Community Forums

Rampncamp · 03-12-2014, 03:35 PM

Hello
We are new to IRV2. We were hoping to pick the minds of those of you that are current ACE owners as we are preparing to purchase a new 2014 30.2 model in the next few days. What we recently realized is that the new model years are now being advertised. A quick phone call to Jeremiah Borowski at Thor informed us that at this point although listed as a 2015 these will not be any different than the 2014, short perhaps of some interior color schemes. Apparently to take advantage of the popular times of purchase, the actual new year model with improvements and changes will not be available until the fall.
I realize that all makes, models will have hiccups, new or used, however, anyone with this model provide us some insight on their experiences and hindsights that might be valuable at this stage for us would be appreciated? If you purchased new and would like to share what you spent, this would also be appreciated.
Thanks in advance for your time responding.
John

**JohnRR** · 03-12-2014, 03:42 PM

Good luck with your plan.

virginiamtns · 03-12-2014, 08:14 PM

We have a 2014 30.1, purchased last May. We spent over 70 nights out last season, and we get started in two weeks with our first camping trip. We love our ACE, and would purchase it again. It's much more fun than our truck and trailer days.

PM me if you have specific questions.

Pounder · 03-13-2014, 06:40 PM

We have a 2015 model on order. As soon as we have it I can tell you the pros and cons. I was really struggling between the ACE 30.2 and the Fleetwood Storm 32H. But we didn't like having an inflatable mattress in the overhead bunk.

Cheers.

Gormleys · 03-14-2014, 07:30 PM

Welcome to the Forum!

We bought our 2012 ACE 29.2 new and have loved every minute of it. We have had a couple of problems and have upgraded a few things, but that's the fun of owning. We just came back from a winter adventure down to south Texas and put over 3500 miles on the coach. It was great and much easier than pulling a trailer.

The sooner you buy, the sooner you will start having fun!

Rampncamp · 03-19-2014, 03:48 PM

Well purchase made. Taking delivery nxt week.
It was our first walk thru of the rig. Compared to coachmen mirada and Georgetown, bunk models. It was a no brainer even with miradas 1.5 baths. Floorplan just made a whole lot more sense along with power bunk. Have to say I liked miradas fiberglass roof but was assured the tpo roof was just as durable. As for the floorplans in the other two, could not warm up to tv and couch not married for viewing(would have to turn your head). Along with cab seats swivel with capability to set up a table between. Whole forward area made a great seating/conversation area.
We are purchasing from MHSRV, where following some initial hiccups, had a good experience.
Will repost once we pick up and experience the closure of the transaction.

Gormleys · 03-22-2014, 08:05 AM

Be sure to take a small first shake down trip to learn all of the systems and find any small mistakes. There are bound to be a few challenges that are easier fixed near home than far away. Thor has a great help line when you can't wait for the forum to give you an answer.

Have fun!

Lennox4u · 03-28-2014, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by virginiamtns

We have a 2014 30.1, purchased last May. We spent over 70 nights out last season, and we get started in two weeks with our first camping trip. We love our ACE, and would purchase it again. It's much more fun than our truck and trailer days.

PM me if you have specific questions.

Virginiamtns,

I'm looking at buying a 2014 Hurricane 34F. Has the same chassis as the ACE. I see that your toad is an Equinox. Have you pulled it through the mnts? How does the ACE do on steep grades pulling the toad? Any tips for descending long grades? I would also greatly appreciate thoughts from others on your experience with pulling a toad behind the Triton V-10 ford chassis. We have a Yukon that weighs in at 5,400lbs, a hair over the 5,000lbs hitch rating. Since we will be flat towing the hitch won't be an issue, but the engine and breaks might be.

Rampncamp · 04-04-2014, 04:50 PM

Well after a rocky start, a cheerful mid-section and a not so good finish, we are home with our new ACE. Let me preface anything else by saying that the coach is beautiful; in and out, the intricacies are wonderful.
Now for the downside.
MHSRV needs to address their service. Took the whole day to address what minor issues needed to be addressed and then left the two major issues unresolved a poor excuse and a band-aid fix.
The first we discovered 2 miles from, already on the way home. Out of no where the dash blower fan began screaming (scared the kagebbers out of my son). Went back. They took the dash on the passenger side apart only to spray a little silicone on the fan. Then the tech couldn't get the laptop table top of the dash to close due to the electrical plug (which I'm more than sure he had replaced incorrectly). So they cut it down (??!). Two hours later back on the road. Two hours further along and same screaming. The sound was that of metal on metal. Hmm you think maybe just a bad fan motor which would have been a simple fix since the whole dash was apart. Nope they chose band-aid fix so had to spend a whole day at Camping World addressing same issue. The other was, and this one is ridiculous. During our stay we noticed that with the water heater on and 4 tvs. Let me add that these were LCD and ranging in size from 16 inch to 29 inch, the tv's would suddenly turn off. checked all breakers, fuses, gfci plug and all good. Even went so far as to testing all other plugs in the unit which turned out to be working. 20 minutes later uneventfully the tvs came back on. The tech and the svc manager both suggested, just a normal Thor wiring issue. and we were drawing to much amperage with the tv's and water heater!!?? wow!!what?? Camping world svc manager had same reaction. They attempted to reproduce but couldn't. However, they recognize it to be an issue so if it occurs again I know where to go. The one last issue which is Ford, is the steering wheel is cantered about 5 to 8 degrees to the right. So whilst you're driving straight down the road its somewhat awkward to hold steering wheel in that position. The only ford dealer in the area that deals with this chassis do not have the capabilities to correct. Not sure what to do about that one.
In closing the coach is beautiful, we even have a direct line thru a cell phone to a Thor rep who answers the phone and we are thoroughly looking forward to our first trip.

jtseltmann · 04-05-2014, 07:36 AM

We've been using our 2014 ACE 30.1 on a few trips now and love it. There are some issues like a leaky sink install and toilet that was scratched...but over all the rig is exactly what we expected...an entry level class A. I didn't expect the ride of a cadillac or the finishes of a Tiff. It is just right for us...two dogs and a kid making messes etc. The rig is easy to navigate and take apart to add in what you may want. I have done a bunch of mods so far...and will continue. The best upgrade I did was pricey but worth it in my eyes for drivability. Added Roadmaster steering stabilizer and the Roadmaster rear sway. So far CW is addressing all my issues and we are waiting for parts etc to take care of items.

NOTE...inspect your roofs regularly!!! I went up there yesterday to install my Ultra breeze vent covers and found the moulding/joint over the passenger seat that holds the figerblass brow to the roof had pulled up. The end screw just popped loose and pulled away the seal. NOT GOOD. That could have been really ugly and I don't know how long it was like that. Anyway...i filled with compound and will have that fixed ASAP.

All in all we LOVE our ACE...i'm a do-it-yourselfer so I'm not afraid to take apart and wire etc...enjoy your purchase!

Rampncamp · 04-05-2014, 10:16 AM

JT
I'm a do-it-myselfer to when possible...were you able to mount the stabilizer and sway yourself?...I'd like to do the same mod...could you share where you purchased the items to include the mounting brackets? and are they make and model specific?
thanks

jtseltmann · 04-07-2014, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rampncamp

JT
I'm a do-it-myselfer to when possible...were you able to mount the stabilizer and sway yourself?...I'd like to do the same mod...could you share where you purchased the items to include the mounting brackets? and are they make and model specific?
thanks

I am as well but I did not want to spend the time doing this and I had the unit in for service. I purchased at CW and they had a special for all installs at 39$ so overall i saved like 350 or so in install charges. It was pricey...I'd have to look at the invoice for specifics but the whole package was around 1800 i think with tax and all. The guy at the shop said the manual says a few hours for installation but truly he said the techs there spend more like 6-8. I'll do the little stuff and let them do the large stuff!

I don't have specific part numbers but they are both Roadmaster parts. The reflex steering stabilizer for the F53 chassis and the rear sway. I needed an upgraded part also for the rear but I forget. I'll review the invoice and let you know. The reflex did need mounting brackets extra...not included.

joelee2 · 04-09-2014, 10:43 AM

I am new to the forum as well. I recently purchased the 30.2. I described my first experience with the new 30.2 in this thread:

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f258/ace-30-2-a-188887.html

Thor has some quality and workmanship issues to resolve in their manufacturing process.

Rampncamp · 04-10-2014, 09:16 PM

Thanks JT
Since we are still pending the arrival of our blower fan for the dash air, I will look into it a little more when back at CW.
Still in limbo on the steering wheel issue. Tried contacting Ford and yet to receive a response. The ford motorhome dealer who's dealership, although set-up for F53 warranty issues that could not correct, directed me to fordmotorcoach.com only to find that the site is coming soon.