Thor Vegas/Axis Factory: What They Don't Want You To See | The Worst RVs on the Market?

[@jerrycoker4507]

We had a Vegas for 5 years. We really loved it. It is very good for state parks, short trips, and tailgating. We had no real big issues with quality. It seemed to be as well built as any other gas motorhome. It towed our Saturn with no slowdown on many mountain trips. You just can't expect a small gas motorhome to be like a $500,000 pusher.

[@CozyLivingMachine]

Unfortunately, many of today's $500k diesel pushers also aren't quite all that they're cracked up to be either!

[@TravelingKory]

Definitely enjoying your "covert" videos on the various manufacturers. Just finished watching your Winnebago video prior to this Thor one. I like the concept of the Axis and Vegas "mini" Class A's (obviously a Class C, of course) but would never own one with the build quality (or lack thereof). My concerns are certainly validated after this video! Too bad too because I don't think there's anything else on the market which compares other than the now discontinued Winnebago Via & Reyo. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. 😊 Thx again for sharing such great content! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@CozyLivingMachine]

There is one Coachmen, which is just a bit bigger and on a beefier F-53 chassis rather than the cutaway E-450. I've not been in one to compare though, and it's a shame because people want that spacious feeling of the class A, without the large footprint that usually accompanies them! And I'm glad you're enjoying the videos!!

[@TravelingKory]

@@CozyLivingMachine thx for the tip! Will check that Coachman out. We're currently in a Rockwood fifth wheel but may want to switch over to a MH eventually, probably around retirement age. Thx again and keep up the great work! 😊👍🏼

[@FatPandaFrank]

Man good job asking the tour guide a lot of hard hitting questions. He seemed to pause on a lot of them and was afraid to answer them lol.

[@CozyLivingMachine]

I was somewhat surprised by the answers he gave, some of which he seemed to have well prepared answers to!

[@georges4562]

I can’t believe that slides aren’t covered under “structural “ 😡 Not an impressive tour on their part. You carried the show Joel 😂👍👍👍👍👍

[@CozyLivingMachine]

Yeah, that's a huge "but" on Thor's part, though that's not evident until you start really picking in to these things. Liz Amazing has a great video about one customer that got a unit with no slide support, there was an issue at the factory, and they didn't cover it under the structural warranty - even though it was a steel support piece!! I think there was an update with some coverage for parts, but doing the right thing for the customer isn't the default position for Thor, and that's evidenced all over the place.

[@JeepdudeFL]

Thor Executives were on their yachts in the Bahamas and not available for immediate comment! 🤣

[@CozyLivingMachine]

HA! Great point.

[@Jamiemaller-o8l]

You need to do the new grand design motorized units. The have a great tour with lots of information.

[@CozyLivingMachine]

I'll have to check that out!

[@stevelange819]

As long as we're on the subject of competence: Does Thor build CrowdStrike?

[@CozyLivingMachine]

Oh man, you'd think so. That product has caused so much headache for me in the past. It runs terribly and the way that software intertwines in the host operating systems to identify behavioral patterns, it's so creepy but also very heavy and pisses end users off, especially those who realize that's what's causing their freezing and slowdowns, fans running high, etc.

[@Technocrat.]

Screwing walls to floor or Fram is bad, screws always back off with flexing. Should be bottled on with metal plates for extra support, so bolts don't rip through walls.

[@CozyLivingMachine]

They have a lot of confidence in these screws!

[@stevelange819]

"THOR" factory tour? Oh-oh, this not going to go well". Part of me was initially somewhat skeptical that this visit was going to get an honest review, as many reviewers and worse, disappointed owners, have shared such negative thoughts, findings, experiences, etc, including you. You can't possibly go in without a perceived bias ( I as well, its human nature ). But my gosh, Thor blew it right out of the water at the entry gate when they weren't even prepared to greet the tour attendees with with their mandated safety protective eye-wear for everyone. And the reality of their entire reputation took over from there with a lot of deflection and explaining away issues but also a few admissions of shortcomings Jordan agreed with. And the culture there was obviously "off" as you described at the video end by mentioning the non-verbal communicated signs by the facial expressions of crew members. Is the root cause akin to Jordan's early admission that he's worked at Winnebago, Forest River, etc before his current 8 year involvement with Thor? Are the assemblers, machinists, etc also only short term and move from company to company? Yes, certain career disciplines make it mandatory in the early years that one keeps moving and experiencing/learning as much as one can in each environment and and then move again. But factory floor employees generally stay where their content and treated well and develop a pride in their individual efforts and the overall product. I don't use "cost-cutting" as a catch-all phrase for all decisions. Quite often, "cost avoidance" is a much more appropriate decision driver. Such a shame as some of Thor's designs are intriguing but their execution on so many fronts is disturbing. Maybe Thor should market itself to Fiat ( aka Fix it again Tony ).

[@CozyLivingMachine]

Hahaha isn't that the truth. We all have biases, though I was really hoping to be wrong and eat crow. I can't wait to read the nay-sayers on this one though. 😂 I asked about the folks working the lines, and they often switch. This is apparently true of most companies in Elkhart, Middlebury, etc. and that's a pro and a con. Unlike the folks at places like Airstream, there's certainly no pride in the work, just getting things done as quickly as possible to get the good pay. It's hard work, no doubt, but there's no emotional or intellectual incentive to do things right and hold yourself and others accountable to the end result. At least, that's my perception. That's a good term, cost-avoidance! I can certainly appreciate when the product costs less and I don't notice the differences. I don't think that's the case on either count for these units, though that's coming from someone who hasn't had enough basic confidence in the product to make the purchase. Fiat and Thor - match made in heaven! ♥️🗑️😂 (rather perfect given that they import and build on Fiat products today...)

[@lynnepollack7991]

I read most of the comments below and tend to agree. I also follow Mr. Lemon. I think that B van is on borrowed time.😉 What got me were the slides not being warranted I saw the video section of the full wall slide If it had slides on the other side no walls would be warranted on the RV

[@CozyLivingMachine]

Oh man, I tried looking this up but can't find his channel, what is Mr Lemon's channel name?! And that's crazy, right? It seems the slide is very structural!

[@lynnepollack7991]

@@CozyLivingMachine So sorry. Mr. Lemon is the van. Channel Vancaskys. They are funny.

[@RamblinRoadies]

The Vegas concept has so much potential. Was skinny jeans guy getting irritated with you?

[@CozyLivingMachine]

Agreed! Coachmen has a somewhat similar model, though on an F-53 chassis that would be good to check out at some point. And I think he was just hyped up on caffeine and more annoyed at the whole situation, along with being in a hurry to get finished up with the tour being that he skedaddled immediately after. I don't suspect he's a fan of doing these tours.

[@jeromehebert3184]

when i first saw those axis/vegas years ago i thought hey they are small and compact, something that looks and sounds good for someone that is a weekender or vactioner. but after reading all the problems i would not consider them but after seeing inside the plant i would not buy one. also looks like you had to sneak that camera in from the angle of the video lol. But like you that guy saying it is not my job if i owned the company he would have been gone. and blaming the maintenance issue on Ford, yea it is Ford's design, but seems like your design engineer would be able to design your front cab so that someone could access some of that easier imo. Finally from what the other factories that you toured recently, this one from product quality to employee relations are not the same BIG Time. Then you have to question IF most of their employees came from other manufactures then WHY they not with the other company after we seen how well some of them treat their employees of course with the economy it could be why they not there, but if not the economy then you have to question it. maybe i am just wrong but it is just my opinion which means nothing to any one but me.

[@CozyLivingMachine]

The idea of these smaller units is just fantastic and practical for weekenders or even full timers with realistic expectations that don't want to deal with a big rig! But seeing them being built in-person sure was disappointing, to say the least. And that's a great question, I can't say why they move so frequently, other than the bonuses are great when they get hired on by each company and such. It didn't feel like a "collaborative" sort of environment, that's for sure!

[@bah5310]

Airstream is Thor.

[@toycarcollector]

THORs claim to fame is that if you have a RV travel channel on KZbin based on drama and breakdowns then THOR is the RV of choice for content creators. The number of thumbnails and panic stricken titles is nearly inexhaustible. One of my favorite channels drives an RV affectionately know as Mr. Lemon. The tour guide person should be someone who is down home middle of the country friendly type and not a in-shape alpha male sales guy as the tour guide, he is just not the right type to show RV people (mainly retired couples) around the factory and put them at ease with the brand. Also he was not prepared for someone with the experience and knowledge of you guys.

[@CozyLivingMachine]

I never thought about that, but that's very true! Drama sells, and these rigs seem like they'd certainly give you the drama! I've never seen that channel with Mr Lemon! And I agree, a hard driving salesman isn't quite the schema I'm going for when I think of the freedom of the open road, especially post-retirement!

[@mototrvlr7006]

Roids, skinny jeans and converse allstars. Hipster 101.

[@FatPandaFrank]

I'M SO TRIGGERREEEDD WAHHHHHHHH HOW DARE YOU TALK BAD ABOUT THE VEGAS. Man, that tour guide's clothes were tight.

[@CozyLivingMachine]

🤣🤣

[@GypsyBewytched]

What a wonderful abundance of videos!!! And this "undercover for the truth" video!!! Awesome! Well. I cannot believe that is their tour guide/salesman. And it grates my gears to hear vinyl called lino. Different product entirely. But he didn't seem to know all he should about what he sells or even care about it-zero passion and not very inspiring, and made excuses for the problems with them! Geez! You can see the grade of wood in those "studs" is not top notch. And staples?!!!!! On a rolling house???? Anyhoo. I like Lenny better. At least if someone dents him, you can pop it out or replace a panel. And he has no slides, which is great. You don't have to worry about his whole side falling out and disintegrating (which I have seen from lots of motorhome wrecks where that's what happened-scary). Nice shot of the bird!

[@CozyLivingMachine]

This is one that we just had to get footage of, people simply don't believe me when I talk about these Thor Axis/Vegas units, and this might be the worst of all of their models. Good point about vinyl and linoleum, I often hear it called linoleum in many of the tours!! The saddest part is that the companies try to excuse the staples by indicating that it's not a "rolling house" but instead a "rolling RV for camping", as though those things are any different! I should have pressed more on the warranty coverage, whether they cover more than 120 nights of use, which is outrageous to me. If you use your brand new motorhome as much as you might want, you might void your warranty, go figure. Completely agreed, these tours give me even more appreciation for how strong Lenny is and how easy he is to work on. Absolutely, no box falling out, binding up or leaking like crazy.

[@Technocrat.]

Too bad they use luan on inner walls, should be azdel all 4 sides inside and out, never melts when it gets wet like luon.

[@CozyLivingMachine]

Melts is the perfect term for that!

[@BrianAz]

That was the most creepy tour ever! It was like watching an undercover whistle-blower video exposing a faulty product that should not be on the road! It was uncomfortable to watch. Loved you position on the "its not my job" comment, unacceptable and unprofessional! That tour guide may have been a nice guy but I wish you would have asked him why a full grown man is wearing skinny jeans like a teen aged boy and why do you keep everything you own in your front pockets? Sorry, it was just so creepy and soooo unimpressive, nothing good about that place. Hard Pass! When I worked at Sea Ray boats, the combatted employee theft by steeply discounting stuff that folks my steal and sell it to you if you need or want it. It seemed to work. Low quality products lead to low quality EVERYTHING. This is a perfect example.

[@CozyLivingMachine]

HA! I get that! And the whole operation just came off rather... unprofessional. They're obviously getting things done, but it doesn't seem like a super well-oiled machine to me. I've never thought of that tactic, discounts for employees to prevent people from feeling the "need" to steal. That makes good sense to me!

[@Technocrat.]

Why is the camera low, catching a lot of Emma bum action lol. Are you not allowed to record.😂

[@CozyLivingMachine]

Bingo.

[@RamblinRoadies]

​@@CozyLivingMachinenow they're not going to let you come back. 🤣😂

[@CozyLivingMachine]

I think I'm okay with that. 😂 I've seen all I need to see from Thor, sadly!

[@Technocrat.]

@@CozyLivingMachine Crap in crap out. There.

[@kingdavidcoffee]

I agree that the concept of a small motorhome is great, however the execution of materials, design and assembly are pretty bad. I would stay away from any Thor product.

[@CozyLivingMachine]

They're definitely not on my list either.

[@evelynsmith4291]

Man! That mans jeans are tighter than mine. Have mercy! 😂 I am not impressed with this company. I feel they are hiding things from the customers. I also feel they are cutting corners. As for the employees, I will not work in a place that are not humble, not good co-workers, bad ju-ju environments. I feel that the workers are miserable working there. I would not buy one of these.

[@CozyLivingMachine]

I'm with you!!

[@jeeper5264]

tour dude has a big ego...really dont care about who he is or his past or present ..i dont care that he started 8 years ago (he said that what 7-8 times??..talk about the product..he doesnt know the product at all...Note to Thor and others..NEVER EVER let a sales dude run your tours...makes your already sketchy built product look even worse when he cant answer basic build questions!!!!..anyway glad you showed the poopy stuff they build..

[@CozyLivingMachine]

I agree, it's interesting seeing who gets to run these tours, and it's different at each company! But it's not over yet, there's a big one coming up!

[@steveegbert3554]

Not very impressive, probably what you expected. I just don't like the Vegas/Axis.

[@CozyLivingMachine]

I'm with you! This little thing does well, I can just imagine how well they'd do if they were built to a higher standard. And maybe a little facelift. 😂

[@peopledustcanada]

Thor has always been crap quality overall...they might survive the once a year 2 week on the road vacation...maybe the Boeing CEO runs Thor also?

[@CozyLivingMachine]

If that's true, let's hope they don't come after us and end up like John Barnett.

[@poorboyz888]

the WORST ia Ember I.M.O. you can learn on your own....just buy a Winnebago

[@CozyLivingMachine]

You may be surprised at the video coming up specifically on Winnebago! Also, Ember is actually run by a relative of the Jayco (Bontrager) family, interestingly. The materials all feel very similar, slightly different exteriors.

[@poorboyz888]

@CozyLivingMachine had a embar Rok it's on my channel. My mini winnebago has done everything 100% no failures no flaws. Great unit

[@Technocrat.]

Guy has huge arms, needs bigger pants lol.

[@CozyLivingMachine]

HIS RIGS ARE UP THERE. All of you weirdos focusing on the wrong things... 🤣