Why the New Thor Tranquility Class B Stands Out From the Crowd

It is nice to see that some RV shows are returning; like the long-running Hershey (PA) RV Show held just recently. Scanning the list of RVs being shown there I happened on a new Class B from Thor Motor Coach that is just a bit different than most. What caught my attention was the fact that this Mercedes Benz Sprinter based Class B features 4WD. This is how Thor describes its newest fleet addition. “Thor Tranquility emanates an adventurous lifestyle with off-road capabilities. The Mercedes-Benz® Sprinter® 2500 passenger van with a 4×4 platform and optional all-terrain tires improves road adhesion and handling to any destination. With 188 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, the six-cylinder diesel engine provides more than enough power through all weather conditions, even while towing on the 3500-pound hitch. With its compact size and easy-to-drive features, Thor Tranquility stands out from others in its class.”

Certainly, the added capability of 4WD opens up new territory for the RV explorer. I actually drove the 4WD Sprinter on British Columbia logging roads a few years ago. These rough roads traversing the mountains showed off just how sure-footed the Sprinter was. Certainly, as good as any 4WD pickup truck I’ve ever driven.

 

 

In addition to the 4WD platform, every Thor Tranquility Sprinter comes with standard MB features like: top-mounted LED light bar with a cover, keyless entry, a back-up monitor, and adaptive cruise control and hands-free control of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the large 10.25-inch multimedia screen. It’s also integrated with the tilt and telescoping steering wheel’s control buttons.

 

 

The Thor Tranquility offers two floor plans, 19P and 19L both of which feature the 4×4 chassis. Each has an enclosed wet bath, ample kitchen, and forward seating. The 19L is built with a Froli sleep system. The rear sleeping area features a fixed bed and large pull-out side trays. The 19P floor plan by contrast has a rear bench-style seat with seat belts for three that electronically folds into a sleeping area. Each version has its uses based on the number of people you want to carry.

 

 

 

 

Both floor plans have Tecnoform Euro-style cabinetry, available in either “Metallic Gray” or “Radiant Silver,” with corresponding cool-tone interior décor.

 

 

Despite appealing to off-grid adventures the Thor Tranquility is fully-equipped with all of your kitchen must-haves, including a refrigerator, dual-burner gas cooktop, convection microwave oven, stainless steel sink with a cover, solid surface countertops, and a fold-out exterior table.

At the end of the day a warm shower is what you might want after hiking the trails, and it’s exactly what you’ll get thanks to the Truma Combi water heating system. Each version of Tranquility also has a cassette toilet, ideal for boondocking. You don’t have to seek out a traditional dumping station because your black tank is portable.

 

 

The smaller size of this Class B is enhanced with rear and entryway screen doors and large opening side windows that provide fresh air and plenty of natural light. This makes the transition from indoor to outdoor living seamless.

 

 

Outside an exterior table folds out directly underneath the Thule powered patio awning. Portable or wall-mounted, a JBL Flip speaker plays high-quality audio, once connected via Bluetooth to a favorite device or smartphone.

The models highlighted in the Hershey RV Show were also shown with a off-the-grid 190-watt solar panel to help maintain a charge on the Re (Li)able lithium battery package. The system’s 400-Ah lithium battery comes with a Balmar 170-amp alternator on the Sprinter which delivers plenty of charging capabilities even at idle.

Other infotainment and connectivity features include: Winegard ConnecT 2.0, working as your WiFi extender, 4G hotspot and TV antenna. With these you can quickly dial into a work conference call or upload the video of your adventure to YouTube. Also, Winegard provides connectivity for watching shows and movies on your Thor Tranquility’s 24-inch TV in the living room, which is cable TV-ready and satellite-ready. Your other devices can remain charged thanks to the electronics station and USB charging ports. Tranquility also comes with a standard Thule bike rack with room for two adult-size bicycles.