2013 SP220 observations- Grand Canyon Run

[ciszzco]

Well after some minor slide issues were remedied, we departed on 15th may for the Grand Canyon.
TV 2013 Chev Silverado 1500 LTZ, 5.3/ 3.42 Tow package.
Weather conditions ,28F Bryce Canyon, 110 Las Vegas.
Total distance 6400 kms(4000 miles)
TT Axle bearing temp Avg 95 F.
TT highest axle temp 115 F
TV Trans fluid temp Avg 180-185 (exterior temp 75-85F)
TV highest trans fluid temp- lake Meade hill 230F for about 3 minutes (exterior temp 110F)
I have to say, that after traveling this distance under a variety of weather and road/ construction conditions, both units operated superbly as was hoped for. The size and weight of the SP220 was recommended to the two of us following a description of our needs and desires by a long time RV sales/ manager/ friend.. and you know... it just makes sense!.. The drivability /towing/ maneuverability of the truck and trailer were at least an 8/10. Everything worked very well!, with only the Valance over the dinette falling off the wall ( 4 small screws let go), which will attest to some of the road construction conditions we went thru.
This was an Awesome introduction to Rving with the 15 day run being just right for the two of us!. with many more future runs being plans for the near future. you know... you meet the nicest people from all walks of life at many of these places!

[Twisty]

Nice!

[pt1655]

Glad you had a great trip!
Me and the Mrs. have had our 220 since April of 2013 and really enjoy it. Such a nice trailer for 2 people and so much storage! Our memory foam mattress topper has worked great and really no complaints about the trailer so far other than possibly no 12v outlet but we don't drycamp so not an issue yet. Put in the tinted see thru window in the door and that was also a great improvement, $110 and 3/4 hour install from Camping World item #74221.
Towed throughout Az, Ca and Nev with some really bad winds and it tracks so well and with our WD hitch no sway.
Happy Camping!

[tanddc]

Glad to hear your first trip went well!

We are still very happy with our SP220 and haven't had any major issues. I definitely agree on the mattress topper though!

[mjones12]

Originally Posted by ciszzco

Well after some minor slide issues were remedied, we departed on 15th may for the Grand Canyon.
TV 2013 Chev Silverado 1500 LTZ, 5.3/ 3.42 Tow package.
Weather conditions ,28F Bryce Canyon, 110 Las Vegas.
Total distance 6400 kms(4000 miles)
TT Axle bearing temp Avg 95 F.
TT highest axle temp 115 F
TV Trans fluid temp Avg 180-185 (exterior temp 75-85F)
TV highest trans fluid temp- lake Meade hill 230F for about 3 minutes (exterior temp 110F)
I have to say, that after traveling this distance under a variety of weather and road/ construction conditions, both units operated superbly as was hoped for. The size and weight of the SP220 was recommended to the two of us following a description of our needs and desires by a long time RV sales/ manager/ friend.. and you know... it just makes sense!.. The drivability /towing/ maneuverability of the truck and trailer were at least an 8/10. Everything worked very well!, with only the Valance over the dinette falling off the wall ( 4 small screws let go), which will attest to some of the road construction conditions we went thru.
This was an Awesome introduction to Rving with the 15 day run being just right for the two of us!. with many more future runs being plans for the near future. you know... you meet the nicest people from all walks of life at many of these places!

You mentioned slide issues. Anything that might be useful for other SP220 owners to know? Thanks.

[ciszzco]

Here are some pictures of the remains of the factory wooden dinette support. It was "L" shaped with the top of the "L" piece being stapled into the bottom piece. the bottom piece was then screwed thru the linoleum and into the floor. the wood snapped at the bottom of the support causing the slide to rock up and over it on closing, the wooden support finally broke off and was sliding around on the linoleum. Took it in for repairs and was advised by the tech this was a poor design. He attempted to install a roller system, however opted for two 2" X 4" 's screwed together on end and wrapped in carpet this was then screwed to the bottom of the storage cabinets rather than the floor. the supports hover above the floor at minimal distance. Hope this helps should you have any similar issues! thanks again for your interest! A simple way to determine if your supports are problematic , close the slide , climb over bed and lay on floor beside bed. look under the slide and look for the wooden supports..

http://www.forestriverforums.com/PhotoPost/showphoto.php?photo=2983&cat=500

[Cmmjmoore]

We are headed out to the Grand Canyon this Saturday in our SP 240. Decided to leave the dog and take the grand kids. Looking forward to the trip, sounds like you guys had a good time.

[ciszzco]

hello Cmmjmoore, We had a terrific time hitting Bryce, Zion, north rim, Antelope Canyon and then trailer village @ south Rim on Memorial day weekend! Nice pull thru, Elk were included at no extra fee ,,lol! It was a zoo, with over 17,000 people on the Red loop (hermits) alone, on sunday!.
Enjoy your time there. we sure did!

[mjones12]

Originally Posted by ciszzco

Here are some pictures of the remains of the factory wooden dinette support. It was "L" shaped with the top of the "L" piece being stapled into the bottom piece. the bottom piece was then screwed thru the linoleum and into the floor. the wood snapped at the bottom of the support causing the slide to rock up and over it on closing, the wooden support finally broke off and was sliding around on the linoleum. Took it in for repairs and was advised by the tech this was a poor design. He attempted to install a roller system, however opted for two 2" X 4" 's screwed together on end and wrapped in carpet this was then screwed to the bottom of the storage cabinets rather than the floor. the supports hover above the floor at minimal distance. Hope this helps should you have any similar issues! thanks again for your interest! A simple way to determine if your supports are problematic , close the slide , climb over bed and lay on floor beside bed. look under the slide and look for the wooden supports..

http://www.forestriverforums.com/PhotoPost/showphoto.php?photo=2983&cat=500

Thank you. Definitely something I will look at. First or second time out in our SP220 a year ago, the slide passed over a piece of scrap wood that had been left on the floor under it. The wooden storage box under the pantry end of the dinette was jimmied loose by this and was dragging on the floor. We had to reach inside and hold the box up while moving the slide in or out - to keep from scratching the floor. Don't put too much weight in that box, as only 4 screws are holding it up off the floor.

Got it screwed back into place and it has worked well since, but I will definitely get down and take a look at the supports you are talking about. Also, thanks for the photos, so I'll know what I'm looking at.

[mjones12]

Originally Posted by pt1655

Glad you had a great trip!
Me and the Mrs. have had our 220 since April of 2013 and really enjoy it. Such a nice trailer for 2 people and so much storage! Our memory foam mattress topper has worked great and really no complaints about the trailer so far other than possibly no 12v outlet but we don't drycamp so not an issue yet. Put in the tinted see thru window in the door and that was also a great improvement, $110 and 3/4 hour install from Camping World item #74221.
Towed throughout Az, Ca and Nev with some really bad winds and it tracks so well and with our WD hitch no sway.
Happy Camping!

That looks like a perfect match for your other windows. I like the idea of being able to see who's knocking before I open my door late at night. Thanks for providing us with the price and item #.

[Cmmjmoore]

Had a great time with the wife and grand children at the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Santa Fe, and Carlsbad Caverns. No problems with the camper or the kids. Would highly recommend the trip, weather was great but I wouldn't go any later than June.