2013 Thor Motor Coach Palazzo 33.3 Review
Thor Motor Coach has introduced a new line of luxury diesel pushers for 2013 – the Palazzo. These feature-rich motorhomes are designed with high-quality furniture and cabinetry you’d expect to find in a nice home.
Four floorplans are available to choose from and we’ll be looking at the 33.3, which comes with a bunkhouse. This floorplan makes vacationing relaxing and long drives comfortable. The 33.3 has a gross vehicle weight rating 26,000 lbs and gross combined weight rating of 30, 000 lbs. It features an exterior length of 34’5”, exterior height of 11’10”, exterior width is 101” and interior height of 82”. The Palazzo 33.3 has a fuel capacity of 90 gallons and a DEF fluid capacity of 13 gallons. Finally, the unit has a fresh water capacity of 95 gallons, black water capacity of 43 gallons, gray water capacity of 43 gallons, 35,000 BTU furnace and 136.4 cu. ft. of interior storage space.
Bbuilt on a Freightliner XC Straight Rail Class A Diesel Pusher Motorhome chassis, the Palazzo 33.3 has a six-speed Allison MH-2100 automatic transmission. Stopping power comes from full air front disc and rear drum anti-lock brakes, along with an exhaust brake. Sachs shock absorbers and stainless steel wheel liners also come standard. The vacu-bond laminated roof, walls and floor come with high-density block foam insulation.
COMPETITION: Read our review of the Monaco Vesta
Thor Motor Coach designed the cockpit to be comfortable for long drives. A touch-screen dash entertainment center controls AM/FM/MP3/CD/Satellite Radio, as well as an iPhone hookup. For highway cruises, the driver can turn on cruise control. Cold, winter drives are made easier by optional heated, remote exterior mirrors with integrated side view cameras. The vehicle is also equipped with a back-up camera and a side-vision camera system. If you’re traveling with a big family, then request a power Hide-A-Way bunk bed that rests above the cockpit, taking up little space in the motorhome. The driver and passenger sit in Leatherette Captain’s Chairs. To prevent a sore bottom, the driver can adjust his seat to six different positions. Looking into his rearview mirror, the driver has a clear view of the living room and kitchen.
Walking into the Palazzo is like walking into an interior designer’s show house. The space is beautifully decorated with hardwood cabinetry and high-quality electronics. In the living area you’ll find solar and privacy roller shades and floors covered in Beauflor Residential Linoleum. All the hardware comes with nickel finish and the Soft Touch Vinyl Ceiling creates a cozy ambience.
The living room sits behind the cockpit, allowing the driver an excellent view of the whereabouts of family members. A comfortable Euro recliner overlooks a 32” LED television. There’s also a DVD Player with Sound Bar and HD/DSS satellite prep. Beside the television is a Dream Dinette Booth. While you eat breakfast, enjoy the sunset outside or turn on the television and watch the news. Since vacationing in the great outdoors means lots of dirt, sand and mud, you can take advantage of the mudroom, which leads to the 68” side sleeper sofa. It’s a sofa by day and a comfortable bed for two by night.
COMPETITION: Read our review of the Winnebago Adventurer 32H
Walk past the living room into the spacious kitchen. With enough counter space to chop, mix and dry, the family chef can comfortably get a hand from an enthusiastic family member. Store food in the 18 cf. Whirlpool Residential Refrigerator in stainless steel and cook it on the three-burner gas cooktop. Reheat food in the 30” Whirlpool Residential microwave oven, which also comes in stainless steel. Solid surface countertops are easy to wipe and difficult to crack. Rinse veggies in the large double bowl sink, equipped with a single lever kitchen faucet. To combat kitchen odors, use the Fantastic Power Vent.
Beside the kitchen lies a 28” by 74” bunk bed. To maximize space, convert the bunk into a sofa when you have guests. The bunk lies directly across from a pantry that will store anything from canned goods to electronics. Beside the pantry is the entrance to the bathroom. As with all RVs, the bathroom is simple. You get a 36” by 30” shower, toilet and medicine cabinet, equipped with a mirror. Unlike most RVs, the toilet is a China Bowl and the spacious shower comes with a glass door.
Most memories from your road trips will be made in the wild outdoors, not on the road. Enjoy family barbeques, camping trips and beautiful views outside, not inside. The Palazzo comes with lots of outdoor amenities, including an outdoor shower, exterior 32” LED television and patio light.
COMPETITION: Read our review of the Fleetwood Bounder 35K
The 2013 Thor Motor Coach Palazzo 33.3 retails for around $200,000. For more information, check out Palazzo’s official website.
