One Year in our $100,000 VAN (it's been kind of a nightmare)
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 มิ.ย. 2024
- → The most HONEST Review of owning our Class B RV VAN for One Year.
SUBSCRIBE
► / vancaskeys
★ ACCESS SECRET VIDEOS & PERKS BY SUPPORTING US! ★
► / vancaskeys
★ OUR MAILING ADDRESS ★
Bob and Hillary
4960 S Gilbert Rd #1 PMB 433
Chandler AZ 85249
★VANCASKEYS DEPARTURE CHECKLIST ★
► drive.google.com/file/d/1VBWB...
★CATCH UP WITH US IN REAL-TIME ★
►Instagram - / vancaskeys
►TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@vancaskeys?_t...
►Facebook - / vancaskeys
★ SHOP ★
►Vancaskeys Amazon Page - www.amazon.com/shop/hillarymc...
►SumoSprings Rear for Dodge RAM ProMaster - www.amazon.com/shop/hillarymc...
►Wolfbox 4k Mirror Dash & Backup camera - amzn.to/43AZSeI
📷 Our Gear:
* Camera: amzn.to/3MfZtHi
* Wide Angle Zoom Lens: amzn.to/41PbCsy
* Full Frame Wide-angle Lens: amzn.to/3BxSvZh
* GoPro: amzn.to/41IA6DW
* Drone: amzn.to/3IlEHVI
* Insta 360 Camera: amzn.to/3MfZtHi
* VideoMic: amzn.to/3MfZtHi
VIDEOS WE REFERENCED:
Scary day driving the VAN! • Scary day driving the ...
We wish we would have done this DIY mod sooner! • This just made VANLIFE...
Huge issue found in our $100,000 VAN • Huge issue found in ou...
We Almost Didn't Get To Go! Van Starts Smoking! • We Almost Didn't Get T...
🎥 PLAYLISTS YOU MIGHT LIKE
► Valuable Van Info!
• Installing Front Coil ...
►Catch up on Vancaskeys!
• Our Epic Van Road Trip...
★ MUSIC WE USE IN OUR VIDEO ★
►Epidemic Sound & Storyblocks
www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
www.storyblocks.com/
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
DISCLAIMER: most links in this description are affiliate, which means that if you buy from my link, we will get a small percentage of the profit at NO EXTRA COST TO YOU!! Thanks for supporting us.
WHAT'S OUR WHY???
This channel is all about being REAL. We want to show you the real side of traveling by van. Highs and lows, ups and downs. We don't have it all figured out, and think that's okay!
We are so excited you are here, and we hope to inspire you to LIVE before retirement. We feel passionately that life and adventure can start anytime. It's so important to embrace life today.
Our goal is to inspire others to start #vanlife or #rvlife or #skoolielife...whatever you choose- let it be something that helps you chase your dreams and get you out in the beautiful world to explore what it has to offer. Thanks so much for coming along on our journey! Say hi in the comments! We love meeting you all!
Ps...why Vancaskey? We took our last name McCaskey and added a van to it 😉 #rvnewbies #classbrv #vanlife #rvproblems #rvlife #classbrv
Pss...looking for other channels about RV/Van Life...here are some of our favorites!
Eamon & Bec
HappilyEverHanks
Kara and Nate
Trent & Allie
The Endless Adventure
Mathers on the Map
Vancaskeys LLC, All rights reserved.
Episode 86 | Filmed JULY 2023 | VAN LIFE VLOG | #vancaskeys #rvlife #rvnewbies
SUBSCRIBE and be the 1st to know about our NEW Videos! It’s absolutely free and guarantees you won't miss our new video each Wednesday! th-cam.com/users/vancaskeys
Would y’all upgrade to a Class C?
What a disappointment for 100 grand. What are you really paying for?
I wish more people would do videos like this. This is one of the many reasons I’m building out my van by myself lol
That's awesome! Glad your building one out!
Pleasure way or something built better?
@@Torben-tp1df I don’t know I’ve seen campervans made by airstream that are $150,000+ and aren’t worth it. I’ve also heard the newer promasters having a lot of recalls and problems, glad I bought an older one.
I'm glad to hear you say that. I just walked away from spending $110k on a new Mercedes Class B. I just couldn't pull the trigger on it for that much money. And that was $30K off asking. I was bummed but I'll find another way. Maybe a build.
That's true some you tubers prefer to be sponsored by those cheap quality rv and their never talk about the reality, do you want quality and longevity, built your self, I lear in the hard way about my mechanic fixing my car ,after that I learn to do the basics on the cars and not get rip off
I have had five(5) RV's in my life time. (I'm 85) Four of them have been "previously owned". Had very few issues with them, as the original owners, had worked out most of the "bugs". The one I purchased new, had all of the sloppy, poor factory quality control issues so common in all RV's. My advice to "first time purchasers is to TAKE YOUR TIME and shop for used. You will also save a TON of money.
I also have an older camper van and the materials inside the van are great! I'm grateful that I don't have any of these issues.
We went the low budget, no frills route and got a Wayfarer Van build. We've had our van for 3 years and haven't had 1 problem. It breaks my heart every time I see one of your "van issue" videos. We always thought we'd save up and, in a few years, we'd upgrade to a "real" class B. After watching your videos, my husband swears we will NEVER trade in our Wayfarer Van. I couldn't agree more. Goos luck guys. Tellaro owes you, and a lot of other people, some compensation.
Thanks for sharing! So glad you have a great one!
It figures. It's a Thor.
It is sad that Thor continues to purchase other manufacturers. Through time, the quality will be the only thing that drops. 100K is not chump change. Best of luck.
We’ve owned motorhomes of all sizes for 42 years now. We’re on our 9th one now. We had our share of lemons. The B+ that we have now has been far and away our best and most trouble free unit. We live near the RV capital of the world. Just a word of caution, I WOULD NOT buy a unit made from 2020-2022. During C-19 they couldn’t make them fast enough. The factories hired anyone with a warm body and essentially threw them together. Another thing to know is that the RV industry does not believe in quality control. The consumer is their final and usually only inspector.
We've been casually looking at B and/or B+ or small C RV's but we'll casually look away from Thor...
Hehehe
Stay away from THOR.
Yeah, be mindful of "Thor quality"
All y’all are so rude! 😂 (joking, my name is NOT associated w/ THOR.) Reliability wise, mileage, the ProMaster’s are a respectable machine. I would love one w/ 4WD. I’m leaning towards a Ford…. But I have yet to find a layout that doesn’t have gotcha’a. 😊
Yeah, Thor is not looking too good!
I really hope the manufacturer sees this and knows what they need to fix for future models - because $100K is still a pretty penny! I ALSO hope they fix the issues y’all have been experiencing! Love yalls channel and the realness! So many things to consider which are crazy helpful!
Thank you so much! That would be the best if they did see all our issues and fix them in future models!
Thor has been building for a long time, they know all the issues. They just chose not to address them. They have their dream profit margin and units sold wish.
Not disagreeing that $100k is a lot of money. But for a fully built out van… it is not a lot. Thor cut corners yes. But also delivers a cost ratio. Which I like.
I spoke to Lamesa in Pot St. Lucie and they were aware of the recall on the contact paper, wrong kid of glue. Then we got in touch with Thor with the info Lamesa gave us and to properly register as 2nd owners. We have an appointment for August 9th. I got the impresssion. they would have a new medicine cabinet then and swap it out. We'll sè.
$100,000 is still alot of money. Where in the world are you from?
SURPRISENLY, the older camper vans are made better than the newer ones. The newer ones have cheaper materials. I have an older camper van and there's no cheap materials in my van. It's solid and I love it. GREAT video, Thanks!
Wow. I feel for you guys. I bought a used Pleasure-Way three years ago. It's now 5 years old and the only problem I've had was a couple of hinges not holding up the doors on a cabinets. I"ve since replaced those with inexpensive struts and all's good. I hope Thor gets everything fixed for you. They owe it to you as you're spokespeople for them whether they want you to or not. After all, this video has been seen by 80,000 plus folks.
Those of us who have been RVing a long time, myself over 22 years full-time you learn that you stay as far away as you can from any Thor manufactured products
I would like to say we have been looking at class B vans, but it is actually I, not my husband. We are 59, 60 not in great shape physically, but still hope to go see some things. When I first showed my husband Class B he laughed at me. I’m a large woman so he thinks I’m crazy. Then we started talking about what we want out of traveling. So he would like to see more than less and not go to an RV park for a week at a time. He also would like his wife to be able to drive. This has him actually looking at Class B vans now. I’m so glad you showed all the bad. We are seeing that quality is very costly in these vans. I hope to purchase one in the next two years and will continue to watch your journey.
Love this! Love that we are able to help you hopefully get into a great class b and have lots of amazing travels adventures!
We bought a old 1997 Road-trek for 11K a few years ago, had a wonderful time camping for a few years and sold it for 11K when I had health problems. I learned to work on that baby and all its accessories. Great times. These new vehicles are so expensive and complicated.
Ya know whats sad? You're fortunate to be able to do a lot of your service work. I really feel for the poor seniors that can't!!
Diane we 💯 agree 😞
i too own a Telaro with many problems. (don't buy a THOR!!!!) My Thor spent about 8 months in the shop over the last two years and Thor finally gave up and left me stranded with an electrical system that doesn't supply AC power. I gave up and spent another $6k on a Bluetti power system which supplies AC. The bed in the 20k is a disastor- it tends to slide out on it's own because the locking mechanism has repeatedly broken. I'm not a fan of the propane which recently blew up (sounded like a firecracker under the van!).
However there are a few good points- the Promaster chassis is pretty good and I lifted it 3" so it works ok on forest roads(Off Highway Van in Utah- nice folks!) . My 20k has the rear bath which works well. The 20k also has a huge fridge which is amazing for food storage. I do like the awning which is huge! I have my van set up as a mobile office- and with starlink plus t-mobile 5g I've actually worked from the road in some really beautiful places. My next upgrade will be to replace the terrible car radio which I can barely see in daylight hours. .....
At the end of the day the terrible Thor van HAS brought me places I might have never seen without the van, and when I get there I have everything I need even if the build quality is bad. Your conclusion is spot on- good parts poorly assembled, offered at a low price point.
I do like your channel and how you have a good attitude even with all the issues. Your sink faucet upgarde is nice! Keep putting up videos and I'll keep watching.
Thank you for taking the time to share this with us! Seriously it helps so much to hear other people’s journey. We agree with all of your points and suggestions. The fact that your propane blew up has us freaked out!
@@Vancaskeys When I say 'blew up' it sounded like a loud firecracker. I immediatly evacuated and thought the entire van was gonna turn into a fireball. Then a few seconds later when it didn't blow up I turned off the propane at the regulator and the hissing leak went away- sooo, a gas leak downstream of the regulator. I haven't gotten it repaired so I can't blame Thor.... yet!
You'll have to let us know what you find out!
@@Vancaskeys the propane leak turned out to be a burst hose (not Thor's fault). But the guy fixing the propane may even be able to fix my electric issues (2 yrs!) .
I'm sorry for your trouble. I believe that brand new rigs suffer from substandard materials. We went cheap & basic with a 1999 Southwind Storm 34ft ClassA. Nothing has EVER gone wrong with it other than tune-ups, new batteries, tires, and a steer right system. We did spend $3,000 for new graphics, so it looks clean. Now, 3.5 years full-time, we're happy that we were able to pay in cash ($22,000), left on the previous owners note. We bought used figuring that any fixes had been done by the previous owner, and they were ... an $8,000 lifetime guaranteed roof that they pulled off somehow due to hail damage. Maybe for your next rig, go older, cheaper, and sturdier. Best wishes. Loved your video.
Things we wish we would have known LOL...But we are so happy that you guys have had such a great experience! We love to hear it!
Check out Pleasure-Way... (and the other two Canada companies that make Class-B) - They are so much better!!! We purchased a 2 year old 2019 Pleasure-Way Lexor TS for $95k back in 2021 and love it... Awsome quality and craftsmanship... Did not need any modifications to make it more functional... And both the first owner and us have had not a single problem. The new Coachmen Class-C 19CB that we had before was plagued with never ending problems almost all attributed to poor workmanship.
Sadly problems like these are quite common on all RVs regardless if you pay $30000 or $3 million. There is no quality control for any part of the RV and service is typically 100s to 1000s of miles away. Even if you happen to be close to a service department it may be days to months before they can get to you because guess what everyone else is in the same boat.
That’s really sad and the industry needs to step it up and build quality products and only use quality components from other manufacturers
I doubt you have owned a $3M rv, so why make that comment pretending that you “know” Newell has these issues
"... because guess what everyone else is in the same boat..." These things are little better than owning a boat.
Maybe I'll just stick with a tent
We chose to go with a Casita Travel Tailer…1 1/2 years, NOTHING has gone wrong. Lots of mods. but they were all self choices. Re-sell make this an investment too. Love it.😊
"Kinda bummed?" *I'd be livid!* I congratulate you on your ability to accept the situation.
We bought a 1980 small motorhome. Good solid bones. We worked on it for about 1 year. So happy with it.
I’ve seen so many “stay away from Thor” comments on other videos, but is the first deep dive I’ve seen as to WHY. Thank you for this.
Grew up 15 years spending 8 weeks annually in an RV. I was a kid and loved it. As a mom we rented fancy RV for 4 weeks. It’s a lot more work being the mom. Hate the RV now. We bought a 27’ boat instead.
For reference we have about $80K in our build ($53K for the 2022 Promaster). I went overboard with 600 ah of battery and 800 watts of solar.
nice!
We had the “pleasure” of visiting several RV plants in the Elkhart area while our 5th wheel was having warranty work performed. One observation that we came away with was that all of them were assembling the coaches at a horrifically hectic work pace. There are two van manufacturers from which a plant tour will demonstrate an almost “glacial” line speed as compared to the large manufacturers. These manufacturers are Pleasureway in Saskatoon, Sk who produce Class B coaches and Leisure Travel Vans in Winkler, Mb who produce Class B+ (or Class C) coaches. Please take the time to check them out.
Oh wow. Good to know. Thanks for sharing!
LeisureTravel B+ vans are amazing! Their selection of lithium batteries for the new van builds leaves a bit to be desired, but overall very nice vans!
We have an older Leisure Travel Van. Very happy.
I would LOVE to have a Leisure Travel Van! They seem so well made compared to all the others. Pleasure Way seems a close second. Unfortunately, I hear that LTVs are a two year wait? I have a van in the waiting room at a semi-custom maker. Some folks don't know why I would wait and pay for such a thing, but given the quality of the build for the money, I couldn't afford and wouldn't want anything else.
And the big bonus for US customers is the exchange rate advantage is huge
Tellaro 20L Owner here... Yep, my alternator melted down in February and it may get replaced at the end of August. Had the kitchen vent leak the non-skylight owners have due to being incorrectly installed. Everyone I know of has problems with the front headliner too, and the BM Pros seem to die for everyone too. One thing to note is the solar will kick the batteries offline if you get sun and it's below freezing outside. Thor is aware of the quality and engineering problems, and they don't care. Anyone watching this video that thinks "they just got unlucky" - no, this is a very representative ownership experience.
Thank you for sharing your experience. This is extremely accurate.
"____ Days since last incident" - Love your sense of humor! Sometimes, you just have to laugh.
Haha! Truth!
In 1985 I bought a Dodge Ram 8 seater van and after 40,000 I had to get a new alternator after it just left me stranded on the side of the road. When we figured out what the problem was it was a quick fix but that’s rather frustrating! Ram apparently has not figured it out yet!
We bought a used 2003 Roadtrek 190 Popular and have not had a single issue with it. And high quality material. 👍🏻👍🏻
Yay! Love hearing this!
We’ve spent two years and 80,000 miles retired full time on the road from Canada to Guatemala. We paid a company to custom build our Promaster to our specs and it’s been great. Still on the road and having fun. Custom build is the way.
We bought a used Sprinter for $80K and later found it was full of black mold. We completely gutted the van and we are starting from scratch. You are a wonderful team together.
No way! That's terrible! So sorry!
Build your own van and make sure it is done correctly, and can survive washboard roads. The anther benefit is you will know how to fix it. Also, little wood screws into cheap wood won’t be safe in an accident.
Good advice!
We had the same issue with the paper on the cuboards peeling off. We have the same as you a 2022 Thor Tellaro. They told us there was a recall on the paper and they did order and replace it under the Thor warranty.
No way! Thanks for telling us! We had no idea.
I don’t think you missed anything…..
I’m always amazed at your positivity! I think that peeling sticker stuff would be the straw that broke the camel’s back for me 🤦🏼♀️
Thank you for always keeping it real and making me smile. (Bob reminds me so much of my little brother!)
You guys are the best!!!
Awww thank you! ❤️
Thank you for sharing all of your experiences. I've learned so much! Your patience and fortitude to make many of the repairs yourselves is inspiring.
Wow 100k is a lot I will stop dreaming about owning a expensive van. I thought a van costing that much would have few problems but seems like thats not true. Thanks for being open and honest.
You are welcome!
New subscribers ❤ And followers on FB! Great video!
My family owned a rv dealership in the mid 1980s. It nice to see rv manufacturers are still using the cheapest materials possible.
People really have no clue how bad are rvs and trailers are made. They charge prices like a house yet are built like a throwaway.
Class B are made better then class C but the prices don't match the materials.
If you have the money and the willingness you can make a class B a amazing vehicle.
Thanks for sharing your story with me it’s a great help to me 😊❤
anything built after covid was put together fast, built cheap, and sold high. I like my camper, a Casita, fiberglass cabinets that look like nice white plastic, the doors are particleboard with a stick on wood look alike plastic, never came off anywhere, after 12 years. I take it down many very bumpy roads, I never lost anything more than 1 screw, they used rivets like an airplane and an airstream. These Ford and other brand vans were made quick, full of too many bells and whistles. Simple is best when it comes to homes that move. The less electronics, the better.
Yeas. They say 2020, 21, 22 do not buy because of sub par workmanship.
Im grateful for this useful video. Good change from those who edit dream videos. And you presented it with great calm, kudos!
Guys, you are not alone. EVERY RV, no matter how much you pay is going to have issues. You definitely need to be a little handy to take care of those issues that will arise when you are out in no-man’s land. That being said, what Van Life has brought us so far has been worth every penny!!! Stick with it, you won’t be disappointed! STAY💯👍👍👍Mike and Lu in NC
Thank Mike and Lu! ❤️
They shouldn't be using cheap materials and using shortcuts and charging 100,000 and up. Thats the problem. The price should match the work
It's been fun following you guys. Good job!
Thank you! We appreciate you!
This was incredibly helpful as I’m researching which class B I might want. Thank you.
Thank you so much for your honest RV review.
This totally changed my primary RV buying options from new to used!
You guys are Awesome being so Transparent. Thank you!
You are welcome!
Thanks for your honesty and humor!!
Thanks for watching!
Thank you for doing this follow up. Very helpful. Sorry you had so many problems. We were considering the Thor, but are looking at other manufacturers now. Keep up the good work.
We own a 2023 Thor Gemini and we understand your frustration with the cheap cabin finishes. We used it only 3 1/2 months, the rest of the time has been in the General RV service dept. Not GOOD !
Happy Anniversary! I hope you've made lots of positive memories that outweigh the troubled times dealing with the van issues. Your videos are always a pleasure to watch. Safe travels!
Thank you so much!
Don’t do a Sprinter van. It can only use B5 or less biodiesel. I had to go from station to station on the interstate looking for the correct diesel. No one knows this including the sales people but the tank is marked on the inlet. It voids your warranty and ruins the engine over time if you don’t use the correct diesel. When I spoke to Mercedes they told me that this is an American problem and they don’t build their vans for American issues.
Omg my wallpaper is coming off everywhere. I too live in Arizona so heat!!
I had a 2018 Travel Lite that cost $15k that didn’t have a fraction of those problems. I did have to replace the microwave under warranty and my propane heater never worked if l went over 3000 feet in altitude so l used a space heater.
The plastic roof vent shattered and l replaced it myself with a metal one. That was it. I had the camper for 4 years and took it all over the west. I guess they just don’t make them like that anymore!
I’ve been following your journey since day 1 and enjoy the channel and your honesty. Always great content and no matter the issues your always still smiling 😊
Awesome! Thank you! WE APPRECIATE YOU SO MUCH!
Thanks for your honest sharing. Looking forward to see your Travels and experiences. Safe travels..
Thanks for watching!
You are very tolerant after all of the problems you've had and are having with the van! Talk about shoddy. It makes me appreciate all the people who have no build vans. Seems like less expense and fewer repairs. I'm sorry you've had to deal with that. Good luck!
Thank you so much!
Sounds like the Dodge van is a solid platform for a Class B van. I really like your floor plan and the upgrades you have made. And, as friends told us before we bought our Class C, it’s like an earth quake every day you are on the road. Everything in the RV will be stressed and things break. Some quality issues you have experienced, like the peeling wall surface materials, is unacceptable after only one year on the road. Good thing you both are handy. Thanks for the video!
just hang up a small curtain around the bathroom door frame, use some magnets, light, easy and silent. Don't have to use the flimsy sliding door all the time.
Don't have to go all the way to the top, just cover the person on the WC, give you some more inches of legroom.
Go a trip to Europe and rent a similar van from a good Euro brand with similar layout.
Great idea!
Nicest couple ever! Don't know how they can be so calm in light of so many defects. Very helpful info done very well!
Wow, thank you!
You guys are hysterical. After the problems with the first Thor I was surprised you bought a second. Take a look at Pleasure Way - I did a lot of homework into builder reputations before making our first van purchase and theirs seemed to be one of the best of the bunch. Two years in without any real problems at all. Like you guys, our first van is a bare bones affair - Pleasure Way Tofino - but we now have our eye on the Ontour 2.0 or Ascent. Good luck and make the manufacture repair EVERYTHING!
I thought I wanted a van camper but now I am going to be happy with my Tundra pulling a Rockwood trailer. !! Thanks guys. It is very great of you to tell us and show us all this stuff that has gone bad. I really appreciate it. Charley from Ocala fl
Thank you for the info. Very helpful. I've heard many bad things about Thor brand.
My boyfriend and I are looking to buy a van for part time use in a couple of years (trips of maybe 3 months on the road at a time. We are moving from Seattle to Phoenix in the fall but know we want to be out of the area during the hottest summer months, hence vanlife). Your videos have been great for giving me an idea of things to look for. And I'm happy to see there are so many Class B shows in the Phoenix area!
Still one of my favorite channels. Keep them coming guys.
Tim you are the BEST!
Thank you, this is really very helpful.
I've been thinking of leaving my class A RV, and opting for a class B for better travel. Ok, now I'm thinking of leaving both classes :) I don't really need to trade one problem for another. So glad I got to see this video to see what it could be like. Maybe, the answer is to build out your own simplistic travel van.
If you are not in a hurry then building one out is probaly the best bet.
Thanks for being very truthful about the van. When I started researching vans, in my head I thought an "expensive high quality" price would be $60k for a Class B... boy was I wrong! Once I started looking at fit and finish, I realized you weren't getting away with anything less than $135k... and that was even questionable!
So my question to you is... how much money have you spent for fixing and upgrading the van with things that it should have had to begin with? And I guess a follow up question would be... how much time would you say you've had to spend on the repairs (since time is money)?
Thanks for your videos. Be seeing you!
Thank you. Just starting my search.
Awesome! Hope you find the perfect one for you!
Yikes. This video is a big help. Thank you. I keep daydreaming and fantasizing about a possible van... This video helps me keep my head straight about the need to find (and pay for) a first-rate vehicle and build. I live in the northeast, which means that it would probably be tough to get anything worked on by the builder under warranty because so many builders are located west of the Mississippi. Kudos for doing all you described - but I couldn't do any of them!
My husband and I really enjoy your videos. You both have a great chemistry, and your friends are a pleasure to watch also. I would love to rent a van and try a destination vacation. My husband is not so excited about the idea, so we go along and enjoy your adventures with you. Thank you!
Emphasis on the "rent".
Great information ! Thanks for sharing 👍🏻
Thanks for watching!
Vancaskey’s!! I love your energy! I appreciate your husband when he says he doesn’t know how to do something. ❤ I have been bingeing on your videos💯
Thank you so much!! We appreciate you!
Great job!
Im excited! Van is coming this September. Thank you sharing your experience.
Hope you enjoy it!
This is about honesty, great episode, thank you guys 👍🏼
Glad you enjoyed it!
I'm glad I ran into you all. I was about to drive 90 minutes to a location and take a look at the 2023 Tallero. I may just wait and go for a different brand.
I appreciate you honesty about the good and the bad for your model B. I’m a new subs. Great job!
Thanks!!! We appreciate you!
Hello Bob and Hillary🤗 Thank you.. for an awesome video!!! 👍
We appreciate.. your honesty.. and we appreciate you both !!! 😊You guys are great people !!!
😁❤️
Thanks so much1 You are very sweet to us!
Jane and I found your channel searching for the Scope 18T, when we purchased a '22 repo in late May.
It was like new condition deeply discounted. After a few thousand miles and almost 2 month I really got to see the lack of quality and poor constructions. It seems for anything metal it was one screw connects all, and for wood another connects all, if not just staples. I anticipate basically rebuilding the interior to utilize some of all the dead space make it more efficient and purpose built... with quality! If I were to buy the promaster with the options cruse, swivel seats, power heated mirrors... and all the components, windows, generator, propane, runningboards, fridge, screens, legal seating for 4... It would probably have cost about the same.
I can't wait to put a decent bed into it!
Thanks for the great "real" videos you put out!
Thank you for your feedback on your one year review of the van
Our pleasure!
Followed along, great videos! I have a sequence version 2023. I learned a lot. I learned to have a check list on my steering wheel when I am stoped. I pulled the electric cord and broke the outlet, I know now how to replace the outlet. I finally figured out the annoying squeaks and I put cardboard between the rubbing plastic. Many small problems but still like the comfort of hot showers and a lot of the features. I love my Hollywood bike rack and my swing out hitch adapter. Keep on😊
Thank you! Happy Travels!
Thanks so much for another very informative video! Happy travels and I hope one day I get to see you guys out there!! I'm on a 16 month countdown!!
Thank you!!! Yay! Excited for you!
Here is my list thor tellaro 20j....same issues with the cheap paper peeling. My table broke too and i upgraded. Bmpro tablet failed so i replaced it and drilled a hole into the cabinet to provide power. Batteries wouldn't really run ac as advertised so i upgraded to sfk and now have 8000 watts vs 2500. Sliding door intermittent opening problems. La mesa not at all helpful. Thor support very poor on the issues with auto start.
At this point ive done like you and fixed stuff....so...if i forget all the issues it is great. I regret not buying the winnebago but liked this floorplan better and the price was right.
Misery loves company so carry on and good luck.
Haha! Best line ever “if I forget all the issues it is great” 😂
@Vancaskeys the peeling paper is really a great sign of thor just being stupid. Shoddy workmanship....litte staples shot through the paper and then some attempt to cover it with a swipe of something that doesn't even match the color.
Given the brain damage I have to go through to get it "fixed " under warranty I've decided it will be quicker to peel the paper off, paint with a good primer sealer and then paint match the van interior color scheme.
The bm pro tablet is also stupid. Many threads on the internet about the power issues and then the tablet going into a loop. My fast fix was a new tablet (60 bucks) and drill a hole into the cabinet where your outlet failed. I then put in a small battery backup that gets charged by the outlet. That at least gives me some room when I turn my power off to keep the tablet charged. My long term solution will be to mount a swing arm with a much larger tablet so I can use it to watch video from the front or swing it to the outside for viewing when sitting outside. My TV is in the back.
I'm glad your battery replacement worked. If you decide you want to triple the battery power in the same battery box, sun fun kits sfk...is what I did. Used the old batteries as a solar backup box with a 3000 watt inverter mounted on the box. Essentially gives me about 10,000 watts of battery if I want to bring the box.
Another issue for me...when I buy my next rv (I've had 6 now) will be the dealer and their true reputation for warranty work. Every rv I've had failed both in and out of warranty. I'll pay more at this point to get a dealer that is responsive.
Thanks for your videos. You've given me great ideas along the way as our thor units sputter along. On a positive note...I love the promaster. I love my pop up bunk.
Your review was very gracious and polite. Especially, considering how inconvenient the problems and issues were as you were traveling and far from locations for quick repairs. Thankfully, for the van manufacturer, and for you both, you're an upbeat, very positive and *happy* couple who seems to take things in stride. So, your future travels will be great..as you both are also *Great* . Bless you Both❤👍🌝
Marine grade materials
Wow! We’ve been discussing trading in our ‘94 Roadtrek for a new class B. We’ve seldom ever had issues. Light bulbs, belts, water pump, water heater rod. Thank you so much for this information.
Glad to help! Glad you've never had major issues!
Been looking at class b's and c's for a while. Always had thought in the back of my mind that said, be careful, niche small volume vehicles will bite me in the asp. Great video, thanks
Thank you for making such thorough videos - you guys are a delight!
I’m a realist who understands the difference between a camper van and an actual house, and don’t expect luxury. However, I absolutely expect that if I pay $100,000 for ANYTHING it will not be a bucket of total GARBAGE on wheels - especially if that bucket is not appreciating in value.
I’m also not handy. Driving down the road waiting for the next time bomb to explode in the back of my vehicle sounds like a terrible time and these products look like a complete scam, which you clearly do not deserve.
That's an informative and helpful video! Thanks for posting.
I'm not mechanically inclined and I have no interest in doing vehicle repairs myself. That's why I always purchase my vehicles new. All I must do if I need a repair is take it to the dealership and most of the needed repairs and recalls are done under warranty and I don't experience extended "down-time". As well, when I travel, if I have a mechanical problem, there's usually a dedicated service centre nearby.
I've always been fascinated by the idea of owning a motor home. Thanks to videos like yours, there's no way I could deal with all those problems.
Wow, have looked at that van before and liked it. May have to think about other options.
Thank you for showing us your van and sharing the good, the bad and the ugly...lol. I visited a La Mesa RV place in Sacramento, CA. I was pretty impressed with the RV units, including the Thors. You provided me insight as t what to look for before I purchase one. I have lived in a 2019 GMC Savana 2500 cargo van, DIY conversion, for over two years and actually love it. I would like to have more room and have a shower. Planet Fitness gyms do not exist in boondocking areas. Wow
Appreciate the review!
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent show nice to see real world van life
I agree the craftsmanship leaves a lot to be desired. Same issues for me were the headliner & the wallpaper pulling away. Mine was used so I think the previous owners worked out the “bugs”. Tucson/Phx heat plays havoc with stuff.
Thank you for your honesty.
Always!
When dealers give you lemons, you make lemonade! Had it not been for your trouble with this RV, I would have never discovered your channel. Keep finding those silver linings!
Right on! 🍋🚐😃
I am also at one year and I almost bought a similar van. The reason I didn’t is that I live in snow country and wanted to four-wheel-drive, so I bought a four-wheel-drive sprinter for 120 and it has been amazing. It has worked really well with only one gremlin with the heater, every now and then it won’t heat for hours at a time which has been very frustrating. We have been camping all over Canada, Alaska and western states sometimes at temperatures down to 6° for days at a time and we’ve stayed toasty warm with our Eberspacor diesel heater. The only other complaint I have is the cost of service, which is the most common complaint with Mercedes owners. Otherwise we have been trouble free for over a year and so far we put 50,000 miles on the van. Wish you best of luck with yours and many travel free miles.
My wife and I had the same impression on the screen door. We ended up getting the bug wall magnetic closer screen for our ram promaster. It's an easy self install. You help me with my sumo springs thought I'd help with the screen. Love watching you guys keep it going.
Thanks for sharing! We appreciate it!
Thanks for the info! Very happy to hear your opinions and satire!
Thanks!
I can relate, we were so happy when we were able to trade off our Le’ Mon
😂 glad you were able too!
You guys are the best! As I have said before, I don't think I would have been able to stay as positive as I have observed you being (well at least on camera. ) 😂 This is such a helpful summary of keeping it real and the Thor specific and general issues you have encountered. I would have never expected anything I paid $100K for to have such poor workmanship or materials. I only hope for you that as you continue to upgrade and repair/improve the components, that the issues are fewer and the enjoyment is more frequent. Because of your channel, I have been able to share some of your challenges on other platforms so people could be more aware of the pros/cons. Glad you're at least out of the driveway again!!! Happy trails. ☺️
Thank you JOE! We appreciate you! You have great points!
Thanks for this video !
You are so welcome!