New Axis 24.1 Quality Thoughts

[AJMike]

Perhaps 5 years ago, when we were looking for a new RV, I checked out the Thor Axis/Vegas 24.1 and thought about buying it. What prevented me were posts from users and others telling me that the construction quality of the RV was terrible and that they mostly lived in the repair shop.

I spent part of today getting estimates on replacing the current 3-way fridge in our RV with a compressor model and went to take a look at what the replacement actually looked like - how large was the freezer compartment and what were its measurements - and while doing that found ourselves looking at the new Axis 24.1. The fridge was not in the Axis, but I wanted to see what difference the 5 years might have made.

It looked exactly like the old one except for updated electronics and it was very tempting, but the price is so low compared to other new RVs that I thought I would ask the community if the new Axis/Vegas models were built any better or if they are still (or ever were) poorly constructed.

I was also wondering what the tow capacity of the RV is. Not the hitch rating but the actual tow capacity. I asked the sales guy but all he knew was the hitch rating.

Thanks for any info.

 

[16ACE27]

The 24.1 is a very popular floor plan, lots of them have been sold over the years.
There is no particular set of problems on the 24.1, or the Axis/Vegas line, or even the Thor products. Sometimes you get one that seemed to be put together right and have few, if any, issues.
Others seem to have to live in the shop for repairs.
Same goes for all Thor products.
Same goes for all RVs
Just take a gander at the LizAmazing Youtube channel.

As an experienced RVer you have a good handle on the systems.
If you decide to go the new (or used) RV route your best defense against problems is to thoroughly inspect and exercise all systems in the RV before finishing the purchase paperwork and taking it off the lot. Remember Judge has a great sticky thread about pre-purchase procedures.

The tow capacity depends on the difference between the GVWR and the GCWR. So for a current 24.1 you can tow 6000 lbs if the RV is fully loaded to its GVWR. That should be plenty for most TOADS.

 

[AJMike]

The 24.1 is a very popular floor plan, lots of them have been sold over the years.
There is no particular set of problems on the 24.1, or the Axis/Vegas line, or even the Thor products. Sometimes you get one that seemed to be put together right and have few, if any, issues.
Others seem to have to live in the shop for repairs.
Same goes for all Thor products.
Same goes for all RVs
Just take a gander at the LizAmazing Youtube channel.

As an experienced RVer you have a good handle on the systems.
If you decide to go the new (or used) RV route your best defense against problems is to thoroughly inspect and exercise all systems in the RV before finishing the purchase paperwork and taking it off the lot. Remember Judge has a great sticky thread about pre-purchase procedures.

The tow capacity depends on the difference between the GVWR and the GCWR. So for a current 24.1 you can tow 6000 lbs if the RV is fully loaded to its GVWR. That should be plenty for most TOADS.

Thank you for the response. And thank you for the tow weight value. I knew how to calculate it but I did not know what the GVWR and GCWR values were for the chassis since I don't really know what chassis it is.

6000 pounds would be nice since our current RV is only capable of towing about 4200 pounds. That is enough, barely, for our 2 door Jeep Wrangler, but I have always wanted a more tow-capable RV.

We have been through some interesting vehicle walk-throughs finding all kinds of stuff that had never been taken care of so I always schedule the walkthrough before signing papers, not after. Once the papers have been signed what I usually hear from the salesman is something like "I'm sorry. Have we met?".

 

[ducksface]

For a small percentage of the cost of a 24.1 the godzilla engine can be made to have 650hp.



Except for the chassis it is all just an easily changed, repaired, and reinforced cardboard box.

Thor only builds the cardboard part.

Vendors supplied everything else.

I doubt it would take 20hours for a knowledgeable handy man to convert the fit, not the components, to Newell quality.

It's just another small percentage of the base cost to add heated floors and marble counters or the silly $1200 radio head that has to compete with an 85db background noise of all possible frequency and range.



IT'S A KIT.
They lend you low-end stuff that you replace as you like.

buy the floor plans you like and make it yours.

Thor quality(or lack thereof)MEANS NOTHING to inventive folks who know what they want.

Some folks here couldn't think to add mustard to a pastrami sandwich they are complaining about how it doesn't have enough mustard.
Some of us bought a cow as a pastrami kit.

 

[Jimbo57]

For a small percentage of the cost of a 24.1 the godzilla engine can be made to have 650hp.



Except for the chassis it is all just an easily changed, repaired, and reinforced cardboard box.

Thor only builds the cardboard part.

Vendors supplied everything else.

I doubt it would take 20hours for a knowledgeable handy man to convert the fit, not the components, to Newell quality.

It's just another small percentage of the base cost to add heated floors and marble counters or the silly $1200 radio head that has to compete with an 85db background noise of all possible frequency and range.



IT'S A KIT.
They lend you low-end stuff that you replace as you like.

buy the floor plans you like and make it yours.

Thor quality(or lack thereof)MEANS NOTHING to inventive folks who know what they want.

Some folks here couldn't think to add mustard to a pastrami sandwich they are complaining about how it doesn't have enough mustard.
Some of us bought a cow as a pastrami kit.

I have the cow but it doesn’t taste like pastrami now what

 

[Chateau_Nomad]

You're essentially buying a floor plan, as ALL production motorhomes in this price range are built exactly the same, using the same quality/level of materials. There's a reason for that. PRICE. An upgrade to a new custom coach will cost... you know the saying: If you have to ask...

The key to success is find the floorplan you love. Then spend MANY HOURS using Judge's checklist going over the unit leaving no stone unturned. You'll probably piss off the sales staff, but hey... you'll be the one tortured if you DON'T do it.

There's HUNDREDS of threads on this forum created simply because people didn't do this. You're a current RV owner, so you know how things break, and the maintenance required. DON'T BUY a new RV with broken non-functional things... before you've even used it. The ball is in your court now... you have control of the purchase process. If it passes, go for it! Otherwise walk away and find another.

 

[ducksface]

Make it yours.

Pastrami is basically smoked corned beef.
Buy a corned beef
Fire up the cook n kettle on the lowest temp
Smoke for 15 hours.
Season to taste



Make it yours

24.1 Thor is basically a box with a toilet.
Buy a 24.1
Fire up the tools with the most possible thought
Adjust and refine for 15 hours
Decorate and modify to taste.

And
No animals for us
People ask why a guy like me doesn't have a horse.

"Because I don't have a freezer big enough".
(Same reason we don't have a cow)

 

[ducksface]

I have the cow but it doesn’t taste like pastrami now what

Same as;

I bought an rv.
The ignition key works upside down!
My limited edition prius key does not have such a loose manufacturing tolerance.
I have contacted a lawyer about this key and Thor's lack of key quality.
Also,
To use the side door do I push or pull to open?

Signed,
I am a highly educated double doctorate married to a lower knowledge single doctorate spouse.
I know things.
(I'll never come back to this forum for an answer)