2012 Thor ACE EVO Review

The needs and wants of RVers are evolving – and that’s why Thor Motor Coach designed the 2012 ACE Class A Motorhome. Giving you more of what you want and need on the road, the ACE combines the features of a Class A motorhome and the drivability of a C Class, giving you the best of both worlds.

There are only two floorplans to choose from, so let’s take a closer look at the EVO 29.1. It has an exterior length of 29’7”, an exterior height of 11’11”, an exterior width of 99”, an interior height of 84” and exterior storage capacity of 131.5 cubic feet. In terms of water capacity, it can hold 50 gallons of fresh water, 29 gallons of black water and 44 gallons of gray water. It also boasts a six-gallon water heater.

Driven by a gas 6.8L V10 engine, the ACE is built on a Ford chassis. Boasting a fully welded tubular aluminum roof and sidewall cage construction, the ACE’s aerodynamic one-piece fiberglass front cap is designed to lessen wind drag and help with fuel economy. Its Vacu-Bond laminated roof, walls and floor also come with high-density block foam insulation, which helps keep the environment inside comfortable and cuts heating and cooling costs.

The ACE is all about ease and convenience – just take a look at its wide front hood. It gives you easy access to the engine and lets you add windshield wiper fluid, check the dipstick for oil, or take a look at the battery instantly. Another great convenience is its oversized entry. You can carry more in without worrying that you won’t be able to fit. The entry also features a hidden mud room that stores all your dirty shoes, an in-step drawer and a flip lid on the top step that can be used as a tool box.

And you always end up bringing more stuff than you need on any vacation, so it’s a good thing the ACE comes with a rear compartment that gives you plenty of storage space. Measuring eight feet wide, this compartment passes all the way through the coach. The main storage compartment is found on the camp side of the RV so it’s easier and more convenient to access.

And while we’re on the topic of convenience, let’s talk about the Camper’s Corner. This is where you’ll find all the sewer hook-ups and outside shower. The enclosed sewer compartment lets you leave the sewer hose connected and stored away, so it’s not open to the elements and never needs to be stuffed in the bumper.

Other exterior features include skid resistant metal storage compartments, pet-link D-ring pet and security tie down, electric patio awning, automatic electric entry step, a below-floor mounted 35,000 BTU LP furnace, a 13,500 BTU roof air conditioner and a 30-amp service with marine-type detachable power cord.

Let’s head inside and take a look around. You have a choice of decor options – Driftwood, Stoney Island and Hazelnut – that are highlighted with Cherry cabinetry. Other interior features include incandescent ceiling lighting, nickel finish hardware, a hard vinyl ceiling and residential linoleum.

In the cab area, you’ll be able to see everything that’s going around you from the driver’s seat. The ACE has a special double-check window found at the floor level that helps eliminate the blind spot at the front of the coach. There’s also a large conversation mirror in the front overhead so you can keep an eye on what’s going on in the living area. The passenger seat comes with a fold-out computer tray that comes out of the dash. Your co-pilot can set up their laptop while driving to your destination, and all of the electrical connections are located close to the tray, so electronics like iPads or e-readers don’t need to be battery powered. And just above the cockpit area is a drop down overhead, which can be lowered with a keyed switch. And thanks to its innovative design, you can still use the front captain’s chairs even when the bed is in down.

In the living area, the leatherette sofa turns into a comfortable bed when you need the extra sleeping space. Its 24″ LCD television is located mid-ship, so everyone can see it while you’re on the move without distracting the driver. Also in the living area is a large dinette that’s perfect for the family to gather around during meal times.

The kitchen is up next. It maximizes storage for utensils, pots, pans and other essentials with multiple drawers and a sliding pantry tucks canned goods away. For your cooking pleasure, you’ll find a 3-burner high-output gas cooktop with an oven, a double door refrigerator and a microwave oven. For prep and clean-up, there are laminate countertops, an oversized bowl sink with a single lever gooseneck faucet and waste and recycling containers. Other features include a skydome and a coat/broom closet with hanging hooks.

At the far end of the ACE you’ll find the master bedroom. Sleep soundly on a queen-size bed with a fiber mattress that’s outfitted with a bedspread and pillow shams. On either side of the bed you’ll find nightstand tables, and there’s also a wardrobe to hang all your clothes.

Finally, we come to the bathroom. It comes complete with a china bowl toilet, a shower with a micro anti-bacterial shower door and a vanity sink. Other bathroom features include linen closets and a pull out Kibble Station pet feeder under the shower.

The 2012 Thor ACE Class A Motorhome retails for around $91,600. For more information, visit http://www.thormotorcoach.com/.

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