Another B+ vehicle is the Thor Compass. To be honest, despite the fact that the essay is about the differences between the two models, there aren’t any in the traditional sense. Both variants are based on the same chassis and provide the same standard features.
The floorplans for each model, the general layout, the possibilities for interior materials, and the color scheme selections for the automobiles themselves are where the variances are most noticeable.
Because the models change every year, the best place to start is to look at the floorplans for the year you want to buy. Both rooms are well decorated, brightly illuminated, and completed with sleek, modern lines. At this time, we believe the Gemini has a somewhat better floorplan layout.
The Compass, on the other hand, offers a somewhat lower price point that may be more appealing to you. Which one is best for you will, of course, be determined by your own demands as well as those of your family, if applicable.
If you go to Thor’s headquarters, you’ll generally be able to see both models on exhibit. If this isn’t possible, you’ll have to shop about to discover who has which models on hand.
It may be required to visit several showrooms in order to examine each model. Of course, a quick web search can provide you with all of the available floorplan possibilities, which may be sufficient for you to make a decision.
Your next step should be to visit the official website for more information and a list of dealers to see which ones are closest to you, and then call them to find out the models they have in stock.
In This Article...
Is the Gemini compass and the Thor compass the same thing?
This is the story of our Thor Gemini 23 that we bought from Fraserway RV on August 20, 2006. Thor Compass is another name for the Thor Gemini.
Is the Thor brand well-known?
Professional ranges, microwaves, and refrigerators are designed specifically for the American home. Is Thor a reputable appliance manufacturer? Let the numbers do the talking…. Thor is consistently ranked in the top ten kitchen appliance brands on Google and has received great customer ratings from the thousands of people who have purchased from Premium Home Source.
What is the maximum towing capacity of a Thor Gemini?
Thor Motor Coach added the Gemini to its Type C motorhome inventory last year. The 2017 models were just released, and one of them, the 23TB, had a brand-new floor plan that I got to see. For the 2017 model year, there are four Gemini floor plans to choose from.
The 23-foot Gemini is referred to as a “Recreational Utility Vehicle,” or RUV, because it combines the attributes of a sport utility vehicle and a small recreation vehicle. The motorhome is intended for couples or small families who require a smaller RV that may be used for travel without the usage of a towed vehicle. When accompanying kids or grandkids to daylong athletic events, for example, the Gemini makes a wonderful break between games, races, swim meets, and other activities.
The new Ford Transit chassis serves as the foundation for the Gemini. Ford’s latest van, the Transit, is starting to gain traction in Type C motorhome manufacture, which has previously been controlled by Ford’s venerable E-Series chassis.
The Gemini is built on a Ford Transit chassis with a tiny diesel engine that provides outstanding fuel economy and performance. Owners of new Geminis have claimed 17 to 18 mpg; my own results will be discussed later.
The Gemini 23TB is a 23-foot, 6-inch motorhome with a single slideout in the back that houses the head of a queen-size bed. Instead of a distinct diner, this floor plan includes a pedestal table near the sofa, which may be converted into another bed. The total sleeping capacity is now three people, despite the fact that the seatbelt capacity is four.
Chassis
The wheelbase of the 350 series Transit is 156 inches. The in-line 3.2-liter diesel engine produces 185 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. It has a tow-haul mode on its six-speed TorqShift automatic transmission. It rides on steel wheels with stainless-steel trim and 195/75R16 tires.
The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the Gemini 23TB is 10,360 pounds, and the curb weight is 9,140 pounds, according to the weight label beneath the hood. With a 170-pound driver aboard, the review coach weighed 9,420 pounds on verified CAT scales after being filled with full fuel, water, and propane quite close to the factory-stated curb weight. The front and rear axles, respectively, weighed 3,540 and 5,880 pounds. When you subtract 9,420 pounds from the 10,360-pound GVWR, you get roughly 940 pounds of cargo and passenger capacity.
Exterior
The exterior of the Gemini is finished in champagne-colored fiberglass, with one of two vinyl graphic packages available. Wave Runner images adorned my exam coach.
A welded tubular-steel floor system, as well as a welded tubular-aluminum roof and sidewall cage, are used to make the coach. A one-piece TPO rubber roof, accessible via a rear ladder, covers the fiberglass sides and front bodywork.
A 14-foot-wide electric awning covers the patio space and provides shelter for watching the optional 32-inch LED television in a compartment on the coach’s curb side. The television is mounted on a swivel mount that allows it to be adjusted for optimal viewing angles. When the bedroom slideout is extended for camping, a topper awning on the street side stops twigs, leaves, and other debris from piling atop it. On the sidewalls of the motorhome, deep-tinted, frameless windows keep the blazing sun out while allowing cool air in.
A rotocast storage compartment with flush-mount doors, a shower, a lit step-well cover, and a keyless entry system were among the other exterior features.
Cockpit
There are two reclining seats in the cockpit of the Gemini. When the coach is parked, the passenger seat can be rotated to face the back; because there are no front slideouts, this can be done at any time when the coach is stationary.
Heated power mirrors, an informative in-dash information center, and an entertainment system with a radio, CD player, and external media player inputs are all included as standard features.
A split screen can be found in an overhead mirror. The one part lets you see into the interior space behind the driver’s seat, while the other side is a video monitor that shows the image from the backup camera. This graphic can be adjusted to appear all of the time or only while the car is moving backwards. When backing up, a useful set of red-amber-green markers display on the screen to aid depth perception.
In the cockpit, there are several 12-volt-DC power outlets as well as a 1/8-inch tiny jack for an MP3 player or iPod.
Interior
The interior of the Gemini was decorated in Cool Jazz, one of two potential themes, and Glazed Pecan cabinetry were installed. Just aft of the cockpit area, a big skylight in the roof (23 inches by 46 inches) floods the coach with light. On hot or too sunny days, a power shade closes the skylight and prevents any heat or light from entering the bus. The Gemini has vinyl flooring throughout.
The soft leatherette couch converts to a 42-inch-by-64-inch bed, which can be utilized for extra sleeping for children or a shorter adult. Above the entry door, opposite the couch, is a 32-inch LED TV.
As previously mentioned, a table may be placed in front of the street-side sofa; it is supported by a pedestal that is attached to the floor using a twist-lock bayonet connector. The table and pedestal, which are stored beneath the couch, take roughly a minute to set up. When stopping at a rest stop or other site where room is restricted, this quick setup is an advantage. The Gemini’s large floor space is ideal for this type of trip.
The galley at the curb is small yet functional. A deep, single-bowl stainless-steel sink can accommodate a large number of dirty dishes, and a matching sink cover adds additional prep space. A Dometic two-burner gas stove with a hinged glass cover connects pressed-laminate counters and Euro-style cupboards. A microwave-convection oven sits beneath the stove.
Just aft of the cooking appliances is a three-way 5.5-cubic-foot refrigerator that may be fueled by propane, 120-volts AC, or 12-volts DC. An optional power vent fan is mounted in the ceiling and comes with a MaxxAir vent cover, allowing it to be operated while driving or in light rain.
A foot-pedal-flush toilet, a vanity with a stainless-steel sink, a medicine cabinet, and another optional motorized roof vent fan with cover are all included in the back curbside bath area. The shower, which measures 24 by 32 inches, is surprisingly spacious. A big translucent dome in the shower skylight lets lots of light into the bath.
In the back of the 23TB, the bedroom takes up the remaining width. As previously stated, the bedroom features the motorhome’s single street-side slideout, which must be extended before the bed can be utilized. When not in use, the 60-inch-by-74-inch queen-size mattress folds up vertically against the street-side wall. A metal frame box spring is also hinged and folds up in the same way. A cushioned bench is visible when the bed is in its storage position and the slideout is extended, creating another seating area. Underneath, roll-out drawers give more storage.
A 24-inch LED bedroom TV is integrated into cabinets that doubles as a closet. The TV may be seen from the bed or the cushioned bench.
A wide window on the back wall serves as an emergency exit from the bedroom.
Utilities
A tankless on-demand water heater provides domestic hot water. A 19,000-Btu propane furnace provides interior warmth, while a 13,500-Btu ducted air conditioner provides cooling. In warmer conditions, my test coach had an optional A/C unit with heat pumps, which provided another source of warmth.
A 30-amp shore power connection provides 120-volt electrical power, which can also be supplied by an automatic transfer switch from the Onan 3,600-watt propane-fired generator.
Under the entry stairs, two deep-cycle batteries (one standard, one optional) manage the motorhome’s 12-volt-DC power needs. All of the switches and controls for the slideout, generator, and battery disconnect are located on a control panel in the doorway. It also shows all tank measurements in quarter-hour increments. This panel also has switches for controlling the optional holding tank heat pads.
Overall Impressions
In comparison to its larger cousins, a 23-foot motorhome is designed to be compact. However, the convenience and maneuverability more than compensate for the size. I had no trouble taking the Gemini on shopping outings, and I had no trouble finding parking spaces.
The 3.2-liter diesel engine provided ample power, and the motorhome maintained its speed when navigating rolling hills. It was also incredibly cost-effective to drive. Everything from municipal streets to 70 mph interstate roads was included in our road test. Even with the 25-gallon gasoline tank, the Gemini averaged 15.1 mpg, resulting in a reasonable refueling range.
The Gemini is equipped with a 5,000-pound trailer hitch; however, the towing capacity is limited by the GCWR, which is 13,500 pounds. You’ll only have 3,140 pounds of potential towing capability if the coach is loaded to its full GVWR of 10,360 pounds. If the coach is not fully filled, you can share some of its capacity with a towed car, which will somewhat boost the amount.
However, it’s possible that you’ll never require a tow vehicle. The Gemini is easy to maneuver in and out of city traffic, and it can fit into national park campgrounds and other facilities with 25-foot length constraints.
The 2017 Gemini 23TB has a starting suggested retail price of $102,225. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the machine I tested was $104,140, and it came with a variety of options: Two 12-volt attic fans with covers; 13,500-Btu air conditioner with heat pumps in place of conventional air conditioner; holding tank heat pads; second auxiliary battery; 32-inch external television (kitchen, bedroom).
Compass motorhomes are manufactured by who?
For many years, Compass has been a well-known British caravan and motorhome manufacturer. Compass joined the Explorer Group in 1998, joining other well-known brands such as Elddis and Buccaneer. In 2009, the Explorer Group rebranded their brand as Elddis, and continued to produce Compass motorhomes under that name. Compass RVs are quintessentially British, with a practical specification and driving performance. They have all the conveniences of home away from home.
Who manufactures AWD RVs?
Since the early 1960s, Sportsmobile has been transforming vans into 4×4 adventure vehicles.
Mercedes Sprinters, Ford Transits, Dodge Promasters, Mercedes Metris, and even Chevy and Ford cargo vans can currently be transformed into RVs.
The Sportsmobile is a real four-wheel-drive adventure vehicle capable of severe rock crawling.
It has a lot of ground clearance and a drivetrain that can get you to locations where most other cars can’t.
The ability to raise and lower the vehicle’s roof is another feature that many people like.
A penthouse top, which elevates the roof and adds a sleeping loft, is an option for buyers.
When you’re parked at camp for the night, even a normal cargo van can be used.
It also means that your RV can be readily kept in a regular garage or parking structure.
Because the company offers a wide range of floor plans and configurations, costs and options will vary greatly.
The good news is that you’ll have a say in which car you use, whatever features you want, and, to some extent, how much you pay for your Sportsmobile.
According to their website, the Classic is now priced between $175,000 and $225,000.
Is Thor a top-of-the-line appliance?
THOR Appliances is one of the most high-end brands available. Except for the price tag, their luxury appliances are equivalent to or even better than the quality of their competitors in every way! There are two different ranges to choose from.
Are Thor appliances manufactured in the United States?
Thor Kitchen appliances are constructed and manufactured in Asia with high-grade, dependable materials to assure the greatest level of quality and to provide a professional luxury aesthetic and performance. Thor Kitchen retains ownership and control throughout the entire process, from designing the appliance to owning and overseeing manufacturing and warehousing facilities.
What is the name of the corporation that owns Thor?
Airstream is a travel trailer and motor home manufacturer best known for its all-aluminum models. Wally Byam created the company in the 1930s, and it has been manufacturing in Jackson Center, Ohio since the 1950s. In 1967, it was sold to Beatrice Foods. After Wade Thompson and Peter Busch Orthwein bought it in 1980, it became the cornerstone of Thor Industries. The Flying Cloud, Classic, Nest, International Signature, and Basecamp are just a few of the Airstream models available.