Ace Browe Engineered Out

[Rvman12]

Does anyone know why the ACE brow over the windshield was eliminated from the newer models....just curious.

[16ACE27]

Probably to consolidate front end molds and windshields with other lines.

In other words - cost saving required by the bean counters.

[Rvman12]

Guess it wasn't aerodynamics!

[Pete'sMH]

I think it looks better. Might just be a style change like most vehicles do periodically.

[Beau388]

Originally Posted by Rvman12

Does anyone know why the ACE brow over the windshield was eliminated from the newer models....just curious.

Last year plant 750 assumed production of the smaller gas class A coaches (Vegas and Axis) and since there is a 27 ft version, Plant 750 eliminated the big 27 foot coaches and streamlined the batch production in to meet dealer expectations. Front and rear caps are made separate to the main production line by a group of specialist. In order to meet the production quotas, all front and rear caps use the same molds except for the inserts. About 70% of the Thor MC class A coaches are made by Plant 750. {Axis, Vegas, Freedom Traveler, ACE, Windsport, Hurricane, Gemini AWD and Compass AWD}. Of the class A coaches only plant 750 and the Entergra RED class A coaches use a moving production line. Plant 750 is the only Thor MC class A plant use batch production. Plant 150, plant 650 and plant 750 make up the old Four Winds Factory complex and plant 650 houses the headquarters of Thor MC.

[Rvman12]

Thanks for that detailed response.

[MJC62]

So much for the A&C Evolution. Losing the "brow" makes the ACE just another class A
I like the smaller windshield on our ACE but with just two of us the bunk never comes down, so we have Zero use for the brow storage bins. That would actually be no loss for us.
Just a thought, an Ace without the brow is like "Aunt Jemima pancakes without her syrup"! Oh, wait Aunt Jemima is gone too...

[happy]

grumble grumble going to be singing that pancake song all day

[ador]

I saw 3 of the new ACE w/o the brow at my dealership when I took our ACE for annual inspection. They look different for sure. But I still like the one that I have. It makes it different from most class As on the road.

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by ador

I saw 3 of the new ACE w/o the brow at my dealership when I took our ACE for annual inspection. They look different for sure. But I still like the one that I have. It makes it different from most class As on the road.

[Frank@theShop]

Originally Posted by Rvman12

Does anyone know why the ACE brow over the windshield was eliminated from the newer models....just curious.

I would think for better air flow over the front of the rig. I've never seen wind tunnel testing for the design, but common sense tells me that the design creates a huge amount of unnecessary drag on the already aerodynamically inefficient front cap of a typical class A rig.

[Rvman12]

That was my first thought also but other replies suggest it was cost savings, so it's a coin toss or maybe both reasons apply.

[Dan-sr@perra-us.net]

Originally Posted by Frank@theShop

I would think for better air flow over the front of the rig. I've never seen wind tunnel testing for the design, but common sense tells me that the design creates a huge amount of unnecessary drag on the already aerodynamically inefficient front cap of a typical class A rig.

I wonder what a proper aerodynamic design would look like?

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by Frank@theShop

I would think for better air flow over the front of the rig. I've never seen wind tunnel testing for the design, but common sense tells me that the design creates a huge amount of unnecessary drag on the already aerodynamically inefficient front cap of a typical class A rig.

I think the difference in drag between an ACE with a brow and a MH with a flat or slightly tilted front is negligible. I know my ACE gets as good or better mileage as other similar sized MHs.

[cgeace29.3]

We like the brow because it serves as a sun visor.

[Frank@theShop]

Originally Posted by Dan-sr@perra-us.net

I wonder what a proper aerodynamic design would look like?

Thats a great question Dan! One rig specifically comes to mind. I suggest the 2013 Rexhall Aerbus diesel pusher! Ahead of its time! R.I.P.
Or maybe the 2001 Newmar Newaire (way ahead of its time!)

[Rvman12]

Interesting...Rexall Aerbus 2013.