2018 Thor Chateau 28A — Should You Buy One?
Typical asking price: $58,000–$82,000. There are 2 high-severity known issues you need to know before handing over a check.
Kestrel Take
Thor is the largest RV builder in the world and the Chateau is their most popular Class C — meaning it gets sold in high volumes and quality varies more than premium brands. The Ford E-450 chassis is reliable; Thor's interior construction is mid-grade. Inspect water damage and all systems carefully.
What we checked
Not checked against public records
Motorhomes are in NHTSA’s database and we intend to use it. We have not switched it on yet because recall notices name sub-brands and floorplans rather than the model we key on, and folding them in carelessly would put another coach’s recall on this page. What follows is our own write-up, and it has not been reconciled against an official record. Treat it as a starting point, not a verdict.
Known Issues for the 2018 Thor Chateau 28A
Ranked by wallet impact. These are documented, recurring problems — not freak accidents. How we decide that.
The cab-over sleeping area sits above the cab and develops a seam between the cab and the RV body. This seam cracks and leaks. Check the cab-over interior ceiling for staining and press the floor for soft spots.
Repair cost (estimate): $500-$4,000
Source: not yet checked against public records.
Same as any slide RV — press every slide floor corner for soft spots indicating water damage.
Repair cost (estimate): $500-$6,000
Source: not yet checked against public records.
Check transmission fluid, brakes, tires, and engine condition. The 2018 E-450 came with the 6.8L V10 gas engine only — check service records.
Repair cost: Not a repair — an ownership-cost warning, not a mechanical fault
Source: not yet checked against public records.
Cabinetry screws pulling out, drawer slides failing, interior panel delamination — Thor builds at volume and the interiors show it. Budget for some interior fixes.
Repair cost (estimate): $200-$1,500
Source: not yet checked against public records.
Walk-Away Red Flags
- ✗Cab-over bunk with staining or soft spots on the ceiling or floor
- ✗Any slide floor soft spots
- ✗Transmission issues on the Ford E-450
- ✗Interior cabinets with structural issues or delamination
Good Signs
- ✓Ford E-450 with full chassis service records
- ✓Cab-over ceiling clean and dry
- ✓Annual RV dealer service with roof and seal inspection
- ✓All slides cycling smoothly
More from Thor
Similar rvs & motorhomes
Also in the guide: Vans (Cargo & Passenger)
Also in the guide: Trailers & Campers
Found a specific Thor Chateau 28A?
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Known issues on this page are based on documented owner reports, NHTSA complaints, class-action records, and manufacturer technical service bulletins. Individual vehicles vary. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is always worth doing.
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