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Winch [message #326371] Sun, 26 November 2017 17:15 Go to next message
Chris Tyler is currently offline  Chris Tyler   United States
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Registered: September 2013
Location: Odessa FL
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Senior Member
One of the drawbacks to the GMC seems to be traction in slippery conditions. Going in, I would have thought it to be better with front wheel drive and such.
Living in FL, I dont have to worry about snow or ice or steep grades- just mud, sugar sand, and maybe the occasional wet boat ramp.

Just upgraded to a 9K winch for my car trailer. I'm fabricating a mounts that will work on several vehicles including my Tacoma, GFs Powerstroke dually, and the Tracker Toad [via the towbar mount] as well as one for a class 3 reciever hitch.

Anyone ever been in a situation they needed o winch out of with the GMC? Where is a good pulling point?

Thoughts were if I had the 4x4 tracker I could use the winch on that to pull the coach if needed or use it on the rear receiver hitch. The winch is a heavy beast and I don't want to lug it everywhere, just when going off ooad camping or boating

Having learned the utility of a front mounted reciever hitch for moving trailers on a couple of trucks before I was looking at fabricating one for the GMC as well. First problem is that I dont have a stock front bumper, rather a custom fiverglass one. Second, looking underneath I dont see any substantial place it could be mounted short of extensive reinforcement. Next thought was a hook mount should it be nesseary to winch it out or onto a trailer [knock on wood] but again, nothing looks all that substantial.


76 Glenbrook
Re: Winch [message #326372 is a reply to message #326371] Sun, 26 November 2017 17:25 Go to previous messageGo to next message
kerry pinkerton is currently offline  kerry pinkerton   United States
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Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al
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The Burskin Kingsley I had came with a front receiver hitch.

Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L
Re: [GMCnet] Winch [message #326373 is a reply to message #326371] Sun, 26 November 2017 17:29 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Henderson is currently offline  Ken Henderson   United States
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
Senior Member
Chris,

The few times I've had traction problems with the GMC, the CRV has been
hooked up, so SHE got into it, and pushed the GMC with that AWD toy. It's
amazing how well that works, as long as SHE does try to steer. Once, SHE
even pushed me 5 miles to a gas station, up-hills and down-. SHE HATES it,
but will do it in an "emergency".

Ken H.


On Sun, Nov 26, 2017 at 6:15 PM, Chris Tyler
wrote:

> One of the drawbacks to the GMC seems to be traction in slippery
> conditions. Going in, I would have thought it to be better with front wheel
> drive and
> such.
> Living in FL, I dont have to worry about snow or ice or steep grades- just
> mud, sugar sand, and maybe the occasional wet boat ramp.
>
> Just upgraded to a 9K winch for my car trailer. I'm fabricating a mounts
> that will work on several vehicles including my Tacoma, GFs Powerstroke
> dually, and the Tracker Toad [via the towbar mount] as well as one for a
> class 3 reciever hitch.
>
> Anyone ever been in a situation they needed o winch out of with the GMC?
> Where is a good pulling point?
>
> Thoughts were if I had the 4x4 tracker I could use the winch on that to
> pull the coach if needed or use it on the rear receiver hitch. The winch is
> a
> heavy beast and I don't want to lug it everywhere, just when going off
> ooad camping or boating
>
> Having learned the utility of a front mounted reciever hitch for moving
> trailers on a couple of trucks before I was looking at fabricating one for
> the
> GMC as well. First problem is that I dont have a stock front bumper,
> rather a custom fiverglass one. Second, looking underneath I dont see any
> substantial place it could be mounted short of extensive reinforcement.
> Next thought was a hook mount should it be nesseary to winch it out or onto
> a
> trailer [knock on wood] but again, nothing looks all that substantial.
> --
>
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
Re: Winch [message #326375 is a reply to message #326371] Sun, 26 November 2017 17:44 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Larry is currently offline  Larry   United States
Messages: 2875
Registered: January 2004
Location: Menomonie, WI
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Senior Member
My coach is a 78' nd this is what I used to launch our 16' runabout. A little light duty, but worked just fine. JWID

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g4744-trailer-hitch-for-front-end.html


Larry Smile
78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.
Re: Winch [message #326380 is a reply to message #326371] Sun, 26 November 2017 18:49 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Matt Colie is currently offline  Matt Colie   United States
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
Senior Member
Chris,

When I got my coach, it already had a pair of forged recovery/towing hooks mounted to the front frame rails. These were sort of a surprise and not something I might have expected. But, as I dug into the coaches paperwork and history, I found it went to Mexico often. The roads (I an told) are even worse than those in Michigan. This could also explain the strike damage to the transmission pan and both fuel tanks.

I have yet to make any use of these and very much hope to never.

Matt


Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
Re: Winch [message #326389 is a reply to message #326375] Mon, 27 November 2017 05:46 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Chris Tyler is currently offline  Chris Tyler   United States
Messages: 458
Registered: September 2013
Location: Odessa FL
Karma: 7
Senior Member
Larry wrote on Sun, 26 November 2017 17:44
My coach is a 78' nd this is what I used to launch our 16' runabout. A little light duty, but worked just fine. JWID

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g4744-trailer-hitch-for-front-end.html



Exactly what Im looking towards. Did you fabricate this or use an existing hitch?


76 Glenbrook
Re: Winch [message #326391 is a reply to message #326380] Mon, 27 November 2017 05:51 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Chris Tyler is currently offline  Chris Tyler   United States
Messages: 458
Registered: September 2013
Location: Odessa FL
Karma: 7
Senior Member
Matt Colie wrote on Sun, 26 November 2017 18:49
Chris,

When I got my coach, it already had a pair of forged recovery/towing hooks mounted to the front frame rails. These were sort of a surprise and not something I might have expected. But, as I dug into the coaches paperwork and history, I found it went to Mexico often. The roads (I an told) are even worse than those in Michigan. This could also explain the strike damage to the transmission pan and both fuel tanks.

I have yet to make any use of these and very much hope to never.

Matt


Was thinking it would be better to have 2 points than one. At what point were they attached?
A couple of welded in forged D hooks like I use on the car trailer could work


76 Glenbrook
Re: [GMCnet] Winch [message #326394 is a reply to message #326389] Mon, 27 November 2017 06:31 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
Senior Member
Chris,

I suggest you look at the front crossmember that Larry's hitch is attached to, I'm sure it's fine to launch a boat, however, there
is no way it is strong enough to hook a winch to that you can pull the GMC with.

To pull the GMC the hitch needs to be attached to the main frame members.

Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808


-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Chris Tyler
Sent: Monday, November 27, 2017 5:47 AM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Winch

Exactly what Im looking towards. Did you fabricate this or use an existing hitch?



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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
Re: Winch [message #326395 is a reply to message #326389] Mon, 27 November 2017 07:16 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Larry is currently offline  Larry   United States
Messages: 2875
Registered: January 2004
Location: Menomonie, WI
Karma: 10
Senior Member
Chris Tyler wrote on Mon, 27 November 2017 05:46
Larry wrote on Sun, 26 November 2017 17:44
My coach is a 78' nd this is what I used to launch our 16' runabout. A little light duty, but worked just fine. JWID

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g4744-trailer-hitch-for-front-end.html



Exactly what Im looking towards. Did you fabricate this or use an existing hitch?

Used an existing hitch. Just something I had laying around in my garage. The center portion of this pic is what I started with and added the long piece that bolts to the bumper bracket. It is just a light duty generac receiver that someone might attach to their bumper/frame for light duty towing. This is plenty strong to launch my 16' runabout. Most of the time it is hanging in my garage. I only put it on when needed to launch a boat with the GMC. I would not try to use this to pull the GMC. Not beefy enough. JMHO

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/trailer-hitch-for-front-end/p20521-78-27royale-2afront-end-2a-trailer-hitch.html


Larry Smile
78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.

[Updated on: Mon, 27 November 2017 07:16]

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Re: [GMCnet] Winch [message #326399 is a reply to message #326395] Mon, 27 November 2017 09:21 Go to previous messageGo to next message
GMC.LES is currently offline  GMC.LES   United States
Messages: 505
Registered: April 2014
Karma: -2
Senior Member
If you are stuck bad enough that you can't extract your coach with a tug from another vehicle, then you need to be extremely careful how and where you start pulling. The ladder frame wasn't designed to endure heavy pulls from one corner.

Les Burt
Montreal
'75 Eleganza 26'


> On Nov 27, 2017, at 8:16 AM, Larry wrote:
>
> Chris Tyler wrote on Mon, 27 November 2017 05:46
>> Larry wrote on Sun, 26 November 2017 17:44
>>> My coach is a 78' nd this is what I used to launch our 16' runabout. A little light duty, but worked just fine. JWID
>>>
>>> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g4744-trailer-hitch-for-front-end.html
>>
>>
>>
>> Exactly what Im looking towards. Did you fabricate this or use an existing hitch?
>
> Used an existing hitch. Just something I had laying around in my garage. The center portion of this pic is what I started with and added the long
> piece that bolts to the bumper bracket. It is just a light duty generac receiver that someone might attach to their bumper/frame for light duty
> towing. This is plenty strong to launch my 16' runabout. Most of the time it is hanging in my garage. I only put it on when needed to launch a boat
> with the GMC. I would not try to use this to pull the GMC. Not beefy enough. JMHO
> --
> Larry
> 78 Royale w/500 Caddy
> Menomonie, WI.
>
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Re: [GMCnet] Winch [message #326407 is a reply to message #326399] Mon, 27 November 2017 16:59 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
Senior Member
Les,

When I first read your email this morning I said to myself "only an Idiot would try and pull a GMC by the ladder, it's bloody
aluminum!"

I just re-read it and I'm the idiot! The word "frame" didn't register this morning!

DOUH!

Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808


-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Les Burt
Sent: Monday, November 27, 2017 9:21 AM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Winch

If you are stuck bad enough that you can't extract your coach with a tug from another vehicle, then you need to be extremely careful
how and where you start pulling. The ladder frame wasn't designed to endure heavy pulls from one corner.

Les Burt
Montreal
'75 Eleganza 26'


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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
Re: [GMCnet] Winch [message #326413 is a reply to message #326407] Mon, 27 November 2017 19:58 Go to previous messageGo to next message
GMC.LES is currently offline  GMC.LES   United States
Messages: 505
Registered: April 2014
Karma: -2
Senior Member
Rob,
I just had a good chuckle.
I could/should have worded my message a bit differently, which is a common fault of mine. What I think and what I write don't always match.

"Ladder frame" can be interpreted in several ways.

I was obviously trying to refer to the vehicle frame structure (a ladder frame design) which is not tolerant of heavy pulling forces from one corner. One might pull the frame out of square if not cautious.

Les Burt
Montreal
'75 Eleganza 26'


> On Nov 27, 2017, at 5:59 PM, Rob Mueller wrote:
>
> Les,
>
> When I first read your email this morning I said to myself "only an Idiot would try and pull a GMC by the ladder, it's bloody
> aluminum!"
>
> I just re-read it and I'm the idiot! The word "frame" didn't register this morning!
>
> DOUH!
>
> Regards,
> Rob M.
> The Pedantic Mechanic
> Sydney, Australia
> AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
> USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
> USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Les Burt
> Sent: Monday, November 27, 2017 9:21 AM
> To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Winch
>
> If you are stuck bad enough that you can't extract your coach with a tug from another vehicle, then you need to be extremely careful
> how and where you start pulling. The ladder frame wasn't designed to endure heavy pulls from one corner.
>
> Les Burt
> Montreal
> '75 Eleganza 26'
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

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Re: [GMCnet] Winch [message #326414 is a reply to message #326413] Mon, 27 November 2017 20:20 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Carl S. is currently offline  Carl S.   United States
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
Senior Member

If you look at the extreme upper ends of this photo., you can see where I mounted a pair of recovery hooks (one black & one chrome - I got them second hand):

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/timing-chain-2fradiator-project-05-2f09/p34493-timing-chain-2fradiator-project-05-2f09.html

Here's a little bit of a close up of one of them:

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/timing-chain-2fradiator-project-05-2f09/p34552-timing-chain-2fradiator.html

It might be possible to fabricate a winch mounting plate that would attach at the same place on the bottom, with another mounting point at or near the top of the frame to provide stability to the mount and better load distribution.


Carl Stouffer '75 ex Palm Beach Tucson, AZ. Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
Re: [GMCnet] Winch [message #326417 is a reply to message #326413] Mon, 27 November 2017 20:39 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
Senior Member
Les,

There was nothing wrong with the way you worded your message, there was a problem with the way I READ it!

Glad you had a chuckle, that was the intent of my reply, if a person can't laugh at themselves they have a problem!

Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808



-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Les Burt
Sent: Monday, November 27, 2017 7:58 PM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Winch

Rob,
I just had a good chuckle.
I could/should have worded my message a bit differently, which is a common fault of mine. What I think and what I write don't always
match.

"Ladder frame" can be interpreted in several ways.

I was obviously trying to refer to the vehicle frame structure (a ladder frame design) which is not tolerant of heavy pulling forces
from one corner. One might pull the frame out of square if not cautious.

Les Burt
Montreal
'75 Eleganza 26'


> On Nov 27, 2017, at 5:59 PM, Rob Mueller wrote:
>
> Les,
>
> When I first read your email this morning I said to myself "only an Idiot would try and pull a GMC by the ladder, it's bloody
> aluminum!"
>
> I just re-read it and I'm the idiot! The word "frame" didn't register this morning!
>
> DOUH!
>
> Regards,
> Rob M.
> The Pedantic Mechanic
> Sydney, Australia
> AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
> USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
> USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Les Burt
> Sent: Monday, November 27, 2017 9:21 AM
> To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Winch
>
> If you are stuck bad enough that you can't extract your coach with a tug from another vehicle, then you need to be extremely
careful
> how and where you start pulling. The ladder frame wasn't designed to endure heavy pulls from one corner.
>
> Les Burt
> Montreal
> '75 Eleganza 26'
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

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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
Re: [GMCnet] Winch [message #326434 is a reply to message #326372] Tue, 28 November 2017 10:09 Go to previous message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
Senior Member
G'day,

As the current owner of that GMC I can tell you that the front receiver hitch is welded to the front crossmember that has the large
holes in it. I would NOT try and pull the Kingsley by that receiver as that crossmember is NOT strong enough for that or to jack the
front end up.

What I did recently to jack up the front end is to cut two pieces of 2 X 4 hardwood and jammed them in on either side of the cross
bar that the receiver is mounted to and the main frame members. I put the 20 ton air over hydraulic jack under the receiver cross
bar and up she went, no problem.

I intend to weld some steel vertical supports to the main frame rails to replace the 2 x 4's.

Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808



-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Kerry Pinkerton
Sent: Sunday, November 26, 2017 5:26 PM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Winch

The Burskin Kingsley I had came with a front receiver hitch.
--
Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama

Had 5 over the years. Still have the first a 76 that will be rebodied into an art deco car hauler.

http://www.bdub.net/pinkerton/

'03 Fleetwood Discovery 39L



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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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