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| Royale questions [message #183348] |
Thu, 06 September 2012 12:23  |
kerry pinkerton
Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al
Karma: 15
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Senior Member |
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After talking to some folks, I've learned that the 78 Royale has a huge king size bed area and a dry bath configuration. Other year (and 78s) have rear baths and twin beds. Still others have dry side bath and twins in the rear.
If we're going to own a GMC, it's going to have to have beds we can sleep comfortably in and a longer bed but still only full size width isn't going to cut it. Life is too short to be uncomfortable. The Coachman Royales seem like the best candidates.
Some questions about Royales:
1- What are the lengths of the twin beds? For easy of getting up during the night, two twins would work better than a queen/king because we wouldn't have to be crawling over each other...as long as the twin isn't too short.
2- Do the twins have 'hangover' room or are they boxed by bulkheads top and bottom. This question applies to both rear twins and side twins.
3- School me on the 403 engine. How does it do compared to the 455?
4- Anyone know of any near the mid south area that we could go look at?
5- Any for sale?
Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama
Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L
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| Re: Royale questions [message #183350 is a reply to message #183348] |
Thu, 06 September 2012 12:30  |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
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There are people out there much more educated on the different models then I am.
but food for thought for you or anybody else out there:
I have a 75 palm beach. it has a couch/bunk, and a dinette in the front. and what might be a double bed in back.
I am short. I can sleep anywhere, but I have two friends who are Sasquatch tall. One I think is like almost 7 footer. they have no problem sleeping on the front couch, the top bunk. or the dinette opened up. My friend Jeff who is at least 6' 7" if not 7 feet. prefers the lower bunk. His main complaint is having to duck around the A/C unit, and the hooks for the upper bunk. when he stands up his hair rubs my headliner.
I know it is a nice thought to sleep on the rear sleeping positions, but there are options up front too.
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
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| Re: Royale questions [message #183353 is a reply to message #183348] |
Thu, 06 September 2012 12:36 |
habbyguy
Messages: 896
Registered: May 2012
Location: Mesa, AZ
Karma: 3
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My '78 Royale Center Kitchen is set up with a rear bedroom (full-time, modified by a PO) that's got a mattress that's the width of a full but the length of a California King (that is, 52" wide by 84" long). So I guess it's not the configuration you're interested in anyway, but may serve as a data point.
My 403 pulls like a freight train... it's been rebuilt (by Lamey in CA), though apparently to a stock spec
. The specs for the 403 are remarkably close to those for the 455 - only 12 horsepower difference (and I believe a similar reduction in torque). But mine will effortlessly cruise at 75mph+ with plenty of throttle left (this is with a Holley carb, BTW). If I could snap my fingers and switch my motor out for a 455 in similar condition, I'd wear gloves. 
I'd suggest that a late-model Royale would be a great coach to search for. They have all the latest (relative term!) updates, plus those nice walnut cabinets. My coach has been so worked over that I'm not really sure what's stock and what's been added, but I couldn't be happier with the layout and finish.
Mark Hickey
Mesa, AZ
1978 Royale Center Kitchen
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| Re: Royale questions [message #183355 is a reply to message #183353] |
Thu, 06 September 2012 12:46 |
stick miller
Messages: 1036
Registered: March 2010
Location: Americus, Georgia
Karma: 0
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Twins are 75", I think. I'm 77" and it wasn't a good fit. With a couple of glasses of red wine and an Ambien I slept pretty well, but really the beds are short. I think an Edgemonte has 77" beds.
On the Royale, the DS bed is landlocked by the bath. Nowhere to go on the DS. The PS bed is landlocked by a closet that could be modified. Suggested remedies included cutting down the size of the closet, cutting a hole in the closet for my feet, cutting a hole in the rear of the coach for the same reason, having surgery to remove part of my legs.
If I was in the market, I'd be looking at a rear bath Royale. PS bed is not landlocked on the rear bath.
Stick Miller
'78 Royale - "White Trash" - she left me for another man
'76 Eleganza - "Cousin Eddie" Sold
'84 Bluebird Wanderlodge - "Past Tents"
Americus, GA
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| Re: [GMCnet] Royale questions [message #183405 is a reply to message #183348] |
Thu, 06 September 2012 17:43 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Kerry,
1) The coaches that came with twin beds were:
Royale = 74" x 34"
Avion = 75" x 34"
Edgemont = 77" x wider than 34" but I can't remember how wide
2) The measurements above are:
a) from the closet wall to the rear wall on the passenger side
b) from the bathroom wall to the rear wall on the driver side
3) The 403 has a shorter stroke resulting in 52 cubic inches less. Due to the shorter stroke it can be rev'd higher.
4) Any what for sale? You weren't clear as to what exactly you wanted.
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: Kerry Pinkerton
After talking to some folks, I've learned that the 78 Royale has a huge king size bed area and a dry bath configuration. Other year
(and 78s) have rear baths and twin beds. Still others have dry side bath and twins in the rear.
If we're going to own a GMC, it's going to have to have beds we can sleep comfortably in and a longer bed but still only full size
width isn't going to cut it. Life is too short to be uncomfortable. The Coachman Royales seem like the best candidates.
Some questions about Royales:
1- What are the lengths of the twin beds? For easy of getting up during the night, two twins would work better than a queen/king
because we wouldn't have to be crawling over each other...as long as the twin isn't too short.
2- Do the twins have 'hangover' room or are they boxed by bulkheads top and bottom. This question applies to both rear twins and
side twins.
3- School me on the 403 engine. How does it do compared to the 455?
4- Anyone know of any near the mid south area that we could go look at?
5- Any for sale?
--
Kerry Pinkerton
North Alabama, near Huntsville,
73 Sequoia 23' "The Beast", 60K mile original coach.
76 Eleganza being rebodied as an Art Deco car hauler
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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: Royale questions [message #183407 is a reply to message #183348] |
Thu, 06 September 2012 18:01 |
C Boyd
Messages: 2629
Registered: April 2006
Karma: 18
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Senior Member |
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Sir this one might be still available in Sevierville, Tn. Reported to have less than 40k original. Front kitchen, dry bath. $85000 ???..
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6049-78-royale-4-sale.html
| Kerry Pinkerton wrote on Thu, 06 September 2012 13:23 |
After talking to some folks, I've learned that the 78 Royale has a huge king size bed area and a dry bath configuration. Other year (and 78s) have rear baths and twin beds. Still others have dry side bath and twins in the rear.
If we're going to own a GMC, it's going to have to have beds we can sleep comfortably in and a longer bed but still only full size width isn't going to cut it. Life is too short to be uncomfortable. The Coachman Royales seem like the best candidates.
Some questions about Royales:
1- What are the lengths of the twin beds? For easy of getting up during the night, two twins would work better than a queen/king because we wouldn't have to be crawling over each other...as long as the twin isn't too short.
2- Do the twins have 'hangover' room or are they boxed by bulkheads top and bottom. This question applies to both rear twins and side twins.
3- School me on the 403 engine. How does it do compared to the 455?
4- Anyone know of any near the mid south area that we could go look at?
5- Any for sale?
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C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
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| Re: [GMCnet] Royale questions [message #183408 is a reply to message #183405] |
Thu, 06 September 2012 18:00 |
emerystora
Messages: 4442
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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The rear bath Royale 26' twin bed on the passenger side doesn't butt against a wall on one end. So if a tall person wants to hang his feet over the end of the mattress he has a lot of room.
Emery Stora
On Sep 6, 2012, at 4:43 PM, Rob Mueller <robmueller@iinet.net.au> wrote:
> Kerry,
>
> 1) The coaches that came with twin beds were:
>
> Royale = 74" x 34"
> Avion = 75" x 34"
> Edgemont = 77" x wider than 34" but I can't remember how wide
>
> 2) The measurements above are:
>
> a) from the closet wall to the rear wall on the passenger side
> b) from the bathroom wall to the rear wall on the driver side
>
> 3) The 403 has a shorter stroke resulting in 52 cubic inches less. Due to the shorter stroke it can be rev'd higher.
>
> 4) Any what for sale? You weren't clear as to what exactly you wanted.
>
> Regards,
> Rob M.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Kerry Pinkerton
>
> After talking to some folks, I've learned that the 78 Royale has a huge king size bed area and a dry bath configuration. Other year
> (and 78s) have rear baths and twin beds. Still others have dry side bath and twins in the rear.
>
> If we're going to own a GMC, it's going to have to have beds we can sleep comfortably in and a longer bed but still only full size
> width isn't going to cut it. Life is too short to be uncomfortable. The Coachman Royales seem like the best candidates.
>
> Some questions about Royales:
>
> 1- What are the lengths of the twin beds? For easy of getting up during the night, two twins would work better than a queen/king
> because we wouldn't have to be crawling over each other...as long as the twin isn't too short.
>
> 2- Do the twins have 'hangover' room or are they boxed by bulkheads top and bottom. This question applies to both rear twins and
> side twins.
>
> 3- School me on the 403 engine. How does it do compared to the 455?
>
> 4- Anyone know of any near the mid south area that we could go look at?
>
> 5- Any for sale?
> --
> Kerry Pinkerton
>
> North Alabama, near Huntsville,
>
> 73 Sequoia 23' "The Beast", 60K mile original coach.
>
> 76 Eleganza being rebodied as an Art Deco car hauler
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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| Re: Royale questions [message #183426 is a reply to message #183407] |
Thu, 06 September 2012 19:00 |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Nice looking coach in the link.
Kerry, you might be most interested in the "dry bath with U dinette" listed in this brochure:
<http://www.bdub.net/publications/1978_GMC_by_Coachman/1978_GMC_Coachman.htm>
Notice that it should be fairly easy to make just about any rear twin model into a rear U dinette model.
If I understand it correctly, there were more Royales made in 1978 than any other model, so there should be some available.
As for the 403, with stock gearing, I find it doesn't have the pulling power of the 455. The only time it is an issue is when towing... in the mountains. Jimk has final drives to help this issue. So the motor size is NOT a reason to pass on a nice coach. Overall condition is FAR more important.
| Kerry Pinkerton wrote on Thu, 06 September 2012 13:23 |
After talking to some folks, I've learned that the 78 Royale has a huge king size bed area and a dry bath configuration. Other year (and 78s) have rear baths and twin beds. Still others have dry side bath and twins in the rear.
If we're going to own a GMC, it's going to have to have beds we can sleep comfortably in and a longer bed but still only full size width isn't going to cut it. Life is too short to be uncomfortable. The Coachman Royales seem like the best candidates.
Some questions about Royales:...
|
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: Royale questions [message #183438 is a reply to message #183348] |
Thu, 06 September 2012 20:38 |
kerry pinkerton
Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al
Karma: 15
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Senior Member |
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I guess I don't know what I'm looking for. 77" is a workable length. Rear twin beds 77" long with an aisle between may be the best solution because I don't sleep that much and it would be nice to be able to get up close the bedroom off so the wife can continue to sleep and I can read and make coffee or whatever.
A dry bath is very appealing. I know they are small but the wife would probably be more comfortable showering in the coach than using a campground shower.
Sorry about my ignorance, I've seen 2 decent GMC's now so I'm far from knowledgeable.
I've got an email in on the 78 Royale in Knoxville that Chuck Boyd posted. It appears to have the rear lounge and based on what Jerry Work tells me is a larger than king size bed when configured as a bed.
Based on what has been shared previously it sounds like the rear lounge 78 Royale or the Edgemont with the long twins are the best bets.
We're going to take our time looking this time.
Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama
Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L
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| Re: [GMCnet] Royale questions [message #183441 is a reply to message #183438] |
Thu, 06 September 2012 20:50 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Kerry,
If I were at all in the market for another coach, I'd definitely be looking
at the coach Dale Frahm has listed here:
http://www.gmcgreatlakers.org/sale/
That, to me, is the best GMC floor plan available, especially for tall
folks. Your desire to close off the bedroom could probably be satisfied as
I do in the 23': Put a "pullman curtain" beside her bed so she won't be
disturbed by your activities. I have to put one around mine when I stay on
line or read for hours after she goes to bed. A black shower curtain
serves very well.
Even more important than the floor plan is that 'most everything important
about the coach is nearly new. And by a well known, highly capable GMC
owner.
I'm tempted even though I don't want to give up my 23'!
Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI+ & EBL
www.gmcwipersetc.com
On Thu, Sep 6, 2012 at 9:38 PM, Kerry Pinkerton <Pinkertonk@mchsi.com>wrote:
>
>
> I guess I don't know what I'm looking for. 77" is a workable length.
> Rear twin beds 77" long with an aisle between may be the best solution
> because I don't sleep that much and it would be nice to be able to get up
> close the bedroom off so the wife can continue to sleep and I can read and
> make coffee or whatever.
>
> A dry bath is very appealing. I know they are small but the wife would
> probably be more comfortable showering in the coach than using a campground
> shower.
>
> Sorry about my ignorance, I've seen 2 decent GMC's now so I'm far from
> knowledgeable.
>
> I've got an email in on the 78 Royale in Knoxville that Chuck Boyd posted.
> It appears to have the rear lounge and based on what Jerry Work tells me
> is a larger than king size bed when configured as a bed.
>
> Based on what has been shared previously it sounds like the rear lounge 78
> Royale or the Edgemont with the long twins are the best bets.
>
> We're going to take our time looking this time.
> --
>
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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: Royale questions [message #183444 is a reply to message #183348] |
Thu, 06 September 2012 21:17 |
Charley
Messages: 116
Registered: September 2010
Location: Magnolia Texas
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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I have an Edgemont and love the layout. I have twin memory foam matresses in the back that I can pull together to make a king. Also have my closet door made so that it can close off the bedroom. I can send you some pictures although I am still restoring mine. Too bad you're not closer I am in Texas just north of Houston.
Charley Harris
Magnolia Texas
1976 Edgemont
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| Re: [GMCnet] Royale questions [message #183446 is a reply to message #183441] |
Thu, 06 September 2012 21:33 |
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Kerry,
Having owned a Royale RB I'd go for an Edgemonte. However, finding one is
like looking for a big needle in a small haystack. It's still hard to
find. They are very rare and was, in my book, the best configuration made
on the TZE platform. However, here is an issue. If you're too long for a
Royale mattress on the passenger side you're not going to fit in the
shower unless you stand with your head tilted or sit in the seat part of
the tub. I'm just less than 6 feet and found I could fit but any taller
and you'll need to lean. In a side dry bath the leaning will be forward or
backward instead of side-to-side. But, you'll have more room.
The standard Royale RB has a curtain rod to separate the back half from
the front half. Put up something with at room-darkening liner and you'll
be OK.
Ingenious types have dealt with the dinette situation by putting in club
chairs.
One more good thing about the Royale RB is that it's easy to get out of
the way when it comes to using the kitchen. Just sit on the bed or take a
nap and have "her" call you when the meal is ready.
I second the motion on the coach for sale on Great Lakers.
If you weren't opposed to a ride over to Buford, GA you could connect with
Zeb Frady at Southland Motorhome and enquire of any Royale's he may know
of.
BTW, we're up and down 65 once in a while on our way to Pensacola from
Louisville, KY. I also have a cousin who sells high powered weaponry to
foreign countries out of Huntsville.
Byron Songer
Louisville, KY
News and Web Editor, GMC Eastern States
http://www.gmceast.com
ATTENTION: This reply is in reference to what is provided below
>Kerry,
>
>If I were at all in the market for another coach, I'd definitely be
>looking
>at the coach Dale Frahm has listed here:
>
>http://www.gmcgreatlakers.org/sale/
>
>That, to me, is the best GMC floor plan available, especially for tall
>folks. Your desire to close off the bedroom could probably be satisfied
>as
>I do in the 23': Put a "pullman curtain" beside her bed so she won't be
>disturbed by your activities. I have to put one around mine when I stay
>on
>line or read for hours after she goes to bed. A black shower curtain
>serves very well.
>
>Even more important than the floor plan is that 'most everything important
>about the coach is nearly new. And by a well known, highly capable GMC
>owner.
>
>I'm tempted even though I don't want to give up my 23'!
>
>Ken H.
>Americus, GA
>'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI+ & EBL
>www.gmcwipersetc.com
>
>
>
>On Thu, Sep 6, 2012 at 9:38 PM, Kerry Pinkerton
><Pinkertonk@mchsi.com>wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> I guess I don't know what I'm looking for. 77" is a workable length.
>> Rear twin beds 77" long with an aisle between may be the best solution
>> because I don't sleep that much and it would be nice to be able to get
>>up
>> close the bedroom off so the wife can continue to sleep and I can read
>>and
>> make coffee or whatever.
>>
>> A dry bath is very appealing. I know they are small but the wife would
>> probably be more comfortable showering in the coach than using a
>>campground
>> shower.
>>
>> Sorry about my ignorance, I've seen 2 decent GMC's now so I'm far from
>> knowledgeable.
>>
>> I've got an email in on the 78 Royale in Knoxville that Chuck Boyd
>>posted.
>> It appears to have the rear lounge and based on what Jerry Work tells
>>me
>> is a larger than king size bed when configured as a bed.
>>
>> Based on what has been shared previously it sounds like the rear lounge
>>78
>> Royale or the Edgemont with the long twins are the best bets.
>>
>> We're going to take our time looking this time.
>> --
>>
>_______________________________________________
>GMCnet mailing list
>Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
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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] Royale questions [message #183467 is a reply to message #183438] |
Thu, 06 September 2012 23:32 |
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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,
Rear twin Royale's, Edgemonts, and Avions all have dry baths. Personally I think they are a waste of real estate. From front to back
they take up 60 inches of linear wall space. IIRC a wet bath only takes 48. That 12" is a LOT of space that could be utilized
better.
The shower in a dry bath is very cramped if you are a big guy. Also the head room ain't good.
In a wet bath you can face the shower head to get wet and rinse off and sideways to lather up. You have much more room to
"maneuver." When you're done, you wipe down the toilet seat, and sink area then wring out the cloth and you're done.
Unfortunately as I noted above all the rear twin's come with dry baths.
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: Kerry Pinkerton
I guess I don't know what I'm looking for. 77" is a workable length. Rear twin beds 77" long with an aisle between may be the best
solution because I don't sleep that much and it would be nice to be able to get up close the bedroom off so the wife can continue to
sleep and I can read and make coffee or whatever.
A dry bath is very appealing. I know they are small but the wife would probably be more comfortable showering in the coach than
using a campground shower.
Sorry about my ignorance, I've seen 2 decent GMC's now so I'm far from knowledgeable.
I've got an email in on the 78 Royale in Knoxville that Chuck Boyd posted. It appears to have the rear lounge and based on what
Jerry Work tells me is a larger than king size bed when configured as a bed.
Based on what has been shared previously it sounds like the rear lounge 78 Royale or the Edgemont with the long twins are the best
bets.
We're going to take our time looking this time.
--
Kerry Pinkerton
North Alabama, near Huntsville,
73 Sequoia 23' "The Beast", 60K mile original coach.
76 Eleganza being rebodied as an Art Deco car hauler
_______________________________________________
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
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: [GMCnet] Royale questions [message #183488 is a reply to message #183467] |
Fri, 07 September 2012 06:53 |
Jim Bounds
Messages: 842
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Rob and others,
It's sort of like that waiter at the Italian resturant says "good choice" when you place your order-- heck every order is a good choice to him and making you feel good about your selection is his goal. Each person rationalizes all the things they do and have in their coach, are they wrong-- are you right-- there are no set answers.
We're working through a master bed, center galley Royale right now. We took out the shower mold and are making a big "wet t bath" head. The owner really likes his bigger bed not for himself and wife but he has 5 kids, 3 of them take the big bed in the back leaving the dinette all theirs! Are they right? Heck, our next project on that project will be to make the dinette bed flat! How about a huge skylight in the main area ceiling? To some it will resemble an easy bake oven in the summer---- ah but Mark lives in Canada-- Ft. McMurry so the driving sun may not be a problem to him, we're doing a skylight cover for it anyway.
See, features and options that folks feel they just must have to others may be silly or not efficient-- I would say you are right on your comments-- but am I playing that Italian waiter? Hey, my job is to make folks pleased with their coach-- as you said in my video-- "they are never done!"
Personally, I feel the GM floorplan is a good one-- very efficient but I also think a rear Bath floorplan has a lote to offer. Bling-bling, if you will remember was a forward galley Royale that we turned into a center galley, we took out the shower mold in that one too making a bigger bath and a pull out pantry. Some love it while others not so much. hey, it's what the owner of the coach feels that's important!
Jim Bounds
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________________________________
From: Rob Mueller <robmueller@iinet.net.au>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Friday, September 7, 2012 12:32 AM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Royale questions
Kerry,
Rear twin Royale's, Edgemonts, and Avions all have dry baths. Personally I think they are a waste of real estate. From front to back
they take up 60 inches of linear wall space. IIRC a wet bath only takes 48. That 12" is a LOT of space that could be utilized
better.
The shower in a dry bath is very cramped if you are a big guy. Also the head room ain't good.
In a wet bath you can face the shower head to get wet and rinse off and sideways to lather up. You have much more room to
"maneuver." When you're done, you wipe down the toilet seat, and sink area then wring out the cloth and you're done.
Unfortunately as I noted above all the rear twin's come with dry baths.
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: Kerry Pinkerton
I guess I don't know what I'm looking for. 77" is a workable length. Rear twin beds 77" long with an aisle between may be the best
solution because I don't sleep that much and it would be nice to be able to get up close the bedroom off so the wife can continue to
sleep and I can read and make coffee or whatever.
A dry bath is very appealing. I know they are small but the wife would probably be more comfortable showering in the coach than
using a campground shower.
Sorry about my ignorance, I've seen 2 decent GMC's now so I'm far from knowledgeable.
I've got an email in on the 78 Royale in Knoxville that Chuck Boyd posted. It appears to have the rear lounge and based on what
Jerry Work tells me is a larger than king size bed when configured as a bed.
Based on what has been shared previously it sounds like the rear lounge 78 Royale or the Edgemont with the long twins are the best
bets.
We're going to take our time looking this time.
--
Kerry Pinkerton
North Alabama, near Huntsville,
73 Sequoia 23' "The Beast", 60K mile original coach.
76 Eleganza being rebodied as an Art Deco car hauler
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| Re: [GMCnet] Royale questions [message #183501 is a reply to message #183407] |
Fri, 07 September 2012 08:46 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Senior Member |
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And for 85 Large, it's gonna be available for a long time.
--johnny
'76 23' transmode norris
'76 palm beach
From: Charles Boyd <covered-wagon@comcast.net>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Thursday, September 6, 2012 7:01 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Royale questions
Sir this one might be still available in Sevierville, Tn. Reported to have less than 40k original. Front kitchen, dry bath. $85000 ???..
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6049-78-royale-4-sale.html
Kerry Pinkerton wrote on Thu, 06 September 2012 13:23
> After talking to some folks, I've learned that the 78 Royale has a huge king size bed area and a dry bath configuration. Other year (and 78s) have rear baths and twin beds. Still others have dry side bath and twins in the rear.
>
> If we're going to own a GMC, it's going to have to have beds we can sleep comfortably in and a longer bed but still only full size width isn't going to cut it. Life is too short to be uncomfortable. The Coachman Royales seem like the best candidates.
>
> Some questions about Royales:
>
> 1- What are the lengths of the twin beds? For easy of getting up during the night, two twins would work better than a queen/king because we wouldn't have to be crawling over each other...as long as the twin isn't too short.
>
> 2- Do the twins have 'hangover' room or are they boxed by bulkheads top and bottom. This question applies to both rear twins and side twins.
>
> 3- School me on the 403 engine. How does it do compared to the 455?
>
> 4- Anyone know of any near the mid south area that we could go look at?
>
> 5- Any for sale?
--
C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
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Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: Royale questions [message #183509 is a reply to message #183355] |
Fri, 07 September 2012 09:44 |
Ray E
Messages: 13
Registered: January 2006
Location: Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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Our 78 Center Kitchen came with twins, the PO had modified one side so that his side was 80" long, he had the kitchen shortened up by 6". I ran plywood across and we turned it into a HUGE kind bed. Laid down a king size piece of high density 2" foam and then on top of that a king memory foam WEDGE mattress topper. We sleep with our heads to the rear of the coach, the wedge mattress topper works great, it's 6" thick in the rear and 1/2" thick in the front. Considering that the rear of the coach is usually lower than the front this works out great. Both Lisa and I feel that our bed in the GMC is more comfortable then our bed at home. On the width, even with a king mattress, we both have 6" of extra space on each side of us. LOVE OUR KING BED !
Ray Erspamer - 78 Royale
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226
78gmc-roayale@att.net
414-484-9431
Our Web Page: http://ray-lisa.page.tl
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| Re: [GMCnet] Royale questions [message #183513 is a reply to message #183441] |
Fri, 07 September 2012 09:57 |
sgltrac
Messages: 2797
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Either it sold or will be for sale for awhile as he has not returned my voice mail left the day of this initial post
Silly
77 royale
Sent from my iPhone
On Sep 6, 2012, at 6:50 PM, Ken Henderson <hend4800@bellsouth.net> wrote:
> Kerry,
>
> If I were at all in the market for another coach, I'd definitely be looking
> at the coach Dale Frahm has listed here:
>
> http://www.gmcgreatlakers.org/sale/
>
> That, to me, is the best GMC floor plan available, especially for tall
> folks. Your desire to close off the bedroom could probably be satisfied as
> I do in the 23': Put a "pullman curtain" beside her bed so she won't be
> disturbed by your activities. I have to put one around mine when I stay on
> line or read for hours after she goes to bed. A black shower curtain
> serves very well.
>
> Even more important than the floor plan is that 'most everything important
> about the coach is nearly new. And by a well known, highly capable GMC
> owner.
>
> I'm tempted even though I don't want to give up my 23'!
>
> Ken H.
> Americus, GA
> '76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI+ & EBL
> www.gmcwipersetc.com
>
>
>
> On Thu, Sep 6, 2012 at 9:38 PM, Kerry Pinkerton <Pinkertonk@mchsi.com>wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> I guess I don't know what I'm looking for. 77" is a workable length.
>> Rear twin beds 77" long with an aisle between may be the best solution
>> because I don't sleep that much and it would be nice to be able to get up
>> close the bedroom off so the wife can continue to sleep and I can read and
>> make coffee or whatever.
>>
>> A dry bath is very appealing. I know they are small but the wife would
>> probably be more comfortable showering in the coach than using a campground
>> shower.
>>
>> Sorry about my ignorance, I've seen 2 decent GMC's now so I'm far from
>> knowledgeable.
>>
>> I've got an email in on the 78 Royale in Knoxville that Chuck Boyd posted.
>> It appears to have the rear lounge and based on what Jerry Work tells me
>> is a larger than king size bed when configured as a bed.
>>
>> Based on what has been shared previously it sounds like the rear lounge 78
>> Royale or the Edgemont with the long twins are the best bets.
>>
>> We're going to take our time looking this time.
>> --
>>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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Sully
77 Royale basket case.
Future motorhome land speed record holder(bucket list)
Seattle, Wa.
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| Re: Royale questions [message #183519 is a reply to message #183509] |
Fri, 07 September 2012 10:24 |
stick miller
Messages: 1036
Registered: March 2010
Location: Americus, Georgia
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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I'm going to chime in here one more time.
The '78 Royale I owned could be modified to lengthen the PS rear twin by cutting into the closet. The dry bath is small, but I used it daily. My wife preferred the bathhouse. I just wanted to prove a point by using the coach bath. I'm 6'5" 235.
I think you have to make some choices:
1. Do you want twins or do you want to crawl over your spouse in the night. My wife and I do not sleep well in anything smaller than a king, and neither wants to crawl.
2. Do you want a living area? One of my objections to the Royal rear twin layout is that there is nowhere to sit and watch tv or talk. We talked about removing the dinette and replacing with a sofa or 2 barrel chairs, but you are still staring at a whole lotta kitchen. Propane tank needs to be worked into the equation since in the royale, the tank is under the aft dinette seat.
3. Do you really want all that storage? Cutting into the rear closet will take up some storage space. If you are intent on taking everything you own on a trip, you might want to rethink cutting the closet. We made a decision after a couple of trips that we had way more storage space than we needed. The more space we have - the more we will use.
4. Is major cooking or a large prep space essential to you. If so, the royale rear twin really gives you a lot of kitchen. We hardly cook at home and certainly don't need that cabinet space. Trouble is that the furnace and the water heater are under the kitchen cabinets.
5. If you are tall, the driver seat doesn't go back far enough for me to be comfortable. Ken H. made a new seat bracket for me and that got it back some, but then it hit the kitchen counter.
Do yourself a favor and try lying down on the passenger side twin in a Royale. Put your head forward against the closet. I really slept fairly well and would not have sold my coach on this issue alone. (my decision to sell was based on my loss of employment)
I'm not in the market, but if I was, I'd look for a Rear bath Royale, do whatever it takes to make the beds comfortable - real mattress, etc. - remove the dinette and replace with barrel chairs and cut off enough of the kitchen counter top to make me comfortable in the driver's seat.
Good luck with your search.
Stick Miller
'78 Royale - "White Trash" - she left me for another man
'76 Eleganza - "Cousin Eddie" Sold
'84 Bluebird Wanderlodge - "Past Tents"
Americus, GA
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