Just got back from a week in the SMB with the family in the Cherokee Natl Forest in East TN. It couldn't have been better. Well, maybe without the constant rain.
This was our first "long" trip and the SMB performed flawlessly.
First time I've geared up enough to need the additional space on the roof and the Aluminess rack was nice to have. Strapped the canopy, chairs, and bike gear in a hard case up top freeing up the inside cargo area for more living space. And I still only used about 10% of the available space up top.
It rained every day, so a lot of the leisure time outside was gone. We hiked, biked, and rafted outside, but there was no down time by the fire or just hanging out watching the sunset. It just rained, a lot. Consequently once we were back at camp we stayed inside. We were grateful for the EB. With our layout there is enough room for all 4 of us to hang out in the van without getting in each others way.
Was planning to use the Danhard unit at night based on the avg weather in July, but with all the rain the temps were in the high 60s and low 70s at night. Could have gotten by without shore power at all I think with judicious use of the microwave and running the van occasionally by going into town for dinner, etc. Shore power was nice to have anyway though.
If anyone else is interested this is where we stayed. We basically had the campsite to ourselves, but I'm sure that was due to the rainy forecast, apparently this is a very popular site during the summer. Clean facilities and some of the spots are well screened by trees from the neighboring spots. We'd go back for sure.
http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/cherokee ... 8&actid=31
And here is the trail map of the area, about 20 miles of single and double track. Plenty to keep us busy with the kids, and the Tenasi IMB Epic is close at hand as well.
http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOC ... 278520.pdf
We rafted the Hiwassee river as the kids were too young for the Ocoee (12yo min). Hiwassee Outfitters have a great facility, it's clean, has a great atmosphere, and a restaurant on site too. Excellent family river experience, both for the whitewater and the scenery.
http://www.hiwasseeoutfitters.com/