2011 Fleetwood Storm 32BH Review

When you want the sleeping capacity and family-friendly design of a Class C motorhome, but are craving the roominess and storage capacity of a Class A, consider the 2011 Fleetwood Storm Class A Motorhome. A new take on crossover RVs, the Storm aims to blow your expectations right out of the water.

Available in four different floorplans, there’s a layout to suit your needs. Let’s go for a tour of the 32BH, the largest model in this series. It measures in with an overall length of 31′, an overall height of 12′, an overall width of 102″, an interior height of 82″ and an interior width of 96″.

Powered by a 6.8L Triton V10 engine and built on an F-Series Super Duty chassis that features corrosion resistant aluminum tube hull framing, the Storm is a breeze to drive, thanks to its Ford 5-speed automatic transmission (with overdrive). Giving it a tough exterior, the Storm utilizes Vacu-Bond sidewall construction that gives it a strong, weather-resistant structure, and its sidewalls, floor and ceiling are Vacu-Bonded to a durable metal frame. To keep out water, dust and noise, as well as eliminate squeaks and rattles, Fleetwood uses interlocking floor-to-sidewall construction and interlocking ceiling-to-sidewall construction to help keep the box square (this also ensures a proper cabinet fit). Other construction features include a 26″ wide radius corner entry door with obscured window, high gloss Tuff-Coat smooth fiberglass exterior, sidewalls framed with 1 1/2″ aluminum tubing, full basement exterior with enclosed, heated holding tanks and luggage compartments, molded fiberglass front cap, a radius roof with ducted A/C and sidewalls framed with 1 1/2″ aluminum tubing.

If you’ve ever gone away from home for an extended period of time, you know the worry of leaving something essential behind. But with the Storm, feel free to pack it all. Equipped with pass-through storage and roto-molded polyethylene luggage compartments, nothing gets left behind.

When you’re in the market for an RV, power and water options shouldn’t be factors that are overlooked. In the way of power, the Storm comes with an Onan 4.0kW MicroQuiet generator and dual 6V Deep Cycle auxiliary batteries. For your water needs, it features a 60-gallon fresh water holding tank, a 35-gallon gray water holding tank, a 35-gallon black water holding tank and a 6-gallon propane water heater with electronic ignition. To top it off, you’ll get dual 20,000 BTU furnaces and a 15,000-BTU ducted air conditioner with Chill Grille to keep things comfortable.

Other exterior features to note that come standard on the Storm include a patio awning, rear vision camera, power heated rear view mirrors, power electric step, trailer hitch with seven pin electrical hook-up and radius tinted windows.

Let’s take a look at the Storm’s interior. You can choose from Antique Sand or Midnight Forest decor options that are highlighted by Butterscotch Spice or Toasted Chestnut cabinetry and hardwood raised panel cabinet doors. Other features that enhance the interior include pleated night shades, quality constructed furniture by Flexsteel, hidden cabinet door hinges and ozite lined ceilings.

Designed for your comfort and convenience, the cockpit is a haven during those long hours on the road. Get comfortable on the soft touch Flexsteel driver and passenger captain’s chairs with reclining back and slide controls. As well, these seats come with three-point seat belts. All of the controls are within easy reach and gauges are easy to read. Other cockpit features include 12V power jack, auxiliary emergency start assist switch on the dash, cruise control, double swivel sun visors with map pockets, in-dash AM/FM/radio with CD player and rear vision camera.

In the living area is were you find the Dream Dinette system, a handy area that seats four to eat (in front of the big picture window) and easily becomes an extra bed at night. All you have to do is swing the table down, and the cushions are fashioned into a mattress. There’s also a bunk Bed-n-Breakfast that adds another dining area that converts into bunk beds. Other living area features include a sofa bed, 32″ LCD widescreen TV with remote and DVD player and ceiling lights with wall switches.

The 32BH also comes with the Hide-A-Loft option, which adds another bed above the driver/passenger captain’s chairs. With the push of a button, you get an extra queen-sized bed that folds up into the ceiling.

Next to the living area is the kitchen. It comes outfitted with appliances such as three-burner range with high output/Piezo igniter and oven, Dometic 6 cu. ft. refrigerator/freezer, and microwave oven with electronic touch pad. Other kitchen conveniences include a cooktop cover, laminate countertops with bull nose T-molding edge, power roof Fan-Tastic vent fan, raised panel refrigerator inserts, a range hood with light and fan, residential size double bowl sink and whole coach water filtration system.

The bedroom suite provides plenty of room for relaxing, thanks to the bedroom slide-out, and under bed storage gives you a handy spot for linens and clothes. There’s also a wardrobe, an optional 19” LCD TV, a bedspread with pillow shams and reading lights in the bed’s overhead cabinet as well.

Last but not least is the bathroom. Clean up after a dirty day outdoors in the molded ABS shower/tub with surround, complete with a flexible shower head, or the large sink with residential style faucet. Other bathroom features include a china bowl toilet with hand sprayer, medicine cabinet with wood construction, and skylight/roof vent with 12V fan.

The 2011 Fleetwood Storm 32BH Class A Motorhome retails for $90,300. For more information, visit fleetwoodrv.com.

Related Reading