2011 Thor Hurricane 32A Review
The key to being on the road for long stretches of time is to travel first-class all the way. And you could be living large no matter where you go in the 2011 Thor Hurricane Class A Motorhome.
Available in six distinctive floorplans in five different lengths, the Hurricane is a whirlwind of features and amenities. Just one of your choices is the 32A, which comes in a twin-slide plan with sleeping accommodations for six and tons of room for entertaining. The 32A measures in with an exterior length of 33′, an exterior height of 11′ 7”, an exterior width of 99”, an interior height of 80” and exterior storage capacity of 62 cubic feet .
The Hurricane is built on the Ford F53 leaf spring chassis and powered by a 6.8-l V-10 Triton three-valve engine that’s coupled with the TorqShift five-speed transmission and auto-shift point adjusting Tow-Haul Mode. And don’t let its promise of a luxe lifestyle fool you – the Hurricane backs it up with a fully welded tubular steel floor system, a premium one-piece TPO roof that is Energy Star approved, Vacu-Bond laminated roof, walls and floor with high-density block foam insulation and fully welded tubular aluminum roof and sidewall cage construction. Throw in one-piece fiberglass front and rear caps and a one-piece windshield, and you’ve got yourself a tough RV. Other features that come standard include rear MEGA storage compartment, hydraulic levelling jacks, and a slideout battery tray. Wrapping up the exterior features is a graphic package (you can also go with a partial paint/graphics package and two full paint/graphics packages as options).
Making the drive a pleasant one, this Class A motorhome’s windshield is designed to help eliminate heat and keep the sunlight out of your eyes. Helping make it a safer drive, it also comes equipped with a floor level cockpit window that minimizes driver’s blind spots – that means all it takes is a quick peek out the window to see if anything is in your way.
Plumbing may not be sexy, but it is necessary and the Hurricane takes care of all your plumbing needs. It comes with the “Camper’s Corner,” a feature that includes all of the waste disposal systems and LP appliances in a one spot, at the rear of the driver’s side, well away from the camping area. Underneath the floor is the water heater and furnace, so the hot exhaust stays away from kids and pets and keeps it quiet inside the coach. Also making living conditions pleasant are an Onan Microquiet 4.0 (4000 kilowatts) gas generator, a water heater bypass system, 30-amp service with marine type detachable power cord and a 15,000 BTU roof air conditioner.
Sure, the Hurricane presents a tough exterior, but once you get to know it better, you’ll find out it has a cushy interior. It comes with your pick of three decor packages – Chestnut, Milano Brown and Sizzle Grey – which are highlighted by Cherry or Glazed Maple cabinetry options.
From the moment you step inside, you’ll know the Hurricane is different. Once you pass through its extra wide entry door, you’ll be surprised with numerous storage spots, including a “mud room” to store dirty shoes. There’s also a drawer and nook in the steps – ideal for storing tools you don’t want to keep in the coach.
It can be lonely up front in the cab. It’s a good thing that the Hurricane come with a conversation mirror that lets the driver monitor what’s happening in the living area. It’s a great way to keep on eye on the kids while you’re driving. If you want to convince someone to keep you company up front, they can take advantage of the passenger side dash that converts to a workstation. It’s a great place to do some work on the laptop (there’s an electrical outlet for 110V or 12V hidden behind the lid) or do your nails on a flat and stable surface.
In the living area, the leatherette sofa converts from a comfortable seating area to a bed. A 32″ LCD television sits on top of the convenient utility closet, so it offers a great view from every seating position. The TV also swivels, so you can watch it while cooking dinner. Also in this area is where you’ll find the electric overhead bed that drops into place, without taking away from the living room seating (there’s a curtain that separates the bunk from the living area). If you need extra places to sit, the front captain’s chairs can be used to watch TV or just to join in the conversation.
It’s time to move on into the kitchen. This room is thoughtfully designed and full of features that will make meal time a treat. The microwave, sink and oven are all within arm’s reach, and a slide-out pantry is tucked away and can be extended to provide additional counter space. When you need to pull out utensils, the kitchen drawers open towards the living area, so they don’t get in your way. When you’re ready to eat, the wrap-around dinette provides plenty of seating. Other features the kitchen offers include a linoleum floor, a double door refrigerator, large double bowl sink with single lever kitchen faucet and laminate countertops.
In the bedroom, you’re surrounded by cabinetry that’s adorned with oil-rubbed bronze trim and hardware. Sleep tight on the walk-around queen pedestal storage bed that features eyeglass nightstands on either side of it and reading lamps that are suspended from the full-width overhead storage cabinets. At the foot of the bed is a wardrobe outfitted with a 43-inch clothes bar and six drawers below, and there’s a small dresser next to the closet that comes with lower drawer space and storage above with room for the optional 19-inch LCD TV.
The divided bathroom features a toilet room with vanity curbside and a 6-foot shower stall with skylight and a swirled glass three-section door. For all your towels, keep them in the overhead linen storage and your toiletries can go in the lighted medicine chest. The bathroom also features a multi-purpose drawer located under the shower that’s perfect for pets. It includes a FDA approved pet food liner that can be removed for cleaning or to use the drawer for storage.
