Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Best update or improvement you have done to your coach.
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| Re: Best update or improvement you have done to your coach. [message #345434 is a reply to message #345422] |
Tue, 16 July 2019 23:08   |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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Matt Colie wrote on Tue, 16 July 2019 19:49Ken Burton wrote on Tue, 16 July 2019 16:40Split radiator shroud
Dual alternator belts pulley
Pertroix on Onan
Macerator
Dave Stragand wrote on Tue, 16 July 2019 18:03Ken,
Can you tell us more about the dual alternator belt pulley and why it is a top upgrade?
-Dave
1978 Transmode near Pittsburgh
Matt
Here is the deal. It is a simple upgrade that addresses a problem most people see with squealing, wear, and adjustment of the alternator belt. The belt drives the water pump (and fan), power steering pump, and alternator. Of those items the alternator draws the most horse power at around 2.5 or 3 hp at full load and is the only one driven by a single belt. We have made adjustment tools etc. to try to get enough tension on that pulley to try to over come the slippage problem. I know of one person that is trying to perfect a serpentine system to overcome the issue. Simply putting a second 7/16" (OEM) or wider belt on there to drive the alternator solves the issue and has some specific advantages. It is easier to adjust, will allow a larger 100 amp alternator to be installed without the additional difficulty of trying to get it not to slip. If you should break a belt, you can simple pull it out and continue on your way. I did break one one time on a 4 lane wide expressway at 9:30 at night. I simply opened the hatch, pulled the broken one out and drove another 120 miles before stopping for the night. I replaced the broken one then next morning when the engine was cold.
So now if I ever replace an alternator on any GMC, I automatically put a double pulley on it. My local Autozone stocks them and will change them out for free. It only takes less than a minute with a battery powered impact when it is sitting on the counter. I also get the 100 amp instead of the 80 amp alternator. You can use the double with the single belt and get a new pair of belts later, or you can get a new pair of belts and install them at the same time as the alternator.
I had a chart somewhere for belt widths and horsepower allowed. The 80 amp alternator was on the edge of what is, allowed. The 100 amp was over the limit and required a wider or double belt. Alternator pulley diameter was also taken into account in the chart. Smaller diameter means it puts out more at slower speeds, but it also reduces the amount of friction (traction) area on the belt so 2 belts are better than one.
The pulley was around $15.00 and easily available. Also Jim K. has or had them too. I had a spare but I think I gave it away.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: [GMCnet] Best update or improvement you have done to your coach. [message #345437 is a reply to message #345434] |
Tue, 16 July 2019 23:12 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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https://www.gmcrvparts.com/product-p/gm6-002-4.4.htm
On Tue, Jul 16, 2019 at 9:08 PM Ken Burton via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
> Matt Colie wrote on Tue, 16 July 2019 19:49
>> Ken Burton wrote on Tue, 16 July 2019 16:40
>>> Split radiator shroud
>>> Dual alternator belts pulley
>>> Pertroix on Onan
>>> Macerator
>>
>> Dave Stragand wrote on Tue, 16 July 2019 18:03
>>> Ken,
>>>
>>> Can you tell us more about the dual alternator belt pulley and why it
> is a top upgrade?
>>>
>>> -Dave
>>> 1978 Transmode near Pittsburgh
>>
>> Matt
>
> Here is the deal. It is a simple upgrade that addresses a problem most
> people see with squealing, wear, and adjustment of the alternator belt. The
> belt drives the water pump (and fan), power steering pump, and
> alternator. Of those items the alternator draws the most horse power at
> around 2.5 or
> 3 hp at full load and is the only one driven by a single belt. We have
> made adjustment tools etc. to try to get enough tension on that pulley to
> try
> to over come the slippage problem. I know of one person that is trying to
> perfect a serpentine system to overcome the issue. Simply putting a second
> 7/16" (OEM) or wider belt on there to drive the alternator solves the
> issue and has some specific advantages. It is easier to adjust, will allow
> a
> larger 100 amp alternator to be installed without the additional
> difficulty of trying to get it not to slip. If you should break a belt,
> you can
> simple pull it out and continue on your way. I did break one one time on
> a 4 lane wide expressway at 9:30 at night. I simply opened the hatch,
> pulled the broken one out and drove another 120 miles before stopping for
> the night. I replaced the broken one then next morning when the engine was
> cold.
>
> So now if I ever replace an alternator on any GMC, I automatically put a
> double pulley on it. My local Autozone stocks them and will change them out
> for free. It only takes less than a minute with a battery powered impact
> when it is sitting on the counter. I also get the 100 amp instead of the 80
> amp alternator. You can use the double with the single belt and get a new
> pair of belts later, or you can get a new pair of belts and install them at
> the same time as the alternator.
>
> I had a chart somewhere for belt widths and horsepower allowed. The 80
> amp alternator was on the edge of what is, allowed. The 100 amp was over
> the
> limit and required a wider or double belt. Alternator pulley diameter was
> also taken into account in the chart. Smaller diameter means it puts out
> more at slower speeds, but it also reduces the amount of friction
> (traction) area on the belt so 2 belts are better than one.
>
> The pulley was around $15.00 and easily available. Also Jim K. has or had
> them too. I had a spare but I think I gave it away.
>
>
>
> --
> Ken Burton - N9KB
> 76 Palm Beach
> Hebron, Indiana
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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| Re: [GMCnet] Best update or improvement you have done to your coach. [message #345438 is a reply to message #345386] |
Tue, 16 July 2019 23:15 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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https://www.gmcrvparts.com/product-p/gm6-002-4.4.htm
On Tue, Jul 16, 2019 at 9:12 PM Jim Kanomata wrote:
> https://www.gmcrvparts.com/product-p/gm6-002-4.4.htm
>
> On Tue, Jul 16, 2019 at 9:08 PM Ken Burton via Gmclist gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
>
>> Matt Colie wrote on Tue, 16 July 2019 19:49
>>> Ken Burton wrote on Tue, 16 July 2019 16:40
>>>> Split radiator shroud
>>>> Dual alternator belts pulley
>>>> Pertroix on Onan
>>>> Macerator
>>>
>>> Dave Stragand wrote on Tue, 16 July 2019 18:03
>>>> Ken,
>>>>
>>>> Can you tell us more about the dual alternator belt pulley and why it
>> is a top upgrade?
>>>>
>>>> -Dave
>>>> 1978 Transmode near Pittsburgh
>>>
>>> Matt
>>
>> Here is the deal. It is a simple upgrade that addresses a problem most
>> people see with squealing, wear, and adjustment of the alternator belt. The
>> belt drives the water pump (and fan), power steering pump, and
>> alternator. Of those items the alternator draws the most horse power at
>> around 2.5 or
>> 3 hp at full load and is the only one driven by a single belt. We have
>> made adjustment tools etc. to try to get enough tension on that pulley to
>> try
>> to over come the slippage problem. I know of one person that is trying
>> to perfect a serpentine system to overcome the issue. Simply putting a
>> second
>> 7/16" (OEM) or wider belt on there to drive the alternator solves the
>> issue and has some specific advantages. It is easier to adjust, will allow
>> a
>> larger 100 amp alternator to be installed without the additional
>> difficulty of trying to get it not to slip. If you should break a belt,
>> you can
>> simple pull it out and continue on your way. I did break one one time on
>> a 4 lane wide expressway at 9:30 at night. I simply opened the hatch,
>> pulled the broken one out and drove another 120 miles before stopping for
>> the night. I replaced the broken one then next morning when the engine was
>> cold.
>>
>> So now if I ever replace an alternator on any GMC, I automatically put a
>> double pulley on it. My local Autozone stocks them and will change them out
>> for free. It only takes less than a minute with a battery powered impact
>> when it is sitting on the counter. I also get the 100 amp instead of the 80
>> amp alternator. You can use the double with the single belt and get a
>> new pair of belts later, or you can get a new pair of belts and install
>> them at
>> the same time as the alternator.
>>
>> I had a chart somewhere for belt widths and horsepower allowed. The 80
>> amp alternator was on the edge of what is, allowed. The 100 amp was over
>> the
>> limit and required a wider or double belt. Alternator pulley diameter
>> was also taken into account in the chart. Smaller diameter means it puts
>> out
>> more at slower speeds, but it also reduces the amount of friction
>> (traction) area on the belt so 2 belts are better than one.
>>
>> The pulley was around $15.00 and easily available. Also Jim K. has or
>> had them too. I had a spare but I think I gave it away.
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Ken Burton - N9KB
>> 76 Palm Beach
>> Hebron, Indiana
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
>
>
> --
> Jim Kanomata
> Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
> jimk@appliedairfilters.com
> http://www.appliedgmc.com
> 1-800-752-7502
>
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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| Re: Best update or improvement you have done to your coach. [message #345442 is a reply to message #345434] |
Wed, 17 July 2019 05:41 |
6cuda6
Messages: 975
Registered: June 2019
Karma: -6
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Senior Member |
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Ken Burton wrote on Wed, 17 July 2019 00:08Matt Colie wrote on Tue, 16 July 2019 19:49Ken Burton wrote on Tue, 16 July 2019 16:40Split radiator shroud
Dual alternator belts pulley
Pertroix on Onan
Macerator
Dave Stragand wrote on Tue, 16 July 2019 18:03Ken,
Can you tell us more about the dual alternator belt pulley and why it is a top upgrade?
-Dave
1978 Transmode near Pittsburgh
Matt
Here is the deal. It is a simple upgrade that addresses a problem most people see with squealing, wear, and adjustment of the alternator belt. The belt drives the water pump (and fan), power steering pump, and alternator. Of those items the alternator draws the most horse power at around 2.5 or 3 hp at full load and is the only one driven by a single belt. We have made adjustment tools etc. to try to get enough tension on that pulley to try to over come the slippage problem. I know of one person that is trying to perfect a serpentine system to overcome the issue. Simply putting a second 7/16" (OEM) or wider belt on there to drive the alternator solves the issue and has some specific advantages. It is easier to adjust, will allow a larger 100 amp alternator to be installed without the additional difficulty of trying to get it not to slip. If you should break a belt, you can simple pull it out and continue on your way. I did break one one time on a 4 lane wide expressway at 9:30 at night. I simply opened the hatch, pulled the broken one out and drove another 120 miles before stopping for the night. I replaced the broken one then next morning when the engine was cold.
So now if I ever replace an alternator on any GMC, I automatically put a double pulley on it. My local Autozone stocks them and will change them out for free. It only takes less than a minute with a battery powered impact when it is sitting on the counter. I also get the 100 amp instead of the 80 amp alternator. You can use the double with the single belt and get a new pair of belts later, or you can get a new pair of belts and install them at the same time as the alternator.
I had a chart somewhere for belt widths and horsepower allowed. The 80 amp alternator was on the edge of what is, allowed. The 100 amp was over the limit and required a wider or double belt. Alternator pulley diameter was also taken into account in the chart. Smaller diameter means it puts out more at slower speeds, but it also reduces the amount of friction (traction) area on the belt so 2 belts are better than one.
The pulley was around $15.00 and easily available. Also Jim K. has or had them too. I had a spare but I think I gave it away.
Ken....no need to upgrade water pump pulley or crank pulley? Are they already double groove?
Rich Mondor,
Brockville, ON
77 Hughes 2600
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| Re: Best update or improvement you have done to your coach. [message #345458 is a reply to message #345450] |
Wed, 17 July 2019 09:27 |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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I would love to know more about your touch pad entry. any photos or information???
As I think back, there are too many things to list. I am surprised at how much I am liking the EFI, as it really boosts the driving enjoyment, that I can just fire up and drive it away without worry.
other items:
- Ragusa step
- LP fridge
- macerator(I installed that as one of the first things and never looked back- I have friends that have SOB's and I have no love for a stinky slinky)
- LED lighting
- battery upgrades- PD converter, solar, combiner- no worry about 12v power.
I am hoping my next favorite thing I complete is going to be ceramic windshield film, and vintage Air. and a working generator.
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
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| Re: Best update or improvement you have done to your coach. [message #345490 is a reply to message #345432] |
Wed, 17 July 2019 18:55 |
Bullitthead
Messages: 1411
Registered: November 2013
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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Rich,
Not running Alcoas, actually have Ford rims on there...what heresy, I know, but I had to have tires that stayed round after being parked for more than 30 minutes, and I really wanted a different style aluminum rim than the current Alcoas available. So I found some Ford rims to handle the radial tires.
Terry Kelpien
ASE Master Technician
73 Glacier 260
Smithfield, Va.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Best update or improvement you have done to your coach. [message #345492 is a reply to message #345490] |
Wed, 17 July 2019 19:31 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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https://www.gmcrvparts.com/category-s/154.htm
On Wed, Jul 17, 2019 at 5:02 PM Terry via Gmclist
wrote:
> Rich,
> Not running Alcoas, actually have Ford rims on there...what heresy, I
> know, but I had to have tires that stayed round after being parked for more
> than
> 30 minutes, and I really wanted a different style aluminum rim than the
> current Alcoas available. So I found some Ford rims to handle the radial
> tires.
> --
> Terry Kelpien
>
> ASE Master Technician
>
> 73 Glacier 260
>
> Smithfield, Va.
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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| Re: Best update or improvement you have done to your coach. [message #345639 is a reply to message #345430] |
Tue, 23 July 2019 08:53 |
GatsbysCruise
Messages: 261
Registered: January 2017
Location: Waukegan, Illinois
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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My coach has had such a struggled life that there are many changes to choose from.
When I bought her, the GMC didn't have any heat. It goes back to the PO, but don't ask.
With all the remarks about how bad the HVAC was, I felt trying to restore it was a loss so
I installed a heating coil in the rear of the coach so at least the dogs would be comfortable.
At the time, that was one of the best things I ever installed. Later I found that the
cable that operated the mixing door in the HVAC had failed and would not let heat through.
I replaced the cable and it is working for now.
( I say for now because the part that attaches to the dash control handle is plastic, and that
is where it failed in the first place.)
The GMC came with the old oem steel wheels. I was ok with them but I was being warned that the size
tire for the OEM steel wheels were not available everywhere and if a problem occurred, could easily
have you stuck for a couple days while one was found.
I added the Aluminum wheels to get back to common sized tires, nice looking, pain to keep shiney.
ONE DOWN SIDE is the lug covers are plastic and they crack. I made some mods to reinforce those
covers but am now in process of making a mold so I can recreate those lug covers when I need them.
The Next best install was a 50 watt solar panel, installed to keep the batteries charged over winter.
Worked like a charm.
The Next absolutely best install was the cob LED lighting in new fixtures.
The old lighting used enough power that they could drain the batteries.
My favorite electronics shop was selling some surplus COB LEDs. I began experimenting and found
there was plenty of light and they barely used any power.
There are four fixtures, one on either side of the living area large windows, in a fixture that shoots light UP for
INDIRECT lighting, DOWN for direct lighting and BOTH for max lighting. In the center of the windows are
two more Cob LEDs that light downward. All are dimmable and the four lamps on either side of the
large windows have blue lit Push on/off buttons that give a gentle night time feel in the coach when
the Cob Lights are OFF. Not a bad project, the Cob LEDs are still available and I can talk anyone through
how to make it work.
The bathroom lighting was replaced because the GMC oem lights just fell apart. The replacements are
florescent but they have LED's inset in them with a switch for night lights and a LED strip over the sink
that can be switched on for plenty of light in the bath area.
To compliment the Bath lighting, I installed a Fantastic Temperature controlled with remote vent fan where
the oem fan was. WHAT AN IMPROVEMENT. The bath now is always lighted from the sun, no more dark closet
look in the bath, and the remote has temperature settings, when it begins to get too cool, the vent will shut
down and close. It also has a rain sensor and will close if it detects water.
This could have been over the top, but the Bath needed the vent with the cover to admit light to the bath room.
RECENTLY, I have been concerned about the Fantastic Vent cover weathering. I have seen others actually fall apart
from weathering and damaged from hail attacks.
I coated the vent cover with CLEAR TRUCK BED LINER for a protective coating, strong and UV protected. You don't
see it, it does not stop the light from coming in and should protect against hail hits. At the very least, I'd
expect the Truck bed Liner to hold the vent cover together even if the vent cover does crack or break.
Another addition that I really like is the magazine holders that I made on the side of the drivers seat and
the passengers seat. Excellant place to put maps, note books, any loose items that you might need while
traveling. Not that bad to make and looks sharp.
My roof radio antenna started to die. I have fought the urge to remove that plastic roof liner because the plastic in
the GMC is very very brittle. I finally retired the roof antenna and ran a windshield antenna, up the center and to the top
mid of each side glass. It works so well that I won't be trying to repair the roof antenna.
other changes had been made as well but some of the changes have been removed as I prepare the GMC for a
few future trips either this year or next.
GatsbysCruise. \
74GMC260 Former Glacier Model style. \
Waukegan, Illinois \ Keep those MiniDiscs Spinning \ MY GREYHOUND IS FASTER THAN YOUR HONOR ROLL STUDENT \ WindowsXP-Win7-Win8.1-UBUNTU STUDIO - UBUNTU VOYAGER - Berzin Auto Center
[Updated on: Tue, 23 July 2019 08:59] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] Best update or improvement you have done to your coach. [message #345675 is a reply to message #345639] |
Wed, 24 July 2019 14:04 |
Bruce Hart
Messages: 1501
Registered: October 2011
Location: La Grange, Wyoming
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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On Tue, Jul 23, 2019 at 8:04 AM slc via Gmclist
wrote:
> My coach has had such a struggled life that there are many changes to
> choose from.
>
> When I bought her, the GMC didn't have any heat. It goes back to the PO,
> but don't ask.
>
> With all the remarks about how bad the HVAC was, I felt trying to restore
> it was a loss so
> I installed a heating coil in the rear of the coach so at least the dogs
> would be comfortable.
> At the time, that was one of the best things I ever installed. Later I
> found that the
> cable that operated the mixing door in the HVAC had failed and would not
> let heat through.
> I replaced the cable and it is working for now.
>
> ( I say for now because the part that attaches to the dash control handle
> is plastic, and that
> is where it failed in the first place.)
>
> The GMC came with the old oem steel wheels. I was ok with them but I was
> being warned that the size
> tire for the OEM steel wheels were not available everywhere and if a
> problem occurred, could easily
> have you stuck for a couple days while one was found.
> I added the Aluminum wheels to get back to common sized tires, nice
> looking, pain to keep shiney.
> ONE DOWN SIDE is the lug covers are plastic and they crack. I made some
> mods to reinforce those
> covers but am now in process of making a mold so I can recreate those lug
> covers when I need them.
>
> The Next best install was a 50 watt solar panel, installed to keep the
> batteries charged over winter.
> Worked like a charm.
>
>
> The Next absolutely best install was the cob LED lighting in new fixtures.
> The old lighting used enough power that they could drain the batteries.
> My favorite electronics shop was selling some surplus COB LEDs. I began
> experimenting and found
> there was plenty of light and they barely used any power.
>
> There are four on either side of the living area large windows, in a
> fixture that shoots light UP for
> INDIRECT lighting, DOWN for direct lighting and BOTH for max lighting. In
> the center of the windows are
> two more Cob LEDs that light downward. All are dimmable and the four
> lamps on either side of the
> large windows have blue lit Push on/off buttons that give a gentle night
> time feel in the coach when
> the Cob Lights are OFF. Not a bad project, the Cob LEDs are still
> available and I can talk anyone through
> how to make it work.
>
> The bathroom lighting was replaced because the GMC oem lights just fell
> apart. The replacements are
> florescent but they have LED's inset in them with a switch for night
> lights and a LED strip over the sink
> that can be switched on for plenty of light in the bath area.
>
> To compliment the Bath lighting, I installed a Fantastic Temperature
> controlled with remote vent fan where
> the oem fan was. WHAT AN IMPROVEMENT. The bath now is always lighted
> from the sun, no more dark closet
> look in the bath, and the remote has temperature settings, when it begins
> to get too cool, the vent will shut
> down and close. It also has a rain sensor and will close if it detects
> water.
> This could have been over the top, but the Bath needed the vent with the
> cover to admit light to the bath room.
>
> RECENTLY, I have been concerned about the Fantastic Vent cover
> weathering. I have seen others actually fall apart
> from weathering and damaged from hail attacks.
> I coated the vent cover with CLEAR TRUCK BED LINER for a protective
> coating, strong and UV protected. You don't
> see it, it does not stop the light from coming in and should protect
> against hail hits. At the very least, I'd
> expect the Truck bed Liner to hold the vent cover together even if the
> vent cover does crack or break.
>
> Another addition that I really like is the magazine holders that I made on
> the side of the drivers seat and
> the passengers seat. Excellant place to put maps, note books, any loose
> items that you might need while
> traveling. Not that bad to make and looks sharp.
>
> My roof radio antenna started to die. I have fought the urge to remove
> that plastic roof liner because the plastic in
> the GMC is very very brittle. I finally retired the roof antenna and ran
> a windshield antenna, up the center and to the top
> mid of each side. It works so well that I won't be trying to repair the
> roof antenna.
>
> other changes had been made as well but some of the changes have been
> removed as I prepare the GMC for a
> few future trips either this year or next.
> --
> GatsbysCruise. \
> 74GMC260 Former Glacier Model style. \
> Waukegan, Illinois \ Keep those MiniDiscs Spinning \ MY GREYHOUND IS
> FASTER THAN YOUR HONOR ROLL STUDENT \ WindowsXP-Win7-Win8.1-UBUNTU STUDIO -
> UBUNTU VOYAGER - Berzin Auto Center
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
Milliken, Co
GMC=Got More Class
_______________________________________________
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Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
1977 28' Kingsley
La Grange, Wyoming
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| Re: Best update or improvement you have done to your coach. [message #345677 is a reply to message #345385] |
Wed, 24 July 2019 15:09 |
Russell K.
Messages: 178
Registered: October 2016
Location: Dunedin, Florida
Karma: 4
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Senior Member |
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Rich,
Some of the non-stock items on our coach that definitely enhance the adventure are:
1. The zip-dee awnings on both sides. The shade on the windows helps the AC tremendously. We live and camp in Florida
2. Water pump switches in the bathroom and the kitchen.
3. An additional generator start switch by the drivers seat. When my alternator died while going down the highway, I fired up the generator while driving and made it home safe.
4. Temperature gauges that show actual numbers on engine coolant and transmission, not just HOT or COLD. For my peace of mind.
5. Automatic power switching switch. I don't have to plug in the shore power cord in in the utility compartment to use the generator.
6. Macerator, with the switch inside the utility compartment
7. A refrigerator temperature gauge on the wall with the other monitors, so I don't have to open the fridge to see if its cold enough.
I did not install these, but I'm very grateful to have them!!
Russell
1978 Eleganza II, Dunedin, Florida
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| Re: Best update or improvement you have done to your coach. [message #345770 is a reply to message #345385] |
Fri, 26 July 2019 21:59 |
Rick Staples
Messages: 126
Registered: May 2014
Location: Johnstown, Colorado, USA
Karma: -1
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Senior Member |
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As several have said, it's hard to choose.
I'd have to say my added A/C evaporator under the co-pilot seat is number one. Puts out twice as much cold air as the dash unit (which still works as always).
Next would be the macerator with attached 20' hose. Previous owner installed a very rugged WELDED-ON trailer hitch which completely displaced the original dump tube, so dumping required reaching under the (sometimes hot) generator to attach the slinky stinky hose. So much easier now.
Then I guess my "12V" Norcold heating element. I wired it via a transfer switch (and fuse) directly to the alternator B+ terminal so it sees ~15-16 volts whenever the engine is running. A recent trip in hot (~90+ degree) weather kept the freezer at about 5 degrees F. After two (2!) refrigerator fires in my old Norcold, my wife gets very upset if I try to run my slightly newer 'fridge on propane. This solves the problem.
Of course there's the Viair compressor, the Carter booster fuel pump, the 80mm calipers, the "sensitized" brake booster from Jim Bounds, the extended radiator filler and aluminum wheels from JimK, the 1500W bathroom wall heater installed by the door, and too many more to list.
With a GMC, there's always something to keep you busy.
Rick Staples
'75 Eleganza
Rick Staples, '75 Eleganza, Johnstown, CO
"Advice is a dangerous gift, even from the Wise to the Wise, and all paths may run ill." -Tolkien
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