc View Post
I see you also have the slider trays attached to thee wooden (particle) boards.

I was very concerned and that is why I installed the cross-members.

Remember that steel will have long term concerns vs aluminum and the weld points will be and issue.
Yea... I think I am going to do the cross-members...for both reasons (sagging and support for the trays).
__________________
aznytfury is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-25-2023, 03:41 PM   #19
Junior Member
 
State: California
Posts: 13
THOR #9073
Angry Poor Basement/Water Tank Comprtment Materials & Structural Design

Yes... I am currently addressing another issue with my 2017 Thor Aria 3901. Specifically, our fresh water tank compartment floor is sagging beneath our coach. I inspected the inside of the compartment and discovered that my tank is resting/mounted on a very weak wooden basement floor with no metal supports beneath it. My technician assessed the wood dry rot damage to extend 3/4 of the with of my coach just below the fresh water tank and our water bay area. To mitigate this structural design flaw and poor material choice, we are looking at a $5000 to $6000 repair which will include new basement floor repair, and welding metal support beams below the fresh water tank and waterbay compartments. I could fevert to just repairing the wood flooring for approximately an $1800 repair. Currently, I am working with my insurance company and Extended Service Plan folks in a effort to offset soem of these repair cost. Very disappointing and another costly repair on this unit. We are looking at $13,000 in repair cost so far this year due to poor materials and structural issues on this unit.
__________________
Jpchoc3 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
storage compartment

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 09:08 AM.


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