2016 Thor Challenger 37LX Review

RVGuide.com
by RVGuide.com

Whether you’re looking for a full-time residence or temporary holiday home, the Thor Challenger brings luxury into your daily life.


Six floorplans are available to choose from, and we’ve decided to explore the 37LX. It has a gross vehicle weight rating of 22,000 lbs and gross combined weight rating of 26,000 lbs. It has an exterior length of 38’-1”, exterior height of 12’9”, exterior width of 101”, and interior height of 82”. The Challenger 37LX has an awning size of 16’ and wheelbase of 252”. For liquids, the 37LX has a fuel tank capacity of 80 gallons, fresh water capacity of 100 gallons, black water capacity of 80 gallons, gray water capacity of 80 gallons, and water heater capacity of 6 gallons. It can comfortably sleep seven people.


Powered by a 6.8L Triton V-10 engine, the Challenger is as strong as it is luxurious. The Ford chassis is equipped with TorqueShift automatic transmission, and the trailer hitch comes with a seven-pin round connector. Automatic levelling jacks come with touchpad controls, making the Challenger easy to level out on all kinds of terrain. Full basement pass-through storage is perfect for storing large objects and awkwardly sized tools. Vacu-bond laminated roof, walls and floor have high-density block foam insulation. The side-mounted power patio awning comes with integrated LED lighting, while the steel floor system and tubular aluminum roof and sidewall construction are also fully welded. A double electric entry step leads you to an entry door, which is equipped with a deadbolt lock and acrylic grab handle.

Thor knows that you’ll be spending a lot of time behind the wheel, so it has designed a cockpit that will bring you luxury and safety. You and your passenger can get comfortable in the reclining swivel leatherette captain’s chairs. Six-way power seats allow you to adjust your seats for maximum comfort. For your safety, the cockpit is equipped with three-point seatbelts and heated exterior mirrors that have integrated side view cameras. If you’re spending a lot of time on the road, stay awake by listening to your favorite radio show on the touchscreen AM/FM radio, equipped with a CD Player, Bluetooth, back-up monitor and mirror display. The dash workstation comes with a 110-volt and 12-volt outlet. Store your coffee in the drink holders, and if you need a break from driving, park your car and enjoy a quick bite at the stow-away coffee table, which sits between the captain’s chairs. For privacy, you can use the windshield electric privacy shade, and pull down the manual side window roller shades.


COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2016 American Coach American Revolution 42W


When you’re done driving for the day, get out of your captain’s chair and walk into your living room. With a soft vinyl ceiling, residential flooring and high-gloss glazed hardwood cabinetry throughout, the Challenger’s stylish and warm interior will make you feel right at home. Designers of the Challenger made sure every detail looks good, including the solid wood raised panel cabinet, which has nickel finish hardware. The living room is designed to relax and entertain. You can get comfortable on the sofa and watch your favourite DVD movie on the 40” LED TV. If you prefer a good book, then turn on your electric fireplace, kick up your feet, and read to your heart’s content. If you’re serious about comfort, you can request leatherette, theater seating, equipped with footrests.

Luxurious living goes hand-in-hand with fine dining. The Thor Challenger 37LX features a spacious kitchen that provides you with the essentials for gourmet cooking. Store food in the 22 cu. ft. stainless steal refrigerator, and cook it on the three-burner gas-cooking top with drawers. If you like baking, then request a 30-burner gas cooktop with an oven. For quick reheating, put food in the 30” stainless steel over-the-range convection microwave. Rinse fruits and veggies in the stainless steel, double bowl sink, equipped with a single handle faucet with a pull-down sprayer. When you’re done cooking, wipe your solid surface kitchen countertops, and serve dinner at the dream dinette, located beside the sofa.


COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2016 Tiffin Zephyr 45 DZ


With two washrooms, you don’t have to wait in line to use the toilet. One washroom is located behind the fireplace and it is equipped with the basics – sink, toilet and linen closet. Across from this bathroom is a closet, which houses washer/dryer prep. This means that you no longer have to make inconvenient stops to the Laundromat. If you want to take a shower, you’ll have to use the bathroom located beside the Master Bedroom. It includes a shower.

When you’re finally ready to call it a night, take a walk to the spacious Master Bedroom. Put your clothes away in a closet – there are three, so take your pick. Get comfortable on your king-sized Denver mattress, which comes with a designer headboard and beautiful bedspread. A 32” LED TV sits across from the bed, above the dresser, so watch your favorite show before you check out for the night. Your family members and guests don’t have to sleep outside – they can choose between the sofa bed, hide-away cockpit bunk or dream dinette, which converts into a bed.

The 2016 Thor Challenger 37LX sells for around $130,000. Visit ThorMotorCoach.com for more information.

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