32N Hurricane vs Windsport vs ACE 29.3

Question

DW and I are thinking of trading our ACE 29.2 on the new floorplan ACE 29.3. I like my ACE 29.2 but DW and I really like the layout and features of the 29.3. In poking around I see that the Hurricane 32N is almost identical floorplan but with upgraded features for just a little more money. DW does not like the name "Hurricane" - don't get me started. So I advised they make the same thing under the Windsport badge. Despite all kind of searches around I can't find any real difference between the Hurricane and the Windsport. The specs are identical. The only difference is color choices in paint and fabrics. Some say the windsport is a little step higher, some say they are exactly the same. (sort of the Ford - Mercury, Winnebago - Itasca kind of thing). Same model, different badge.  A few things I noticed off the bat - The 32N has dual pane windows (not offered on the ACE), 2 AC units (not offered on the ACE), Larger Gen, Slam bin latches as opposed to ACE's metal turn latches, LED lighting, Glass shower door, Larger Dinette and sofa, Larger shower, King bed, Nicer furniture, larger kitchen, Solid surface countertops, 50A service, Rapid camp remote system, larger upgraded bunk system (although I do like that the ACE's bunk allows the front seats to be used - can't do that when fully lowered in the 32N). I do like the ACE's engine access and overall front end aesthetics over the Hurricane. Anyone have any thoughts? Is the Hurricane really different than the Windsport? Is the Hurricane worth the extra $10K over the ACE?

hiker_01 · Answer

My wife and I have been looking at same RVs.  When we at the dealer and asked for a spec sheet on the Hurricane (had the one for the Windsport) the dealer said they were the same, so like you, not sure if there is a difference.  One of the issues we had with some of the Windsport/Hurricanes was the single full wall slide.  Gave me some concern to have that large of a slide.  Also, when it was retracted (and right now, can't remember if it was all floor plans or one in particular), the gap to get to the bedroom area was rather narrow (less than two feet).  Neither of us liked that.  We're leaning real heavy towards the ACE 30.1.

wildtoad · Answer

I have never understood the need for Hurricane/Windsport, Winnebago/Itasca or other examples of the same product being offered under different names. I had heard it was simply a marketing move to circumvent exclusive territory contracts. Two dealers in the same area could not sell the same thing. Seems very old thinking. In my opinion there is not 2c worth of difference in the two.

I'm not a fan of slides and really distrust full wall slides. I know I'm in a minority, but wish Hurricane still made the 30Q so I could get a new one.

beacher · Answer

The Hurricane is completely different than the Windsport! One is spelled with an H and had nine letters, the other starts with a W.....

As you have figured out, they are exactly the same. Built on the same assembly line. Priced identically. Look a little different.

The ACE is a different beast. But you are already familiar with it!

dsdp_don · Answer

"EFFY".....When I first saw your post, I had it in my mind that the Hurricane was a Winnebago product. My first thought was...oh no...what will "hanko" and I do for entertainment. :S

No matter what coach you buy, I think you'll enjoy the additional quiet of dual pane windows, better insulation value and less window drip in cold weather, plus any other upgrades that are included in the nicer coach. Whenever I look at something like a new car or RV, I always consider will I regret not paying $5-$10 more a month in a payment, a year from now, and not have what I really wanted.

effy · Answer

Thanks for the feedback guys. Turns out dealers don't want to come to the table with anything North of wholesale on a trade. I am still right side up even at wholesale but I would do much better on the open market. Think I'll just keep the 29.2. It's a good unit and I like it enough. Never know what troubles you might buy on a new one. I'll wait to roll the dice.

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32N Hurricane vs Windsport vs ACE 29.3

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