Community Forums

jkblair · 02-21-2014, 07:49 PM

We are looking to buy a class A MH....a friend of mine who years ago was an RV dealer said "Never buy a Fleetwood! Never!" So while we really like the layout of the Storm 28F, we started looking elsewhere and found that a Thor ACE 29.1 would also probably fit our needs. Both units are 2012 used.
Anybody have any strong feeling about whether or not Fleetwood has improved its quality control? The Storm RVs we looked at seemed pretty lightweight and not as sturdy as we would like. Other people really seem to like their ACEs.

Any help or advice on this purchase would be appreciated!!!!

94-Newmar · 02-22-2014, 06:02 AM

I don't think anyone has responded to your question since it is a question that has been beaten to death in these forums - and it usually turns into a Ford vs Dodge vs Chevy type of thread that always wanders away from the original subject at hand, and can become quite heated at times.

I think you'll obtain much more information if you use the forum's search function to look specifically for questions relating to the Storm and the ACE. There are plenty of discussions in here on both units you're considering.

Good luck with your search and welcome to the forums.

Finally Time · 02-22-2014, 10:37 AM

I’m unfamiliar with the Fleetwood but I owned a Thor ACE 27.1 for 3 months. Took a loss and traded it in on a Winnebago Vista 27N. Not happy about loosing the money but very glad to be rid of the ACE. I guess that gives you an idea of what I think of its quality. The ACE had very poor handling, wandered all over the road, the fit and finish was poor, lots of rattles and bangs. Check some of the other threads about ACE handling. I had multiple water leaks, exterior and interior trim pulling off, one pocket door pulled off the rollers and jammed blocking the bedroom, and those are just the high points. When you are going through an ACE just for fun try sitting on the throne. Unless you're over 6 feet, your toes will barely touch the floor.

TXiceman · 02-22-2014, 11:39 AM

How about neither and look at the Winnebagos.

Ken

IdahoSRT10 · 02-22-2014, 06:50 PM

We have been shopping for weeks and have checked out both the Storm and ACE.

ACE loses hand down for many reasons. The ACE is also way too low will about 4 1/2" ground clearance. ( the dealer was shocked when I measured it) Consider the FR3 if you like the style of the ACE.

Most dealers knock the Fleetwood Storm because they can't sell them. Fleetwood quality has improved the last few years because they dropped the travel trailer line.

We are 90% sure a Storm 32h if be our next purchase.

jkblair · 02-23-2014, 08:58 AM

Sorry. Didn't mean to ask a repetitive question. I am new to the forum.

jkblair · 02-23-2014, 09:00 AM

We are looking at the 27Ns....three slides seems a little scary and my husband can't get his bike into the storage.

DaveBunker · 06-05-2014, 10:47 PM

Love the new 2014 Storm. I just put 3400 miles on it with only small problems handles quickly by the dealer. It handles great for the size and the breaks are very responsive. I just joined this forum, so I will be glad to post my experience over the next several years.

usinvestment · 06-06-2014, 09:02 AM

You're kidding, right?

The Fleetwood hands down. Look at the differences, which are huge. The Fleetwood's dropdown bed is rated for double the weight of the ACE. The ACE pull out bed is for tiny people only, the 28 F can sleep 5 adults, the ACE 3 adults if you're lucky. The Fleetwood brand versus Thor is also a difference in quality and fit and finish. I looked for over a year at every coach in the 30ft range and the 28F beat all hands down for quality, floorplan, storage, resale. We've had no issues, none with our 28F and would recommend it versus any coach in that size and price including the Winnebago which has a poor layout and handles very poor.

Before you buy do your research on this blog and read the issues on the ACE line up, run don't walk away from the ACE.

The Fleetwood is a no brainer in this purchasing decision.

DegoRed · 06-06-2014, 09:10 AM

As an ex-ACE owner, we will never own another product made by Thor ever again. IF Thor gave me their top of the line coach, would just sell it as fast as we could and use the money to buy something else. Our ACE actually treated us pretty well and we enjoyed it very much, but what a PoS. Certainly not saying Fleetwood is the second coming, but anything is better than something made by Thor, that includes a pop-up tent mounted on your child's radio flyer red wagon.

Good Luck!

Ted E · 06-06-2014, 09:26 AM

All I can say is to each there own. I have a 2013 Thor ACE 29.2 and once the bugs were worked out (as with many, if not all) we love it!

mikeh2obury · 06-11-2014, 08:54 PM

we have an older used Fleetwood and are the 2nd owners. We plan on the Fleetwood you are looking at for our next coach.

93 Southwind
2001 Saturn SC2 toad

nomad10th · 06-11-2014, 11:41 PM

No major problems with my 2013 fleetwood Storm. Love the more simple and less 70's fabulous decor that we've seen in most others. Great features like full body paint instead of decals too.

jkblair · 06-13-2014, 09:00 AM

I am dismayed at the kinds of answers I got on this forum. I felt like a fool for asking the question I did.
We did buy a 2014 Thor ACE. It isn't perfect, but we are enjoying our time on the road. We even got 10 MPG. We will likely keep it for many years.
Thank you to those of you who offered constructive help.