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| Newbie Question--GMC storage [message #107467] |
Fri, 03 December 2010 23:30  |
pbrownsd
Messages: 56
Registered: December 2010
Location: Hayden,ID
Karma: 0
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I've loved the looks of these RVs since I was a kid. Finally, I am now in a position to buy my first. I have 5 kids, so we will be filling to the max!! We will probably be using a tent as well as motorhome to sleep everyone. My concern is about storage capacity. Since there is no outside storage lockers, is there enough room inside for your stuff? Do you feel overly restricted (compared to other brands of motorhomes) as to what you can bring along?
Any other advice is much appreciated!!
Pete
1976 Glenbrook
Hayden, ID
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| Re: Newbie Question--GMC storage [message #107471 is a reply to message #107467] |
Sat, 04 December 2010 00:05  |
GeorgeRud
Messages: 1380
Registered: February 2007
Location: Chicago, IL
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Obviously, as the floor level is much lower than other motorhomes, you don't have any lower storage areas. With a large group, storage could be a problem. Folks have used roof pods and rear bumper storage pods to increase the available storage. I imagine that one of those rear hitch mounted platforms could also come in handy with a lot of "stuff" to bring along (or a tow behind trailer?).
George Rudawsky
Chicago, IL
75 Palm Beach
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| Re: Newbie Question--GMC storage [message #107487 is a reply to message #107467] |
Sat, 04 December 2010 09:21 |
bryant374
Messages: 563
Registered: May 2004
Location: Pleasant Valley, NY 12569
Karma: 1
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Newbie Question--GMC storage Sat, 04 December 2010 00:30
pbrownsd
I've loved the looks of these RVs since I was a kid. Finally, I am now in a position to buy my first. I have 5 kids, so we will be filling to the max!! We will probably be using a tent as well as motorhome to sleep everyone. My concern is about storage capacity. Since there is no outside storage lockers, is there enough room inside for your stuff? Do you feel overly restricted (compared to other brands of motorhomes) as to what you can bring along?
Any other advice is much appreciated!!
Pete
>
>
Check out this link for a few things I did to improve storage. Carefully choosing the "take alongs" and with a storage pod, we have no difficulty with a 4 month stay away from home.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showgallery.php?cat=5332
Bill Bryant
PO 1976~PB (owned 34 years)
1914 Ford (owned 70 years)
1965 Corvette (owned 39 years)
GMC Motorhome History
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| Re: [GMCnet] Newbie Question--GMC storage [message #107494 is a reply to message #107467] |
Sat, 04 December 2010 11:01 |
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You've asked a good question and gotten some good responses.
At one point in my life I took groups of teens on camping trips. They would
be up to eight days in length. They always involved two adults as
chaperones. Typically, there would be six or seven teens per trip. In the
typical 26-foot there seemed to be space. Each person was assigned space
where his/her clothes, etc. could be stored. That meant packing smartly.
For those trips I wished for a rooftop pod but had none. I hadn't noticed
the hitch-mounted totes so I didn't know enough to wish for one of those.
If I were doing the same today I'd definitely plan of getting something with
a pod and ladder. I wouldn't hesitate to send a kid up there for stuff such
as chairs, rugs, and other things that aren't essential like clothes, wash
cloth/towel, and toiletries. Also, I'd look more seriously at investing in
one of those hitch-mounted platforms. Rubbermade totes would work well on
those and can sure carry the weight without a sacrifice to wind resistance.
We all tend to take up the space we've been given whether we need to or not.
Byron Songer
1978 Royale by Coachmen
Louisville, KY
Personal - http://web.me.com/bnsonger
Eastern States - http://www.gmceast.com
Pete wrote:
>
>
> I've loved the looks of these RVs since I was a kid. Finally, I am now in a
> position to buy my first. I have 5 kids, so we will be filling to the max!!
> We will probably be using a tent as well as motorhome to sleep everyone. My
> concern is about storage capacity. Since there is no outside storage lockers,
> is there enough room inside for your stuff? Do you feel overly restricted
> (compared to other brands of motorhomes) as to what you can bring along?
>
> Any other advice is much appreciated!!
>
> Pete
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
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--
Byron Songer
Full-timing to enjoy the USA
Former owner but still an admirer
GMC paint schemes at -
http://www.songerconsulting.net
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| Re: [GMCnet] Newbie Question--GMC storage [message #107497 is a reply to message #107494] |
Sat, 04 December 2010 11:44 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
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When our kids were young, we relied on the cargo pod to hold some of
the items we would use later or when we stopped for the night like
sleeping bags and pillows.
On Sat, Dec 4, 2010 at 9:01 AM, Byron Songer
<bsonger@songerconsulting.net> wrote:
> You've asked a good question and gotten some good responses.
>
> At one point in my life I took groups of teens on camping trips. They would
> be up to eight days in length. They always involved two adults as
> chaperones. Typically, there would be six or seven teens per trip. In the
> typical 26-foot there seemed to be space. Each person was assigned space
> where his/her clothes, etc. could be stored. That meant packing smartly.
>
> For those trips I wished for a rooftop pod but had none. I hadn't noticed
> the hitch-mounted totes so I didn't know enough to wish for one of those.
>
> If I were doing the same today I'd definitely plan of getting something with
> a pod and ladder. I wouldn't hesitate to send a kid up there for stuff such
> as chairs, rugs, and other things that aren't essential like clothes, wash
> cloth/towel, and toiletries. Also, I'd look more seriously at investing in
> one of those hitch-mounted platforms. Rubbermade totes would work well on
> those and can sure carry the weight without a sacrifice to wind resistance.
>
> We all tend to take up the space we've been given whether we need to or not.
>
> Byron Songer
> 1978 Royale by Coachmen
> Louisville, KY
> Personal - http://web.me.com/bnsonger
> Eastern States - http://www.gmceast.com
>
>
>
> Pete wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> I've loved the looks of these RVs since I was a kid. Â Finally, I am now in a
>> position to buy my first. I have 5 kids, so we will be filling to the max!!
>> We will probably be using a tent as well as motorhome to sleep everyone. Â My
>> concern is about storage capacity. Â Since there is no outside storage lockers,
>> is there enough room inside for your stuff? Â Do you feel overly restricted
>> (compared to other brands of motorhomes) as to what you can bring along?
>>
>> Any other advice is much appreciated!!
>>
>> Pete
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> List Information and Subscription Options:
>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,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: Newbie Question--GMC storage [message #107515 is a reply to message #107467] |
Sat, 04 December 2010 14:32 |
RadioActiveGMC
Messages: 1020
Registered: November 2010
Location: Hot AZ desert
Karma: 0
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The wife and I, two kids, and two dogs have plenty of storage. I usually make the the back table into a bed and have all that room back there to load up extra stuff.
Then when we get to the site I "setup" We store under the couch, in the back, and really usually have a few draws or spots with nothing at all in them.
Having a smaller rv makes us bring what we need. Personally and its just IMHO how we camp we shouldn't have every single thing our house has. If it did it would defeat the purpose. My 23' so far has plenty of room. The only bad thing is the where the kids sleep. Right now 3 and 6 they can sleep on the couch. But I'm going to make bunk beds for them soon.
***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"
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| Re: [GMCnet] Newbie Question--GMC storage [message #107520 is a reply to message #107515] |
Sat, 04 December 2010 15:08 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Michael,
I don't think I ever made any photos of the setup, but a few years back,
when the grandkids had time to travel with us some, I put a bunk in the
cockpit. Coleman, or someone similar, had a "cot in a bag" -- probably
still available. It's a canvas cot with a folding aluminum frame. The
three U-shaped legs serve to maintain the erected width of the sleeping
surface.
We found that the cot could be laid across the driver and passenger seats
with the end legs hanging to the out sides. That left the center leg
unsupported, requiring a spacer on top of the engine hatch. Fact is, I
drilled a 2x4 to accept vertical legs made of aluminum tubing to replace
that U shaped one.
I tried the bed and could have slept on it; the kids reported it as very
comfortable.
With the side panel to side panel distance almost 80", there's plenty of
length for a bed. The removable steering wheel I installed several years
ago helps, but with the wheel tilted up, it's not badly in the way. The
3-way adjustable electric seat base DO help with leveling the sleeping
surface, but loose cushions would likely serve as well.
JWID,
Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI+ & EBL
www.gmcwipersetc.com
On Sat, Dec 4, 2010 at 3:32 PM, Michael <radioactive626@msn.com> wrote:
> ...
>
The only bad thing is the where the kids sleep. Right now 3 and 6 they can
> sleep on the couch. But I'm going to make bunk beds for them soon.
> --
> 1973 23' Sequoia
> Casa Grande, AZ
> _______________________________________________
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: Newbie Question--GMC storage [message #107531 is a reply to message #107467] |
Sat, 04 December 2010 17:13 |
RadioActiveGMC
Messages: 1020
Registered: November 2010
Location: Hot AZ desert
Karma: 0
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hummm thats interesting. We have a couch that is a bed. I was going to get a welder to make us a bunk bed so the couch will still be useable and a bed. And above it will be another bed that during travel will be storage.
***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"
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| Re: [GMCnet] Newbie Question--GMC storage [message #107532 is a reply to message #107531] |
Sat, 04 December 2010 18:11 |
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Your note implies that someone yanked the original couch back with straps
that hook to the ceiling to form a bunk. Is that correct?
If so, there are some of here that may have a solution for you. For
instance, I have a couch back with straps. If the holes are still in the
ceiling (the hooks) then all that's needed are the braces for the back upon
which the couch back is held in place and allows for swiveling up to form
the bunk.
Let us know if you're couch isn't original and you'd like more info.
Byron Songer
1978 Royale by Coachmen
Louisville, KY
Personal - http://web.me.com/bnsonger
Eastern States - http://www.gmceast.com
Michael wrote:
>
>
> hummm thats interesting. We have a couch that is a bed. I was going to get a
> welder to make us a bunk bed so the couch will still be useable and a bed. And
> above it will be another bed that during travel will be storage.
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
--
Byron Songer
Full-timing to enjoy the USA
Former owner but still an admirer
GMC paint schemes at -
http://www.songerconsulting.net
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| Re: [GMCnet] Newbie Question--GMC storage [message #107540 is a reply to message #107467] |
Sat, 04 December 2010 19:31 |
dngmissett
Messages: 84
Registered: February 2004
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Hi Pete
A friend of mine has a 77 Royale (For Sale) that has double twin bunk beds in the rear and a double dinette up front that turns into a double bed. That make sleeping for 6 I'm not sure if the rear twin bunks are / were factory but there was lots of room in the rear for 4 to sleep comfortably. With a family your size you could remove some of the side cabinetry across from the dinette and add a couch or you could rig something up in the cockpit across the two front seats and have sleeping for everyone inside the coach.
Just thinking about how I might make it work in the GMC with 5 kids.
Dick Missett
Wyoming, PA
--- On Sat, 12/4/10, Pete <pbrownsd@yahoo.com> wrote:
From: Pete <pbrownsd@yahoo.com>
Subject: [GMCnet] Newbie Question--GMC storage
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Date: Saturday, December 4, 2010, 12:30 AM
I've loved the looks of these RVs since I was a kid. Finally, I am now in a position to buy my first. I have 5 kids, so we will be filling to the max!! We will probably be using a tent as well as motorhome to sleep everyone. My concern is about storage capacity. Since there is no outside storage lockers, is there enough room inside for your stuff? Do you feel overly restricted (compared to other brands of motorhomes) as to what you can bring along?
Any other advice is much appreciated!!
Pete
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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| Re: [GMCnet] Newbie Question--GMC storage [message #107554 is a reply to message #107532] |
Sun, 05 December 2010 00:40 |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
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"1973 23' Sequoia Michael, Casa Grande, AZ"
With a 1973 23 foot, I do not think it ever had couch/bunk bed set-up. BUT... The OEM set-up from the 26 footers might be where he could find parts to convert to bunks.
Another idea, Some of the side bath Birchavens had an option for a pull-down bunk over the rear dinette/bed. (You lose the upper cabinets thou..)
| Byron Songer wrote on Sat, 04 December 2010 16:11 |
Your note implies that someone yanked the original couch back with straps
that hook to the ceiling to form a bunk. Is that correct? ...
> hummm thats interesting. We have a couch that is a bed. I was going to get a
> welder to make us a bunk bed so the couch will still be useable and a bed. And
> above it will be another bed that during travel will be storage.
|
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo'
http://m000035.blogspot.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] Newbie Question--GMC storage [message #107564 is a reply to message #107554] |
Sun, 05 December 2010 08:20 |
comcast
Messages: 604
Registered: August 2009
Karma: 0
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I have the rear drop down bed. Will exchange for cabinets. Contact privately if interested.
Roger
Burns, TN
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike Miller" <m000035@gmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Sunday, December 5, 2010 12:40:24 AM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Newbie Question--GMC storage
"1973 23' Sequoia Michael, Casa Grande, AZ"
With a 1973 23 foot, I do not think it ever had couch/bunk bed set-up. BUT... The OEM set-up from the 26 footers might be where he could find parts to convert to bunks.
Another idea, Some of the side bath Birchavens had an option for a pull-down bunk over the rear dinette/bed. (You lose the upper cabinets thou..)
Byron Songer wrote on Sat, 04 December 2010 16:11
> Your note implies that someone yanked the original couch back with straps
> that hook to the ceiling to form a bunk. Is that correct? ...
>
> > hummm thats interesting. We have a couch that is a bed. I was going to get a
> > welder to make us a bunk bed so the couch will still be useable and a bed. And
> > above it will be another bed that during travel will be storage.
--
Mike Miller
#01 - `73 26' X Painted D. "The Spare"
#02 - `78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath "The User"
#03 - `77 23' Birchaven Side Bath "The Keeper"
Hillsboro, OR
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| Re: Newbie Question--GMC storage [message #107623 is a reply to message #107467] |
Sun, 05 December 2010 20:31 |
RadioActiveGMC
Messages: 1020
Registered: November 2010
Location: Hot AZ desert
Karma: 0
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No, my couch wasn't replaced with anything special. Just a couch that turns into a bed. I want to go to a wielder and have them make a frame above the couch with legs that mount on the floor. We'd use it for the kids and use it for storage when traveling. Im fairly sure I'm going to do something like that.
***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"
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| Re: [GMCnet] Newbie Question--GMC storage [message #107642 is a reply to message #107564] |
Sun, 05 December 2010 22:17 |
larry erd
Messages: 132
Registered: August 2010
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Roger, Do you have any photos of the rear bunk? I never knew anyone ever
making them.
On Sun, Dec 5, 2010 at 9:20 AM, <r1black@comcast.net> wrote:
> I have the rear drop down bed. Will exchange for cabinets. Contact
> privately if interested.
>
>
> Roger
> Burns, TN
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Mike Miller" <m000035@gmail.com>
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Sent: Sunday, December 5, 2010 12:40:24 AM
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Newbie Question--GMC storage
>
>
>
> "1973 23' Sequoia Michael, Casa Grande, AZ"
>
> With a 1973 23 foot, I do not think it ever had couch/bunk bed set-up.
> BUT... The OEM set-up from the 26 footers might be where he could find parts
> to convert to bunks.
>
> Another idea, Some of the side bath Birchavens had an option for a
> pull-down bunk over the rear dinette/bed. (You lose the upper cabinets
> thou..)
>
> Byron Songer wrote on Sat, 04 December 2010 16:11
> > Your note implies that someone yanked the original couch back with straps
> > that hook to the ceiling to form a bunk. Is that correct? ...
> >
> > > hummm thats interesting. We have a couch that is a bed. I was going to
> get a
> > > welder to make us a bunk bed so the couch will still be useable and a
> bed. And
> > > above it will be another bed that during travel will be storage.
>
>
> --
> Mike Miller
>
> #01 - `73 26' X Painted D. "The Spare"
> #02 - `78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath "The User"
> #03 - `77 23' Birchaven Side Bath "The Keeper"
> Hillsboro, OR
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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| Re: [GMCnet] Newbie Question--GMC storage [message #107657 is a reply to message #107642] |
Mon, 06 December 2010 07:39 |
shawnee
Messages: 422
Registered: February 2004
Location: NC
Karma: 0
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| larry erd wrote on Sun, 05 December 2010 23:17 |
Roger, Do you have any photos of the rear bunk? I never knew anyone ever
making them.
On Sun, Dec 5, 2010 at 9:20 AM, <r1black@comcast.net> wrote:
> I have the rear drop down bed. Will exchange for cabinets. Contact
> privately if interested.
>
>
> Roger
> Burns, TN
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Mike Miller" <m000035@gmail.com>
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Sent: Sunday, December 5, 2010 12:40:24 AM
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Newbie Question--GMC storage
>
>
>
> "1973 23' Sequoia Michael, Casa Grande, AZ"
>
> With a 1973 23 foot, I do not think it ever had couch/bunk bed set-up.
> BUT... The OEM set-up from the 26 footers might be where he could find parts
> to convert to bunks.
>
> Another idea, Some of the side bath Birchavens had an option for a
> pull-down bunk over the rear dinette/bed. (You lose the upper cabinets
> thou..)
>
> Byron Songer wrote on Sat, 04 December 2010 16:11
> > Your note implies that someone yanked the original couch back with straps
> > that hook to the ceiling to form a bunk. Is that correct? ...
> >
> > > hummm thats interesting. We have a couch that is a bed. I was going to
> get a
> > > welder to make us a bunk bed so the couch will still be useable and a
> bed. And
> > > above it will be another bed that during travel will be storage.
>
>
> --
> Mike Miller
>
> #01 - `73 26' X Painted D. "The Spare"
> #02 - `78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath "The User"
> #03 - `77 23' Birchaven Side Bath "The Keeper"
> Hillsboro, OR
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
_______________________________________________
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Gene Dotson
74 Canyonlands
www.bdub.net/Motorhome_Enhancements New Windows and Aluminum Radiators
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