Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Pro and Con of a Stretched GMC
| Pro and Con of a Stretched GMC [message #119234] |
Sat, 19 March 2011 03:25  |
Adrien G.
Messages: 474
Registered: May 2008
Location: Burns Flat, OK 73624
Karma: 1
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From anyone that has a stretched, and others also.
Because of the extra overhang in the rear, any driving, handling in cross wind, when towing, or other thoughts that you can enlighten me with.
I have the opportunity to acquire a section of body to do a stretch on my coach. I have looked at a few stretched coaches, a Buskirk (very nice, could do it, but also a stretch my wallet),and 2 std stretches (also nice, and doable).
My reason for thinking to do it, is the ease of walking to bed verses climbing over to bed. I could have looked for a twin bed coach, but those don't have a couch which I like, and have a dry bath that can't use the shower. Rear bath was a no go.
What down side am I not looking at?
Thanks, and my labor of love continues.
Adrien & Jenny Genesoto
75 Glenbrook (26-3) Mods LS3.70 FD / Reaction Sys / 80mm Front&Intermidiate / Hydroboost / 16" Tires / Frame Rebuild / Interior Rebuild
Yuba City,Ca. Text 530-nine-3-three-3-nine-nine-6
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| Re: Pro and Con of a Stretched GMC [message #119242 is a reply to message #119234] |
Sat, 19 March 2011 07:28  |
Surbo
Messages: 213
Registered: February 2004
Karma: 0
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| Adrien G. wrote on Sat, 19 March 2011 03:25 |
From anyone that has a stretched, and others also.
Because of the extra overhang in the rear, any driving, handling in cross wind, when towing, or other thoughts that you can enlighten me with.
I have the opportunity to acquire a section of body to do a stretch on my coach. I have looked at a few stretched coaches, a Buskirk (very nice, could do it, but also a stretch my wallet),and 2 std stretches (also nice, and doable).
My reason for thinking to do it, is the ease of walking to bed verses climbing over to bed. I could have looked for a twin bed coach, but those don't have a couch which I like, and have a dry bath that can't use the shower. Rear bath was a no go.
What down side am I not looking at?
Thanks, and my labor of love continues.
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Adrien;
These two guys have done one for each of them, and they do a nice job. I am webmaster for the Greater Midwest Classics and I put up their story with pic's of one of their remodel's. Click on this link and there is a lot of info on the "stretch" and lot's more info on the rest of the website.
http://tinyurl.com/48wrw8t
Bob Drewes in SESD w/455 w/TBI w/EBL
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| Re: Pro and Con of a Stretched GMC [message #119244 is a reply to message #119234] |
Sat, 19 March 2011 08:01 |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
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| Adrien G. wrote on Sat, 19 March 2011 01:25 |
From anyone that has a stretched, and others also.
Because of the extra overhang in the rear, any driving, handling in cross wind, when towing, or other thoughts that you can enlighten me with.
I have the opportunity to acquire a section of body...
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I do not now or have I ever had a stretched coach... BUT I do know that not all are created equal.
Some (the simplist method) add all the extention behind the rear wheels. Others end up with some of the extention between the front and rear wheels.
The first method hurts weight balance and adds a lot of overhang. The second is much harder to do.
Others should have more (and hopefully better) comments.
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] Pro and Con of a Stretched GMC [message #119247 is a reply to message #119244] |
Sat, 19 March 2011 08:20 |
mjbourgon
Messages: 259
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -1
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Good morning from sunny New Mexico
I bought my coach several years ago and it was already stretched two feet.
To me the advantage is the room for two nice and long twin beds. There is
not crawling over your partner to use the bathroom in the middle of the
night. We have a small cabinet in back between the two beds with radio and
television in it. Over the back is a nice cabinet wall to wall that add
storage. I don't dissagree that it might take some of the weight off the
front end. Mine travels real well but steep driveways are a bit of a
problem with the overhang. If I were to have done the stretch and while the
whole remodeling project was going on I probably would have slid the back
wheels back the two feet. My works fine and I really like the additional
room in bedroom section
Marcel
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike Miller" <m000035@gmail.com>
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Saturday, March 19, 2011 06:01
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Pro and Con of a Stretched GMC
>
>
> Adrien G. wrote on Sat, 19 March 2011 01:25
>> From anyone that has a stretched, and others also.
>>
>> Because of the extra overhang in the rear, any driving, handling in cross
>> wind, when towing, or other thoughts that you can enlighten me with.
>>
>> I have the opportunity to acquire a section of body...
>
>
> I do not now or have I ever had a stretched coach... BUT I do know that
> not all are created equal.
>
> Some (the simplist method) add all the extention behind the rear wheels.
> Others end up with some of the extention between the front and rear
> wheels.
>
> The first method hurts weight balance and adds a lot of overhang. The
> second is much harder to do.
>
> Others should have more (and hopefully better) comments.
> --
> Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
> '73 26' exPainted D. -- `78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- `77 23' Birchaven
> Side Bath
> http://m000035.blogspot.com
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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| Re: [GMCnet] Pro and Con of a Stretched GMC [message #119260 is a reply to message #119258] |
Sat, 19 March 2011 11:32 |
Larry C
Messages: 1168
Registered: July 2004
Location: NE Illinois by the Illino...
Karma: 0
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I don't have one and can only go by what I have read and observed.
The first thought is the extra weight and the mountains. The "Midnight Express" a popular but now long gone Super Stretch was woefully underpowered on the mountains. Caravaners would comment that they would have to pull over and wait for it to catch up. This was NOT a normal stretch though, it was very long.
Depending on the overhang, as with a normal coach, going up a drive or incline can be an adventure. Have not heard any wind issues any worse that the OEM GMC.
Wasn't GMC designing a 27'??? If anyone knows about this might be good information to find out how they were going to design the wheel base.
Now, my thought, and its equal work to do... look up the coach that had the rear pull out extension. When in travel mode, it was the OEM size and length. When camping the rear extension would pull out for about 2 to 3 foot more room for the bed.
The only problem I read about was getting the seals to work and keep the water out. this is a problem with all pull outs but most have found the seals to use to keep em dry.
I don't know about resale on a stretch either. If they have a downside, they may not be popular. I always thought they look good, the extra length make them look sleeker but I tend to think it corrupts the OEM design specs and GMs original tests may not apply.
Just my thought 
Gatsbys' CRUISER  08-18-04
74 GLACIER X, 260/455-APC-4 Bagg'r
Remflex Manifold gaskets
CampGrounds needed, Add yours to "PLACES" />
http://www.gmceast.com/travel
_
[Updated on: Sat, 19 March 2011 11:34] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Pro and Con of a Stretched GMC [message #119270 is a reply to message #119234] |
Sat, 19 March 2011 13:46 |
Chr$
Messages: 2690
Registered: January 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Karma: 1
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GM Was designing a 29, If I recall. Yeah, 1-2 extra feet would be ideal...
-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
Scottsdale, AZ
77 Ex-Kingsley 455 SOLD!
2010 Nomad 24 Ft TT 390W PV W/MPPT, EV4010 and custom cargo door.
Photosite: Chrisc GMC:"It has Begun" TT: "The Other Woman"
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| Re: [GMCnet] Pro and Con of a Stretched GMC [message #119278 is a reply to message #119234] |
Sat, 19 March 2011 15:00 |
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I'm sure the extra feet gained by stretching can be very handy. That would
give you more storage space as well as allow a reconfiguration of a bedroom
for sleeping.
GMC had a couple of sketches on longer coaches. The Buskirk style of stretch
is the most logical because it keeps the integrity of balance for suspension
and traction purposes. To me, this is very important. If just adding base
the rear wheels you will be placing more weight on the rears including the
air bags, etc.
Ron Tase also did a logical extension by moving the rear wheels back and
adding space for a walk-around bed in the back. He also added a shower on
one side plus the additional storage.
In my way of looking at things, the Winnebago Spectrum 2000 was a great
emulation of a stretched GMC TZE. Because of other mechanical design issues,
the Spectrum was pulled from the market. The design logic, however, was and
still is as valid today as then.
http://www.special-interest-veh.com/
Byron Songer
1978 Royale by Coachmen
Louisville, KY
Personal - http://web.me.com/bnsonger
Eastern States - http://www.gmceast.com
Adrien Genesoto wrote:
>
>
> From anyone that has a stretched, and others also.
>
> Because of the extra overhang in the rear, any driving, handling in cross
> wind, when towing, or other thoughts that you can enlighten me with.
>
> I have the opportunity to acquire a section of body to do a stretch on my
> coach. I have looked at a few stretched coaches, a Buskirk (very nice, could
> do it, but also a stretch my wallet),and 2 std stretches (also nice, and
> doable).
>
> My reason for thinking to do it, is the ease of walking to bed verses climbing
> over to bed. I could have looked for a twin bed coach, but those don't have a
> couch which I like, and have a dry bath that can't use the shower. Rear bath
> was a no go.
>
> What down side am I not looking at?
>
> Thanks, and my labor of love continues.
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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] Pro and Con of a Stretched GMC [message #119286 is a reply to message #119285] |
Sat, 19 March 2011 17:11 |
Larry C
Messages: 1168
Registered: July 2004
Location: NE Illinois by the Illino...
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lolol, Emory, I did read it, I can't tell you where, but I did, scouts honor!! lol
Gatsbys' CRUISER 08-18-04
74 GLACIER X, 260/455-APC-4 Bagg'r
Remflex Manifold gaskets
CampGrounds needed, Add yours to "PLACES" />
http://www.gmceast.com/travel
_
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| Re: [GMCnet] Pro and Con of a Stretched GMC [message #119289 is a reply to message #119286] |
Sat, 19 March 2011 17:22 |
emerystora
Messages: 4442
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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I don't remember who he sold it to but I know it ended up in
California. I was once told that it was going to be used in a movie
but apparently it wasn't. I saw it parked in Santa Rosa alongside 101
with a For Sale sign on it and not long after I heard that it had
burned up
I have pictures of it before and after the fire. I think they are
posted on the net somewhere. Quite a sight with 5 wheels on each side.
Emery Stora
On Mar 19, 2011, at 4:11 PM, Larry <slawrence111@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
> lolol, Emory, I did read it, I can't tell you where, but I did,
> scouts honor!! lol
> --
> Gatsbys' CRUISER :d
> 74 GLACIER X, 260
> 455/APC/4 bagg'r(ver3)
> Remflex Manifold gaskets
> _______________________________________________
> Purchased 08-18-04
>
> _
>
>
>
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| Re: [GMCnet] Pro and Con of a Stretched GMC [message #119304 is a reply to message #119291] |
Sat, 19 March 2011 20:20 |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
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| Robert Mueller wrote on Sat, 19 March 2011 15:37 |
G'day,
I had the opportunity to buy a Buskirk Stretch for $35,000. It was built in
1991 at a cost of $95,000. ...
... Here's a link to the process that Clarence used.
http://www.gmcmotorhome.com/tech/buskirk/index.html
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They did it "right."
But like most things, the "right thing" isn't anywhere near the cheapest or easiest way.
IF I where of the mind of wanting a larger GMC, I would save up and wait for a already stretched coach to come up for sale.
For example: This coach has been up for sale quite a few times over the years:
<http://www.bethunesales.com/listings/kvarme.html>
This particular coach is VERY unique. It was NOT built by GM. It was built "full length" in 1981 (IIRC) out of new old stock parts by the same "Wallace" that marketed the hubs. It was gutted by a PO who's wife "didn't like the color" it hasn't been usable for years. Passing from owner to owner... cheaper each time...
If history continues to repeat itself, it should hit the market again in a year or so...
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: Pro and Con of a Stretched GMC [message #119319 is a reply to message #119242] |
Sun, 20 March 2011 01:03 |
Adrien G.
Messages: 474
Registered: May 2008
Location: Burns Flat, OK 73624
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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To you all, Thanks for the responses.
Bob D.- Any way of contacting Lee or Chuck, to answer some things that are not in their show and tell gallery?
Another idea is the rear slide. I considered that as a powered slide, and after many sketches of the different parts required. The bottom line is, a lot of work for not the gain we need, because then the climb in or out of the bed is from the rear, and with back arthritis it's no gain.
The sliding of the wheels back involves frame work, plumbing, body work, that's a lot of work. I know, I remade most of the center frame.
As for the weight shift, maybe moving the house batteries to the front may compensate a little of it. If I do it, now is the time, the inside rear is open and accessible. I might never get it done after the inside is finished.
Thanks again for your inputs.
Adrien & Jenny Genesoto
75 Glenbrook (26-3) Mods LS3.70 FD / Reaction Sys / 80mm Front&Intermidiate / Hydroboost / 16" Tires / Frame Rebuild / Interior Rebuild
Yuba City,Ca. Text 530-nine-3-three-3-nine-nine-6
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| Re: Pro and Con of a Stretched GMC [message #119445 is a reply to message #119234] |
Mon, 21 March 2011 12:45 |
zhagrieb
Messages: 676
Registered: August 2009
Location: Portland Oregon
Karma: 0
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Adrien,
I think you can achieve what you want without stretching the coach if you are willing to do some interior rearrangement.
Put the refrigerator where the drawers are, remove the closet, move the bath module into the old refrigerator space (plus some) and install a boat type macerator toilet to reach the holding tank. The front half of the coach would remain as is.
You'd then have room for twin beds with space for drawers under and between. If you move your water tank to the front under the couch you'd have more drawer space in back and more weight on the front wheels.
Glenn
Glenn Giere, Portland OR, K7GAG
'73 "Moby the Motorhome" 26'
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