You are so right about "not knowing" what you prefer until you've been doing life in a van for a while. You both have such a great attitude about the challenges of working out the bugs!
Apparently things break on all RVs because they’re all cheaply made, but it doesn’t seem like they should for the price we pay. I understand needing to keep things tightened because you shake and rattle down the road, but things shouldn’t just break on a brand new $100k van. We have a 2020.5 Travato G, bought two weeks before lockdown, so not even one of the rush jobs due to the demand of everybody wanted to go RVing during the pandemic. I can’t tell you the number of things that are broken on it. We drove off the lot with what we discovered was a completely non-functioning fridge, then we had to wait three months to get an appointment and another month for a replacement to come down from Canada and be installed - on a brand new RV! Worst of all is the sexy aluminum slats that are supposed to slip around on a track on the bathroom door. The track snapped and fell off on our way from California to Texas. We had freaking aluminum slats stashed under the Murphy bed for the whole rest of the trip! Since it broke, we couldn’t reinstall the track, so we just put up a shower curtain, which we decided we like better anyway because it doesn’t clatter as we go down the road. But things are really shoddy on RVS. However, Thor has a reputation for being more problem prone than other brands. But most distressing to me is the issue with the door locks. Our Travato is on a Promaster 3500. I didn’t realize it was different from the 1500. As you were saying about buying something and then realizing that certain things don’t work for you, I want to downsize to a Solis Pocket. When we bought the Travato they only had the Solis 59P. The PX and the Pocket came about six months later. Unfortunately. It has everything we need, it’s 4’ shorter, a better sleeping arrangement for the two of us plus dog, more storage, and none of the things we don’t use like the TV, stereo, awning, microwave. (And there is a little spice rack that is the perfect size for stashing my identical traveling Nespresso Essenza Mini! Kazaar rocks!) But the Pocket is on a 1500. That might be a deal killer if there aren’t door locks on the passenger side. I find that a little scary, to be honest. I wonder if it’s just a feature of the chassis the Thor chose, or if it’s true of the chassis the Pocket is on. I’ll have to go to the FB group and ask. Thank you for that intel!
We agree. It's so crazy how much these things break and they are so expensive. Sorry to hear what you have went through with yours. We did end up figuring out that the locks do work for the passenger side. We just didn't know that the button was right below the screen on the console. So don't let that be a deal breaker. We just didn't know. LOL.
@@Vancaskeys Yes! I was just going to come back and tell you about that button. It was bedtime when I watched your video and I posted something to the Solis Pocket group and they reminded me that there’s a button down there. They have it on the Pocket, we have it on our Travato. Duh. (There is that forehead-slapping moment when you realize that that button’s there. We owned the thing for around two years before I noticed it. But that was largely because of the pandemic and not going out very much.) NB: you might consider adding a text box to that part of the video to explain that there is a button and you just didn’t know about it. That way you won’t get pummeled with these comments if you misspeak.
Just bought a new 2013 Rize 18a. The left latch on the pop top came unlatched while going 60 mph. Before departing, I had assured both latches were secure and it was locked. The nylon safety strap thankfully kept the top from opening, which would obviously have been a disaster! Anyone else have this issue?
Just wait till you drop your phone down behind the bed and the gap in the panel, I am going to buy a tiny extender gripper, that was 2 hours waisted trying to get it out with a broom handle..
I wish I saw the video before I bought a same kind van. The two window frames fell off during my first trip. Before my trip, The big drawer slide out because the magnet bar at the bottom was broken. So that drawer kept opening until i tightened the handle with a rope to the driver’s seat. I have never used the table because it felt over in the first time I used it. I am not a handyman, I am regret to get this van.
Two questions. How does it handle on the highway with trucks and wind? They look too short and too tall to be stable. Also, do they offer a top that opens automatically. I'm too short and too old to lift the top and pull it down for the grandkids.
I have the Thor Rize 18M. The cassette toilet broke within 2 months of using it, only a few times. Getting into the shop, on their times and terms is tediousness and not condusive to life, work and traveling. Needing it "a few days" is ridiculous.. i just call a mobile RV guy and get it fixed on the spot.. It took 2 times to the so called "service center" to get a proper fix on a propane leak that they stated was "in my head" only to be found after 2 fill ups on the tank, which i paid for, crimped house during assembly.. they said the would reimburse if i sent receipts, and a few pages of documents, should get my money back in two months... No thanks.
I’m not picking on ya. I’m just thinking out loud why people choose this platform - it’s for work (handyman, plumbing, moving, etc). The ford/Mercedes van are better suited for this (Mercedes sprinter is the best in reliability and comfort).
I've heard some people say that it helps to rent an RV before buying one so you can figure out where you'd prefer things to be. I think I'll do that after hearing you guys! Thanks for sharing your experiences.
After hearing your issues while we were researching several class B and B pluses we finally decided on the thor sequence. It has the same engine but a couple feet longer so it also fits pretty much anywhere. The bed can be permanently set up without knockdown and the lithium model L has no generator so you can make coffee anywhere. I think the model is around 10 or 15 K more expensive but has the features you want. The working table is set up behind the passenger seat mainly and out of the way. We settled for model L and so far haven't had any issues.
We've been looking at Class B vans for road trips. The Ram Promaster typically comes in far cheaper than the Ford Transit and Mercedes Sprinter RV's. I've owned Ram Trucks and haven't been happy with long term longevity, and have been concerned about reliability issues. We drive A LOT (50K + miles yearly), and want something that can handle the miles, especially with an RV built on the chassis. Thank you for your helpful likes and dislikes. Definitely helpful.
Update: we have decided to go with the Winnebago Solis Pocket. Thor’s customer service is horrible. Called them today asking basic questions and got the run around on every question I was asking. Will definitely still support and watch your videos though. Great stuff
Wondering...If you keep you bed made at all times, can you still have EZaccess to the drawers underneath the cabinets, or any other cabinets that are below the bed height?
Yeah my coffee maker is on the floor sometimes too. We never use our table either! Having that bed up is nice. We store stuff in the pop up when we are parked, like the latter, beach umbrella and other big items to get them out of our way. Love your videos! Keep em coming, happy travels!
Great to see the pros and cons 👍 I hear that a lot across the rv industry. It's a shame that it's the norm to expect things will break or not work right out the gate. One of the big reasons we are going with a custom build
Absolutely. My wife just wanted to buy a factory B van and get it over with. I talked her out of it; I told her that I don't want buy expensive headaches. Though it's a hassle to have one built, you would get a lot of van for much less money and headaches.
I’m surprise is there a button on the center dash for door I have that on my tellaro but sometime I’m not very certain it locks the door. I don’t like the seat neither I’m not 6’ like u guys but still the the seat and staining combination is not very comfortable for me. Things that break on RV is kind a norm now with RV even brand new which is really sucks.
So if Thor can find away to install the Lithium System inside these vans, then people could have their coffee makers plugged in at the kitchen outlet...and not have to deal with a generator 😊
I love it and about to buy the 18M. Curious to know why you did not get the bathroom option in the 18M. Are you happy with the small size of this van? I wonder if that would become a problem once I get it. Ideally, I would like two twin beds but those are only available in the 21 ft models.
We didn't get the bathroom for a bunch of reasons. We wanted to shortest van so it would be easier to drive and fit in our driveway, we liked the bed placement better in the 18t and we didn't want a bathroom in the back. All this to say we were newbies and really had no idea what our actual needs/wants would be. We would love a bathroom in our next one.
Cool channel! We're picking up our Thor Scope today. Did you consider the Scope 18m with a wet bath when you were shopping for an RV? Best of luck on your journeys!
Sell this thing and buy a Coachmen Beyond or have one made. Thor has sooo many complaints on line, (Pissed Consumer) and could give a Rat’s A#S about you.
@@Vancaskeys They are.. Lot’s of Storage and generally good quality!…Anddd Owned by Thor!.. Thor did start in the RV Business by buying Thor and saving them from Bankruptcy…
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
My 2020 Promaster build has a center lock button next to hazards...
Yes. We do too! We had no idea in this video 😂
I'm surprised the Van QC is so bad 😱 a few bottles of crazy gules and duck tape might 😅 be more useful 😢
You are so right about "not knowing" what you prefer until you've been doing life in a van for a while. You both have such a great attitude about the challenges of working out the bugs!
Thanks so much! 😊 so true!
how much do you enjoy the poptop? is it worth having?
We never used it to sleep but loved it for storage when we were parked.
Apparently things break on all RVs because they’re all cheaply made, but it doesn’t seem like they should for the price we pay. I understand needing to keep things tightened because you shake and rattle down the road, but things shouldn’t just break on a brand new $100k van. We have a 2020.5 Travato G, bought two weeks before lockdown, so not even one of the rush jobs due to the demand of everybody wanted to go RVing during the pandemic. I can’t tell you the number of things that are broken on it. We drove off the lot with what we discovered was a completely non-functioning fridge, then we had to wait three months to get an appointment and another month for a replacement to come down from Canada and be installed - on a brand new RV! Worst of all is the sexy aluminum slats that are supposed to slip around on a track on the bathroom door. The track snapped and fell off on our way from California to Texas. We had freaking aluminum slats stashed under the Murphy bed for the whole rest of the trip! Since it broke, we couldn’t reinstall the track, so we just put up a shower curtain, which we decided we like better anyway because it doesn’t clatter as we go down the road. But things are really shoddy on RVS. However, Thor has a reputation for being more problem prone than other brands.
But most distressing to me is the issue with the door locks. Our Travato is on a Promaster 3500. I didn’t realize it was different from the 1500. As you were saying about buying something and then realizing that certain things don’t work for you, I want to downsize to a Solis Pocket. When we bought the Travato they only had the Solis 59P. The PX and the Pocket came about six months later. Unfortunately. It has everything we need, it’s 4’ shorter, a better sleeping arrangement for the two of us plus dog, more storage, and none of the things we don’t use like the TV, stereo, awning, microwave. (And there is a little spice rack that is the perfect size for stashing my identical traveling Nespresso Essenza Mini! Kazaar rocks!) But the Pocket is on a 1500. That might be a deal killer if there aren’t door locks on the passenger side. I find that a little scary, to be honest. I wonder if it’s just a feature of the chassis the Thor chose, or if it’s true of the chassis the Pocket is on. I’ll have to go to the FB group and ask. Thank you for that intel!
We agree. It's so crazy how much these things break and they are so expensive. Sorry to hear what you have went through with yours. We did end up figuring out that the locks do work for the passenger side. We just didn't know that the button was right below the screen on the console. So don't let that be a deal breaker. We just didn't know. LOL.
@@Vancaskeys Yes! I was just going to come back and tell you about that button. It was bedtime when I watched your video and I posted something to the Solis Pocket group and they reminded me that there’s a button down there. They have it on the Pocket, we have it on our Travato. Duh. (There is that forehead-slapping moment when you realize that that button’s there. We owned the thing for around two years before I noticed it. But that was largely because of the pandemic and not going out very much.)
NB: you might consider adding a text box to that part of the video to explain that there is a button and you just didn’t know about it. That way you won’t get pummeled with these comments if you misspeak.
Seriously I don’t have time for the fixing crap. Way good video
Thanks!
Great way to get bad blood work. Coffee Creamer? Eco flow Mini solves power problem... I got the 18M it's better...
where do you store the eco flow mini? found a good location?
Yes, the 18M is far better
The 18T is a flustercluck
Just bought a new 2013 Rize 18a. The left latch on the pop top came unlatched while going 60 mph. Before departing, I had assured both latches were secure and it was locked. The nylon safety strap thankfully kept the top from opening, which would obviously have been a disaster! Anyone else have this issue?
Just wait till you drop your phone down behind the bed and the gap in the panel, I am going to buy a tiny extender gripper, that was 2 hours waisted trying to get it out with a broom handle..
😳 yikes! Thanks for the heads up!
I wish I saw the video before I bought a same kind van. The two window frames fell off during my first trip. Before my trip, The big drawer slide out because the magnet bar at the bottom was broken. So that drawer kept opening until i tightened the handle with a rope to the driver’s seat. I have never used the table because it felt over in the first time I used it. I am not a handyman, I am regret to get this van.
Oh no! So sorry to hear this! Thor should make this right and fix everything. Reach out to them.
Question: Does the cabinet A/C sufficiently cool the van ?
Depends on how hot it is outside. We found it would cool down the van 20 degrees or so.
Why can't you run an extension cord from the AC plug?
We can 😅
Two questions. How does it handle on the highway with trucks and wind? They look too short and too tall to be stable. Also, do they offer a top that opens automatically. I'm too short and too old to lift the top and pull it down for the grandkids.
I have the Thor Rize 18M. The cassette toilet broke within 2 months of using it, only a few times. Getting into the shop, on their times and terms is tediousness and not condusive to life, work and traveling. Needing it "a few days" is ridiculous.. i just call a mobile RV guy and get it fixed on the spot.. It took 2 times to the so called "service center" to get a proper fix on a propane leak that they stated was "in my head" only to be found after 2 fill ups on the tank, which i paid for, crimped house during assembly.. they said the would reimburse if i sent receipts, and a few pages of documents, should get my money back in two months... No thanks.
Hose not house dang phone..
I’m not picking on ya. I’m just thinking out loud why people choose this platform - it’s for work (handyman, plumbing, moving, etc). The ford/Mercedes van are better suited for this (Mercedes sprinter is the best in reliability and comfort).
I've heard some people say that it helps to rent an RV before buying one so you can figure out where you'd prefer things to be. I think I'll do that after hearing you guys! Thanks for sharing your experiences.
I would agree that’s probably the best way to start! Thanks for sharing!
Do you mean without using the key fob? I use that for locking and unlocking.
Yes!
Get a lagun table:) bonus that you can add an extra mount elsewhere
Great idea!
If you are handy, maybe you can figure a way to place the table somewhere else on the van.
True! Bob is very handy.
After hearing your issues while we were researching several class B and B pluses we finally decided on the thor sequence. It has the same engine but a couple feet longer so it also fits pretty much anywhere. The bed can be permanently set up without knockdown and the lithium model L has no generator so you can make coffee anywhere. I think the model is around 10 or 15 K more expensive but has the features you want. The working table is set up behind the passenger seat mainly and out of the way. We settled for model L and so far haven't had any issues.
Honestly, that is the one we will be upgrading too! We love the sequence!
10 to 15 k for a lithium package? That's not too bad. With other brands, it can be 20 to 30k.
I just enjoy you two. Thank you for sharing your adventures with the rest of us. So happy for you two.
Andrea
Thanks Andrea!!!! ❤
Thank you for your honesty ...
Well done ..👍
I love your van ♥ 😁
Thank you Diane! ❤️
We've been looking at Class B vans for road trips. The Ram Promaster typically comes in far cheaper than the Ford Transit and Mercedes Sprinter RV's. I've owned Ram Trucks and haven't been happy with long term longevity, and have been concerned about reliability issues. We drive A LOT (50K + miles yearly), and want something that can handle the miles, especially with an RV built on the chassis. Thank you for your helpful likes and dislikes. Definitely helpful.
You are so welcome!
Update: we have decided to go with the Winnebago Solis Pocket. Thor’s customer service is horrible. Called them today asking basic questions and got the run around on every question I was asking. Will definitely still support and watch your videos though. Great stuff
How fun! I’m sure you’ll love it! We haven’t had to deal with the customer service at Thor much yet but that’s good to know.
I’m considering the same van and noticed that the generator seems awfully low to the ground. Have you had any issues with clearance?
It seemed low to us too. But we have had no issues at all.
Wondering...If you keep you bed made at all times, can you still have EZaccess to the drawers underneath the cabinets, or any other cabinets that are below the bed height?
I think we only lose access to two drawers. And we only put stuff in them that we don't need on a daily basis.
Yeah my coffee maker is on the floor sometimes too. We never use our table either! Having that bed up is nice. We store stuff in the pop up when we are parked, like the latter, beach umbrella and other big items to get them out of our way. Love your videos! Keep em coming, happy travels!
We store stuff in the poptop too 😂 happy travels to you too!
Great to see the pros and cons 👍 I hear that a lot across the rv industry. It's a shame that it's the norm to expect things will break or not work right out the gate. One of the big reasons we are going with a custom build
Thank you!
Absolutely. My wife just wanted to buy a factory B van and get it over with. I talked her out of it; I told her that I don't want buy expensive headaches. Though it's a hassle to have one built, you would get a lot of van for much less money and headaches.
Thanks for sharing! What steps will you take to winterize your van? Have you considered a Jackery or something similar for your coffee making routine?
Your welcome! We haven’t thought about winterizing it yet but that’s a good idea to start thinking about.
I’m surprise is there a button on the center dash for door I have that on my tellaro but sometime I’m not very certain it locks the door. I don’t like the seat neither I’m not 6’ like u guys but still the the seat and staining combination is not very comfortable for me. Things that break on RV is kind a norm now with RV even brand new which is really sucks.
That would be super funny if there is a button on the center dash! I’ll have to check.
There is a button on the center dash that locks and unlocks all doors on the promaster.
Just confirmed, directly next to the hazard lights. It locks and unlocks all doors in the van... At least on our 1500. 😉
🙈😳 we will have to go look 👀! I’ll keep you all posted!
So you all were right 😂 thanks for teaching us about our Van! 🤣
Great video!! Do the new vans come with the updated table height, or can you give a link where to get it? Thanks
Thanks! It comes with the updated table now 😃
So if Thor can find away to install the Lithium System inside these vans, then people could have their coffee makers plugged in at the kitchen outlet...and not have to deal with a generator 😊
😃👍
You're stuck with upgrading it yourself. I might do it after my warranty expires
So they didn’t know this before they bought it?🙄
I love it and about to buy the 18M. Curious to know why you did not get the bathroom option in the 18M. Are you happy with the small size of this van? I wonder if that would become a problem once I get it. Ideally, I would like two twin beds but those are only available in the 21 ft models.
We didn't get the bathroom for a bunch of reasons. We wanted to shortest van so it would be easier to drive and fit in our driveway, we liked the bed placement better in the 18t and we didn't want a bathroom in the back. All this to say we were newbies and really had no idea what our actual needs/wants would be. We would love a bathroom in our next one.
Cool channel! We're picking up our Thor Scope today. Did you consider the Scope 18m with a wet bath when you were shopping for an RV? Best of luck on your journeys!
We are so excited for you!!!! Yes we did consider the 18m scope but we feel that we are to tall for the bed it comes with. But we did love that one!
Sell this thing and buy a Coachmen Beyond or have one made. Thor has sooo many complaints on line, (Pissed Consumer) and could give a Rat’s A#S about you.
Yeah...we are finding this out lately.
@@Vancaskeys Sorry to hear that. We were having the Van Conversation this weekend and are sticking with our Airstream. It’ll get better..
@@stevemurray2737 we went and looked at airstreams those are amazing!
@@Vancaskeys They are.. Lot’s of Storage and generally good quality!…Anddd Owned by Thor!.. Thor did start in the RV Business by buying Thor and saving them from Bankruptcy…
@@stevemurray2737 wow! I had no idea!
Great analysis and I will avoid this van . These are really important cons
LOL...Earthquake on wheels...all Campervans...All my stuff keeps falling when I drive ughh...
LOL! We accidentally left our coffee machine out and it took a dive to the floor.
Anyone who has researched rv's for more than a minute knows that Thor builds junk.
But for the 40,000 savings over the competition, I’m planning some awesome mods;)
Thor.…. Crappy reliability …
all great things to know! does the pop top have a weight limit for the bed?
I think it does. I’m not sure what it is though. I’ll try to find out.
👎