2013 Thor Outlaw 37MD Review
Every RV buff in North America knows about the infamous Thor Outlaw. It is not only the best selling Class A retail hauler in North America, but also the most affordable. Originally marketed at off-road fanatics, the Outlaw has unexpectedly become the best choice for travelling dentists, doctors and party-hard rock stars. Its luxurious interior might be more spacious and more livable than your home.
The Outlaw has three floorplans to choose from. We’ll be taking a closer look at its newest addition, the 37MD. Its gross vehicle weight rating is 24, 000 lbs and its gross combined weight rating is 30,000 lbs. It has an exterior length of 38’7”, exterior height of 12’11”, exterior width of 101” and exterior height is 80’97”. The 37MB has a fresh water capacity of 100 gallons, gray water capacity of 43 gallons, black water capacity of 43 gallons and a water heater capacity of six gallons. Its exterior storage space comes to 127 cubic feet.
Built on a Ford chassis, the Thor Outlaw features a Triton 6.8L V10 Ford engine. Featuring a fully welded floor system with tubular steel, the Outlaw is built to be sturdy and reliable for extended trips. The Vacu-Bond Laminated roof, walls and floor are equipped with high-density block foam insulation. Automatic leveling jacks come with touch pad controls, which make them easy to operate. Storage is plentiful in all sections of the 37MD Outlaw – you can store golf carts and ATVs in the full basement pass-through storage and in the Roto-Cast Storage compartments.
COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2012 Thor ACE EVO
When you’re living on the road, the most important room in your home is undoubtedly the cockpit. The Outlaw is equipped with the necessities and luxuries that make driving for hours as relaxing as reading the Sunday paper. You even get a map light for reading directions at night. For long, sleepless nights, sit your coffee in the drink holders and stay awake by listening to classics on the premium AM/FM radio. For extra caution, the heated, remote exterior mirrors are integrated with side view cameras (as is the LCD back-up monitor); parallel parking has never been this easy. For mind-numbing drives on rolling freeways, turn on the cruise control and lean back in your Reclining Swivel Leatherette Captain’s Chair.
If the driver takes a glimpse of his Outlaw through the rear view mirror, he might forget he’s operating a moving a vehicle. The soft touch vinyl ceiling is decorated with combination fluorescent and incandescent lighting. Solid wood cabinets create a cottage-like ambience and all hardware is finished with nickel. Passenger seatbelts are scattered throughout the Outlaw, just in case the road gets bumpy. Vinyl tile flooring is easy to sweep, mop and wipe. A u-shaped dinette booth, equipped with cup holders, is located in the living room and can seat all members of your family.
COMPETITION: Read our review of the 2012 Forest River Work & Play
Road trips go hand in hand with fast food. When you’ve been driving for hours on a barren freeway, a yellow McDonald’s sign looks like a lush oasis in a dry desert. Luckily for your cholesterol, you can skip the supersize combos and cook your own burgers on your recessed three-burner high-output gas cooktop and bake your fries in the oven. For lazy cooks, reheat your food in the over-the-range microwave. The eight-cubic-foot refrigerator provides ample room for storing food. Solid surface countertops are easy to clean after a morning of chopping, slicing and spilling. A large double bowl sink comes with a single lever kitchen faucet and sprayer. To keep messes hidden, use the solid surface sink cover. If you enjoy preparing breakfast to a pretty sunrise, then open up the mini blinds in the kitchen window and soak in the view. If mornings aren’t your thing, then keep the blinds shut until you’ve had your coffee.
Your morning routine will not be compromised in the Thor Outlaw 37MD. A spacious shower is covered by a glass door and comes with a skylight. A foot-flush toilet, Fantastic Power Vent, spacious sink, medicine cabinet and mirror all come standard.
After a day of adventuring, escape to your loft. The Queen bed (with matching pillow set) comes with comfy pillows that will recharge you for another day of travel. If you like watching late night movies, turn on the 19” LED television. Use the manual roller shades to block light, lie back in your bed and enjoy your favourite movie. Unlike many RVs, the bedroom is private and offers a peaceful place to nap when other members of your family are playing, cleaning and cooking.
COMPETITION: Read our review of the Dutchman Voltage toy hauler
All the action happens in the living room, equipped with comfortable furniture and a high quality entertainment system. The sofa airbed faces a 26” LCD television along with a video package that includes a DVD Player and a Control Center. The HD/DSS Satellite Prep and Premium Sound System make watching movies an action-packed experience. If your family enjoys outdoor barbeques, you can also get an exterior entertainment center with a 32” LED TV.
The 2013 Thor Outlaw 37MD sells for around $157, 000. For more information visit http://www.outlawrv.com/.
