THOR MOTOR COACH CHALLENGER 37FH Common Problems and Troubleshooting

The THOR MOTOR COACH CHALLENGER 37FH is a popular recreational vehicle (RV) known for its spacious interior and comfortable features. However, like any vehicle, it may experience certain common problems that can affect its performance and functionality. In this article, we will discuss some of the common problems reported by users of the THOR MOTOR COACH CHALLENGER 37FH and provide troubleshooting solutions for each problem.

Generator Problems

Description of the problem: The generator fails to start or does not produce power.
Cause of the problem: Faulty fuel supply, clogged fuel filters, or a malfunctioning starter motor.

Solution to the problem: Check the fuel supply and filters, clean or replace them if necessary. If the starter motor is faulty, it may need to be repaired or replaced.

Electrical Panel or Circuit Breaker Issues

Description of the problem: Circuit breakers trip frequently or the electrical panel malfunctions.
Cause of the problem: Overloaded circuits, short circuits, or a faulty electrical panel.

Solution to the problem: Identify and resolve any overloading or short circuit issues. If the electrical panel is faulty, it may need to be repaired or replaced by a professional.

Slide-out Mechanism Failures

Description of the problem: The slide-out mechanism does not extend or retract properly.
Cause of the problem: Damaged gears, misaligned tracks, or a malfunctioning motor.

Solution to the problem: Inspect the gears and tracks for damage, realign or replace them as necessary. If the motor is malfunctioning, it may need to be repaired or replaced.

Roof Leaks

Description of the problem: Water leaks from the roof into the interior of the RV.
Cause of the problem: Damaged or deteriorated roof seals, cracked caulking, or loose roof components.

Solution to the problem: Inspect and replace damaged roof seals, reseal any cracks in the caulking, and tighten or repair loose roof components.

Chassis Suspension Issues

Description of the problem: The chassis suspension feels unstable or produces unusual noises.
Cause of the problem: Worn-out suspension components, loose or damaged parts, or improper alignment.

Solution to the problem: Inspect and replace worn-out suspension components, tighten or repair loose or damaged parts, and ensure proper alignment of the chassis.

Battery Charging System Failures

Description of the problem: The batteries do not charge properly or do not hold a charge.
Cause of the problem: Faulty battery connections, damaged wiring, or a malfunctioning converter/charger.

Solution to the problem: Check and clean battery connections, repair or replace damaged wiring, and if the converter/charger is faulty, it may need to be repaired or replaced.

Water System Leaks or Plumbing Issues

Description of the problem: Water leaks from pipes, faucets, or tanks, or there are issues with water pressure or flow.
Cause of the problem: Damaged or loose plumbing connections, cracked pipes, or faulty valves.

Solution to the problem: Inspect and tighten or replace damaged or loose plumbing connections, repair or replace cracked pipes, and repair or replace faulty valves.

Leveling Jack Malfunctions

Description of the problem: The leveling jacks do not extend or retract properly, or they produce unusual noises.
Cause of the problem: Hydraulic fluid leaks, damaged or misaligned jacks, or a malfunctioning hydraulic pump.

Solution to the problem: Check for hydraulic fluid leaks and repair them. Inspect and realign or replace damaged jacks, and if the hydraulic pump is malfunctioning, it may need to be repaired or replaced.

Tire Blowouts or Uneven Wear

Description of the problem: Tires experience blowouts or show uneven wear patterns.
Cause of the problem: Over/under-inflated tires, improper wheel alignment, or worn-out suspension components.

Solution to the problem: Maintain proper tire inflation levels, ensure correct wheel alignment, and inspect and replace worn-out suspension components as needed.

Awning Problems

Description of the problem: The awning does not extend or retract smoothly or gets stuck.
Cause of the problem: Damaged awning components, worn-out awning fabric, or a malfunctioning motor.

Solution to the problem: Inspect and replace damaged awning components, replace worn-out fabric, and repair or replace a malfunctioning motor if necessary.

Fuel System Problems

Description of the problem: Issues with fuel delivery or fuel leaks in the system.
Cause of the problem: Clogged fuel filters, damaged fuel lines, or faulty fuel pumps.

Solution to the problem: Check and replace clogged fuel filters, repair or replace damaged fuel lines, and if the fuel pump is faulty, it may need to be repaired or replaced.

Electrical System Malfunctions

Description of the problem: Electrical problems such as wiring disconnections or malfunctioning electrical devices.
Cause of the problem: Loose or disconnected wiring, faulty switches, or damaged electrical components.

Solution to the problem: Inspect and reconnect any loose or disconnected wiring, repair or replace faulty switches, and repair or replace damaged electrical components.

Interior and Exterior Water Damage

Description of the problem: Water damage to the interior or exterior surfaces of the RV.
Cause of the problem: Leaks from various sources, such as roof, windows, plumbing, or appliances.

Solution to the problem: Identify and repair the source of the leaks, replace damaged materials, and properly seal areas prone to water ingress.

Paint or Clear Coat Peeling or Fading

Description of the problem: The paint or clear coat on the RV’s exterior is peeling or fading.
Cause of the problem: Exposure to UV rays, weathering, or poor paint application.

Solution to the problem: Repaint or touch up the affected areas with high-quality automotive paint, following proper preparation and application techniques.

Furnace or Water Heater Malfunctions

Description of the problem: The furnace or waterheater fails to provide sufficient heat or hot water.
Cause of the problem: Faulty ignition systems, damaged heating elements, or issues with gas or propane supply.

Solution to the problem: Check and repair the ignition systems, replace damaged heating elements, and ensure proper gas or propane supply to the furnace or water heater.

Sealant Degradation or Failure

Description of the problem: Sealants around windows, vents, or seams deteriorate or fail.
Cause of the problem: Age, exposure to elements, or improper application.

Solution to the problem: Remove old sealant, clean the area, and reapply a high-quality sealant using the appropriate techniques for each specific location.

Mold and Rotting Wood

Description of the problem: Presence of mold and rot in wood surfaces or structures.
Cause of the problem: Water leaks, high humidity, or poor ventilation.

Solution to the problem: Identify and repair the sources of water leaks, improve ventilation, and remove and replace moldy or rotted wood materials.

Engine Performance Issues

Description of the problem: The engine exhibits poor performance, such as loss of power or rough idling.
Cause of the problem: Fuel delivery problems, ignition issues, or mechanical engine problems.

Solution to the problem: Check and address fuel delivery issues, inspect and repair ignition systems, and diagnose and repair any mechanical engine problems with the help of a professional mechanic.

Freshwater Tank Problems

Description of the problem: Issues with freshwater tank, including leaks or difficulties with filling.
Cause of the problem: Damaged tank, loose connections, or malfunctioning valves.

Solution to the problem: Inspect and repair or replace the damaged tank, tighten or repair any loose connections, and repair or replace faulty valves.

Issues with Slide-out Elements

Description of the problem: Slide-out elements, such as room extensions, experience sticking, failure to open, jamming, or problems with the switch.
Cause of the problem: Damaged gears, misaligned tracks, faulty motors, or electrical switch malfunctions.

Solution to the problem: Inspect and replace damaged gears, realign or replace misaligned tracks, repair or replace faulty motors, and troubleshoot and repair electrical switch malfunctions.

Hydraulic System Leaks

Description of the problem: The hydraulic system experiences fluid leaks.
Cause of the problem: Damaged hydraulic lines, faulty seals, or loose connections.

Solution to the problem: Inspect and replace damaged hydraulic lines, repair or replace faulty seals, and tighten any loose connections.

Air Conditioning and Heating Failures

Description of the problem: The air conditioning or heating systems do not cool or warm the RV effectively.
Cause of the problem: Compressor issues, refrigerant leaks, electrical problems, or damaged heating elements.

Solution to the problem: Troubleshoot and repaircompressor issues, repair refrigerant leaks and recharge the system, address electrical problems, and replace damaged heating elements as needed.

Issues or Faulty Water Pump

Description of the problem: The water pump does not function properly or fails to provide adequate water pressure.
Cause of the problem: Damaged pump, clogged filters, or electrical malfunctions.

Solution to the problem: Inspect and replace a damaged water pump, clean or replace clogged filters, and troubleshoot and repair any electrical malfunctions related to the water pump.

THOR MOTOR COACH CHALLENGER 37FH User Reviews

Here are three user reviews highlighting their experience with the THOR MOTOR COACH CHALLENGER 37FH:

“I absolutely love my THOR MOTOR COACH CHALLENGER 37FH. It provides ample space for my family and has all the amenities we need for a comfortable trip. However, we did experience some issues with the slide-out mechanism failing to extend properly. We contacted the manufacturer, and they sent a technician to fix the problem. It turned out to be a misaligned track, which was easily resolved.”

“Overall, the THOR MOTOR COACH CHALLENGER 37FH is a reliable RV. We have taken it on several road trips and enjoyed the comfortable ride. However, we did encounter a problem with the leveling jacks. They would intermittently malfunction and produce strange noises. After consulting with a professional, we discovered a hydraulic fluid leak, which was promptly repaired.”
“The THOR MOTOR COACH CHALLENGER 37FH offers great features and a luxurious interior. Unfortunately, we had issues with the air conditioning and heating system. The cooling was not effective, especially during hot summer days. We had to have the compressor replaced to resolve the problem. However, since then, the system has been working perfectly fine.”

Conclusion

It’s important to note that while the THOR MOTOR COACH CHALLENGER 37FH may experience these common problems, it doesn’t necessarily mean that every owner will encounter them. RVs can vary in their performance and the occurrence of issues can be influenced by various factors such as maintenance, usage, and environmental conditions. By being aware of these common problems and their troubleshooting solutions, owners can address them promptly and ensure a smooth and enjoyable RV experience.