The Break List Keeps Growing…

[The-Rombauts]

For context, we are new RV owners. New as in new to owning an RV (as of May 2025) and also having a new RV. I suppose owning a new RV also introduces new problems.

1. Refrigerator powers on, doesn’t cool — working with dealership to deal with the warranty process of going through Thor, to go through Contoure. I already tried going through Contoure myself, unfortunately, this is the way it is.

2. When we took delivery, there were a few identified items.
a. Dash vent broken — they ordered a new one
b. Shade over couch fell off — they ordered a new one

3. I noticed the tray under one of the tanks (not sure if it’s black or gray tank, but irrelevant) is not centered under tank.

4. We keep the toilet paper under the sink in the rear bathroom. Wife said she needed a new roll and when she went to get a new roll said they were all soaked — as in waterlogged. I immediately checked the p-trap and sure enough, the connector is completely broken.

5. We paid for the extra protection plan as we don’t know what we don’t know about living with an RV. A very minor detail I noticed during a cleaning was that they missed a spot under the awning, but it had already been sealed, so I am unable to clean the dirt and water spots without paste.

We will be returning back home later in the week and it’s going in for the replacement parts and to start the refrigerator diagnosis. Hopefully there won’t be any more issues.

— Aaron

 

[16ACE27]

OK

 

[Lt Keefer]

I suggest you save yourself the aggravation, loss of use and fuel cost of returning to the dealer and learn to fix these minor problems. Youtube can be a wonderful tutor for learning new skills.

 

[The-Rombauts]

Some of these items are warranty only, such as the refrigerator. Others I will be doing on my own most likely, like the plumbing. I never said I wasn’t going to work on these myself, just kind of shocked at how much and how easily broken some of these items are.
Since some of these are dealer only items, I would rather them do their job to start.

 

[ducksface]

'...we don’t know what we don’t know...'

A warranty is not worth chasing for things you can fix easily yourself.

You bought a kit that is an instant hobby with a learning curve that you need to get right up on.

You've made mucho plenty mistakes already.
Don't make another by having your rv in the shop for months due to indignation telling you they need to do their job.

Welcome to the rv life.
You'll get handy or you'll might spend the equivalent of your rv purchase price over the next five years.

 

[The-Rombauts]

Like I mentioned, I’ll likely do the plumbing myself but some of these items are warranty only like the refrigerator.

 

[Chateau_Nomad]

Jason explains a lot here...

 

[The-Rombauts]

So quality problems with RV manufacturers is a problem I’ve heard. That’s too bad.

 

[dkoldman]

For context, we are new RV owners. New as in new to owning an RV (as of May 2025) and also having a new RV. I suppose owning a new RV also introduces new problems.

1. Refrigerator powers on, doesn’t cool — working with dealership to deal with the warranty process of going through Thor, to go through Contoure. I already tried going through Contoure myself, unfortunately, this is the way it is.

2. When we took delivery, there were a few identified items.
a. Dash vent broken — they ordered a new one
b. Shade over couch fell off — they ordered a new one

3. I noticed the tray under one of the tanks (not sure if it’s black or gray tank, but irrelevant) is not centered under tank.

4. We keep the toilet paper under the sink in the rear bathroom. Wife said she needed a new roll and when she went to get a new roll said they were all soaked — as in waterlogged. I immediately checked the p-trap and sure enough, the connector is completely broken.

5. We paid for the extra protection plan as we don’t know what we don’t know about living with an RV. A very minor detail I noticed during a cleaning was that they missed a spot under the awning, but it had already been sealed, so I am unable to clean the dirt and water spots without paste.

We will be returning back home later in the week and it’s going in for the replacement parts and to start the refrigerator diagnosis. Hopefully there won’t be any more issues.

— Aaron

Congratulations on new RV . Sounds like normal stuff to me. My two cents....

When did you notice the fridge to stop cooling ( it is not cooling at all or at a temp you do like?) may info and someone may help on that issue. i.e is Freezer not working too etc.

Keep looking for stuff, it is good sign they are ordering parts. Consider a good thing, not a negative. Keep looking and try everything in the coach at least 2 or 3 times within the 1st year.

Send picture of tray under tank? I don't have any trays, if the tank leaks I ma not sure what the tray would do? I would love to see. Is it something that can be easily removed nad recentered? Did you look at another coach like yours and verify it is centered as you like?

Are they sending you a new P trap. I would install myself if you have not already, but if they send you the part that great.

I don't believe in any warranties or extra protection plan, many disagree, but they are wrong. They view they are right because they may have benefited by having the warranty, but they were the exception. It is like a few in Casinos will always win and Casinos wnat everyone to know when they do a payout. But everyone should NOT gamble unless they are ding it for fun and expect to lose. If you could get money back, I would.

I have read this over and over and I just don't follow. I may be slow. What kind of paste goes on awnings? 6 years and I have neve done anything with awning cleaning wise? I do occasionally will see some mildewing after rains. I use to open it up to dry out after rains, but I stopped doing that.

I noticed during a cleaning was that they missed a spot under the awning, but it had already been sealed, so I am unable to clean the dirt and water spots without paste.​

 

[The-Rombauts]

Thank you on the congrats about the RV. We are happy with this even though I just spent a post ranting about a few items.

1. We took the RV out for a test run about a week or two after we took delivery for an overnight trip. We were out about 20 minutes from home, just in case. Hooked up to 50A shore power, we had food and drinks in the fridge and noticed it just never seemed cold. The cold food and drinks we did have in there were warm the next morning as well. I tested both the freezer and refrigerator box, it didn't matter. The compressor runs, the light turns on, the fan in the freezer compartment runs, the thermistor is mounted and connected. From the Xantrex Inverter, 120V, with a 32W load, the amps calculate to only 0.27A. This is a lot less than the manufacturer specifications of 1 / 2.2 / 5.5 Amps. (yes, this refrigerator should run that low).
I started a conversation with Contoure and we started a troubleshooting process. Plug the fridge into grid power, no RV power or inverter. Leave it on for 24 hours on coldest setting. Since the cabinet gets warmer than the ambient air after a few hours, we figure the compressor is running non-stop and heating. They said since I did not install it and we just got the RV, we would have to go through the dealer. So the dealer to Thor Motor Coach (TMC) to Countoure and then reverse the conversation chain. Apparently, Contoure has a policy that their appliances must be installed by authorized technicians, too.

2. We have to take it in for service on the refrigerator. They still need to plug it in themselves and verify that I am not doing something wrong before they can make a decision. At that time, I will find out if they are going to fix the plumbing or if they will tell me it is a regular maintenance item. If it is on me to repair, I will order a compatible part and make the repair myself.

3. As for under the gray/black tanks, they look like the SHIM, HOLDING TANK item 9 on the Trunk Layout Schematic. I will also include pictures. Hopefully they can be recentered when the tanks are empty. In this case, it happens to be the gray tank side. It is hard to see from the pictures.

4. No worries on the extended warranty or not. In this case, we are happy we have it. We don't usually ever purchase extended warranties on anything. The only reason we did on this purchase was that we didn't know what we didn't know. Not sure if this is everywhere, but in New York, there are no Lemon Laws on recreational vehicles outside of the chassis, engine, and mechanical components. Was this a stupid add-on? Maybe, let me get back to you in the next five years or 50,000 miles (the warranty coverage).

5. Sorry for my wording regarding the awning. Not the awning itself, but on the gel coat. I believe that is what you would call the fiberglass outside siding. Part of the warranty is extra protection to the panels, so not quite a Paint Protection Film (PPF) but a chemical process (as far as I know). There is a section that was missed and I don't want to do anything to the siding that would compromise it, the finish, or the warranty without first checking with the dealership. From the image, it will look like dried waterspots. I have already attempted to clean it with normal wash. I use Chemical Guys products for my vehicles, so I even tried on this and I am certain it is sealed dirty, unfortunately.

-- Aaron

 

[Gus52]

My brother's Thor coach had a dual fuel refrigerator. It did not work. It took awhile but they finally found the factory did not include the roof vent for it.

 

[16ACE27]

It took awhile

That blows my mind. How does a technician that works on RVs day in and day out not check for proper ventilation first thing on a non-cooling absorption fridge?

 

[Jimbo57]

Thank you on the congrats about the RV. We are happy with this even though I just spent a post ranting about a few items.

1. We took the RV out for a test run about a week or two after we took delivery for an overnight trip. We were out about 20 minutes from home, just in case. Hooked up to 50A shore power, we had food and drinks in the fridge and noticed it just never seemed cold. The cold food and drinks we did have in there were warm the next morning as well. I tested both the freezer and refrigerator box, it didn't matter. The compressor runs, the light turns on, the fan in the freezer compartment runs, the thermistor is mounted and connected. From the Xantrex Inverter, 120V, with a 32W load, the amps calculate to only 0.27A. This is a lot less than the manufacturer specifications of 1 / 2.2 / 5.5 Amps. (yes, this refrigerator should run that low).
I started a conversation with Contoure and we started a troubleshooting process. Plug the fridge into grid power, no RV power or inverter. Leave it on for 24 hours on coldest setting. Since the cabinet gets warmer than the ambient air after a few hours, we figure the compressor is running non-stop and heating. They said since I did not install it and we just got the RV, we would have to go through the dealer. So the dealer to Thor Motor Coach (TMC) to Countoure and then reverse the conversation chain. Apparently, Contoure has a policy that their appliances must be installed by authorized technicians, too.

2. We have to take it in for service on the refrigerator. They still need to plug it in themselves and verify that I am not doing something wrong before they can make a decision. At that time, I will find out if they are going to fix the plumbing or if they will tell me it is a regular maintenance item. If it is on me to repair, I will order a compatible part and make the repair myself.

3. As for under the gray/black tanks, they look like the SHIM, HOLDING TANK item 9 on the Trunk Layout Schematic. I will also include pictures. Hopefully they can be recentered when the tanks are empty. In this case, it happens to be the gray tank side. It is hard to see from the pictures.

4. No worries on the extended warranty or not. In this case, we are happy we have it. We don't usually ever purchase extended warranties on anything. The only reason we did on this purchase was that we didn't know what we didn't know. Not sure if this is everywhere, but in New York, there are no Lemon Laws on recreational vehicles outside of the chassis, engine, and mechanical components. Was this a stupid add-on? Maybe, let me get back to you in the next five years or 50,000 miles (the warranty coverage).

5. Sorry for my wording regarding the awning. Not the awning itself, but on the gel coat. I believe that is what you would call the fiberglass outside siding. Part of the warranty is extra protection to the panels, so not quite a Paint Protection Film (PPF) but a chemical process (as far as I know). There is a section that was missed and I don't want to do anything to the siding that would compromise it, the finish, or the warranty without first checking with the dealership. From the image, it will look like dried waterspots. I have already attempted to clean it with normal wash. I use Chemical Guys products for my vehicles, so I even tried on this and I am certain it is sealed dirty, unfortunately.

-- Aaron

As far as the awning marks looks like they sprayed on ceramic coating and took lunch break before they wiped it, maybe a respray and wipe will fix , but I agree that the dealers to fix as their end did it. For extended warranty make sure you read the fine print about what you need to do like taking it in every 6 months for service check ups or warranty is void( not sure on the time ) but they they will use any excuse not to cover it. Maybe that’s why it takes months sitting in their shop back lot waiting to make a simple repair. Just my opinion

 

[dkoldman]

Thank you on the congrats about the RV. We are happy with this even though I just spent a post ranting about a few items.

1. We took the RV out for a test run about a week or two after we took delivery for an overnight trip. We were out about 20 minutes from home, just in case. Hooked up to 50A shore power, we had food and drinks in the fridge and noticed it just never seemed cold. The cold food and drinks we did have in there were warm the next morning as well. I tested both the freezer and refrigerator box, it didn't matter. The compressor runs, the light turns on, the fan in the freezer compartment runs, the thermistor is mounted and connected. From the Xantrex Inverter, 120V, with a 32W load, the amps calculate to only 0.27A. This is a lot less than the manufacturer specifications of 1 / 2.2 / 5.5 Amps. (yes, this refrigerator should run that low).
I started a conversation with Contoure and we started a troubleshooting process. Plug the fridge into grid power, no RV power or inverter. Leave it on for 24 hours on coldest setting. Since the cabinet gets warmer than the ambient air after a few hours, we figure the compressor is running non-stop and heating. They said since I did not install it and we just got the RV, we would have to go through the dealer. So the dealer to Thor Motor Coach (TMC) to Countoure and then reverse the conversation chain. Apparently, Contoure has a policy that their appliances must be installed by authorized technicians, too.

2. We have to take it in for service on the refrigerator. They still need to plug it in themselves and verify that I am not doing something wrong before they can make a decision. At that time, I will find out if they are going to fix the plumbing or if they will tell me it is a regular maintenance item. If it is on me to repair, I will order a compatible part and make the repair myself.

3. As for under the gray/black tanks, they look like the SHIM, HOLDING TANK item 9 on the Trunk Layout Schematic. I will also include pictures. Hopefully they can be recentered when the tanks are empty. In this case, it happens to be the gray tank side. It is hard to see from the pictures.

4. No worries on the extended warranty or not. In this case, we are happy we have it. We don't usually ever purchase extended warranties on anything. The only reason we did on this purchase was that we didn't know what we didn't know. Not sure if this is everywhere, but in New York, there are no Lemon Laws on recreational vehicles outside of the chassis, engine, and mechanical components. Was this a stupid add-on? Maybe, let me get back to you in the next five years or 50,000 miles (the warranty coverage).

5. Sorry for my wording regarding the awning. Not the awning itself, but on the gel coat. I believe that is what you would call the fiberglass outside siding. Part of the warranty is extra protection to the panels, so not quite a Paint Protection Film (PPF) but a chemical process (as far as I know). There is a section that was missed and I don't want to do anything to the siding that would compromise it, the finish, or the warranty without first checking with the dealership. From the image, it will look like dried waterspots. I have already attempted to clean it with normal wash. I use Chemical Guys products for my vehicles, so I even tried on this and I am certain it is sealed dirty, unfortunately.

-- Aaron

You are doing good. All the right things. There are likely other issues. Don't hope it is, verify everything. Do this BEFORE taking back to fridge. Use every thing in the coach expecting it to fail. Check fans, water pressure flows, fill holding tanks with water verify the gauges and then dump. Get a water hose on the roof or leave out in the rain. Use jacks etc. You get the idea. In my book, I dumped the dealer the last day, they will fix anything. I went 2 1/2 years with items being repaired under OEM warranty. But it was the Mfg making the Dealer fix that stuff, once that card played out, I have been on my own with my Mobile Tech guy. I don't want even want to take to dealer for recalls if I can do myself. You take to Dealer to fix A and when you get it back the Dealer broke B & C.

 

[The-Rombauts]

For extended warranty make sure you read the fine print about what you need to do like taking it in every 6 months for service check ups or warranty is void( not sure on the time ) but they they will use any excuse not to cover it. Maybe that’s why it takes months sitting in their shop back lot waiting to make a simple repair. Just my opinion

Jimbo57, I completely understand what you are writing. I ran our service contract through ChatGPT and asked it to build me a maintenance schedule based on the contract. I have also looked through the actual Thor Motor Coach (TMC) guides. As far as the "big warranty" items go, such as the TMC laminate warranty, the motorcoach must be inspected prior to the one-year anniversary of purchase and every year thereafter.

I have already created a separate email account for the RV and have it's own calendar. Nice to keep it separated from the other accounts and things.

--Aaron

 

[dkoldman]

Jimbo57, I completely understand what you are writing. I ran our service contract through ChatGPT and asked it to build me a maintenance schedule based on the contract. I have also looked through the actual Thor Motor Coach (TMC) guides. As far as the "big warranty" items go, such as the TMC laminate warranty, the motorcoach must be inspected prior to the one-year anniversary of purchase and every year thereafter.

I have already created a separate email account for the RV and have it's own calendar. Nice to keep it separated from the other accounts and things.

--Aaron

I would love to see you post a running log of ...

1. Failures, defects, covered by Dealer at no cost to you
2. Failures, defects, covered by RV Mfg at no cost to you
3. Failures, defects, covered by OEM Mfg at no cost to you
4. Failures, defects, covered by Extended warranty plan

a. Less initial outlay to buy the Extended warranty plan​

b. Less cost to keep the warranty activ​

c. Less deductible cost​

d. Less loss of time cost / impact due to lack of service​

​

Nothing wrong with what you have done and no suggestions from me to imply otherwise, but perhaps a live tale for others to see how it works. You see the system is designed to pray off those with the least information and the ability to afford what many over the year call peace of mind.

I did what I am asking you to do. The $7,500 I did not pay for 5 Year extended warranty allowed me to spend $1,500/year on modifications and upgrades like AGS EC-30 command center, upgraded batteries, new Samsung TV, spare tire etc.

I had one issue I viewed as a Mfg defect to replace fallen brackets and hardware off the inside hood. The dealer wanted $2,500 for repair. The RV Mfg sent me all the parts I needed; so I could find someone else to do. I had a RV life changing event as I met my Mobile Tech who lives only a few miles from house. He custom designed new brackets that failsafe the issue from ever occurring for around $600. I have not been back to any RV Dealer since.

But here is the kicker, when I was reporting to WBGO about the design change so they could make notes on my RV's Serial number records, I asked them had I bought the Extended warranty would it have been covered? They said NO. I would have paid the deductible only to be declined because they would have said the issue was due to mfg quality & workmanship, not a defect which was actually true.

You remind me of me 7 years ago. I knew little of RVs short of rentals, but I quickly learned who was who on this site and I started to trust some people I didn't know. From checking and repairing for my own leaks twice a year... to not changing oil every 6 months to only changing oil once every two, I am all the better. Heck, I even did my own fiberglass work on the inside of my front grill this morning. I may be a C or D+ grade mechanic, but the wife thinks I am A+ so I just have fun doing what I do. If I screw up.... I will pay and get it fixed. I still have money left over in my $7,500 reserve. That Extended Warranty plan would have ended almost 2 years ago. I bet if I tried to purchase one or renew if I had one; it would have been $12,000?

Note: The one issue I cited above, last year WBGO did a recall on my coach. The repair through a dealer is free and they will put rivets through your from hood in 8 places. I declined. But imagine had I paid $2,500 3 years ago, I would really be ticked because it was destined to have failed again.

 

[The-Rombauts]

This is not a Manufacturer's extended warranty; this was offered by the dealership.

Grab a beverage and find a comfortable seat, lol...

Vehicle Service Contract: $19,985
Paint Protection: $8,223
Tire & Wheel Protection: $3,223
Roadside Assistance: $3,143

Total: $34,574

Side note, the retail on the 2025 Thor Hurricane 35M is $223,350. We picked it up for $150,618 with 657 miles on it. Of course this is all before New York State taxes and fees.

The one thing I am still a little salty on is that we were originally looking for a used model, a couple years old, but significantly cheaper. The effing salesman said that warranties are non-transferrable. Guess what the TMC warranty guide says?

"This Limited Warranty Covers: ONLY the first retail owner and any second retail owner of the motorhome"

Lesson learned, sir. Don't trust the people in this industry. Learn fast, learn hard, or pay hard -- got it!

-- Aaron

 

[16ACE27]

Grab a beverage and find a comfortable seat, lol...

Vehicle Service Contract: $19,985
Paint Protection: $8,223
Tire & Wheel Protection: $3,223
Roadside Assistance: $3,143

Total: $34,574

WOW!

Just WOW!

Hindsight is 20/20. I hope you take off that neon jacket so they don't see you coming next time.

 

[ducksface]

This is not a Manufacturer's extended warranty; this was offered by the dealership.

Grab a beverage and find a comfortable seat, lol...

Vehicle Service Contract: $19,985
Paint Protection: $8,223
Tire & Wheel Protection: $3,223
Roadside Assistance: $3,143

Total: $34,574

Side note, the retail on the 2025 Thor Hurricane 35M is $223,350. We picked it up for $150,618 with 657 miles on it. Of course this is all before New York State taxes and fees.

The one thing I am still a little salty on is that we were originally looking for a used model, a couple years old, but significantly cheaper. The effing salesman said that warranties are non-transferrable. Guess what the TMC warranty guide says?

"This Limited Warranty Covers: ONLY the first retail owner and any second retail owner of the motorhome"

Lesson learned, sir. Don't trust the people in this industry. Learn fast, learn hard, or pay hard -- got it!

-- Aaron

Not trust people in the industry?
It's YOU that you shouldn't trust.

No one, in the history of history
In any culture anywhere
At any time
Ever ever ever
Said
'Always trust a car dealership salesman/employee.'

 

[Chateau_Nomad]

I'm a little salty on certain warranties in general... because they're underwritten by insurance companies and worded to avoid risk using endless legal loopholes. They have shareholders... the only way to pay dividends is claim denial. The more denials, the higher investment return. 5th grade math.

IMO money's better spent upfront on a THOROUGH - no stone left unturned $1,000 inspection by an independent QUALIFIED experienced RV specialist. This especially includes NEW RVs.

For instance the de-lamination "warranty" is a joke. If it's built properly and SEALED... then maintenance is meticulously kept, it's NOT going to delaminate. An inspector worth their salt will find any and all structural defects BEFORE purchase.

The appliances are another story. Many are junk - especially in Covid and post Covid builds. It's a shot in the dark which ones will fail and when. But look at the cost of a basic microwave oven. You can easily self-replace a $150 microwave... and it might have a warranty itself.