Thor Motor Coach-Twilight RV Exposed: Leaks, Slide Failures, Electrical Faults & Warranty Delays

Introduction: What Shoppers Should Know About the Thor Motor Coach–Twilight

AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. The goal is to help RV shoppers understand the real-world ownership experience for the Thor Motor Coach–Twilight, including patterns of consumer complaints, warranty outcomes, safety concerns, and service realities.

First, a clarification that matters for your research: “Twilight” is commonly associated with Cruiser RV (a Thor Industries brand focused on travel trailers), while Thor Motor Coach primarily builds motorized RVs. Many dealers and owner discussions still refer to “Thor Twilight” or “Thor Motor Coach Twilight” because the entire corporate family falls under Thor Industries. To make sure you don’t miss any owner reports, we recommend researching under both names: “Thor Motor Coach Twilight” and “Cruiser Twilight.”

The Twilight line is known for attractive floorplans, a modern aesthetic, and marketing language that often highlights laminated construction, light weight, and upgraded amenities. However, owner feedback across public forums and review sites frequently raises concerns about quality control, water intrusion, slide mechanisms, electrical systems, after-sales service delays, parts backorders, and warranty handling. If you are considering a Twilight, this report maps the most frequently reported pain points and shows you exactly where to verify them.

Where to Find Unfiltered Owner Feedback

Use the resources below to read first-hand accounts from owners and follow ongoing threads. Because of the naming overlap, search both “Thor Motor Coach Twilight” and “Cruiser Twilight.”

• Google search: Thor Motor Coach Twilight Problems and Google search: Cruiser Twilight Problems
• YouTube: Thor Motor Coach Twilight Problems and YouTube: Cruiser Twilight Problems
• BBB search: Thor Motor Coach Twilight and BBB search: Cruiser Twilight
• Reddit r/rvs: Thor Motor Coach Twilight Problems and Reddit r/rvs: Cruiser Twilight Problems
• Good Sam Community: Thor Motor Coach Twilight Problems and Good Sam Community: Cruiser Twilight Problems
• RVInsider: Thor Motor Coach Twilight Problems and RVInsider: Cruiser Twilight Problems
• Owner forums: RVForums.com (use search), RVForum.net (use search), RVUSA Forum (use search)
• Facebook groups: Join multiple Twilight and Thor-brand owner groups for unfiltered posts. Use this Google link to find them: Search Facebook Groups for Thor Motor Coach Twilight and Search Facebook Groups for Cruiser Twilight
• NHTSA recalls (enter both model styles): NHTSA Recalls: Thor Motor Coach Twilight and NHTSA Recalls: Cruiser Twilight

For sharp consumer advocacy and how-to research guidance, see Liz Amazing’s RV investigations and owner education. On her channel, perform a search for “Twilight” or “Cruiser Twilight” to surface relevant videos.

Have you owned a Twilight? Add your voice to the discussion so other shoppers can learn from your experience.

Before You Buy: Arrange a Third-Party RV Inspection

We strongly recommend arranging an independent inspection before you sign anything or take possession. This can be your single most effective leverage point. Many buyers report that once the dealer has been paid, service slots get scarce and you may be pushed to the back of the line. A thorough inspection can catch leaks, wiring issues, axle alignment problems, and appliance faults that would otherwise derail your first camping season.

• Search locally: RV Inspectors near me
• Book the inspection before final payment; if defects are found, require written commitments and a timeline for corrections before delivery.
• Accompany the inspector for a 3–4 hour PDI (pre-delivery inspection) with water on, slides operated multiple times, shore power/generator testing, propane checks, and roof/underbelly review.

Some consumers report canceled vacations because their brand-new RV sat at the dealer for weeks or months awaiting parts. That is avoidable if defects are documented prior to taking the keys.

Build Quality and Fit/Finish Defects Reported by Owners

Across owner reviews for the Twilight line, patterns emerge around early build quality failures. Complaints commonly cite loose or unfinished trim, misaligned cabinet doors, staples and sawdust left behind walls and under dinettes, and sealant inconsistencies. Several buyers describe “shakeout” lists that extend well beyond cosmetic concerns and into functional defects like sticky windows, poorly sealed exterior penetrations, and flooring soft spots near slides.

• Misaligned doors and latches: Reports of doors not closing square, baggage latches out of alignment, and window strikers requiring repeated adjustments.
• Fastener and hardware issues: Loose screws, stripped cabinet hinges, and lightweight screws used where larger hardware would be more appropriate for travel vibration.
• Trim and finish: Interior trim separating during initial trips, wall paneling gaps, and MDF edging lifting near sinks or bath areas.
• Flooring complaints: Soft or spongy feel near slide-outs, sometimes linked by owners to water ingress or insufficient underlayment support.

To verify and compare stories, browse owner accounts on YouTube and forums: YouTube search: Thor Motor Coach Twilight Problems, RVInsider: Cruiser Twilight Problems, and Good Sam: Cruiser Twilight Issues.

If you’ve seen similar workmanship problems, what did you run into on delivery?

Water Intrusion: Roof, Caps, and Slide Seals

Water intrusion is one of the most expensive failure modes in any travel trailer. Owner posts for Twilight units frequently mention roof membrane bubbles, front cap seam leaks, and slide-out seal performance that allows water to pool or wick inside. Even when Twilight models advertise laminated walls and Azdel composite (which can resist rot better than luan), water can still damage subflooring, cabinetry, insulation, and electrical systems.

• Front and rear cap seams: Owners have reported stained headboards or front storage compartments after heavy rain, suggesting seam or marker light leaks.
• Slide seals and wipers: Seals that fold the wrong way or do not fully contact the wall can allow water entry during rain or while towing.
• Roof terminations and accessories: Awnings, skylights, and ladder mounts require consistent sealant application; owners commonly post photos of thin, missed, or cracking sealant within months of purchase.

Research real cases here: Google: Cruiser Twilight Water Damage, Reddit r/rvs: Cruiser Twilight Leaks, and Good Sam: Thor Motor Coach Twilight Water Leaks.

Prevention tip: insist on a pressurized “rain test” before acceptance and inspect all exterior lighting penetrations. A third-party inspector using a moisture meter is invaluable: find an RV inspector near you.

Plumbing and Tank System Complaints

Plumbing issues may not be catastrophic but are frequent frustrations. Owners describe P-trap leaks under sinks, loose fittings behind the shower, and weeping connections at the water pump or water heater. Grey/black tank sensors are notoriously inaccurate across the industry, and Twilight owners are no exception. A subset of reports discuss tank outlet seals that drip at the termination gate valve or misaligned ABS fittings in the underbelly.

• Tank sensor inaccuracy: Sensors reading 2/3 or full despite recent dumping—often due to residue or wiring calibration issues.
• Water pump cycling: Pump runs intermittently with no taps open; air leaks on the suction side or loose fittings are typical culprits.
• Water heater issues: Sporadic ignition or poor mixing valves, leading to tepid water despite burner operation.

See owner troubleshooting threads: RVInsider search: Thor Motor Coach Twilight Plumbing Problems and Reddit r/GoRVing: Cruiser Twilight Plumbing Problems.

Electrical System and 12V/120V Issues

Electrical complaints range from nuisance GFCI trips to converter failures that leave owners without charging while boondocking. Owners have reported loose neutral wires, weak battery performance due to undersized wire runs, and instances of incorrectly wired outlets discovered during PDI.

• Converter/charger failures: 12V lights dimming, batteries not charging on shore power, or fans running excessively. Some report replacements under warranty, but parts delays can stall repairs.
• GFCI and breaker trips: Outlets on the same circuit as the fridge or microwave tripping during normal use, indicating load management or wiring issues.
• Grounding and bonding: Owners have found loose grounds in distribution panels—an obvious safety concern that can be caught by a competent inspector.

Use these sources to validate patterns: YouTube: Cruiser Twilight Electrical Problems and Good Sam: Thor Motor Coach Twilight Electrical Issues. For practical, consumer-first advice and broader electrical checklists, see Liz Amazing’s RV consumer advocacy channel and search her videos for electrical system deep-dives.

Slide Mechanisms, Suspension, and Frame Alignment

Slide-outs are a recurring area of complaint. Reported issues include binding during extension, motors out of sync, slide seams leaking, and floor damage near the slide footprint. Owners also raise concerns about axle alignment from the factory, premature tire wear, and under-specced suspension components that lead to harsh towing and interior damage from road shock.

• Slide tracking and timing: Slides that “rack” or stop unevenly can damage seals and floors. Realignment requires a competent service team and can be delayed by scheduling.
• Seal and sweep failure: Poor seal contact leads to water and dust intrusion. Owners sometimes manage this with aftermarket seal conditioning and adjustments.
• Axle/suspension: Some owners report toe/camber issues causing rapid tire wear. Upgrades like shock absorbers, wet bolts, or equalizers can help—but shouldn’t be necessary on a new unit.

Read owner accounts and service solutions: Google: Cruiser Twilight Slide Problems and Reddit r/RVLiving: Thor Motor Coach Twilight Slide Issues. For an independent take on slide inspections and travel-trailer suspension preparedness, see Liz Amazing’s practical RV checklists.

HVAC and Propane Appliances

Comfort systems are another source of owner frustration. In hotter climates, single 13.5K BTU air conditioners in larger floorplans may struggle, and some units arrive with insufficient duct sealing or airflow balancing. Furnaces sometimes short-cycle due to sail switch or board issues, and water heaters can be temperamental without proper setup.

• Air conditioning performance: Owners report poor cooling to the bedroom, often fixed by duct sealing or airflow mods. Some opt for a second A/C where wiring supports it.
• Furnace ignition: Intermittent firing caused by weak 12V supply, dirty flame sensors, or airflow restrictions.
• Water heater mixing and scaling: Temperature swings or limited hot water if the check valves or mixing valves are faulty.

Compare experiences here: Good Sam: Cruiser Twilight AC Problems and RVInsider: Cruiser Twilight Furnace Issues.

Warranty Handling, Dealer Service Delays, and Parts Backorders

One of the most consistent points of dissatisfaction involves warranty service turnaround. Owners report long waits for authorization, parts backorders, or being told to work only with the selling dealer—creating hardships for travelers or full-timers. Some one-star Google reviews and BBB complaints describe brand-new trailers awaiting repair for months, causing canceled trips and lost deposits.

• Scheduling delays: Dealers may book weeks out for diagnostics alone—before parts can even be ordered.
• Manufacturer-dealer coordination: Owners describe finger-pointing between dealer and manufacturer, extending timelines.
• Communication gaps: Consumers report repeated follow-ups to obtain status updates, and mixed experiences with goodwill or out-of-warranty support.

Investigate similar reports on the BBB and forums: BBB search: Cruiser Twilight, Google: Thor Motor Coach Twilight Warranty Complaints, and Reddit r/rvs: Cruiser Twilight Dealer Service. You can also scan consumer narratives on PissedConsumer (use the site’s search tool): PissedConsumer (search for “Twilight” or “Cruiser Twilight”).

If your new Twilight is stuck at the dealer, how long did you wait and what helped move it along?

Recalls and Safety Notices

Recalls vary by model year and component supplier. Travel trailers across the industry have seen recalls for LP regulators, axle hubs, breakaway switches, awning support hardware, and battery disconnects. You should always check for open recalls by VIN before you buy and periodically during ownership.

• Search for Twilight-related recalls under both brand names: NHTSA: Thor Motor Coach Twilight and NHTSA: Cruiser Twilight.
• Ask the dealer to print the full recall and TSB list by VIN and certify all remedies are complete in writing before delivery.
• If you suspect a safety defect not yet recalled, you can file a report with NHTSA; multiple reports can prompt investigations.

Video creators who cover recalls and what they mean for owners can be helpful; consider searching the archives on Liz Amazing’s channel for recall walk-throughs.

Legal and Regulatory Warnings

Consumers should understand how the law treats RV warranties and defects:

• Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act: Requires manufacturers to honor written warranties and prohibits deceptive warranty terms. If repeated repairs fail to fix a warranted defect, you may have claims under Magnuson–Moss for breach of warranty.
• State Lemon Laws: Many lemon laws are vehicle-focused and may or may not fully apply to towable RVs. Some states exclude the “residential” portion of an RV. Check your state’s statute and consult an attorney if your repair history is extensive.
• Implied warranties and UCC: Even when written warranties are limited, implied warranties of merchantability may apply unless disclaimed as allowed by state law.
• FTC and deceptive advertising: If advertised features (e.g., “four season,” “all-weather insulation”) materially differ from performance, that can raise issues under consumer protection laws. Save screenshots and brochures.
• NHTSA Safety Defects: Report safety-related failures (brakes, suspension, tires, LP systems, electrical) to NHTSA. Patterns can lead to investigations and recalls.

Document every defect with dated photos, write repair requests clearly, and keep all service orders. If your Twilight spends extended time out of service for warranty work, consult a consumer attorney familiar with RV cases. You may also consider filing complaints with your state attorney general or the BBB to create a public record.

Safety and Financial Impact Analysis

Based on public owner reports and forum discussions, the most significant risk categories for Twilight buyers are water intrusion, slide mechanism failures, electrical faults, and delayed warranty repairs. These create both safety hazards and financial exposure:

• Safety hazards: Electrical shorts or miswired outlets, propane leaks from appliance connections, brakes/suspension issues leading to handling instability, and water ingress leading to hidden mold.
• Financial risk: Soft floors and hidden leaks can total a trailer if rot spreads. Slide repairs can involve structural rework. Months-long repair queues can waste campsite deposits and season planning. Diminished resale value is common once owners disclose repairs or water events.
• Opportunity cost: Cancelled trips, storage fees during repairs, and time lost coordinating with dealers and manufacturers.

If you’ve faced safety-critical issues, what steps did you take and were they effective?

What to Inspect on a Twilight Before Purchase

• Water intrusion test: Conduct a rain test; use a moisture meter on walls, slide floors, and around the front cap/bedroom. Inspect every exterior light and accessory sealant line.
• Slide operation: Cycle slides at least five times on shore power and battery only. Listen for binding, watch inner/outer seals, check for even closure and floor drag.
• Electrical: Test all GFCI circuits, verify battery charging voltage on shore power, inspect breaker panel and grounds for tightness. Test every outlet under load.
• Plumbing: Run all taps, fill and drain tanks, inspect underbelly for drips, check pump and water heater fittings. Confirm toilet seal and tank valve operation.
• HVAC/propane: Light the furnace repeatedly, test the water heater on both gas and electric, and verify A/C temperature drop and duct airflow.
• Chassis and running gear: Inspect tire date codes, check axle alignment and tire wear evenness, ensure breakaway switch function, and verify torque on U-bolts and wheel lugs.
• Fit and finish: Open every cabinet, inspect under mattresses and dinettes for debris and fasteners, check window latches and blinds, and verify bed and slide trim integrity.

Bring an independent expert: find a certified RV inspector near you. It’s far easier to negotiate fixes before the dealer has your funds.

Owner Narratives and Public Complaints: Where to Cross-Check

When evaluating stories, read across platforms to spot recurring defects rather than one-off failures. Start with these searches and then dive into individual threads and videos:

• YouTube: Cruiser Twilight Complaints
• Google: Cruiser Twilight Warranty Issues
• Reddit r/RVLiving: Cruiser Twilight Owner Reviews
• Good Sam: Thor Motor Coach Twilight Complaints

For a broader look at systemic RV industry problems and how to vet any brand, check out investigations and buyer tips from Liz Amazing, then use her channel’s search to find Twilight-adjacent topics.

Have a story or repair invoice you’re willing to share? Post a summary to help other shoppers.

Balanced Notes: Reported Improvements and Variability

Some owners report problem-free experiences, especially after the initial “shakedown” period. Twilight marketing often mentions laminated walls and, in some years and trims, the use of composite materials (e.g., Azdel) that can mitigate rot compared to luan. Buyers also appreciate modern interiors, lighter weight, and towability. A portion of owners say that after dealer or DIY fixes to seals, slide adjustments, and duct/airflow tweaks, their trailers perform satisfactorily.

Still, build variability appears significant, and many owners suggest that success hinges on two factors: the thoroughness of the PDI and the responsiveness of the selling dealer. If you plan to travel far from the selling dealer, ensure the manufacturer will authorize warranty work at other service centers and get that commitment in writing.

Accountability and Expectations

Patterns in consumer reports suggest that quality control lapses and warranty service bottlenecks remain material issues for Twilight shoppers to evaluate carefully. Manufacturers and dealers can improve trust by:

• Investing in tighter final inspection and water testing at the factory.
• Standardizing slide setup and seal alignment procedures with documentation in the owner’s packet.
• Shortening parts lead times and allowing owners to use any authorized service center for warranty repairs.
• Proactively disclosing common issues and providing official DIY maintenance bulletins to prevent failures (e.g., seal maintenance, fastener checks, and duct sealing).

Until such improvements are consistently documented, buyers should assume a robust PDI and ongoing maintenance will be necessary from day one.

Final Verdict

Buyer feedback across public sources—spanning water intrusion, slide and electrical issues, HVAC inconsistencies, and prolonged warranty delays—indicates elevated risk for first-year defects and service downtime in the Twilight line relative to consumer expectations. While some owners achieve solid performance after initial repairs and meticulous maintenance, many report disrupted camping seasons and difficult warranty paths.

Given the volume and nature of complaints, we do not recommend the Thor Motor Coach–Twilight for risk-averse shoppers at this time. If you proceed, only do so after a rigorous third-party inspection and with clear, written service commitments. Otherwise, compare alternative brands and models with stronger documented quality control and service satisfaction before committing.

If you own or owned a Twilight, would you buy it again—why or why not?

Comments

Owners and shoppers: please add your first-hand experiences, PDI tips, repair timelines, and resolution outcomes. Your input helps future buyers make informed decisions.