Thor Quality Issue - missing trim on Four Winds 31W

TatankaFarm · 11-02-2020, 03:37 PM

Hello, new quy here with a new to me 2017 Four Winds 31W, just picked up this beast from an estate sale it was nearly unused with 2700 miles on the clock.

However some Thor quality gremlins were present. Several issues, the Axxera radio was dead (replaced with a Pioneer, radio and cameras work great now), bottom screws missing from the mud guards in front of the rear dual wheels on both sides(screws replaced). So far, worst of all some trim pieces missing from the bottom of the coach panel just behind the cab of the chassis. These missing trim pieces have allowed water to penetrate the plywood on the drivers side and cause delamination and rot across the bottom of the panel and up about 4 inches. Pictures of the panel on the drivers side (behind and below running board) are attached.

I'm looking for suggestions on fixing the panel and where to purchase the missing U shaped aluminum trim parts.

**EA37TS** · 11-02-2020, 03:58 PM

Welcome to the forum.

Some folks have had good luck getting parts from Total Value RV in Elkhart, IN

Good luck and enjoy the travels.

Bob Denman · 11-02-2020, 04:19 PM

We're glad that you found us: welcome aboard!

ducksface · 11-02-2020, 05:22 PM

It's a standard piece of channel available in aluminum or plastic on Amazon very inexpensive. Very easy to put on very easy to purchase. No need to call Thor.

Things shaped like the part you're looking for are commonly called Channel.

JimOIB · 11-02-2020, 05:35 PM

That’s your wing wall - the other side will probably be the same. I had the same issue with my 2017 24F. I noticed it two years after the purchase. I called Thor and they had me take it to my dealer. The dealer told Thor it was a factory mistake, Thor confirmed that some units came off the line missing the bottom trim. Thor replaced both walls at no charge to me. It might be worth the call.

Pete'sMH · 11-02-2020, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimbo12

That’s your wing wall - the other side will probably be the same. I had the same issue with my 2017 24F. I noticed it two years after the purchase. I called Thor and they had me take it to my dealer. The dealer told Thor it was a factory mistake, Thor confirmed that some units came off the line missing the bottom trim. Thor replaced both walls at no charge to me. It might be worth the call.

That is the best case and I hope it happens for you. It is a common failure point and you need to be certain where the water got in and fix it. It won’t always be the most obvious possibility. Then fix the wall. Simply replacing the channel really isn’t enough - at least it wouldn’t be for me. You need to remove the rot back to good material and replace it. If you can’t do it yourself there certainly are people who can do it for you. I’d recommend you spend an hour or so on your hands and knees on the roof and on a ladder examining the walls. Make sure every single seam, fixture, window and penetration has a smooth even well bonded bead of sealant. Self leveling lap sealant on the roof and urethane caulk on the sides. Resist every impulse to use silicone. This is THE best RV forum and you’ll be glad you found it. Enjoy the ride!

TatankaFarm · 11-02-2020, 09:12 PM

Many thanks for all of the helpful replies and advice!

I have contacted Thor customer service, they directed me to my local dealer and I have an appointment to have the missing trim/lower wing rot issues reviewed, the local dealer agreed to file a complaint with their Thor rep.

I'll also have the local dealer do an oil change and inspection while it's in the shop. Unfortunately my appointment is not until early January. I'll see what Thor will do for me and report back.

Worst case I purchased the channel trim from the dealer and also purchased the plywood and adhesives to fix the issue if Thor won't fix it as a factory mistake.

JimOIB · 11-02-2020, 09:30 PM

Good. I have some factory pictures of these walls - I can't post them per dealer. They are pretty simple - 3/4" plywood clad in vinyl on the front. You can take the padded wall off on the inside of the coach and get a really good idea where the water penetration is and how far into the coach the damage is. Mine was all from the bottom - water wicking up the plywood. The inside padded wall has 6 buttons that pop off then you can remove the screws.

Bob Denman · 11-02-2020, 09:32 PM

Glad that things are moving forward; good luck!

CarlV · 04-18-2022, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TatankaFarm

Hello, new quy here with a new to me 2017 Four Winds 31W, just picked up this beast from an estate sale it was nearly unused with 2700 miles on the clock.

However some Thor quality gremlins were present. Several issues, the Axxera radio was dead (replaced with a Pioneer, radio and cameras work great now), bottom screws missing from the mud guards in front of the rear dual wheels on both sides(screws replaced). So far, worst of all some trim pieces missing from the bottom of the coach panel just behind the cab of the chassis. These missing trim pieces have allowed water to penetrate the plywood on the drivers side and cause delamination and rot across the bottom of the panel and up about 4 inches. Pictures of the panel on the drivers side (behind and below running board) are attached.

I'm looking for suggestions on fixing the panel and where to purchase the missing U shaped aluminum trim parts.

I have the same issue with the 2019 Four Winds 31E I just bought. Damaged wood only goes up a few inches. Going to mix up some bonding agent, apply and then clamp for a few days. I bought 8’ of 3/4” aluminum channel at Lowes. I’ll attach that to the uncovered edge with sealer and screws. If I don’t like the aluminum color I’ll just paint it.

TatankaFarm · 04-18-2022, 05:16 PM

My 2017 Four Winds 31W had the same issue, the laminate wood in front wings had water damage up about 10 inches. I has purchased the unit in 2019 it was used with 3K miles on it. I contacted Thor about the issue and they asked me to take it to their local authorized dealer for inspection. After many calls to Thor they finally agreed as a good will gesture to pay part of the repair bill. It took the dealer over 4 months to fixed it. As with everyone else, the culprit was the missing trim on the bottom of the wing walls. It's fixed now, but my overall impression of Thor quality is not good.

I've fixed many small issues but you can tell they just throw the units together. No more Thor products for me in the future.

Good luck!

ducksface · 04-18-2022, 05:29 PM

4 months to fix a problem a handyman could have fixed in a day(or a week but certainly less than 4 months) for what I'm fairly certain would have been far less money out of your pocket?

For newbs:

Warranty is not a weapon to wield.
It is a tool to use to YOUR advantage.

If there is no advantage, don't use it.

And per their previous posts the above poster bought their 2017model rv used from an estate sale at the end of 2020, making the rv potentially 4 years old at the time of purchase. He's The Op of this thread....

Signed,
A manifestation of Paul Harvey

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