Thor Motor Coach-Four Winds Super RV Exposed: Leaks, Slide Failures, Service Nightmares
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Thor Motor Coach-Four Winds Super
Location: 701 County Road 15, Elkhart, IN 46516
Contact Info:
• owners@tmcrv.com
• info@thormotorcoach.com
• Sales 800-860-5658
• Service 877-500-1020
• Main 574-584-2074
Official Report ID: 1611
Thor Motor Coach Four Winds Super: What Shoppers Need to Know Before Buying
AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. The Thor Motor Coach Four Winds Super (often referred to as the “Four Winds Super C”) is a Class C motorhome line built on heavier-duty truck chassis (commonly Ford F-550/F-600 or comparable platforms). It promises the compact drivability of a Class C with the towing and payload of a “Super C,” plus family-friendly floorplans under the Thor umbrella. While the Four Winds brand has long name recognition, its reputation among owners is polarized: some enjoy the floorplan versatility and engine/chassis strength, while many report repeat trips for repairs, long service delays, and quality-control issues that overshadow the initial value proposition.
Below, we assemble credible complaint patterns, recall topics, and consumer narratives so you can evaluate risks. This is a consumer-first investigation with links to evidence and communities to verify claims directly.
Where to Research Real Owner Experiences (Start Here)
- YouTube owner reports: Search video testimonials and walkthroughs of problems and fixes:
YouTube search: Thor Motor Coach Four Winds Super Problems. - Google reviews/complaints: Aggregate frustrations across model years and dealers:
Google search for Thor Motor Coach Four Winds Super Problems. - BBB complaints (warranty, delays, misrepresentations):
BBB search: Thor Motor Coach Four Winds Super. - Reddit communities:
r/RVLiving |
r/GoRVing |
r/rvs - NHTSA recalls (safety-critical):
NHTSA recall results for Thor Motor Coach Four Winds Super. - RV owner review sites/forums:
RVInsider: Four Winds Super Problems |
Good Sam discussions: Four Winds Super issues |
RVForums.com (use site search) |
RVForum.net (search for Four Winds Super) |
RVUSA forum (search “Thor Motor Coach Four Winds Super Problems”) - PissedConsumer: Use
PissedConsumer’s main page and search for “Thor Motor Coach Four Winds Super” to see recurring themes across brands and dealers. - Facebook owner groups: Don’t rely on manufacturer marketing—join multiple model-specific groups for unfiltered feedback. Use this Google query:
Four Winds Super Facebook Groups and request to join 2–3 active communities.
Independent advocates are increasingly exposing systemic industry quality problems. Investigate consumer education from creators like
Liz Amazing’s RV consumer guides, and search her channel for the model you’re considering to find patterns of defects, recall awareness, and dispute strategies.
Before You Buy: Get a Third-Party Inspection
Strong recommendation: arrange a third-party RV inspection before you sign anything. This is your best leverage to force repairs on the dealer’s dime. Once they have your money, many buyers report being pushed to the back of the service line, losing entire camping seasons while waiting for parts and warranty authorizations. Find a certified inspector with:
RV Inspectors near me. Ask for a full written report with photos, moisture readings, and system tests. If the seller refuses, treat it as a red flag.
If you’ve already purchased, consider a post-delivery inspection to document defects while within your warranty window. It’s still worth searching
RV Inspectors near me to line up specialists for warranty pushback.
Are you an owner with inspection horror stories or wins? Share your experience below
Patterns of Problems Reported by Four Winds Super Owners
Water Intrusion, Roof and Sealant Failures
Water entry is among the most expensive and pervasive issues across modern RVs, including Four Winds Super models. Owners describe sealant gaps along roof edges and front cap seams, poorly sealed penetrations (antennas, marker lights), and misaligned moldings. Soft floors, swollen cabinetry, delamination, and mold risk often follow. Evidence and owner accounts can be explored via
Google search: Four Winds Super water damage, community threads on
RVInsider, and
YouTube walkthroughs of leaks.
- Common narratives: “Brand-new coach, first rainstorm revealed leaks at cab-over bunk and slide roof.”
- Downstream damage: Interior panel bubbling, musty odors, warped subfloor, electrical corrosion, and safety hazards from wet junctions.
- Service challenges: Drying, structural repair, and replacement of compromised materials can take months. Multiple owners report repeated re-sealing without root-cause fixes.
Consider hiring an inspector with a moisture meter and infrared camera to test all corners and seams before delivery. Have you noticed soft spots near the cab-over or slide-out roof? Tell prospective buyers in the comments
Slide-Out Mechanism and Alignment Failures
Slide rooms expand living space but introduce risk when motors, controllers, or tracks are not aligned or robustly mounted. Four Winds Super owners report binding slides, out-of-sync motors, shearing bolts, and water intrusion via slide toppers. Search real-world case studies:
Google: Four Winds Super slide-out problems and forum threads on
Good Sam slide-out discussions.
- Symptoms: Grinding noises, slides stopping mid-travel, uneven extension causing gasket tears and leaks.
- Consequences: Trips canceled, units immobilized at dealers, interior water entry from mis-seated seals.
- Warranty hurdles: Some dealers deem alignment “adjustments” as wear-and-tear; owners push back citing defect at delivery.
Electrical System Gremlins and 12V/120V Reliability
Owners cite erratic 12V power, GFCI trips, inverter/charger confusion, and loose wiring leading to intermittent outages. These issues often appear within the first months, suggesting poor quality control. See aggregated threads:
Reddit r/RVLiving: Four Winds Super electrical problems and
RVInsider electrical issues.
- Common causes: Loose lugs at distribution panels, improperly crimped connectors, subpar ground bonding, miswired switches.
- Impacts: Sudden power loss to fridge or furnace, tripped breakers at campgrounds, risk of damaged appliances.
- Diagnostics burden: Owners frequently hire mobile techs to trace faults; dealers often “could not replicate.”
Generator, HVAC, and Energy Management Problems
Several owners report Onan generator no-start conditions, stalling under load, and noisy operation. Air conditioners may short-cycle or underperform in hot climates due to ducting or undersized wiring. Explore experiences:
YouTube: Four Winds Super generator problems and
Google: Four Winds Super AC problems.
- Generator failures: Fuel delivery issues, carb varnish, or wiring faults cause outages—bad news for boondocking or hurricane evacuation readiness.
- AC performance: Poorly sealed duct joints, kinks, or inadequate insulation result in high cabin temps and moisture buildup.
- Energy management: Confusion over power shedding and load balancing; manuals don’t always match installed hardware.
Plumbing, Tanks, and Fitment Leaks
Water system issues pop up early for some owners: PEX connections that drip, misrouted lines rubbing and bursting, leaky faucets, and tank sensors that read inaccurately. These can cause hidden damage, attract pests, and make tank management a guessing game. Cross-check threads:
Google: Four Winds Super plumbing leaks and
Good Sam: tank sensor problems.
- Hot/cold mix-ups: Reversed lines at showers noted by buyers during delivery walkthroughs.
- Sanitation risks: Loose toilet seals; black tank odors infiltrating living space; venting misconfigurations.
- Sensor inaccuracies: “Full” readings after one flush due to debris on probes; owners switch to aftermarket external sensors at their expense.
Fit-and-Finish, Materials, and “Hyped Features” Disappointments
A recurring complaint is poor workmanship: misaligned cabinet doors, stapled trim with gaps, screws missing or protruding, vinyl peel, and squeaks/rattles while driving. Several 1-star reviews mention advertised features falling short—e.g., “heated” underbelly that isn’t truly insulated for four-season use, or “residential” furniture that wears prematurely. See broad complaint patterns via
BBB complaint listings and user-submitted experiences through
Google complaints search.
- Overpriced options: Packages priced like premium upgrades but using entry-level components (basic faucets, thin cabinetry veneers, short-life mattresses).
- Misleading expectations: Marketing suggests off-grid capability; owners discover limited battery and solar capacity without major add-ons.
- Quick deterioration: Upholstery delamination and finish failures reported within 12–24 months on some units.
Industry watchdog creators like
Liz Amazing’s channel have repeatedly highlighted how marketing claims can outpace real-world performance—search her playlists for checklists you can apply on your walk-through.
Weight, Payload, and Towing Expectations vs. Reality
“Super C” implies robust towing and cargo capacity; however, owners caution that after the RV conversion, actual Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC) can be far lower than expected. Overloading compromises safety and can void warranties. Compare community insights:
Good Sam: Four Winds Super weight issues and
Reddit r/rvs payload discussions.
- Reality check: After options, water, passengers, and gear, many units approach or exceed axle ratings.
- Consequences: Premature tire wear, braking distance increases, suspension stress, and potential insurance complications after accidents.
- Action item: Weigh your coach on a CAT scale with travel load to validate safety margins before long trips.
Chassis, Steering, and Brake-Related Concerns
Four Winds Super units riding on Ford F-550/F-600 or similar platforms inherit both strengths and platform-specific recalls. Owners report steering wander, harsh ride, premature brake wear, and vibration under load. Always verify if your VIN has any open chassis recalls through:
NHTSA recall search for Four Winds Super and monitor chassis-maker bulletins. Many drivability complaints are improved with professional alignment, upgraded shocks, or steering stabilizers, but these are owner-paid fixes on a new coach more often than they should be.
- Steering stability: Reports of “white-knuckle” driving in crosswinds; some upgrade suspension components to feel safe.
- Brake feel: Heavy rigs demand perfectly functioning brakes; any soft pedal or pulling requires immediate attention.
- Tire issues: Improper inflation and weight distribution contribute to blowout risk—schedule a tire inspection early.
Rear/Side Camera, Infotainment, and Visibility Issues
Intermittent rear camera feeds, laggy head units, and glare washout complaints appear repeatedly. Poor visibility strains driving safety. Review current threads:
Google: Four Winds Super camera problems.
- Safety implication: Camera dropout during backing or lane changes is dangerous; escalate through warranty and document thoroughly.
- Fixes: Firmware updates, harness reseats, or replacement of the display unit—owners report mixed success.
Have you experienced recurring camera outages? Add your Four Winds Super story
Warranty, Service Delays, and Dealer Experiences
Many four- and one-star narratives across platforms emphasize the service gauntlet: long waits to get on the schedule, extended parts backorders, and “awaiting authorization” purgatory. Dig into examples via
BBB complaint pages for Four Winds Super and crowdsourced timelines in
Google: Four Winds Super warranty delays.
- Common pattern: Buyer finds multiple defects during first season; dealer asks to leave coach for weeks pending approvals; several trips cancelled.
- Blame loop: Dealer blames manufacturer; manufacturer references dealer autonomy; customer stranded.
- Owner workaround: Hiring mobile techs and requesting reimbursement with mixed outcomes; some pay out-of-pocket to salvage travel plans.
Consumer educators like
Liz Amazing explain how to escalate warranty disputes and how to document defects effectively—search her channel for service backlog strategies.
Safety Recalls and Official Notices
Thor and chassis providers periodically issue recalls affecting seat belt mounts, propane system routing/valves, exterior lighting, camera display functionality, or structural fasteners. These vary by model year and VIN, so do not assume a dealer’s pre-delivery check captured everything. Always run your VIN through:
NHTSA recall database for Thor Motor Coach Four Winds Super.
- Act quickly: Recall fixes are free; however, scheduling can still take weeks. Prioritize anything impacting restraint systems, propane, or vehicle control.
- Verify completion: Ask for written confirmation and part numbers of replaced components.
- Document performance post-fix: Capture photos and write down behavior before/after to ensure the remedy worked.
Legal and Regulatory Warnings
Misrepresentations, repeated unaddressed defects, or failure to honor written warranties can trigger legal exposure for manufacturers and dealers, and potential remedies for consumers:
- Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: Federal law governing written warranties. If Thor or its dealers fail to honor express warranties or impose unreasonable barriers to service, consumers may pursue remedies, including attorney fees. Maintain meticulous service records and all communications.
- State Lemon Laws: Some states cover motorhomes (or portions thereof). If a substantial defect persists after a reasonable number of repair attempts—or your coach sits out of service for extended days within the first year—you may qualify for repurchase/replacement. Check your state’s thresholds and definitions.
- Uniform Commercial Code (UCC): Implied warranties of merchantability/fitness can apply if the RV was not fit for ordinary use or the particular purpose represented.
- FTC and deceptive practices: Advertising claims that cannot be met (e.g., “four-season,” “off-grid ready”) may invite scrutiny if they mislead reasonable consumers.
- NHTSA: Safety defects (steering, brakes, seat belts, fuel systems) should be reported. A pattern of complaints can trigger investigations or recalls.
If your Four Winds Super exhibits repeated failures, consult a consumer protection attorney experienced in RV claims. Thorough documentation is key: dated photos, videos, repair orders, and evidence of communication attempts.
Product and Safety Impact Analysis
Drawing from owner reports and recall themes, we evaluate impacts on safety and finances:
- Water intrusion (high safety/financial impact): Hidden rot compromises structural integrity and can corrode electrical systems, increasing fire risk. Remediation costs can reach five figures if delamination and framing damage spread.
- Slide-out failures (high impact): A failed slide can trap occupants, allow rain ingress, or render the coach unusable. Repairs can be complex; misdiagnosed alignment leads to repeated failures.
- Electrical faults (moderate-to-high safety risk): Loose connections and miswired components pose shock/fire risks and can damage appliances.
- Chassis/steering issues (high safety risk): Poor handling and braking increase crash risk, especially under load or in crosswinds. Upgrades reduce risk but add owner expense.
- Service delays (financial/lifestyle impact): Multi-month downtimes cost prepaid campground fees, missed events, and ongoing payments for a coach that can’t be used.
If you’ve faced safety-critical failures or recall delays, what happened and how was it resolved? Help other readers learn from your case
How to Protect Yourself: Pre-Delivery and Early Ownership Checklist
- Hire a third-party inspector: Book via
RV Inspectors near me. Require moisture readings, roof/cap seams checked, slide alignment verified, brake/steering road test, and thermal imaging if available. - Demand a full walkthrough: Test every system: slides, generator under load, AC on hot setting, furnace, water heater on both power sources, GFCI trips, inverter function, cameras, and every appliance.
- Weigh the coach loaded: Verify axle weights and CCC. If it’s near limits on day one, adjust cargo plans or rethink the purchase.
- Scrutinize paperwork: Compare marketing claims to the build sheet and actual installed components. If “heated tanks” are claimed, ask how heat is delivered and at what temperature rating.
- Write repairs into the sales agreement: Mandate that identified defects are corrected before delivery, with a re-inspection right. This is often your only leverage.
- Create a service plan: Identify a reputable mobile tech and an alternative authorized service center before you need them.
What Owners Say the Brand Has Improved (Balance and Context)
A minority of narratives praise the Four Winds Super for floorplan usability and the underlying heavy-duty chassis powertrain. Some owners note dealers who went the extra mile to seal roofs properly and realign slides under warranty. A few report successful recall remedies improving safety systems. Thor’s scale can also mean faster availability of some parts compared to niche builders. Nevertheless, the balance of recent owner commentary still skews toward preventable quality-control misses and prolonged service cycles that strain customer goodwill.
Looking for broader context on navigating RV ownership pitfalls and upgrades that make rigs more livable? Search educational breakdowns on
Liz Amazing’s channel, then apply those checklists to the Four Winds Super specifically.
Where to Verify, Compare, and Escalate
- Video evidence:
YouTube results for Four Winds Super problems. - Owner reviews:
RVInsider Four Winds Super owner reviews. - Community troubleshooting:
Good Sam discussions and
Reddit threads. - Safety status:
NHTSA VIN-based recall checks. - Complaints and mediation:
BBB complaints; for broader consumer narratives, search
PissedConsumer for Thor Motor Coach. - Facebook owner groups: Seek candid, current feedback via
Four Winds Super Facebook groups.
Final Assessment
The Thor Motor Coach Four Winds Super aims to be a family-friendly Super C with strong towing and flexible layouts. That promise is undermined—too often—by water intrusion, slide-out failures, electrical gremlins, camera/infotainment unreliability, and burdensome service delays. Add in frequent complaints about fit-and-finish and inflated expectations around “off-grid” and “four-season” capabilities, and the total risk profile becomes significant for average buyers who need a turn-key coach.
Based on the volume and consistency of public complaints and service-delay reports, we do not recommend the Thor Motor Coach Four Winds Super for risk-averse shoppers. Unless a unit passes an independent inspection with flying colors—and the dealer commits in writing to prompt warranty work—consider other brands or models with stronger quality control and support reputations.
Have a different experience, good or bad? Share your experience below
Comments
What did we miss? Are you an owner with a long repair timeline or a positive resolution that others can learn from? Please add your firsthand experience to help future buyers make informed choices.
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