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JonathonM · 01-17-2023, 05:44 AM

First post here.
I am looking at purchasing a 2007 Four Winds Hurricane 34b for my family. I have three boys, 8, 6 and 2months. I need a bunkhouse model to fit the hooligans and this RV seems to fit my needs. As a former GM technician, I like the workhorse chassis because of its drivetrain.

Questions:
1. What issues with this chassis should I look for when inspecting the RV before buying it?
2. What issues with the body should I look for?
3. What advice can owners and former owners of this model and similar models give me? Any advice is appreciated!

Also, I plan on towing approximately 3500-4000lb. Most trips will see elevations of 2000'-7000' with typical 6%-7% grades. What type of performance and speeds should I expect when climbing hills and on flat terrain? (not trying to set land speed records - just want to know what to expect)

yeloduster · 01-17-2023, 06:48 AM

Morning Jonathon,

As a former GM tech I think you already know about almost anything you need to check. The chassis is basically a mid-size GM truck. It will have the Allison 6 speed transmission.

Listen to it for strange sounds. Check to see if the transmission fluid smells burnt, etc. In other words check the chassis over as you would any used GM pickup truck of that vintage. It may need shocks. The only way to tell other than leaks is to drive it. If you buy it plan on changing out the belts and fluids before your first trip. Allison is specifying a synthetic trans fluid. If you search this forum you will find lots of info on transmission fluids and how to change it out.

I looked up the specs on this particular model. The specs say it has a 228" wheelbase. This is good for a 35' motorhome. You have a wheel base to length ratio of ≈53.5%. That is good. Less than 50% is not good. The more over 50% the better because that long wheelbase enhances highway stability and will make it drive better. I suspect you will find it drives pretty well.

We can guide you to modifications to the chassis suspension and steering if the driving experience isn't as good as you like.

I have no input for you on the house part of the motorhome. When I bought mine I kinda looked at it as though it were a HOUSE. You know, does everything work, do the doors open and close? Others might give you insights on this particular model.

Post the VIN to this THREAD. Ed will check for recalls and recall status and can provide other specific info on the chassis.

JonathonM · 01-17-2023, 09:01 AM

[QUOTE=yeloduster;6402601]Morning Jonathon,
It will have the Allison 6 speed transmission.
(belts, hoses, maintenance stuff)
We can guide you to modifications to the chassis suspension and steering if the driving experience isn't as good as you like. ]

Thank you for the response.
Is it the 6speed or 5speed? I thought all 8.1L gassers had the 5 speed. Am I mistaken? (that would be great!) Also, are gears selectable via shift lever mounted buttons?

I intend on checking everything over before the 400 mile drive home and replacing what needs to be replaced to make the drive. I'll to a full maintenance package when I get home.

I've been eyeballing the URVP trans and engine tunes. We shall see if it is in the budget...

Jonathon

edgray · 01-17-2023, 04:41 PM

[QUOTE=JonathonM;6402703]

Quote:

Originally Posted by yeloduster

Morning Jonathon,
It will have the Allison 6 speed transmission.
(belts, hoses, maintenance stuff)
We can guide you to modifications to the chassis suspension and steering if the driving experience isn't as good as you like. ]

Thank you for the response.
Is it the 6speed or 5speed? I thought all 8.1L gassers had the 5 speed. Am I mistaken? (that would be great!) Also, are gears selectable via shift lever mounted buttons?

I intend on checking everything over before the 400 mile drive home and replacing what needs to be replaced to make the drive. I'll to a full maintenance package when I get home.

I've been eyeballing the URVP trans and engine tunes. We shall see if it is in the budget...

Jonathon

The vin number you posted earlier indicates it is an 2007 W-22 chassis. It came with the Allison 1000 series SIX speed tranny. It will most likely have a column mounted shifter and a 3 position switch on the dash that allows you to lock in at 4th gear, or allow upshifts to 5 (OD) and 6 (second OD). Unless driving in hilly terrain you can leave it 6th for most driving and let the ECM/TCM do the thinking for you.
The Allison left WCC loaded with Castrol’s TranSynd ATF, which allows much longer drain intervals and a simple oil and a simple oil analysis can tell you if it NEEDS changing. Analysis is a much cheaper alternative to total fluid replacement. MAY be a good idea to change the external spin-on filter Allison part number 29539579. Should cost less than $20.00 and re-use the washer-looking MAGNET stuck to top of old filter.

JonathonM · 01-18-2023, 06:09 AM

Ed, Thank you for the information. I am pleased to learn it is a six speed with the gear selection features you identify.
I intend to do a chemical analysis on all fluids as well as replace all filters.

JonathonM · 02-06-2023, 11:16 AM

Thank you to everyone who provided insight and wisdom for this purchase.
I picked up the RV on Saturday and drove it home from San Diego to Phoenix. It was an uneventful trip (except for almost running out of gas). I identified a few minor issues but nothing major. Several questions and threads to follow...

Flyer15015 · 02-06-2023, 11:42 AM

Welcome aboard and congratulations on your purchase!

The W22 chassis needs a little help to be a great platform.
See my mods in my signature below.
Yeloduster was a great help on the "sumo's" mod.

The Ultra RV ECM /TCM mod, along with plugs and wires are a must and an easy DIY. As is their rear track bar.

I don't know just how your tow hitch is attached, but on my Pace Arrow, the OEM version is a disgrace to anyone with any common sense. I fixed mine and I regularly tow about 8K# all over Colorado. Here is a picture of an easy DIY using 1/4" angle and grd 8 bolts.

Happy Trails,
Mike in Colorado

JonathonM · 02-06-2023, 12:09 PM

Ive been watching your thread on this closely and hoping I wouldn't inherit the same issue!
Fortunately, my chassis came with some really big C-Channel frame extensions. I will be regularly towing 3500-4000lb. I think that this chassis/hitch setup will be adequate. What are your thoughts?
[ATTACH][ATTACH]385897
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Flyer15015 · 02-06-2023, 01:40 PM

Looks like yours is mounted to a much heavier "C" channel, however the hitches mounting plate that bolts to it is much shorter than mine.
Someday, when you have some time, you might consider adding a strap from the bottom of the hitch mounting plate back up to the "real" frame. This would mitigate the rocking back and forth of the receiver that is putting a load on the 3 mounting bolts.
You could weld it to the hitch's skid plate at the bottom and bolt it to the bottom of the real frames bottom flange. I would use 3/8 x 2" flat stock. Or if you really want to go for it use 2" channel iron, as it won't buckle so easy.

Just another spare time DIY project.

Mike in Colorado