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GMC On A Diet [message #147835] Wed, 26 October 2011 08:55 Go to next message
philipswanson is currently offline  philipswanson   United States
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Registered: January 2004
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Senior Member
I am thinking about dumping those two big heavy Trojan batteries. I never go dry camping and only use hookups on the road so I was thinking about dumping those two big lead weights and buying the biggest single starter battery I can find. The generator is going to go too because I am tired of lugging all this stuff all over the place and never using any of it. Anyone else done this? I am probably going to cut about 700 pounds from this beast. Not selling any of it tho since the next owner might want to reinstall it.

Phil Swanson
Re: GMC On A Diet [message #147839 is a reply to message #147835] Wed, 26 October 2011 09:20 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mike miller   United States
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
Senior Member
philipswanson wrote on Wed, 26 October 2011 06:55

I am thinking about dumping those two big heavy Trojan batteries...and buying the biggest single starter battery I can find. The generator is going to ...


A starting battery would not provide much power for very long if you HAD to go without being hooked up to power. It also would not last in this use. Due to different construction for different uses, you want to have a deep cycle for a house battery, NOT a starting battery.

But I would keep either the pair of golf cart batteries OR a generator (maybe a smaller, portable one) even if I never dry camped. It is good idea to have enough on board power for one night of dry camping... just in case you HAVE to.


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
Re: [GMCnet] GMC On A Diet [message #147841 is a reply to message #147835] Wed, 26 October 2011 09:24 Go to previous messageGo to next message
gmcrv1 is currently offline  gmcrv1   United States
Messages: 839
Registered: August 2007
Location: Memphis
Karma: -1
Senior Member
Phil,

You are probably correct in shedding all that weight. I bought the biggest
RV/Marine battery that Wal-Mart sells. Larger capacity, $10 cheaper and
better warranty then Costco's best. My goal is to convert 100% to LED's
with solar charging capability. Not sure if I'll go 100% solar, but it is
nice to have the ability to have some kind of power and a back up battery
should it be needed to start the coach.

Just something you might consider. Battery was $90 and the solar panel I am
using I picked up at the ham radio convention/flea market in Dayton for $75.
The solar panel is commercial grade - the same kind you see powering remote
traffic signs along the interstates.

This would still save you close to 625 pounds if your weight numbers are on
target. Plus you gain some storage.

Good idea saving the parts to the next owner.

Good Luck,

Tom Eckert N2VWN
73 Glacier - going solar...
Oakland, TN


On Wed, Oct 26, 2011 at 8:55 AM, Phil Swanson <woodyman1@sbcglobal.net>wrote:

>
>
> I am thinking about dumping those two big heavy Trojan batteries. I never
> go dry camping and only use hookups on the road so I was thinking about
> dumping those two big lead weights and buying the biggest single starter
> battery I can find. The generator is going to go too because I am tired of
> lugging all this stuff all over the place and never using any of it. Anyone
> else done this? I am probably going to cut about 700 pounds from this
> beast. Not selling any of it tho since the next owner might want to
> reinstall it.
>
> Phil Swanson
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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Re: [GMCnet] GMC On A Diet / Dayton [message #147844 is a reply to message #147841] Wed, 26 October 2011 09:35 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Dolph Santorine is currently offline  Dolph Santorine   United States
Messages: 1236
Registered: April 2011
Location: Wheeling, WV
Karma: -41
Senior Member
Tom:

DE N8JPC

Is there a GMC Motorhome area at the Dayton Hamvention?

With the number of Amateur radio operators here, one might think........

Dolph Santorine

Dolph@DolphSantorine.com

Phone: 304-219-3100
Cell: 740-312-5342

Http://www.DolphSantorine.com

Excuse me for not being my usual wordy and sporadically verbose self. This message is sent from my iPad, which is, in many ways, an iPhone on steroids.

No trees were killed in the sending of this message. Few long dead dinosaurs were involved. A large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced.

On Oct 26, 2011, at 10:24 AM, Tom Eckert <gmcrv1@gmail.com> wrote:

> Phil,
>
> You are probably correct in shedding all that weight. I bought the biggest
> RV/Marine battery that Wal-Mart sells. Larger capacity, $10 cheaper and
> better warranty then Costco's best. My goal is to convert 100% to LED's
> with solar charging capability. Not sure if I'll go 100% solar, but it is
> nice to have the ability to have some kind of power and a back up battery
> should it be needed to start the coach.
>
> Just something you might consider. Battery was $90 and the solar panel I am
> using I picked up at the ham radio convention/flea market in Dayton for $75.
> The solar panel is commercial grade - the same kind you see powering remote
> traffic signs along the interstates.
>
> This would still save you close to 625 pounds if your weight numbers are on
> target. Plus you gain some storage.
>
> Good idea saving the parts to the next owner.
>
> Good Luck,
>
> Tom Eckert N2VWN
> 73 Glacier - going solar...
> Oakland, TN
>
>
> On Wed, Oct 26, 2011 at 8:55 AM, Phil Swanson <woodyman1@sbcglobal.net>wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> I am thinking about dumping those two big heavy Trojan batteries. I never
>> go dry camping and only use hookups on the road so I was thinking about
>> dumping those two big lead weights and buying the biggest single starter
>> battery I can find. The generator is going to go too because I am tired of
>> lugging all this stuff all over the place and never using any of it. Anyone
>> else done this? I am probably going to cut about 700 pounds from this
>> beast. Not selling any of it tho since the next owner might want to
>> reinstall it.
>>
>> Phil Swanson
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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Re: [GMCnet] GMC On A Diet [message #147847 is a reply to message #147841] Wed, 26 October 2011 09:55 Go to previous messageGo to next message
James Hupy is currently offline  James Hupy   United States
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
Senior Member
One owner retained the Onan, but made a roll around cart for it so that it
could be easily installed in a short time. Then when he needed home power
during power outages, he could just plug in and have standby power, or he
could have it in his GMC, and he did not have to lug it around if he was not
going to use it. The power drawer models are more easily adapted to this
concept, than some other models.
Jim Hupy
Salem, OR
78 GMC Royale 403

On Wed, Oct 26, 2011 at 7:24 AM, Tom Eckert <gmcrv1@gmail.com> wrote:

> Phil,
>
> You are probably correct in shedding all that weight. I bought the biggest
> RV/Marine battery that Wal-Mart sells. Larger capacity, $10 cheaper and
> better warranty then Costco's best. My goal is to convert 100% to LED's
> with solar charging capability. Not sure if I'll go 100% solar, but it is
> nice to have the ability to have some kind of power and a back up battery
> should it be needed to start the coach.
>
> Just something you might consider. Battery was $90 and the solar panel I
> am
> using I picked up at the ham radio convention/flea market in Dayton for
> $75.
> The solar panel is commercial grade - the same kind you see powering
> remote
> traffic signs along the interstates.
>
> This would still save you close to 625 pounds if your weight numbers are on
> target. Plus you gain some storage.
>
> Good idea saving the parts to the next owner.
>
> Good Luck,
>
> Tom Eckert N2VWN
> 73 Glacier - going solar...
> Oakland, TN
>
>
> On Wed, Oct 26, 2011 at 8:55 AM, Phil Swanson <woodyman1@sbcglobal.net
> >wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > I am thinking about dumping those two big heavy Trojan batteries. I
> never
> > go dry camping and only use hookups on the road so I was thinking about
> > dumping those two big lead weights and buying the biggest single starter
> > battery I can find. The generator is going to go too because I am tired
> of
> > lugging all this stuff all over the place and never using any of it.
> Anyone
> > else done this? I am probably going to cut about 700 pounds from this
> > beast. Not selling any of it tho since the next owner might want to
> > reinstall it.
> >
> > Phil Swanson
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> >
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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Re: [GMCnet] GMC On A Diet / Dayton [message #147852 is a reply to message #147844] Wed, 26 October 2011 11:44 Go to previous messageGo to next message
gmcrv1 is currently offline  gmcrv1   United States
Messages: 839
Registered: August 2007
Location: Memphis
Karma: -1
Senior Member
Dolpe,

I haven't been to Dayton in a few years, don't recall seeing one there.
Would make an interesting trip. I used to attend every year when I lived
in NJ. I can't remember the space sizes - it may be restricted to 23'
coaches...

Tom Eckert N2VWN
73 Glacier - Collins KWM 2 - Drake TR4CW w/RIT (Both Stations mint OEM or
better)
Oakland, TN

On Wed, Oct 26, 2011 at 9:35 AM, Dolph Santorine
<dolph@dolphsantorine.com>wrote:

> Tom:
>
> DE N8JPC
>
> Is there a GMC Motorhome area at the Dayton Hamvention?
>
> With the number of Amateur radio operators here, one might think........
>
> Dolph Santorine
>
> Dolph@DolphSantorine.com
>
> Phone: 304-219-3100
> Cell: 740-312-5342
>
> Http://www.DolphSantorine.com
>
> Excuse me for not being my usual wordy and sporadically verbose self. This
> message is sent from my iPad, which is, in many ways, an iPhone on steroids.
>
> No trees were killed in the sending of this message. Few long dead
> dinosaurs were involved. A large number of electrons were terribly
> inconvenienced.
>
> On Oct 26, 2011, at 10:24 AM, Tom Eckert <gmcrv1@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > Phil,
> >
> > You are probably correct in shedding all that weight. I bought the
> biggest
> > RV/Marine battery that Wal-Mart sells. Larger capacity, $10 cheaper and
> > better warranty then Costco's best. My goal is to convert 100% to LED's
> > with solar charging capability. Not sure if I'll go 100% solar, but it
> is
> > nice to have the ability to have some kind of power and a back up battery
> > should it be needed to start the coach.
> >
> > Just something you might consider. Battery was $90 and the solar panel I
> am
> > using I picked up at the ham radio convention/flea market in Dayton for
> $75.
> > The solar panel is commercial grade - the same kind you see powering
> remote
> > traffic signs along the interstates.
> >
> > This would still save you close to 625 pounds if your weight numbers are
> on
> > target. Plus you gain some storage.
> >
> > Good idea saving the parts to the next owner.
> >
> > Good Luck,
> >
> > Tom Eckert N2VWN
> > 73 Glacier - going solar...
> > Oakland, TN
> >
> >
> > On Wed, Oct 26, 2011 at 8:55 AM, Phil Swanson <woodyman1@sbcglobal.net
> >wrote:
> >
> >>
> >>
> >> I am thinking about dumping those two big heavy Trojan batteries. I
> never
> >> go dry camping and only use hookups on the road so I was thinking about
> >> dumping those two big lead weights and buying the biggest single starter
> >> battery I can find. The generator is going to go too because I am tired
> of
> >> lugging all this stuff all over the place and never using any of it.
> Anyone
> >> else done this? I am probably going to cut about 700 pounds from this
> >> beast. Not selling any of it tho since the next owner might want to
> >> reinstall it.
> >>
> >> Phil Swanson
> >> _______________________________________________
> >> GMCnet mailing list
> >> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> >> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> >>
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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Re: [GMCnet] GMC On A Diet [message #147853 is a reply to message #147847] Wed, 26 October 2011 12:22 Go to previous messageGo to next message
philipswanson is currently offline  philipswanson   United States
Messages: 282
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 0
Senior Member
[quote title=James Hupy wrote on Wed, 26 October 2011 09:55]One owner retained the Onan, but made a roll around cart for it so that it
could be easily installed in a short time. Then when he needed home power
during power outages, he could just plug in and have standby power, or he
could have it in his GMC, and he did not have to lug it around if he was not
going to use it.

Good idea. I have thought about this before. Also LED lighting and solar panels would be a good way to go. I am not worried about a starter battery not lasting because they typically have a 3 year free replacement anyway. Who cares!

Phil Swanson
Re: [GMCnet] GMC On A Diet / Dayton [message #147854 is a reply to message #147852] Wed, 26 October 2011 12:41 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ray Erspamer is currently offline  Ray Erspamer   United States
Messages: 1707
Registered: May 2007
Location: Milwaukee Wisconsin
Karma: -3
Senior Member
I too went through our coach and shed as much weight as possible.

Got rid of:
Roof Pod
Luggage Rack & Ladder
2nd roof a/c unit
A crap load of extra parts, a floor jack, big tools, etc.

Once you go through enough of the mechanicals, there's a confidence level that
let's a person have a peaceful mind about trips.

Well, I did add SOME weight on our trips......BEER !!!! LOL

Ray


Ray & Lisa Erspamer
78 Royale "Great Lakes Eagle"
Center Kitchen TZE368V101144
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226
Email: 78GMC-Royale@att.net
414-745-3188
Web Site: http://ray-lisa.page.tl/



----- Original Message ----
From: Tom Eckert <gmcrv1@gmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Wed, October 26, 2011 11:44:56 AM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] GMC On A Diet / Dayton

Dolpe,

I haven't been to Dayton in a few years, don't recall seeing one there.
Would make an interesting trip. I used to attend every year when I lived
in NJ. I can't remember the space sizes - it may be restricted to 23'
coaches...

Tom Eckert N2VWN
73 Glacier - Collins KWM 2 - Drake TR4CW w/RIT (Both Stations mint OEM or
better)
Oakland, TN

On Wed, Oct 26, 2011 at 9:35 AM, Dolph Santorine
<dolph@dolphsantorine.com>wrote:

> Tom:
>
> DE N8JPC
>
> Is there a GMC Motorhome area at the Dayton Hamvention?
>
> With the number of Amateur radio operators here, one might think........
>
> Dolph Santorine
>
> Dolph@DolphSantorine.com
>
> Phone: 304-219-3100
> Cell: 740-312-5342
>
> Http://www.DolphSantorine.com
>
> Excuse me for not being my usual wordy and sporadically verbose self. This
> message is sent from my iPad, which is, in many ways, an iPhone on steroids.
>
> No trees were killed in the sending of this message. Few long dead
> dinosaurs were involved. A large number of electrons were terribly
> inconvenienced.
>
> On Oct 26, 2011, at 10:24 AM, Tom Eckert <gmcrv1@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > Phil,
> >
> > You are probably correct in shedding all that weight. I bought the
> biggest
> > RV/Marine battery that Wal-Mart sells. Larger capacity, $10 cheaper and
> > better warranty then Costco's best. My goal is to convert 100% to LED's
> > with solar charging capability. Not sure if I'll go 100% solar, but it
> is
> > nice to have the ability to have some kind of power and a back up battery
> > should it be needed to start the coach.
> >
> > Just something you might consider. Battery was $90 and the solar panel I
> am
> > using I picked up at the ham radio convention/flea market in Dayton for
> $75.
> > The solar panel is commercial grade - the same kind you see powering
> remote
> > traffic signs along the interstates.
> >
> > This would still save you close to 625 pounds if your weight numbers are
> on
> > target. Plus you gain some storage.
> >
> > Good idea saving the parts to the next owner.
> >
> > Good Luck,
> >
> > Tom Eckert N2VWN
> > 73 Glacier - going solar...
> > Oakland, TN
> >
> >
> > On Wed, Oct 26, 2011 at 8:55 AM, Phil Swanson <woodyman1@sbcglobal.net
> >wrote:
> >
> >>
> >>
> >> I am thinking about dumping those two big heavy Trojan batteries. I
> never
> >> go dry camping and only use hookups on the road so I was thinking about
> >> dumping those two big lead weights and buying the biggest single starter
> >> battery I can find. The generator is going to go too because I am tired
> of
> >> lugging all this stuff all over the place and never using any of it.
> Anyone
> >> else done this? I am probably going to cut about 700 pounds from this
> >> beast. Not selling any of it tho since the next owner might want to
> >> reinstall it.
> >>
> >> Phil Swanson
> >> _______________________________________________
> >> GMCnet mailing list
> >> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> >> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> >>
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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>
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Ray Erspamer 78 GMC Royale Center Kitchen 403, 3.70 Final Drive Holley Sniper Quadrajet EFI System, Holley Hyperspark Ignition System 414-484-9431
Re: [GMCnet] GMC On A Diet / Dayton [message #147908 is a reply to message #147844] Thu, 27 October 2011 02:55 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Burton is currently offline  Ken Burton   United States
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
Senior Member
Dolph Santorine wrote on Wed, 26 October 2011 09:35

Tom:

DE N8JPC

Is there a GMC Motorhome area at the Dayton Hamvention?

With the number of Amateur radio operators here, one might think........

Dolph Santorine



There is no area specifically set aside at Dayton for motorhomes but there are plenty of them around. The Millers (Jim Sr. and James) have their's in the flea market are on the west side. I and many others have parked across the street in the mud lot but up on the hill. The paved east parking lot is filled with primarily motorhomes. There are some more 1/2 block down the street east of there parked on the south side of the road.

Contact the Dayton Hamvention for more ideas. They do not own the mud lot and the one just east of there so they will not tell you about them. They do own the paved one.


Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
Re: [GMCnet] GMC On A Diet [message #147946 is a reply to message #147835] Thu, 27 October 2011 13:07 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Richard Denney is currently offline  Richard Denney   United States
Messages: 920
Registered: April 2010
Karma: 9
Senior Member
On Wed, Oct 26, 2011 at 9:55 AM, Phil Swanson <woodyman1@sbcglobal.net>wrote:

> I am thinking about dumping those two big heavy Trojan batteries. I never
> go dry camping and only use hookups on the road so I was thinking about
> dumping those two big lead weights and buying the biggest single starter
> battery I can find. The generator is going to go too because I am tired of
> lugging all this stuff all over the place and never using any of it. Anyone
> else done this? I am probably going to cut about 700 pounds from this
> beast. Not selling any of it tho since the next owner might want to
> reinstall it.
>
> The Trojans weigh maybe 70 pounds each, and the Onan is 425 pounds or so.
Your 700 pounds isn't that much of an exaggeration.

What you propose, though, is all or nothing. If your fridge is propane, you
can keep you food cold. But how long can you keep your lights on if you are
forced to boondock at a Wal-Mart because the RV park you were aiming at is
closed for renovation, or you are too sleepy to get to it, or you are slowed
down by a mechanical problem? In those scenarios, you might not need a big
generator, but you might definitely need a battery that can take deep
cycling (which an engine starting battery is not designed to do). I would
suggest a single 12-volt house battery instead of your pair of Trojans,
which will get you through the night (even if you are running your furnace,
which uses 12 volts for the blower fan).

It is easy enough to bring a portable generator for those trips where you
might need one, such as a Honda 2000. They are quiet and efficient, and easy
to live with. But they are expensive for what they do, and they will not
have sufficient power to run a roof air-conditioner. They will do other
things, though, such as making your water hot and running your microwave (as
long as you don't do both at the same time).

For me, being able to run a roof air unit is a requirement, and I do
occasionally dry-camp. Thus, the 2000 is too small and I still needed a
decent-size generator. I replaced my flaky Onan with a Generac 3.6-KW Impact
36G (which I do not recommend, however), and it is easily 300 pounds lighter
than the Onan. If I thought I could easily store a portable in the Onan
space that would meet those requirements and run as quietly and efficiently
as the Honda, I would consider it.

Rick "wishing the Generac wasn't so noisy (acoustically and in terms of RF)"
Denney

--
'73 230 "Jaws"
Northern Virginia
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Re: [GMCnet] GMC On A Diet [message #147988 is a reply to message #147946] Thu, 27 October 2011 19:53 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mike miller   United States
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Richard Denney wrote on Thu, 27 October 2011 11:07

... but you might definitely need a battery that can take deep
cycling (which an engine starting battery is not designed to do). I would
suggest a single 12-volt house battery instead of your pair of Trojans,
which will get you through the night (even if you are running your furnace,
which uses 12 volts for the blower fan). ...


For example: My #2 coach came from the PO with a pair of "Optima BlueTop Dual Purpose" batteries. <http://www.amazon.com/Optima-Batteries-8016-103-BlueTop-Purpose/dp/B00075OSCO> On as an engine and the other as the house. It does ok without any help if the stop is just over night. (Like a Wall-Mart or rest stop.) If I dry camp for any longer (like the TI rally) I have to run the generator now and then. (I normally would charge the batteries when making coffee in the morning and/or using the microwave in the evening.) I would be SOL (or need to run the big motor) without the generator.

While the Optima BlueTop batteries work OK for "limited dry camping," I would not pay for them... they are to expensive for the amount of power the hold. When the time comes, I plan on a pair of golf cart batteries.


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
Re: GMC On A Diet [message #147991 is a reply to message #147835] Thu, 27 October 2011 20:23 Go to previous messageGo to next message
idrob is currently offline  idrob   United States
Messages: 645
Registered: January 2005
Location: Central Idaho
Karma: 0
Senior Member
philipswanson wrote on Wed, 26 October 2011 06:55

I am thinking about dumping those two big heavy Trojan batteries. I never go dry camping and only use hookups on the road so I was thinking about dumping those two big lead weights and buying the biggest single starter battery I can find. The generator is going to go too because I am tired of lugging all this stuff all over the place and never using any of it. Anyone else done this? I am probably going to cut about 700 pounds from this beast. Not selling any of it tho since the next owner might want to reinstall it.

Phil Swanson


Phil: what do you gain here, a less capable coach for the times you might use the power, and 700 # reduction. I bet you will still get 8 to 10 mpg.




Rob Allen
former owner of '76 x-PB
Re: GMC On A Diet [message #148029 is a reply to message #147991] Fri, 28 October 2011 07:55 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Jim Galbavy is currently offline  Jim Galbavy   United States
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Senior Member
I agree with Rick and Rob. Yes,it is good to shead useless weight. I don't have a pod or ladder. I have one roof A/C, replaced the Onan with a Honda EV6010 with a Wal-Mart marine deep cycle for a house battery. My refer is a two way 110v / propane (stays cold for up to 1 1/2 to 2 days on propane/ house battery before recharging) and my water heater is 110v / engine coolant so on most trips I have instant hot water which stays hot for up to 2 or 3 days without 110v hookup. On this last trip's breakdown / belt throw, the first thing that I did was kick on the Honda, turn on the roof A/C and made lunch while waiting for "the hook". I like KISS but also dependable.
JWID
jim galbavy
'73 x- CL ANNIE
Lake Mary, Fl

[Updated on: Fri, 28 October 2011 07:58]

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Re: GMC On A Diet [message #148046 is a reply to message #148029] Fri, 28 October 2011 13:12 Go to previous message
Larry C   United States
Messages: 1168
Registered: July 2004
Location: NE Illinois by the Illino...
Karma: 0
Senior Member
I suggest you do a very intesive study of your power use and needs before you remove anything. Though the weight sounds like a lot, in the overall picture, it does not matter much.

The original scheme of things had a small battery to power the genset, a single battery to power the coach and an engine battery.
BUT the original scheme did not plan on long camping outtings. More or less over nights.

In todays use, the GMC sees extended stays at camp ground and or roughing it in the boondocks. The boon docks will be the biggest concern. If you spend a couple days in camp using the coach battery pack, it will become weaker. If for any reason your coach engine battery fails, the coach battery is the back-up. If you cannot start with the coacy back up battery, then you are in a bad place. If you do not have the separate Genset battery to start the gen and charge the battery, you are in deep doo doo.

If you do not have a solar panel to help charge those weak coach batteries, and you do not have a cell phone or are out of range, you have a long walk ahead of you.

You need to plan how you well back up your systems, your plan sounds like you are thowing caution to the wind, making faces at mother nature and just going out saying "I Dare you".....

Be careful how you treat Mother Nature, she has a mean streak.


My thoughts


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