Hurricane 34F performance

[bigben]

I posted this in another thread - so apologies up front.

We are moving from a very nice TT to a motorhome. Looking hard at the HUrricane 34F - primarily because of the drop down bed (lots of grandkids). So how about it you long trippers - give me your take on how the 34F handled on the interstate and in the mountains. Especially interested in toad experience.

Like to know takes from you all on adequate power on mountains, gas mileage, effects of tractor trailers on stability?

I hear a LOT about folks talking about getting really bothered by tractor trailers or lots of engine noise or lack of power on grades.

Thank you much.

Ben

[JDHoge]

Ben,
My wife and I have a E450 31F Thor Motorhome and I'd have to say that its performance is a mixed bag. The Ford V10 is well behaved (read quiet) in campgrounds and while crusing on the highway at any speed 50 to 70 MPH. But if you get on the throttle going up a hill it roars quite loudly at 4K RPM and seems to stay in 3rd or 4th too long before shifting and getting its good manners back.
As for handling, I find it well-behaved in most situation on the Interstates where the road is relatively wide and flat. It tracks well and isn't very much disturbed by semis unless in a cross wind situation of 20+MPH and the semi passes you going 80 or more. In these situations you will feel a push as the semi runs head to head with you and then a suck as it pass. Steering wheel corrections are necessary in order to maintain your lane.
I hope this reply helps.

[bigben]

Originally Posted by JDHoge

Ben,
My wife and I have a E450 31F Thor Motorhome and I'd have to say that its performance is a mixed bag. The Ford V10 is well behaved (read quiet) in campgrounds and while crusing on the highway at any speed 50 to 70 MPH. But if you get on the throttle going up a hill it roars quite loudly at 4K RPM and seems to stay in 3rd or 4th too long before shifting and getting its good manners back.
As for handling, I find it well-behaved in most situation on the Interstates where the road is relatively wide and flat. It tracks well and isn't very much disturbed by semis unless in a cross wind situation of 20+MPH and the semi passes you going 80 or more. In these situations you will feel a push as the semi runs head to head with you and then a suck as it pass. Steering wheel corrections are necessary in order to maintain your lane.
I hope this reply helps.

Many thanks for the response. I believe the Hurricane 34F is on a F53 chassis with same power plant. The push and suck is a consideration with many RVs, my TT included. My dealer recommended a steering stabilizer to help.

All in all it sounds like you are satisfied with the performance.

Thanks agian for the response.

[hrmmary]

Big Ben, I also had a Ford E450 in a 3100 SS Sunseeker and we traded for a 2014 34E Hurricane last year. There is a world of difference in the power and noise between the two. I love the power of the Hurricance compared to the power of the E450 Sunseeker. Hurricance has much more power.....no regrets here. Good luck.

[bigben]

Hrmmary, good to know. How does on steep grades? What sort of MPG did you get? How does the Hurricane do on the highway? Thanks again.

[hrmmary]

Haven't been driving the Hurricane on any steep grades. Had the sunseeker in PA a couple times and can tell you she needed more muscle on some of those hills, but comparing the two....Hurricane vs Sunseeker....have to say the Hurricane does well. Hurricane was much quieter also. Not many rattles and she can easily keep up with traffic. MPG without a towed is between 7.5 and 8.2.....with a trailer and golf cart attached she gets consistantly 7.3 or 7.4....You can increase the power with a Banks power booster, but, haven't felt the need so far...Next step for us is going to be a diesel.....have not driven one yet, but have been told they have ample power and are like day and night....you may want to consider if you are going to be hill climbing....good luck in your quest...

[CaliCamper]

I have an 2014 Hurricane 34F I picked up couple of months ago. I tow a 2014 Jeep Wrangle Unlimited. Without the toad it keeps up with average diesel pusher on grades. The toad slows it down a bit on grades, but not too bad. I have been very happy with the performance all around. I have logged 5K miles on mine in a little over 2 months. Getting about 7.5 mpg with the toad.

[FW28z]

Realize that there will likely be a huge difference in handling between the E450 chassis and F53.