THOR Industries to Offer Starlink System as a Factory Option

The THOR family of companies is the first RV OEM to work directly with SpaceX to integrate flat high-performance Starlink products.

ELKHART, Ind. – There is no shortage of excitement at THOR Industries after its announcement today (Jan. 17) that the company has partnered with SpaceX to integrate its latest Starlink system into select motorized RVs in the United States across the THOR family of companies in 2023.

The flat high-performance Starlink system, which provides high-speed, low-latency internet even while in motion, is the missing piece of technology that makes internet connectivity a reliable reality for RVers, officials said.

In fact, while the term “game changer” has become a bit of cliche, THOR Chief Operating Officer Todd Woelfer firmly believes this qualifies as one for the RV industry.

“I absolutely do. And not necessarily unique for THOR; this is an industry game changer where, as an industry, we are elevating the user experience in ways that we just weren’t able to do prior to these kinds of alignments and partnerships with key technology companies,” Woelfer told RVBusiness. “This is exciting news for THOR. It’s exciting news for Starlink. But more broadly, it’s exciting news for RVers everywhere. I think this is a game changer if you care about consistent connectivity to the internet as you travel. This is the best-in-class experience.

Todd Woelfer

“The technology is incredible, and I can speak firsthand on this” Woelfer continued. “Bob Martin and I, along with some of the other management team at THOR, took a unit and drove to Red Bay, Ala., to visit Tiffin we used a Starlink on the trip, and it was perfect. And we moved through some pretty remote areas, but we didn’t lose a signal, not a blip of disconnection on our internet as we traveled.

“That’s a big deal today. Think about this is from the user’s experience,” he continued. “This is difference-making technology that is going to improve the user experience, not just for THOR users, but this will be technology that ends up lifting the entire industry. This makes the RV lifestyle continue to be attractive, and that’s what we’re after. And you do that by making their experience better.”

The THOR family of companies is the first RV OEM to work directly with Starlink to integrate flat high-performance Starlinks. Flat high-performance Starlinks will initially be available as optional equipment in select motorized RVs manufactured by four THOR companies: Airstream, Entegra Coach, Jayco and Tiffin. All factory installed, high-performance Starlinks will be eligible for a one-month service credit after the initial month of activation.

Reliable, robust internet connectivity is a top priority for today’s RV owners. When RV owners across the US and Canada were surveyed about the importance of new connected features and services as part of THOR Industries’ North American Path to Purchase Study, 74% indicated that “integrated high-speed internet and Wi-Fi networks” are extremely or very important for future RV purchases.

Developed by SpaceX, Starlink provides high-speed, low-latency broadband internet around the world. With satellites positioned in low-Earth orbit at an altitude of 550 km, over 65 times closer than conventional geostationary satellites, Starlink achieves significantly lower latency and higher transmission speeds for its end users. Starlink began offering service two years ago, and this fall the company introduced flat high-performance Starlinks, which provide high-speed, low-latency internet while in-motion on land.

Bob Martin

“This agreement is a big step toward providing constant internet connection for RVers everywhere,” said THOR Industries President and CEO Bob Martin. “Whether for work, staying in touch with family and friends, or streaming entertainment, a reliable internet connection is a must-have for today’s RVer. Starlink will help THOR elevate our RV owners’ experiences and create yet another important point of differentiation for the THOR family of companies.”

“We’re excited to work with THOR, Airstream, Entegra Coach, Jayco and Tiffin to bring Starlink to RV owners around the world,” said SpaceX Vice President of Business Operations Chad Gibbs. “By providing game-changing connectivity in remote locations whether parked or in motion, Starlink is expanding the boundaries of where RVers can explore while still staying connected to friends and family.”

The Starlink announcement is part of a larger innovation strategy initiated by THOR a couple of years ago, Woelfer mentioned. Leveraging THOR’s size and forward-thinking mentality, he said the company is entering into strategic alliances to incorporate new technology meant to elevate the user experience. He cited partnerships with Harbinger for electrification and Dragonfly Energy for lithium batteries.

“And now the announcement today where we’ve worked with Starlink to find a best solution for the RV experience for their incredible technology,” Woelfer said. “I love what the Starlink technology is going to mean to the user. At THOR, we look at this and say this is exactly why we set that strategy that we did a couple of years ago, to find these kinds of relationships with key technology companies, that can help us elevate the user experience in ways that we wouldn’t be able to on our own right. “

Woelfer said Starlink realized the RV market was a perfect fit for its new technology, Woelfer explained, and the company found a willing partner when they reached out to THOR. He added that the partnership will continue as the companies look to further develop the technology.

“Their engagement with us has been incredible. Our innovation team led by McKay Featherstone drove this for us and they did an outstanding job scoping the relationship and setting long-term objectives for what we think that means for the users in the RV space,” Woelfer said. “This is a bit of a process where we’re going to continue to find ways to improve that technology in terms of how it fits in motorhomes and how we can make this something that will continue to improve and continue to elevate that RVing experience.”