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Hurricane 45XL/ '03 Allure

Yahoo Message Number: 2965
To all of you who have the same model I do, I discovered a feature that certianly wasnt explained to me upon delivery. After talking to Jim Rixen ( the man who sells CC Hurricane heaters ) I find out we have a choice of electric or diesel heat and hot water. If you have the Central Heat Control off and the Comfort Control Center (thermostat) on and calling for heat, it will be provided by the electric side of the Hurricane. Not as much heat as with diesel, but enough for non freezing weather. Also if you have the water heater switch on at the Monitor panel and the Central Heat Control off, hot water will be provided by the electric side of the Hurricane. Not hot enough for a shower, but certianly good enough for most other uses.
Gary Wallstrom Allure 30872

Re: Hurricane 45XL/ '03 Allure

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2967
You are correct. You must fire the Hurricane on diesel to have the maximum hot water. Its continuous, cant run it out.

Re: Hurricane 45XL/ '03 Allure

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2969
David, what you read is basically correct--you must turn on the Hurricane to have a continous supply of hot water. You can get enough for a quick shower with just the electric side operating, but a long shower requires deisel. I agree this is not as satisfactory as the previous system which had a hot water tank, but I feel certain this unit has been installed as a space saving feature do to the tag axle. The jury is still out on mine as I had to have it worked on once again(a new fuel pump and electrical circuit problems)with less than 100 hours on it. We're making a short trip next week and I'll see how successful the repairs were.

Walt Rothermel
2003Allure30811

Re: Hurricane 45XL/ '03 Allure

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2987
Walt/David

I have had my Hurricane worked on three different times requiring 150 mile round trip each time, and it still has problems. I have spent hours on my cell phone with Jim Rixon trying to get my Hurricane to work properly. It works better than it did when I left the CC factory, but still not to my satisfaction.
I told Damon if CC still uses Hurricane with no other option for heat and hot water, we will look for a different make of coach. I love my Allure, but the hurricane without a hot water tank that can be heated with electric/propane is not a viable option for me next time.

Tom Royer

Full timing in Colorado and running out of diesel 2003 Allure Cascade
30858

Re: Hurricane 45XL/ '03 Allure

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2988
Tom, I believe CC will take steps as I know they monitor this group and can't help but see that this unit is causing problems. I hosted a seminar at Hutchinson, KS on the Aqua-hot units. They are marketing one about like the Hurricane45xl ( the name of it escapes me)and admit it can't keep up with demand on electricity alone, so it's not just a Hurricane or CC problem. I'm anxious to see if the latest work done on mine in Dallas makes any difference. At least they don't use alot of deisel.

Walt Rothermel
2003Allure30811

Re: Hurricane 45XL/ '03 Allure

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2994
Walt,

I understand Monoco is also installing this same system with Aqua Hot units and I believe other companys are doing it as well.

Bill G. 2001 Magna

Re: Hurricane 45XL/ '03 Allure

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2998
To the Group;

Just wanted to weigh in on the XL/Allure hot water issues. First, anyone who is experiencing continuing mechanical problems with the XL, I/we need to know about them so we can help to get them resolved and I encourage anyone who has these issues to stay in contact with both the group and with me. I have great confidence in the integrity of our system and know, without reservation, that we can fix any problems, once we know what they are.
Regarding the issue of hot water production, let's first make sure that the system is running as it should, then let's work on understanding the way the system works. There is, admittedly, no water storage in the form of a tank of water. Instead of storing water, we store heat, which is used to make the water hot through the use of an extremely efficient heat exchanger. The basic advantage to the system lies in its size and efficiency. The XL weighs less than half of an equivalent heater/hot heater system and saves storage space as well. Both of these issues are becoming increasingly important in modern coaches.
I know, going on too long and I am starting to sound like an , so, let's cut to the chase. Call me, write me or come up to me at the next rally or show, and I will answer your questions and help to make sure that your system is doing what it does as well as it possibly can.

Craig G.- Rixens

Re: Hurricane 45XL/ '03 Allure

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 3000
Craig,

I lost your email, so I am glad you responded. I'd like to share what's happened since we were last at your shop. We took our 03 Allure to Guaranty for some other work and since it was still leaking, and not keeping fluid in the overflow tank, asked them to work on it. I guess they contacted you or Jim and after some time on the phone ordered some new parts, ie, radiator cap, and neck, and also they removed the kink. We were assured that the problem was fixed and that the Hurricane had been running without a leak for 9 hours. We took it out, and within a half hour, the entire floor of the compartment was covered with fluid. The furnace would not operate for more than 4 minutes then shut off and recycle. So we took it back and Guaranty was great. They reworked on the problem, found a leak at the bottom of the tank and fixed that. By this time we were despairing that it would ever get fixed. We just got back from another weekend trip and yes, the hurricane performed flawlessly, as far as running until it got the room up to set temp. Now it cycles normally to keep the temp at set point. NO FLUID LEAK. This is a first, also fluids stayed in overflow tank. Very happy with performance of furnace. Now HW heater: While taking a shower last night, the water started hot, but went completely cold. The furnace was on, so standing in the shower with ice cold water, I asked my patient wife as patiently as I could to turn the furnace off (but leave the hw switch on) she did that and no improvement. She then turned the white thermostat off still no improvement. Then I finally asked her to leave the white switch off and turn the central heating system switch back on, and the 3 minutes later the hot water began to come out. Needless to say, I am not happy that we have to turn the furnace off to get hot water, if that is the case. Or is something still wrong with our unit? When it was there Jim did some tests on the water heater and they looked like they came out good. Any ideas? Do we have to turn the furnace off while we take showers? Joe and Patti Frazier

frazier5421@... PS. Even though things have not been perfect, your working with Guaranty and there persistence is still light years ahead of other service we have had in the past. So thanks for reading this forum and continuing to offer help.

Re: Hurricane 45XL/ '03 Allure

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 3001
Craig/Joe

I would appreciate it very much if you would keep the Hurricane responses on the board rather than using personal email. Since I am having some continued problems with my Hurricane, I would like to see all questions/responses, since they may relate to my problems.
Thank you very much
Tom Royer
2003 Allure
Cascade 30858

Re: Hurricane 45XL/ '03 Allure

Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 3004
David

Thank you for your input. I agree with you, now that I have the "NEW" Hurricane, that having the option of Electric, LP or Hurricane for hot water is the preferred method (at least in my opinion).
If CC would install the "OLD" Hurricane in my coach, I would take it.

Tom and Sherry Royer
2003 Allure 30858

Re: Hurricane 45XL/ '03 Allure

Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 3017
Hello to all;

Regarding the XL hot water heater issue. I think I have the answer, so try the following and let me know. On the XL circuit board box, down in the bay next to the furnace itself, there are two rocker switches. In order for the system to operate properly in both modes, BOTH switches must be on. To explain; the top switch is a service switch and it allows the furnace to be operated during service, the bottom switch is the water control switch and it enables the sensing device that allows the unit to respond to a call for continuous output of domestic hot water. (If you want the real technoid details, I would be happy to oblige, just let me know). If the coach is going to be stored for a long while, both switches can be turned off and none of the features will run at all.
To the Royers- please bring me up to date on the situation with your heating system. Are we making progress?

Craig

Re: Hurricane 45XL/ '03 Allure

Reply #15 –
Yahoo Message Number: 3018
Thanks for responding. In answer to your question, it LOOKS like both switches are on. I haven't touched them since it was in your shop, so I am assuming that Jim wouldn't have run the tests he did, without making sure both switches were on, I haven't checked since it was at Guaranty, but I will, if you will tell me how to make sure they are both on. They don't have a mark or lettering to show which is on or off.
Thanks

Re: Hurricane 45XL/ '03 Allure

Reply #16 –
Yahoo Message Number: 3019
I have the older Hurricane with only one switch. When it is "on" you can see the illuminated red indicator light in the 'remote on' location.

I have two questions regarding my Hurricane.

1. There is a round plastic device which seals the hurricane heater compartment or alternatively allows air to enter the compartment depending whether it is open or closed.
 According to instructions, this should be in the open position when using the Hurricane. I checked mine before our recent trip and it was in the open position but when I looked at it a few moments ago it was shut/closed. Not tight shut but definitely not what you would call open.
 I am wondering if during road travel (we had just completed a 2000 mile trip) the plastic dish vibrates and this caused it to close? Now I am aware of this issue, I will check and see what happens next time out.

Have any of you checked your air flow valve?
2. At the July rally I heard that the air filter on top of the Hurricane was of little use and that some people had simply discarded this item rather than keep replacing the elements.

Any words of wisdom from Craig/Rixen or other owners would be welcome.

Thanks,

David and Karen,
2000 Intrigue 11062

Re: Hurricane 45XL/ '03 Allure

Reply #17 –
Yahoo Message Number: 3020
Craig,

It is rally nice to see you out here offering your expertise with the Hurricane system. Thanks!

Sincerely,

Damon K. Rapozo

Guaranty RV - Junction City, Oregon

Quote
Regarding the XL hot water heater issue. I think I have the
answer, so try the following and let me know. On the XL circuit board box, down in the bay next to the furnace itself, there are two rocker switches. In order for the system to operate properly in both modes, BOTH switches must be on. To explain; the top switch is a service switch and it allows the furnace to be operated during service, the bottom switch is the water control switch and it enables the sensing device that allows the unit to respond to a call for continuous output of domestic hot water. (If you want the real technoid details, I would be happy to oblige, just let me know). If the coach is going to be stored for a long while, both switches can be turned off and none of the features will run at all.
Quote
To the Royers- please bring me up to date on the situation with
your heating system. Are we making progress?

Re: Hurricane 45XL/ '03 Allure

Reply #18 –
Yahoo Message Number: 3021
David and Karen;

The air vent in the bottom of your furnace compartment MUST be open when running the furnace. It should be closed when your are traveling to keep the compartment clean. The air cleaner was used based on some information that turned out to be wrong regarding the flow capability. Besides, it looked cool ( any old hot-rodders out there?) . The sad fact is that it worked great, when it was clean, but it got plugged up too quickly. Take it off- maybe you can use it for your next flat head Ford!

Craig

Re: Hurricane 45XL/ '03 Allure

Reply #20 –
Yahoo Message Number: 3025
Hello Craig

Yes, there has been some progess made on our Hurricane. I just returned after spending two days in Denver at Freedom RV. They had to repair the coolant tank again, after replacing the original with the one you sent. They also removed some (I have no idea what it is called) additional equipment Country Coach puts on the Hurricane.
This was done by instruction of Jim Rixon. We ran it all day today, and no leaks and there is Hot Water again.
Now it always seems to work when I am at Freedom RV. I'll let you know if there are any problems after tonight.
Thanks

Tom and Sherry Royer
2003 Allure 30858

Re: Hurricane 45XL/ '03 Allure

Reply #21 –
Yahoo Message Number: 3040
I agree, David. I have the same setup in my coach and I am happy with it. Versatility is the key!

Dick May

2002 Intrigue, #11438
Dick May
2002 Intrigue, #11438, towing a
2014 Jeep Gr Cherokee ecoDiesel

Re: Hurricane 45XL/ '03 Allure

Reply #22 –
Yahoo Message Number: 3048
Again I have to agree with David.

Additionally, I prefer to use the shore power that I am paying the campground for to heat my water. My wife and I have yet to run out of hot water in the shower using either 110VAC or LP. No comment on the attempt to warm the water in the hot water tank via the Hurricane.

Dick May

2002 Intrigue, #11438
Dick May
2002 Intrigue, #11438, towing a
2014 Jeep Gr Cherokee ecoDiesel

Re: Hurricane 45XL/ '03 Allure

Reply #23 –
Yahoo Message Number: 3049
Graig,

I don't want to speak for the group... only myself.
Don't worry about going on too long. I for one appreciate your time and interest in "educating" we owners. I wish other system vendors and manufactures would devote some time to interfacing with us.
My Hurricane is heat only in a 2002 Intrigue and we are very happy with it. And a recent bout with 10 degree temps proved no problem. We were toasty warm. (except for my wife's feet).

Dick May

2002 Intrigue, #11438
Dick May
2002 Intrigue, #11438, towing a
2014 Jeep Gr Cherokee ecoDiesel

Re: Hurricane 45XL/ '03 Allure

Reply #24 –
Yahoo Message Number: 3050
Craig,

While travailing in VERY cold temps and an engine that is, for now, running too cool to provide the proper heat to the hydronic system my hurricane unit fired up when the inside temps said it needed it. If the air vent is closed what is the effect? Do I give it air at the expense of some dirt or close the vent most of the way to reduce the dirt but provide some air? That would be a good reason for keeping the extra external air filter.
Also, what does removing the external air filter do to the need for replacing the internal air filter?

Dick May

2002 Intrigue, #11438
Dick May
2002 Intrigue, #11438, towing a
2014 Jeep Gr Cherokee ecoDiesel