Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Sit or sleep (Seems to be one OR the other.)
| Sit or sleep [message #270402] |
Sun, 25 January 2015 19:38  |
kerry pinkerton
Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al
Karma: 15
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Senior Member |
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I've been searching for the Holy Grail of GMC floorplans for going on 3 years now and have not yet found it.
A couple facts to set the stage. My wife and I are both tall, 6'1 and 5-10. We just don't sleep well in the full size bed in the back. Yeah, yeah, I know some bigger folks than we do fine back there but we don't.
Currently, she sleeps in the back and I sleep on a couch/beM.
I've seen a lot of rear twin layouts. Dry bath, wet baths, center kitchen, front kitchen. The rear twin layouts solve the 'sleep' issue. However, I have never seen a rear twin that also had a good sitting area.
I thought I had found the ticket before this last trip. Two small glider recliners with ottomans on one side and my couch bed on the other.
Close but no cigar. The glider/recliner aspect requires about 4" space from the side wall that I had not considered and as a result there is not QUITE enough room. My couch/bed can probably be narrowed a bit and that MIGHT be the ticket.
What we want is a comfortable sitting area. A dinette isn't comfortable for us.
All this got a bit further complicated this week due to a poor strategic decision on my part. My cousin came down to LazyDays in his Discovery pusher. We spent several days with them and yesterday we spent the days looking at SOBs and I have to admit the GMC does seem a bit...ah shall we say...small. Don't misunderstand me, I'm not going to be buying an SOB.
Basically it's just the wife and I so we're looking at a two person configuration. We've got the two inexpensive glider/recliners and they suit us well. The fit in the area behind the step and the kitchen. The step could be removed for a bit more room but it's not necessary.
Comments, ideas, what you have done are all welcome.
Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama
Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L
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| Re: [GMCnet] Sit or sleep [message #270404 is a reply to message #270402] |
Sun, 25 January 2015 19:57  |
bdub
Messages: 1578
Registered: February 2004
Location: Central Texas
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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How about two couches up front. The one on the right could have a short
"bed extension" out into the door area. The left one would be 6' so plenty
for wife. Refrigerator at foot of bed / couch on left. Kitchen counter
between frig and rear dry bath wall. Two person dinette (possible spare
bed) across from counter.
??
bdub
On Sun, Jan 25, 2015 at 7:38 PM, Kerry Pinkerton
wrote:
> I've been searching for the Holy Grail of GMC floorplans for going on 3
> years now and have not yet found it.
>
> A couple facts to set the stage. My wife and I are both tall, 6'1 and
> 5-10. We just don't sleep well in the full size bed in the back. Yeah,
> yeah,
> I know some bigger folks than we do fine back there but we don't.
>
> Currently, she sleeps in the back and I sleep on a couch/beM.
>
> I've seen a lot of rear twin layouts. Dry bath, wet baths, center
> kitchen, front kitchen. The rear twin layouts solve the 'sleep' issue.
> However, I
> have never seen a rear twin that also had a good sitting area.
>
> I thought I had found the ticket before this last trip. Two small glider
> recliners with ottomans on one side and my couch bed on the other.
>
> Close but no cigar. The glider/recliner aspect requires about 4" space
> from the side wall that I had not considered and as a result there is not
> QUITE enough room. My couch/bed can probably be narrowed a bit and that
> MIGHT be the ticket.
>
> What we want is a comfortable sitting area. A dinette isn't comfortable
> for us.
>
> All this got a bit further complicated this week due to a poor strategic
> decision on my part. My cousin came down to LazyDays in his Discovery
> pusher. We spent several days with them and yesterday we spent the days
> looking at SOBs and I have to admit the GMC does seem a bit...ah shall we
> say...small. Don't misunderstand me, I'm not going to be buying an SOB.
>
> Basically it's just the wife and I so we're looking at a two person
> configuration. We've got the two inexpensive glider/recliners and they
> suit us
> well. The fit in the area behind the step and the kitchen. The step
> could be removed for a bit more room but it's not necessary.
>
> Comments, ideas, what you have done are all welcome.
>
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bdub
'76 Palm Beach/Central Texas
www.bdub.net
www.gmcmhphotos.com
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www.gmcmhregistry.com
www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes
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| Re: Sit or sleep [message #270405 is a reply to message #270402] |
Sun, 25 January 2015 20:09 |
Steve
Messages: 506
Registered: September 2013
Location: East Greenville, Pa
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Kerry,
My 78 Royale rear bath has great seating with the twin bunks just forward of the bath. The upper bunks fold down to create two seating areas that are quite comfortable. I would say that 4 adults could sit comfortably. The upper bunks can be removed in 30 seconds, just pull two pins. I have had both out, one out, one up, one down depending on the needs of the trip.
The seating is great, but for me the sleeping is a bit compromised. I'm 6 foot seven and my feet hang over into the doorway on the passenger side. Fortunately I can sleep anywhere. I was a Scoutmaster for nearly 20 years. I could sleep in a dumpster, so the compromised sleeping is not a big deal for me. I do sleep better in the over the truck cab bed in my truck camper which has nearly a queen sized mattress.
I would like to try a traditional rear bed GMC, and a rear twin set up, but I do like the set up in my Royale.
1978 GMC Royal
Eastern Pennslyvania
1968 Chevrolet C20 396 Camper Special
1969 Chevrolet C20 Camper Special
1985 Buick Electra Park Avenue
1992 Camaro 25th Anniversary Heretage Edition Black
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| Re: [GMCnet] Sit or sleep [message #270411 is a reply to message #270402] |
Sun, 25 January 2015 22:51 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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Kerry,
I take it you're look for an "off the rack" solution from GMC or one of the other outfitters and from all the research I have done
I'm sorry to note it doesn't exist in a '26 configuration.
People have built stretches that tick all the boxes and the ones I liked best were:
JR Wrights 29" Buskirk:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6365-1978-buskirk-stretch.html
Dan Borlase's stretch built by Linwood Arthur:
http://www.gmcclassics.com/tech/larthur/lauther-rebuild.pdf
I am not a big fan of a stretch that just added length behind the bogies and didn't move them; the reason being I drag the rear of
Double Trouble all the time.
You have the parts coach and the skill to build one!
Unfortunately you'd have to buy another one so you could keep your current coach on the road! :-)
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: Kerry Pinkerton
I've been searching for the Holy Grail of GMC floorplans for going on 3 years now and have not yet found it.
A couple facts to set the stage. My wife and I are both tall, 6'1 and 5-10. We just don't sleep well in the full size bed in the
back. Yeah, yeah, I know some bigger folks than we do fine back there but we don't.
Currently, she sleeps in the back and I sleep on a couch/beM.
I've seen a lot of rear twin layouts. Dry bath, wet baths, center kitchen, front kitchen. The rear twin layouts solve the 'sleep'
issue. However, I have never seen a rear twin that also had a good sitting area.
I thought I had found the ticket before this last trip. Two small glider recliners with ottomans on one side and my couch bed on
the other.
Close but no cigar. The glider/recliner aspect requires about 4" space from the side wall that I had not considered and as a result
there is not QUITE enough room. My couch/bed can probably be narrowed a bit and that MIGHT be the ticket.
What we want is a comfortable sitting area. A dinette isn't comfortable for us.
All this got a bit further complicated this week due to a poor strategic decision on my part. My cousin came down to LazyDays in
his Discovery pusher. We spent several days with them and yesterday we spent the days looking at SOBs and I have to admit the GMC
does seem a bit...ah shall we say...small. Don't misunderstand me, I'm not going to be buying an SOB.
Basically it's just the wife and I so we're looking at a two person configuration. We've got the two inexpensive glider/recliners
and they suit us well. The fit in the area behind the step and the kitchen. The step could be removed for a bit more room but it's
not necessary.
Comments, ideas, what you have done are all welcome.
--
Kerry
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: Sit or sleep [message #270418 is a reply to message #270402] |
Mon, 26 January 2015 05:58 |
rcjordan
Messages: 1913
Registered: October 2012
Location: Elizabeth City, North Car...
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Re-reading Kerry's post, I think he only wants to re-do the area forward of the door. Right, Kerry?
SOLD 77 Royale Coachmen Side Dry Bath
76 Birchaven Coachmen Side Wet Bath
76 Eleganza
Elizabeth City, NC
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| Re: Sit or sleep [message #270421 is a reply to message #270402] |
Mon, 26 January 2015 06:52 |
rcjordan
Messages: 1913
Registered: October 2012
Location: Elizabeth City, North Car...
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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The 2nd-row captain's chairs out of a 2000-07 Town&Country sit well and fold into a low 'hassock' shape. Pretty compact, and have a quick-release that might be incorporated. I wonder it they would work as COMFORTABLE chairs in the lounging area?
SOLD 77 Royale Coachmen Side Dry Bath
76 Birchaven Coachmen Side Wet Bath
76 Eleganza
Elizabeth City, NC
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| Re: Sit or sleep [message #270425 is a reply to message #270402] |
Mon, 26 January 2015 08:24 |
armandminnie
Messages: 864
Registered: May 2009
Location: Marana, AZ
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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I have an Eleganza II and made the rear bed longer (82 inches) by removing the particle-board blanket cabinet and building a permanent platform bed. That makes the bed queen length. Our mattress (made from about 7 inches of foam) is now standard width but long enough for you. In the front I removed the dinette and installed two swivel rockers made from Honda seats. I made a new sofa opposite the former dinette and installed two very nice deep drawers that slide out on full-extension slides. When the drawers are extended they have half-covers that serve as foot rests for the swivel rockers - plenty of room to stretch out and relax. I can send or post photos if you want.
Armand Minnie
Marana, AZ
'76 Eleganza II TZE166V103202
visit my gmc blog
click here to visit gmcws.org
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| Re: Sit or sleep [message #270432 is a reply to message #270425] |
Mon, 26 January 2015 10:13 |
Otterwan
Messages: 946
Registered: July 2013
Location: Lynnwood (north of Seattl...
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Our '76 Royal has two center facing "Gouchos". Placing a piece of plywood over the gap between them makes a huge bed. It does block the bathroom off from the front of the coach, but with just the two of us that hasn't been a problem.
1977 Birchaven, Lynnwood WA - "We may not be able to stop all evil in the world, but I know that how we treat one another is entirely up to us."
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| Re: Sit or sleep [message #270468 is a reply to message #270425] |
Mon, 26 January 2015 16:52 |
kerry pinkerton
Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al
Karma: 15
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Senior Member |
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Please send or post photos Armand. Pinkertonk at yahoo dotcom
armandminnie wrote on Mon, 26 January 2015 08:24I have an Eleganza II and made the rear bed longer (82 inches) by removing the particle-board blanket cabinet and building a permanent platform bed. That makes the bed queen length. Our mattress (made from about 7 inches of foam) is now standard width but long enough for you. In the front I removed the dinette and installed two swivel rockers made from Honda seats. I made a new sofa opposite the former dinette and installed two very nice deep drawers that slide out on full-extension slides. When the drawers are extended they have half-covers that serve as foot rests for the swivel rockers - plenty of room to stretch out and relax. I can send or post photos if you want.
Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama
Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L
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| Re: Sit or sleep [message #270469 is a reply to message #270402] |
Mon, 26 January 2015 17:12 |
kerry pinkerton
Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al
Karma: 15
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Senior Member |
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I replied before I finished reading all the posts. Armand that looks workable. We have a mirror image configuration but I think that will work. I can test it easily enough by putting a pillow on top of the drawer and seeing how the boss likes it.
Btw, REALLY NICE WORK on the interior. REALLY NICE!
Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama
Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L
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| Re: [GMCnet] Sit or sleep [message #270470 is a reply to message #270468] |
Mon, 26 January 2015 17:29 |
Kingsley Coach
Messages: 2691
Registered: March 2009
Location: Nova Scotia Canada
Karma: -34
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Senior Member |
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Tks Armand ! Nice work.
Mike
On Mon, Jan 26, 2015 at 6:52 PM, Kerry Pinkerton
wrote:
> Please send or post photos Armand. Pinkertonk at yahoo dotcom
>
> armandminnie wrote on Mon, 26 January 2015 08:24
>> I have an Eleganza II and made the rear bed longer (82 inches) by
> removing the particle-board blanket cabinet and building a permanent
> platform
>> bed. That makes the bed queen length. Our mattress (made from about 7
> inches of foam) is now standard width but long enough for you. In the front
> I
>> removed the dinette and installed two swivel rockers made from Honda
> seats. I made a new sofa opposite the former dinette and installed two very
>> nice deep drawers that slide out on full-extension slides. When the
> drawers are extended they have half-covers that serve as foot rests for the
>> swivel rockers - plenty of room to stretch out and relax. I can send or
> post photos if you want.
>
>
> --
> Kerry Pinkerton
>
> North Alabama, near Huntsville,
>
> 77 Eleganza II, "The Lady", 403CI, Manny Brakes, 1 ton, tranny also a 76
> Eleganza to be re-bodied as an Art Deco car hauler
> _______________________________________________
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>
--
Michael Beaton
1977 Kingsley 26-11
1977 Eleganza II 26-3
Antigonish, NS
Life is too short to hold a grudge; slash some tires and call it even !
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| Re: Sit or sleep [message #270473 is a reply to message #270402] |
Mon, 26 January 2015 17:57 |
rcjordan
Messages: 1913
Registered: October 2012
Location: Elizabeth City, North Car...
Karma: 1
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*cough* I'd be sure to show the pix of Armand's wife happy with it BEFORE I flopped a pillow on the drawer, Kerry.
SOLD 77 Royale Coachmen Side Dry Bath
76 Birchaven Coachmen Side Wet Bath
76 Eleganza
Elizabeth City, NC
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| Re: Sit or sleep [message #270475 is a reply to message #270402] |
Mon, 26 January 2015 18:31 |
zhagrieb
Messages: 676
Registered: August 2009
Location: Portland Oregon
Karma: 0
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I'm just finishing construction of a sofa for the front of my 26 that opens into a true queen bed. Easy construction, with your skills you could do it in a couple of days. The only thing I farmed out were the 3 cushions. No pix posted yet but send me an email if interested and I'll take some.
glenngiere@gmail.com
Glenn Giere, Portland OR, K7GAG
'73 "Moby the Motorhome" 26'
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| Re: Sit or sleep [message #270484 is a reply to message #270402] |
Mon, 26 January 2015 19:31 |
chrisu
Messages: 1
Registered: March 2014
Location: Ontario
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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I purchase a 78 Royale a couple of years ago that had complete interior make-over along with a new Dick Paterson 403 engine, transmission and alum rad. The restoration was done by a very talented fellow in the Columbus Ohio area over a 6 year period.
The coach has rear twin beds with one being 76" long and the other 72".
The layout is as follows: Drivers side -- 72" bed overhead "shirt" cabinet, original WR, shower combo, fridge with micro over, dinette with 2 single seats (Honda seats).
Passenger side: 76" bed with "Shirt closet over, full height 15" pantry, 2 burner propane stove top, sink, entry door, 72" plus seating couch that pulls down to a 48" wide bed.
This is such a great custom layout, very practical for 2 people with room for a 3rd. Like I said, the interior was redone from the original double dinette with larger galley opposite behind the drivers seat. The WR, shower and fridge are the only items that remain in original locations.
Have pictures if any one is interested.
Chris
Toronto
78 Royale restored
New Paterson 403 , trans, alum rad.
Vin. TZE368V100648
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| Re: Sit or sleep [message #270493 is a reply to message #270402] |
Mon, 26 January 2015 21:10 |
kerry pinkerton
Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al
Karma: 15
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Senior Member |
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Yes, it goes without saying that we want to see photos. If you can post them to the photo site it would be best but if you want to email them to me, I can post them for you if you can't manage it yourself.
Pinkertonk at yahoo-dot-com
Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama
Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L
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I had considered putting rear facing settees in the back but when the two beds up front didn't work out that went out the window.