2012 Thor Redwood 31SL Review
It’s just you and your significant other, and the two of you want to explore the nooks and crannies of this great country. And if you can do it in complete style and comfort in an RV, all the better… right? So if it’s a great couples model you’re after, try the 2012 Thor Redwood Fifth Wheel on for size.
Recently, we had the chance to look closely at the Redwood 31SL, and overall, liked what we saw. There are no bunks in this floorplan, giving you and your spouse more time together, as well as more living space. The 31SL (which is the smallest floorplan in the series) measures in with an exterior length of 34’4” and an exterior height of 12’11”. It weighs in with shipping weight of 11,930 lbs, a carrying capacity of 4,070 lbs, a hitch weight of 2,160 lbs and an axle weight of 9,770 lbs. In the way of water, it has a fresh water capacity of 104 gallons, a black water capacity of 45 gallons and a gray water capacity of 90 gallons.
Built on the FIT chassis system, the Redwood’s Falcon Frame is powder coated for extra protection, and its heavy duty 12” I-beam main rail gives it added strength and durability. Outfitted with the Falcon-Flex suspension system, the Redwood offers a smooth ride by getting rid of vibrations. The 31SL sits on Falcon axles that come with self-adjusting brakes that improve stopping time, while its powder coated axle tubes combat corrosion.
An RV’s slideout is designed to give you more living room, but sometimes the systems that operate this function are cumbersome and difficult to operate and maintain. The Falcon hydraulic slideout system is designed to give you worry-free operation and it’s easier to use. As well, the Redwood’s automatic levelling makes it easier to set up camp. The one-touch automatic levelling system sets up in about 45 seconds, and its aluminium jacks extend and retract in just a couple of seconds.
Because you don’t want the seasons to dictate where and when you travel, your RV needs to be prepared to keep you comfortable, no matter what the temperature is. This fifth wheel comes with the Clima-Comfort package, which combines residential fibreglass insulation with ultrareflect reflective insulation to give you a thermal barrier that keeps you cozy all year long. What’s great about this package is that in the winter, the escaping heat is reflected back into the living space, so that you cut your heating costs. And in the summer, the heat is reflected away from your living space, lowering your air conditioning costs.
What struck us the most about the Redwood 31SL was its contemporary and stylish layout – it really did feel like we were in a modern home. Case in point – when you enter the 31SL, off to one side is a step-up to the living room that’s made extra cozy with the addition of a large entertainment unit and a fireplace. This is ideal for couples that love traveling in the winter – it’s the perfect place to end a day and relax.
And speaking of relaxing, Redwood has put some extra thought in this pastime. Its Diamond Furniture Collection is found throughout this fifth wheel, and all of its pieces were designed for comfort and durability. The living area features a residential sofa and recliners, as well as a hidden executive desk that comes complete with storage solutions. In the way of dining, there’s a banquet table, high back dinette chairs and folding dinette chairs that can be stored under the sofa.
The kitchen is the heart of any home… and any RV. This kitchen was a delight to look at, thanks to its sleek granite covers and countertops, backsplash and pendant lights, as well as its wood panel fridge. But it all can’t be about looks, so it’s a good thing the Redwood can back it up with plenty of function. It comes equipped with a 9 cu. ft. Dometic refrigerator, a three-burner flush mount stove, a 22” deluxe baker’s oven and a 30” OTR microwave. The addition of a kitchen island in this particular model is a nice touch, as is the large pantry with coffee and toast station – not something you see in many RVs.
The master bedroom is a welcoming retreat in the 31SL. Rest easy on a 60” x 80” memory foam pillowtop mattress and European box spring. Other great bedroom features include a 26” LCD TV, a hidden in-floor safe and a residential dresser. But what we lik most about the bedroom is its huge closet. This closet space comes with an eight-slot shoe rack, deep storage shelves and a laundry chute.
Last but not least, the Redwood comes with a fully equipped bathroom, which includes a one-piece fibreglass shower and glass shower surround, a porcelain foot flush toilet, a mirrored medicine cabinet and a large linen closet.
The 2012 Thor Redwood 31SL Fifth Wheel that we took a tour of had a sale price of $70,980. To find out more about this line, visit http://www.redwood-rv.com/.
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