Thor Motor Coach is North America's largest motorhome manufacturer, part of Thor Industries — the world's largest RV company. While primarily serving the American market, Thor products occasionally appear in the UK as imports. Thor Industries also owns the Erwin Hymer Group in Europe.
The extensive range includes over 120 models:
Class A gas — Miramar, Challenger, Windsport and Hurricane.
Class A diesel — Tuscany, Venetian, Palazzo for luxury touring.
Class C — Four Winds, Chateau, Quantum and Echelon.
Class B campervans — including the Palladium and Talavera with AWD Ford Transit Trail chassis, most suited to UK roads.
Specialty — Outlaw Toy Hauler, Super C models, the A.C.E., Axis and Vegas.
Thor Motor Coach was created in 2010 through the merger of Damon Motor Coach and Four Winds International within Thor Industries. The parent company, Thor Industries, was founded on 29 August 1980 by Wade F. B. Thompson and Peter B. Orthwein — the name 'Thor' combining the first two letters of each founder's surname.
Thor Industries was established when it acquired Airstream, which became the cornerstone of the company. Since then, Thor has grown to become the world's largest RV manufacturer.
Thor Industries' major RV brands include Airstream, Jayco (acquired 2016), Tiffin Motorhomes, Entegra Coach, Heartland RV and Dutchmen. Through its European division, Thor also owns the Erwin Hymer Group (Hymer, Bürstner, Dethleffs, Carado, Elddis, LMC and more).
Thor Motor Coach builds approximately 1 in every 4 motorhomes sold in North America, manufacturing over 120 motorised RV models from Elkhart, Indiana.
World's largest RV company — Thor Industries' scale is unmatched globally, with both North American and European (Erwin Hymer Group) operations.
1 in 4 motorhomes sold — Thor Motor Coach builds approximately one quarter of all motorhomes sold in North America.
Innovation across segments — from off-road AWD campervans to luxury diesel pushers, Thor covers every motorhome category.
Airstream heritage — Thor Industries' original acquisition of the iconic Airstream brand demonstrates its commitment to RV culture.
If you want an American Class B with AWD — the Palladium and Talavera on Ford Transit Trail offer adventure capability.
If you want the world's largest RV company behind your purchase — Thor Industries' global scale ensures long-term parts and support.
If you want the full American motorhome experience — Thor's Class A diesel pushers deliver maximum luxury and space.
Not designed for UK roads — most Thor models are built for American highways and exceed UK road dimensions.
Mixed quality reviews — high-volume production has led to quality control concerns, particularly on budget models.
Left-hand drive only — all production is LHD.
No UK dealer network for Thor Motor Coach — parts and servicing require specialist importers (though Thor owns Hymer/Bürstner in Europe).
Different standards — US propane, 110V electrical systems require conversion for UK use.
Identify the specific model class — Thor's 120+ models span enormous quality and price ranges. Understand exactly what you're looking at.
Verify UK road legality — check width, length, weight and licence requirements.
Check gas and electrical conversion — US systems must be properly converted to UK standards.
Inspect for quality issues — Thor's volume production means thorough inspection of build quality is essential.
- Identify specific model and class
- Verify UK road legality for dimensions
- Check vehicle weight and licence requirements
- Confirm proper UK registration and V5C
- Verify SVA or IVA test completion
- Check gas system converted to UK standards
- Check electrical converted to 230V 50Hz
- Inspect generator if fitted
- Check air conditioning system
- Inspect roof for leaks
- Check slide-out mechanisms if fitted
- Inspect build quality throughout
- Test all electrical circuits
- Test water system and heater
- Check holding tanks and waste
- Run all appliances
- Test heating and AC
- Check tyres for condition and age
- Check current MOT and advisory history
- Test drive noting size on UK roads
Thor Motor Coach manufacturer warranty applies in North America only. UK buyers of imported Thor motorhomes will have no manufacturer warranty coverage.
Note that Thor Industries owns the Erwin Hymer Group in Europe, but this does not extend Thor Motor Coach warranty to European dealers.
Independent warranty is strongly recommended for UK owners of imported American motorhomes.
When buying a used Thor Motor Coach, look for a dealer that offers an independent warranty backed by a provider like the RAC. This means your warranty remains valid even if the dealer ceases trading. OakTree Motorhomes offer up to three years of RAC-backed warranty, covering the average ownership period.