Kevin,
Expo East was interesting, first time I have been to one. Learned a lot from the classes and saw a lot of nice vehicles.
We just returned from a shakedown trip around Lake Superior. No real comparison to the Roadtrek Sprinter. No issues with going down bad roads with the high clearance and 4wd but since it is 8 ft wide and a little over 12 ft tall it is not ideal for the forested eastern US. The roof rails deflect the branches somewhat but there is always going to be a lot of scraping from the branches. But, that is what happens when you use it for going off the highway which is why we got it so the scars are simply an indication that you went somewhere interesting off the highway. We had no problems getting to the end of the Thunder Bay Lookout road in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park which included some pretty steep hills and driving over rock ledges. I think the people at the end were surprised to see a large vehicle at the lookout. In terms of living accommodations the GXV is a big step up from the Roadtrek with a lot more room inside, the permanent bed, and no issues with insulation and heating in cold weather. We ran into some cold weather and snow last week so we did get to test it out in the cold. We have an insulated plug, if needed, to put into the cab pass through which keeps the heat or cold in the less well insulated cab from effecting the cabin temperature.
We are very happy with the new vehicle. We plan to head to Northern Canada and Alaska next summer and fall after heading out west after the new year....
Greg
