Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » [GMCnet] The "idiot's guide" to my GMC
| [GMCnet] The "idiot's guide" to my GMC [message #205183] |
Fri, 19 April 2013 00:18  |
Shirley Pruitt
Messages: 20
Registered: March 2013
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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Hi all.
We are about 2 weeks away from taking our "shakedown" cruise in the '76
Eleganza! I'm having cosmetic work done and with the coach a fair distance
from me and work obligations keeping me way too busy, I haven't been able
to play around with the systems and learn what's what since I bought the
coach at the end of February.
I've been a faithful reader of the posts (although my eyes glaze over on
the really technical mechanical issues ;-) But until this purchase, we
used a pop-up camper with no bathroom, no generator and certainly no air
bags!
Is there a "checklist" of sorts that already exists to help newbies
remember what to do and when to do it? Like, once I find the sweet spot
for the night and put the coach in "park" what is the first/next thing to
do...followed by.....etc. Even if it is only a list of things in no
particular order to remember to do when setting up and breaking down.
Our first "trip" isn't going to be too far from home in case of
catastrophic failure of one sort or another. Then we plan to take day
trips on as many weekends as possible to keep shaking the bugs out before
summer when the kids and I hope to make the trek from NC to Michigan to
surprise my parents! :-)
The kids and I usually fly up to visit them but the kids get bored because
there isn't much to do where my parents live and my dad has been disabled
for years and can't sit comfortably in a car. That limits what we can do
when we get there and keeps my parents from being able to join us when we
head up to northern Michigan with my brother and his family for a week at
Elk lake.
So this year I hope to toss gramps in "Eugene" (yes, our coach is a guy!)
and he can rest on the bed while we drive to the places I have always
wanted to show the kids and Viola' - quality time with three generations!
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| Re: [GMCnet] The "idiot's guide" to my GMC [message #205186 is a reply to message #205183] |
Fri, 19 April 2013 01:06  |
powerjon
Messages: 2446
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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This may be of some help.
http://www.bdub.net/publications/Pre-Travel-Checklist.pdf
JR Wright
GMC Great Laker MHC
GMC Eastern States
GMCMHI
78 Buskirk 30' Stretch
1975 Avion (Under Reconstruction)
Michigan
On Apr 19, 2013, at 1:18 AM, Shirley Pruitt <spruitt12345@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi all.
>
> We are about 2 weeks away from taking our "shakedown" cruise in the '76
> Eleganza! I'm having cosmetic work done and with the coach a fair distance
> from me and work obligations keeping me way too busy, I haven't been able
> to play around with the systems and learn what's what since I bought the
> coach at the end of February.
>
> I've been a faithful reader of the posts (although my eyes glaze over on
> the really technical mechanical issues ;-) But until this purchase, we
> used a pop-up camper with no bathroom, no generator and certainly no air
> bags!
>
> Is there a "checklist" of sorts that already exists to help newbies
> remember what to do and when to do it? Like, once I find the sweet spot
> for the night and put the coach in "park" what is the first/next thing to
> do...followed by.....etc. Even if it is only a list of things in no
> particular order to remember to do when setting up and breaking down.
>
> Our first "trip" isn't going to be too far from home in case of
> catastrophic failure of one sort or another. Then we plan to take day
> trips on as many weekends as possible to keep shaking the bugs out before
> summer when the kids and I hope to make the trek from NC to Michigan to
> surprise my parents! :-)
>
> The kids and I usually fly up to visit them but the kids get bored because
> there isn't much to do where my parents live and my dad has been disabled
> for years and can't sit comfortably in a car. That limits what we can do
> when we get there and keeps my parents from being able to join us when we
> head up to northern Michigan with my brother and his family for a week at
> Elk lake.
>
> So this year I hope to toss gramps in "Eugene" (yes, our coach is a guy!)
> and he can rest on the bed while we drive to the places I have always
> wanted to show the kids and Viola' - quality time with three generations!
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan
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| Re: [GMCnet] The "idiot's guide" to my GMC [message #205196 is a reply to message #205186] |
Fri, 19 April 2013 06:44 |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Do not rely on the transmission Park position holding the coach. Engage the parking brake also. Remember to release the parking brake and that the handle is down to the floor. It is possible to drive the GMC with the parking brake engaged, much to my dismay.
Welcome to the best group of people on the net.
Tom, MS II
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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| Re: [GMCnet] The "idiot's guide" to my GMC [message #205200 is a reply to message #205196] |
Fri, 19 April 2013 07:28 |
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Tom forgot to add the following in front of his post "If the parking brake
is functioningŠ". On some of these coaches the mechanical brake doesn't work
well if at all. For that reason I always put blocks around at least one set
of tires. The parking prawl in the transmission is pretty good but, as Tom
says, don't rely on it. It can slip from position and cause some concern.
Byron Songer
Louisville, KY
Thomas Phipps wrote:
>
>
> Do not rely on the transmission Park position holding the coach. Engage the
> parking brake also. Remember to release the parking brake and that the handle
> is down to the floor. It is possible to drive the GMC with the parking brake
> engaged, much to my dismay.
> Welcome to the best group of people on the net.
> Tom, MS II
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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] The "idiot's guide" to my GMC [message #205210 is a reply to message #205183] |
Fri, 19 April 2013 08:50 |
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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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Shirley,
Both you and your partner should read the Operators Manual cover to cover.
If you don't have a copy of the Operators Manual you can click on the link below and download the appropriate Operators Manual for
your GMC.
http://www.bdub.net/factory-manuals.html
To determine if your GMC has a 403 or 455 engine en open the glove box and check the Service Parts Identification (SPI) label.
If the label isn't there then count the number of bolts in the valve covers:
455 = 10 bolts
403 = 5 bolts
Regards,
Rob M.
USAussie - Downunder
-----Original Message-----
From: Shirley Pruitt
Hi all.
We are about 2 weeks away from taking our "shakedown" cruise in the '76
Eleganza! I'm having cosmetic work done and with the coach a fair distance
from me and work obligations keeping me way too busy, I haven't been able
to play around with the systems and learn what's what since I bought the
coach at the end of February.
I've been a faithful reader of the posts (although my eyes glaze over on
the really technical mechanical issues ;-) But until this purchase, we
used a pop-up camper with no bathroom, no generator and certainly no air
bags!
Is there a "checklist" of sorts that already exists to help newbies
remember what to do and when to do it? Like, once I find the sweet spot
for the night and put the coach in "park" what is the first/next thing to
do...followed by.....etc. Even if it is only a list of things in no
particular order to remember to do when setting up and breaking down.
Our first "trip" isn't going to be too far from home in case of
catastrophic failure of one sort or another. Then we plan to take day
trips on as many weekends as possible to keep shaking the bugs out before
summer when the kids and I hope to make the trek from NC to Michigan to
surprise my parents! :-)
The kids and I usually fly up to visit them but the kids get bored because
there isn't much to do where my parents live and my dad has been disabled
for years and can't sit comfortably in a car. That limits what we can do
when we get there and keeps my parents from being able to join us when we
head up to northern Michigan with my brother and his family for a week at
Elk lake.
So this year I hope to toss gramps in "Eugene" (yes, our coach is a guy!)
and he can rest on the bed while we drive to the places I have always
wanted to show the kids and Viola' - quality time with three generations!
_______________________________________________
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] The "idiot's guide" to my GMC [message #205213 is a reply to message #205183] |
Fri, 19 April 2013 08:58 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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| Shirley Pruitt wrote on Fri, 19 April 2013 01:18 |
Hi all.
We are about 2 weeks away from taking our "shakedown" cruise in the '76 Eleganza! I'm having cosmetic work done and with the coach a fair distance from me and work obligations keeping me way too busy, I haven't been able to play around with the systems and learn what's what since I bought the coach at the end of February.
I've been a faithful reader of the posts (although my eyes glaze over on the really technical mechanical issues  But until this purchase, we used a pop-up camper with no bathroom, no generator and certainly no air bags!
Is there a "checklist" of sorts that already exists to help newbies remember what to do and when to do it? Like, once I find the sweet spot for the night and put the coach in "park" what is the first/next thing to do...followed by.....etc. Even if it is only a list of things in no particular order to remember to do when setting up and breaking down.
Our first "trip" isn't going to be too far from home in case of
catastrophic failure of one sort or another. Then we plan to take day trips on as many weekends as possible to keep shaking the bugs out before summer when the kids and I hope to make the trek from NC to Michigan to surprise my parents! 
The kids and I usually fly up to visit them but the kids get bored because there isn't much to do where my parents live and my dad has been disabled for years and can't sit comfortably in a car. That limits what we can do when we get there and keeps my parents from being able to join us when we head up to northern Michigan with my brother and his family for a week at
Elk lake.
So this year I hope to toss gramps in "Eugene" (yes, our coach is a guy!) and he can rest on the bed while we drive to the places I have always wanted to show the kids and Viola' - quality time with three generations!
|
Shirley,
I cannot find that I did welcome you to the group/family/cult/asylum.
Your plan is very good. It is also good that if you are going to sleep someone in the back that you have a GMC. Another GMC owner once told me that he planned to sleep in the back of an SOB (Some Other Brand) coach while it traveled and unlike a GMC, he found that he was either air-born or crashing continually and sleep was not really possible.
Your thought to try thinks out close to home is very well founded and can be justified by the experiences of many others. Even spending the night in your own driveway can prove a real learning experience.
As to the other systems that your pop-up didn't have, there isn't much to learn. The generator makes power for things that can't run on 12V like the roof air and the microwave. (Try to avoid running it less than 1/2 hour.) The potable water has a pump that you can hear run, after you have done a sanitize on the potable, fill the tank and watch the gage. When the tank gets low, find someplace to dump the black tank. This is something I would suggest that you find a native guide for on the first try. (Do you have a copy of the GMC Assist List?)
What about those airbags? (Properly called Air Springs.) A '76 Eleganza should have Electro-Level. After you start the engine, set the Left and Right switches to "Off" and the Travel switch to "Auto". When you get stopped for the night, (with the ignition on) use the Raise and Lower functions to level the coach. That is about it. Important - don't let anybody jack the coach with the system live.
Another Suggestion. I don't know where you and that will be another point, but in NC, you can't be all that far from Bean Station. That is a Dixie Landers Event the first weekend in May. If you can hit that, you will get to learn a lot. Even if Eugene can't make it, you will learn a lot. (I didn't have Chaumière at the first rally we got to, but we both learned a lot that served us well.)
As to where you are...
If you would please be kind enough to include in you sig-file your real name (we have), your coach year and model along with important modifications (yes that is in this posting) and a geographic reference. That last is really two fold. It gives the reader some idea of local conditions you are dealing with and if someone wants to help - this does happen all the time here - he immediately knows if he is in striking range.
Lastly, I missed you original introduction, so, I will tell you now that you may quickly find that this coach is much more than a new toy you own. It will become a part of your life that you did not know before. I recognized it as similar to the relation we waterman have with our boats, so I decided to welcome new owners much as a new vessel or own would be welcomed to the community. So,
May the Good Lord bless this coach and all those that set forth within her (him).
Welcome Shirley and family.
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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| Re: [GMCnet] The "idiot's guide" to my GMC [message #205244 is a reply to message #205183] |
Fri, 19 April 2013 11:13 |
rcjordan
Messages: 1913
Registered: October 2012
Location: Elizabeth City, North Car...
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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I've converted the pdf to html and broken it down into 4 checklists. The BestClassA website is designed to work on all browser sizes so it should be readable to those using smartphones.
Reading through it, the lists obviously need some updating to reflect the "modern" GMC. For instance, GMCnet often recommends NOT leaving the city water pressure on the lines but running off the fresh water tank. I think we should incorporate the top recommendations in this list. If anyone would like to offer changes and/or additions, your help would be greatly appreciated. To make it easier to reference a particular item, I've added a [List/Sequence] code.
The buttons to page through the lists are near the bottom of the pages.
http://www.bestclassa.com/tips/GMC_Motorhome_TRAVEL_CHECKLISTS/
SOLD 77 Royale Coachmen Side Dry Bath
76 Birchaven Coachmen Side Wet Bath
76 Eleganza
Elizabeth City, NC
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| Re: [GMCnet] The "idiot's guide" to my GMC [message #205245 is a reply to message #205244] |
Fri, 19 April 2013 11:19 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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I have found this document from the Co-op web page to be very helpful in understanding how to best use your air suspension:
http://www.gmccoop.com/suspension_use.htm
If your rear air system is fully functional, you can adjust it on the fly to avoid dragging your rear end over curbs, speed humps, etc. Jim Bounds recommends pumping it up at speeds under about 45 or 50 MPH. It makes sense if you read the above document. It is what I do, and I have never had problems with dragging the back end in town.
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| Re: [GMCnet] The "idiot's guide" to my GMC [message #205248 is a reply to message #205183] |
Fri, 19 April 2013 11:56 |
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Shirley,
If you haven't found it, take a look at the following web page.
http://www.gmceast.com/lifestyle/
You may find it helpful to read the GMC Pre-Travel Checklist. This is a redo
of a document that was original with the GMC MotorHome. Also of interest
will be Basic Information for GMC Motorhome Copilot. Of course, the Packing
List is handy.
Don't dismiss the earlier recommendation to spend the night in the driveway.
It will be a learning experience.
Byron Songer
Louisville, KY
Get the iOS version of the GMC Idiot's Internet Guide at the iTunes Store
and search for Gary Bovee. It's free.
Shirley Pruitt wrote:
> Hi all.
>
> Is there a "checklist" of sorts that already exists to help newbies
> remember what to do and when to do it? Like, once I find the sweet spot
> for the night and put the coach in "park" what is the first/next thing to
> do...followed by.....etc. Even if it is only a list of things in no
> particular order to remember to do when setting up and breaking down.
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List 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] The "idiot's guide" to my GMC [message #205294 is a reply to message #205248] |
Fri, 19 April 2013 20:26 |
Shirley Pruitt
Messages: 20
Registered: March 2013
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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You guys all rock!!! At one time or another I've come across many of these
sites but I got overwhelmed early on and then work took over my life for a
while. Now things are settled down and I can focus again - I feel tons
better already after just skimming through some of the pages, having it all
at my fingertips.
I printed EVERYTHING from the links above and made a geeky red binder with
tabs and everything for a little "light" reading for this weekend :-)
On Fri, Apr 19, 2013 at 12:56 PM, Byron Songer <bsonger@songerconsulting.net
> wrote:
> Shirley,
>
> If you haven't found it, take a look at the following web page.
>
> http://www.gmceast.com/lifestyle/
>
> You may find it helpful to read the GMC Pre-Travel Checklist. This is a
> redo
> of a document that was original with the GMC MotorHome. Also of interest
> will be Basic Information for GMC Motorhome Copilot. Of course, the Packing
> List is handy.
>
> Don't dismiss the earlier recommendation to spend the night in the
> driveway.
> It will be a learning experience.
>
> Byron Songer
> Louisville, KY
>
> Get the iOS version of the GMC Idiot's Internet Guide at the iTunes Store
> and search for Gary Bovee. It's free.
>
> Shirley Pruitt wrote:
>
> > Hi all.
> >
> > Is there a "checklist" of sorts that already exists to help newbies
> > remember what to do and when to do it? Like, once I find the sweet spot
> > for the night and put the coach in "park" what is the first/next thing to
> > do...followed by.....etc. Even if it is only a list of things in no
> > particular order to remember to do when setting up and breaking down.
> >
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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| Re: [GMCnet] The "idiot's guide" to my GMC [message #205310 is a reply to message #205294] |
Sat, 20 April 2013 07:43 |
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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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Shirley,
I, for one, laude your desire to "know what you're doing" before heading off on your trip, I have read some nightmare stories here
from people who just got in their new GMC and took off. I personally am kinda guilty of not knowing what I was doing when I drove
The Blue Streak from country New South Wales to Sydney. First of all I wasn't aware that I was SUPPOSED to have a special license to
drive a vehicle over 4.5 metric tonnes (9920 lbs). Fortunately I didn't get stopped by any law enforcement agents or have an
accident. Second I didn't realize how wide a GMC is and that came to light when I pulled off the freeway and heard a funny noise.
When I got out and looked I found I had scrapped the wheel well flares; knocked off a bunch of the Alcoa wheel nut covers, and tore
up a couple of the hub caps.
My biggest problem was with the way the GMC handled, it was all over the road. The first thing I discovered was that the nice new
tires were CAR tires and had 45 psi in them (the max). As I began to work on the front end I found lots of "stuff" loose.
If, when doing your homework, there is anything you or your partner don't understand please let us know, I'm sure I speak for
"everybody" here that we want your first outing to be a pleasant one.
Have a fun trip.
Regards,
Rob M.
USAussie - Downunder
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org [mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Shirley Pruitt
Sent: Friday, April 19, 2013 8:27 PM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] The "idiot's guide" to my GMC
You guys all rock!!! At one time or another I've come across many of these
sites but I got overwhelmed early on and then work took over my life for a
while. Now things are settled down and I can focus again - I feel tons
better already after just skimming through some of the pages, having it all
at my fingertips.
I printed EVERYTHING from the links above and made a geeky red binder with
tabs and everything for a little "light" reading for this weekend :-)
_______________________________________________
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] The "idiot's guide" to my GMC [message #205336 is a reply to message #205183] |
Sat, 20 April 2013 12:22 |
habbyguy
Messages: 896
Registered: May 2012
Location: Mesa, AZ
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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I had a heck of a time locating my GMC in the lane correctly at first. Eventually I figured out that was because I couldn't leave the electric seat adjustments alone. I was moving it up and down, back and forth trying out different positions. What I wasn't thinking about was that every time I moved the seat, the "sight picture" of the dash vs. road changed, and messed up my calibration points. Once I stopped fiddling with my seat position, it was a lot easier to stay right where I wanted to be.
Oh, and a set of True Track bogie adapters and a new relay arm didn't hurt, either...
Mark Hickey
Mesa, AZ
1978 Royale Center Kitchen
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| Re: [GMCnet] The "idiot's guide" to my GMC [message #205340 is a reply to message #205326] |
Sat, 20 April 2013 13:23 |
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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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Mike,
Sorry but I'm going to disagree with you on the pod bit. When you do that you can't look far enough ahead. I tried that and it's
like driving a motorcycle looking ten feet in front of you, you're all over the road.
Cast your eyes higher and look further down the road at where you want to be and when you get there that's where you'll be.
A big rig driver told me the same thing, not Chuck but he might confirm that; or not. ;-)
Anyway that's how I drive my GMC's now and I haven't hit any more guard rails!
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org [mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Mike Miller
Sent: Saturday, April 20, 2013 10:47 AM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] The "idiot's guide" to my GMC
Robert Mueller wrote on Sat, 20 April 2013 05:43
> ... Second I didn't realize how wide a GMC is and that came to light when I pulled off the freeway and heard a funny noise. When
I got out and looked I found I had scrapped the wheel well flares; knocked off a bunch of the Alcoa wheel nut covers, and tore up a
couple of the hub caps. ...
As long as your dash and seating position is as stock, there is a trick to help you keep centered in your lane: From the driver's
perspective, keep the driver's dash pod (or "doughnut") centered on the lane you are traveling in. I do do not know if GM designed
it that way but this will keep the coach centered between the lines.
Also, for right hand turns: In a regular car you start turn as you enter the intersection. Try this with a GMC and you'll be up on
the sidewalk with your mid wheels. The driver's seat is over the front wheels, so it will FEEL LIKE you need to drive INTO the
intersection a bit before starting your turn. It is a "perspective" thing.
It doesn't take long before driving something wider and longer becomes natural. Be glad it isn't a 40 foot SOB! :roll:
--
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#1)'73 26' exPainted D. -- (#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
http://m000035.blogspot.com
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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: [GMCnet] The "idiot's guide" to my GMC [message #205363 is a reply to message #205340] |
Sat, 20 April 2013 20:08 |
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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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Two different issues, you are saying how to go straight down the road, and I am giving tips on how to stay centered in the lane.
But it is good to be able to do both. 
It is like shooting a rifle, you can not hit anything it you "look" at the rear sight, (the pod) but you have to be able to "see" the rear sight to be able to center the front sight (the lines on the road) on it. You also have to "see" the target (further down the road) to be able to hit it.
But unlike a rifle, you can pay more attention to the target (down the road), as you are not as likely to "move" the front sight out of the way to see it! -- (Sorry, I used to teach recruits how to shoot.... actually I was pretty good at it. Surprisingly as I am not a gun guy.)
I have also taught a few to drive and came up with this nugget: "You can not make a car go straight by turning it!" 
| Robert Mueller wrote on Sat, 20 April 2013 11:23 |
Mike,
Sorry but I'm going to disagree with you on the pod bit. When you do that you can't look far enough ahead. I tried that and it's
like driving a motorcycle looking ten feet in front of you, you're all over the road.
Cast your eyes higher and look further down the road at where you want to be and when you get there that's where you'll be.
A big rig driver told me the same thing, not Chuck but he might confirm that; or not.
Anyway that's how I drive my GMC's now and I haven't hit any more guard rails!
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org [mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Mike Miller
Sent: Saturday, April 20, 2013 10:47 AM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] The "idiot's guide" to my GMC
...
As long as your dash and seating position is as stock, there is a trick to help you keep centered in your lane: From the driver's
perspective, keep the driver's dash pod (or "doughnut") centered on the lane you are traveling in. I do do not know if GM designed
it that way but this will keep the coach centered between the lines. ...
|
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] The "idiot's guide" to my GMC [message #205376 is a reply to message #205363] |
Sat, 20 April 2013 21:47 |
|
USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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Mike,
I mis-communicated; I should have noted:
When I tried to keep the pod centered I wandered back and forth in the lane when I cast my eyes further down the road I didn't do
that.
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org [mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Mike Miller
Sent: Saturday, April 20, 2013 8:08 PM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] The "idiot's guide" to my GMC
Two different issues, you are saying how to go straight down the road, and I am giving tips on how to stay centered in the lane.
But it is good to be able to do both. :roll:
It is like shooting a rifle, you can not hit anything it you "look" at the rear sight, (the pod) but you have to be able to "see"
the rear sight to be able to center the front sight (the lines on the road) on it. You also have to "see" the target (further down
the road) to be able to hit it.
But unlike a rifle, you can pay more attention to the target (down the road), as you are not as likely to "move" the front sight out
of the way to see it! -- (Sorry, I used to teach recruits how to shoot.... actually I was pretty good at it. Surprisingly as I am
not a gun guy.)
I have also taught a few to drive and came up with this nugget: "You can not make a car go straight by turning it!" :twisted:
Mike
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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: [GMCnet] The "idiot's guide" to my GMC [message #205380 is a reply to message #205363] |
Sat, 20 April 2013 22:23 |
jayrabe
Messages: 509
Registered: June 2009
Location: Portland, OR
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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On my first drive home with my new coach, my GF was following in her car behind. We were talking on the cell, and she corrected my centering in the lane. Total recalibration of my "natural" inclination that resulted in me hugging the right side of the lane, though thankfully not scraping any guard rails. Now after a few thousand miles, I still feel like I'm "hugging" the center line, but if I am able to use my sideview mirrors to see the lane stripes on both sides, I can stay centered whether wide or narrow lanes.
Jay Rabe
76 PB
Portland, OR
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> From: m000035@gmail.com
> Date: Sat, 20 Apr 2013 20:08:15 -0500
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] The "idiot's guide" to my GMC
>
>
>
> Two different issues, you are saying how to go straight down the road, and I am giving tips on how to stay centered in the lane.
>
> But it is good to be able to do both. :roll:
>
> It is like shooting a rifle, you can not hit anything it you "look" at the rear sight, (the pod) but you have to be able to "see" the rear sight to be able to center the front sight (the lines on the road) on it. You also have to "see" the target (further down the road) to be able to hit it.
>
> But unlike a rifle, you can pay more attention to the target (down the road), as you are not as likely to "move" the front sight out of the way to see it! -- (Sorry, I used to teach recruits how to shoot.... actually I was pretty good at it. Surprisingly as I am not a gun guy.)
>
> I have also taught a few to drive and came up with this nugget: "You can not make a car go straight by turning it!" :twisted:
>
> Robert Mueller wrote on Sat, 20 April 2013 11:23
> > Mike,
> >
> > Sorry but I'm going to disagree with you on the pod bit. When you do that you can't look far enough ahead. I tried that and it's
> > like driving a motorcycle looking ten feet in front of you, you're all over the road.
> >
> > Cast your eyes higher and look further down the road at where you want to be and when you get there that's where you'll be.
> >
> > A big rig driver told me the same thing, not Chuck but he might confirm that; or not. ;)
> >
> > Anyway that's how I drive my GMC's now and I haven't hit any more guard rails!
> >
> > Regards,
> > Rob M.
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org [mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Mike Miller
> > Sent: Saturday, April 20, 2013 10:47 AM
> > To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> > Subject: Re: [GMCnet] The "idiot's guide" to my GMC
> >
> > ...
> > As long as your dash and seating position is as stock, there is a trick to help you keep centered in your lane: From the driver's
> > perspective, keep the driver's dash pod (or "doughnut") centered on the lane you are traveling in. I do do not know if GM designed
> > it that way but this will keep the coach centered between the lines. ...
>
>
> --
> Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
> (#1)'73 26' exPainted D. -- (#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
> http://m000035.blogspot.com
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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