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Old 09-06-2010, 10:49 AM   #1
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Sandstorm 233SLC

Anyone have one of these? Got a great deal on a new 2010 in Idaho and looking to take it out once or twice before winter hits. Looking for any advice or tips. This is our first trailer and we are excited.

We will be pulling it with a 2010 GMC 2500HD crewcab with the turbo diesel.

Matt

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Old 09-06-2010, 11:54 AM   #2
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Cool Matt. Is this your first RV? What kind of toys you puttin' in it?
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Old 09-06-2010, 11:59 AM   #3
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This is our first RV. My wife's family are big time into RV. Father in law has a Montana Fifth Wheel and sister in law has a toy hauler. We will be looking at some four-wheelers next spring.

Glad to get out of the tent.

Matt
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Old 09-06-2010, 12:30 PM   #4
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Good to hear you have family with an RV. As you will find out, since you bought a toyhauler you will end up with ATVs or motorcycles (or in our case a Jeep) and the places where we use these typically do not have campgrounds with hookups. Therefore learning how to dry camp becomes important. My best advice would be to pick up an efficient and quiet generator to keep the batteries up as the stock batteries will have a hard time keeping you going for a typical NW weekend where heat is required.

I'm sure you have lots of friends that will tell you where to go ride. Wished we had more time to spend in Idaho checking out the Jeep trails but we still work so it will have to wait.
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Old 09-06-2010, 12:30 PM   #5
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We bought our Sandstorm 203slc in Jan. of this year and we just love it. We are still new and my advice would be to always use the water pressure regulator. Gabie
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Old 09-06-2010, 12:49 PM   #6
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Thanks for the info on the water pressure regulator, gabieone.

NWJeeper, the Sandstorm we bought comes with a portable Generac 3500RV generator. I hope that is enough. I made sure they threw in two batteries with the deal.

We are also having installed an eaz lift 1000lb weight distribution hitch with a sway control bar.

Only thing I forgot to ask when doing the deal is whether a sewer line kit is included. There isn't a rear bumper on this, so I guess it will have to go in one of the outside compartments.

Idaho has some great backcountry. We live near Boise, but we spent some time earlier this year up near Island Park, which is about 45 minutes from West Yellowstone.

Matt
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Old 09-06-2010, 03:53 PM   #7
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It on the left front side on ours. It has its own compartment with a door; Gabie
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Old 09-06-2010, 03:54 PM   #8
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I mean the sewer line kit is on the left front side.
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Old 09-06-2010, 04:13 PM   #9
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Matt,

I highly suggest the Rhino Flex sewer hose kit. We bought one at the start of summer to replace our old hose and it works great.

The generator should do you just fine and it should run your air conditioner no problem.

As for the water pressure regulator, it is a commonly known issue in the RV world the you MUST use one. Unfortunately there isn't anything to back it up. As I stated in the other post about water hoses, the PEX tubing used in RVs is rated to 100psi and 180 degree temperature. RV pressure regulators guys use are pre set at 45 psi. Why I have no idea other than most RV water pumps are 45psi output. However you can buy RV pumps that are rated up to 65psi and they are used in the more expensive rigs. We upgraded our pump to the Shurflow Smartsensor 5.7 which is 5.7gpm and 65psi. We now have pressure at the shower that actually gets you wet, not just a 45psi trickle. Your plumbing connections can leak at pressure below 45psi just as easy and we have had it happen even using a regulator. I finally gave up on the regulator as you will be hard pressed to find a park that will have pressure in excess of 65psi. Those that just KNOW you have to use a regulator can't ever really explain why, they just KNOW you have to. It's a myth that sells regulators but doesn't really mean your system is safe from leaks.

My advice, use a regulator if it makes you feel good but you may be disappointed in the water pressure for showering. And check all your plumbing fittings on a regular basis as even brand new from the factory they may be loose.
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Nights camped in 2009: 53 | Nights camped in 2010: 55
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Old 09-14-2010, 04:08 PM   #10
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We pick up on Friday afternoon. Here is a photo from the dealer's website:



We are so excited.

Matt
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Old 09-14-2010, 04:56 PM   #11
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Looks just like mine. You will have so much fun! Will you be camping in it right away?
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Old 09-14-2010, 05:25 PM   #12
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We are taking it out for an overnight trip on the weekend. Will be traveling about 50 miles in interstate. Opted for a site with a pull through and full hookups to test everything out.

Matt
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Old 09-14-2010, 05:53 PM   #13
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So glad you are taking it out right away. We are doing an upgrade on ours, a Barker power tongue jack. It just came today. Do let us know how your trip goes. Gabie
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Old 09-15-2010, 09:47 AM   #14
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Matt, Do you have the front bedroom? If so bring an air mattress because it comes with a very cheep and uncomfortable futon mattress. We use an air mattress right now but do want to get a new mattress one day. Gabie
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Old 09-15-2010, 09:24 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Deadheadmatt View Post
We pick up on Friday afternoon. Here is a photo from the dealer's website:



We are so excited.

Matt
Nice Sandstorm.
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Old 07-08-2014, 05:37 PM   #16
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Anyone replace tires yet
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Old 07-09-2014, 09:07 AM   #17
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Last year we put Maxxis m8008 st and have been very happy with them. We also keep our tires covered when stored.
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Old 07-09-2014, 09:52 AM   #18
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I replaced my tires also after owning my sandstorm for only a year. Went up a load range and put on maxxis. Tires are great. No more worrying.


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Old 07-09-2014, 01:46 PM   #19
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Still have the originals on ours. Plan on replacing them after this season. Was also considering going up a load range also.

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Old 07-09-2014, 03:53 PM   #20
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Thank you, who makes maxxis, and what is a load range , we now have 15' rims, towmaster by greenball they came on it but we will be switching out soon. Where did you purchase them. Went to big O last week they told us they only sell the commodores, so I did some research they are Chinese tires want to stay way from that. Are friends had hi run tires they had a major blowout last summer tore up there trailer pretty bad they have a 5th wheel was in the shop for three months.
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