Should We Buy A Used 1997 Thor Pinnacle Motorhome?

I was wondering if anyone has any information on the 1997 Thor Pinnacle. We are looking to buy our first motorhome and saw one on Craigslist. It has low mileage and looks very well maintained as far as appearances go.

What are the cons and pros? I saw one review that said this gentlemen had a 1998 and he couldn't find parts for it and customer service was very uncaring. What customer service isn't uncaring? Anyway we really don't want to drive 2 hours to look at this thing if it is an albatross

Thanks.

Greetings thanks for submitting your question on our Ask An RV Question Page.

Let me start off by saying that the good news is that the Thor Industries the manufacturer of the RV you are interested in is still in business. The reason that is good news is that in the last 2 1/2 years scores of RV Manufacturers have bit the dust due to the recent economic woes.

To get an idea of how badly the RV Industry has been hit take a look at the list I have compiled of RV Manufacturers that have gone out of business in the last two years. So, the fact that Thor is still manufacturing and selling RVs means that people are buying their product.

The concerns you have about customer service need to be addressed. When you are getting your RV repaired or ordering parts for your RV, you are not dealing directly with the RV Manufacturer, you are dealing with the RV Dealership or RV Repair Shop. Unfortunately not all RV Dealerships or RV Repair shops focus on great customer service, but that too is changing due of a lot of RV Dealerships and RV

Repair facilities going out of business. So these dealerships and repair shops are learning that they better take care of their customers as they are keeping their business afloat.

Don't let a minor breakdown wreck your next trip! Get Good Sam Emergency Road Service

You do not state in your question whether the used Thor Motorhome you are considering is being sold by a private individual or an RV Dealership. Not that it really matters because whenever you are thinking about buying a used motorhome you need to conduct a Used RV Inspection before you make your final decision. Please visit our Used RV Inspection Page and use it as a guideline to determine if this RV is a winner or an Albatross. You may want to print out the inspection guideline pages and take them with you if you decide to go look at this RV.

If you are going to be purchase this RV from a dealership you may also want to review My Wife's
Negotiation Tips On How To Get A Great Deal On An RV.

The only way you will know for sure if this is a good RV or a bad RV is by making the road trip and checking it out for yourselves.

I hope that this information has been helpful to you.

Do you have any suggestions or comments on this topic? You can add them to this page by clicking on the "Click Here To Post Comments" link located near the bottom of this page.

Happy RVing

RVing Al

P.S. Did You Know that you can build your own Web Page on Everything About RVing? Just Tell Us Why You Love RVing, Tell Us About Your Favorite Camping Or RVing Destination or Share a Funny RVing Story With Us.

Comments for Should We Buy A Used 1997 Thor Pinnacle Motorhome?

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Rating
starstarstarstar 		Facebook Thor Pinnacle Group
by: Ricky

Facebook has a Thor Pinnacle group and a Thor Motorhome owners group. The Thor Pinnacle group has been invaluable in finding old manuals, discussing gremlins, and troubleshooting/ recommendations from Pinnacle owners.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		go buy a newer rv
by: Steve

I own a 1997 thor pinnacle I am very happy with it. If your second guessing going and looking at it go spend $80,000.00 and get a better one you will be happy.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Pinnacle
by: Anonymous

This 1997 35 ft class a motor home I bought is the best camper I ever Bought, and it drive grate.

One jack repair and lots of gas. 6 mile to a gallon.

went to Texas from Indiana. Went to St Augastine from Indiana.

You must run Premium in tank to run with no sputter.

Keep tank full for no moisture in tank. Paid 15,000

only owe 7000 now and would only take 20,000 for it.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Airstream, Inc manufactures Airstreams
by: Anonymous

Thor does not make the Airstream. Airstream, Inc is a wholly owned subsidiary of Thor. Airstream does their own rigs.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		1997 Pinnacle
by: Steve R

I have a 1998 Pinnacle RV with 2 slides. I highly recommend that you look carefully at the windows for seal damage showing moisture between the glass insulating panes.

My RV has about 6 windows that the seals have broken down so badly that the seal has literally melted down the inside of the glass leaving black streaks and a mess that you can't clean.

Anyway it is not a cheap process to have the glass replaced and you should consider ANY RV that has double pane window glass of this vintage carefully.

It has other problems but all RV's do. This is the worst I have seen though for window problems.
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starstarstarstarstar 		We have one
by: Anonymous

Not sure how old this question is but we have a 33' 1997 with two slides. We went to Ca from CO to buy it 2 yrs Ago from a private party. It is quiet, strong, great floor plan and high quality everything. We studied this purchase and looked at hundreds online before we purchased this one. we think its very good .Hope this helps
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Think Twice
by: Brett

As one of the comments said that Thor is still in business, they aren't. Pinnacle was built by Thor West, and they sold out at one time and then that company went under.

I have worked my way up the chain and spoken to a regional manager at the parent company Thor and he filled me in on all the details. The parent company Thor does not have manuals, schematics or any product details on the motorhomes nor will they try and help you.

I still haven't found the converter to repair. If the motorhome has all the original manuals, then it might be worth it. We bought not knowing these details and I wouldn't have purchased knowing this. Having said that, we have what we have and it's a very nice vehicle.

Watch the sway bar bushings and keep those in good shape and it should be fine. Ours drives nice, is a good entry level vehicle and overall are pleased with it. Just count on figuring it out on your own or paying someone to help you. Thank God for threads, that's how I figured out how to use the air conditioner, water heater, refer etc. Good Luck.
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starstarstarstarstar 		re: Thor Pinnacle
by: Anonymous

The 97 was made by Thor which is a part of the same corporation that makes a similar quality RV named Hurricane. The parts and equipment used on them is nearly the same and close to the same floorplans. In purchasing my 2001, 2955, last year made, by Mountain High, I did some research. Thor also makes the "AirStream" campers and RV's. That's some quality stuff. Don't be afraid of it. You should get a lot of good years out of it. Any good dealer should be able to do any repairs that you might need. Just make sure to check their reputation!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Love my 97 Pinnacle
by: CAROL

I bought my 30' Pinnacle almost two years ago and I love it. It is so comfortable and the perfect size for me and my fox terrier. It is a pleasure to drive and so easy. I had never driven any vehicle that large before. Hopped in it the first time and never had a problem. Parallel parked in a tight spot between two pickup trucks on the first try. It's like driving a 30' long Cadillac.

I took a trip last spring and went 2100 miles without a problem. I'm a single woman and have to do everything myself. It's an effort with the awning some times, but pretty easy to handle. There usually is someone eager to give me a hand. RVers are usually very nice, friendly people.

I would love to travel all the time, but it's not too much fun going alone. I mainly head for the beach or a lake.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Pinnacle Motorhome
by: Anonymous

We have a 2001 Mountain High Coachworks Pinnacle 38 ft, two slides. Thor sold the company to the workers and the name was changed to MHC in 2000. From 2000 onward they made a high quality product with tons of upgrades and sold them for a very low price, so low infact they put themselves right out of business. Prior to 1999/2000 I have no knowledge. I know they are an orphaned company and owners manuals are virtually non existant. Possibly you can get one on RV Net Forum if you post an inquiry. We found one other owner on the West Coast with a 2000 Residency which is the sister coach to the Pinnacle. haven't seen any other 2000 and newer. but plenty of 1998 and older. Hope this helps. You can always contact individual manufacturers for parts but not from the parent company :/
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Just bought 97 Thor Pinnacle - Love it.
by: Chris

We just bought 1997 Thor Pinnacle 3480 (35 foot). Everything has been great on it at 42k and basically has nothing wrong with it that couldnt be fixed with a screwdriver and some silicone for old seals.

We have done a few cross-town trips and now hitting the road for 300+ miles but overall seems like a very solid RV and it was more impressive then the same year Bounders we found.

I'd say it's a safe buy if it's in good shape.

Chris
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Love our 1997 Thor PInnacle
by: Anonymous

I had a Bounder and went to our Pinnacle five years ago. We love it. 34 foot double slides If you find one... buy it.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		1993 Pinnacle RV
by: Elaine

We just bought a 1993 Pinnacle from an individual and love it. Still learning everything about it since this is our first motor home. We prevoulsly had a 34ft pull trailer and that had no comparison to this. The one thing my husband said he would like to find is a wiring diagram for this. If anyone knows where I can gewt one please let mew know.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Critical Consideration for Used RV Purchase
by: Charles May

When considering buying a used RV, make sure you inspect the tires not only for tread and sidewall cracking, but most importantly check the week and year of tire manufacture (it must be imprinted on the sidewall of the tire). No matter how good the tread and sidewalls look, the tires should be replaced when they are no older than 7 years (preferably no more than 5 years). Remember, wheels, tires and brakes are probably the most important safety considerations when you will be on the road.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Pinnacle Purchase
by: Anonymous

We bought a 2001 Pinnacle several years ago. That year was no longer built by Thor but by Mountain High Coachworks, a company birthed out of Thor. They are now defunct, however we love our Pinnacle. The manufacturers for your componants are still functioning. Like your brake system manufacturer, your slide room manufacturer, the satellite company, appliance manufacturers. You can always contact them and get the help and information you need even if Thor customer service isn't very helpful.
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starstarstarstarstar 		1997 Thor Pinnacle Owner - 34'
by: Anonymous

We have a 97' Thor Pinnacle and love it! Unique floorplan double rear axle 460 Ford with a Banks system stabilizer steering kit. Went from a Bounder to this motorhome...no comparison. Tow a boat and you don't even know it is back there...because of the double rear axle.
Good luck! Happy motorhoming!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		97 pinnacle
by: craig

I bought a model 3390 2 years ago and was dubious. It had 33k miles. I have to say it has been no trouble and I am now at 38000 miles. It pulls a horse trailer uphill no problem, nothing has broken at all. I stripped the inside and its like new inside, still dumpy on the outside!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Thor pinnicle
by: AnonymousJ C

I think that the pinnicle is a very good unit,I have a 1993 and the workmanship is very good especialy the inside woodwork and seats.
The only thing I have missing is an Owner's Manual,if annyone has one or knows where one could be had I would gladly pay for it.


J C Ouellet
Falher Alberta T0H1M0
Canada.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		only one is safe
by: Jan

According to an old Rating Book I have, the only 97 Pinnacle that has an acceptable safety rating is the 33footer. However, the book may not have all models. (they now have cds at rv.org)

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