First trip impressions in our 2020 ACE
A few month ago I sold my Sprinter Four Winds 24BL and bought a barely used 2020 ACE 30.3. Modifications are front/rear Roadmaster sway bars and Roadmaster steering stabilizer, 100 watt Renogy solar system, TRIK-L-START, dynamatted the engine cover, installed two Hengs Vortex II fans. Brazels/SCT tune (V10). I also performed a lot of preventive maintenance on the RV for my own peace of mind.
We just returned from a trip to South Dakota where we camped out at Ellsworth AFB and took day trips to the Badlands, Black Hills and Mount Rushmore. I have a Ford Focus for a toad. We drove the ACE about 2000 miles and it performed great.
Overall fuel mileage was right at 9 MPG for the hole trip, cruise set at 65 mph where possible. I really like the tune because the ACE pulled hills easily, barely slowing down. I am glad I did insulate the engine cover because 4200 RPM up steep hills is much quieter now and when in 6th gear you can actually have a conversation at 65 mph.
The suspension upgrades, although not cheap, are well worth the money because for the most part I could drive with one hand and big rigs passing has very little effect.
We also drove through a torrential rain/storm and we didn't get any water intrusion (I guess it paid off to do roof maintenance and to reseal the passenger window and the round clearance lights up front).
Overall we had a great trip, the only thing I don't like is that it is difficult to find gas stations where you can reach the pumps with a toad. Luckily we have an 80 GL tank.
__________________
Retired "Quiet Professional". Lifetime HSUS and ASPCA member.
|