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| [GMCnet] Newbie Looking for a Coach [message #215646] |
Thu, 25 July 2013 10:49  |
AlexPosner
Messages: 33
Registered: July 2013
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Hi Guys,
I've been looking at a few listings in So Cal and had a few questions.
My first is the difference between the 23 and the 26 footers. Being a bit of a Nervous Nellie about driving an RV for the first time, I thought the 23' seemed like a more manageable length. But I read that it is a "nice size for a couple" and we are a family of four. Has anyone camped a family of four in a 23'? Is the 26' much harder to maneuver?
Also, I was wondering about the difference between the models. I know that they refer to different color schemes and interior fittings. But did any models come better equipped than others? Or are there any models that are considered more desirable than others?
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| Re: [GMCnet] Newbie Looking for a Coach [message #215650 is a reply to message #215646] |
Thu, 25 July 2013 11:11  |
C Boyd
Messages: 2629
Registered: April 2006
Karma: 18
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Sir: welcome, here is what they looked like new.
http://www.bdub.net/publications/
most prefer the rear twin bed, I prefer the rear baths. I also prefer the 23' models.
| AlexPosner wrote on Thu, 25 July 2013 11:49 |
Hi Guys,
I've been looking at a few listings in So Cal and had a few questions.
My first is the difference between the 23 and the 26 footers. Being a bit of a Nervous Nellie about driving an RV for the first time, I thought the 23' seemed like a more manageable length. But I read that it is a "nice size for a couple" and we are a family of four. Has anyone camped a family of four in a 23'? Is the 26' much harder to maneuver?
Also, I was wondering about the difference between the models. I know that they refer to different color schemes and interior fittings. But did any models come better equipped than others? Or are there any models that are considered more desirable than others?
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C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
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| Re: [GMCnet] Newbie Looking for a Coach [message #215654 is a reply to message #215650] |
Thu, 25 July 2013 11:21 |
AlexPosner
Messages: 33
Registered: July 2013
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Actually, I'm a Ma'am, but that's my fault for not signing on as Alexandra. :)
They are only 3 and 6 now so I could probably get both of them in a twin, but I don't want to be short sighted as I have a feeling they will continue to grow.
Steve, I am in the Valley. A trip down to your area sounds great. Balboa Peninsula isn't too far from you, is it? I love that area.
Thanks for all the feedback so far!
Alex(andra)
On Jul 25, 2013, at 9:11 AM, Charles Boyd <covered-wagon@comcast.net> wrote:
>
>
> Sir: welcome, here is what they looked like new.
> http://www.bdub.net/publications/
> most prefer the rear twin bed, I prefer the rear baths. I also prefer the 23' models.
>
>
>
> AlexPosner wrote on Thu, 25 July 2013 11:49
>> Hi Guys,
>>
>> I've been looking at a few listings in So Cal and had a few questions.
>>
>> My first is the difference between the 23 and the 26 footers. Being a bit of a Nervous Nellie about driving an RV for the first time, I thought the 23' seemed like a more manageable length. But I read that it is a "nice size for a couple" and we are a family of four. Has anyone camped a family of four in a 23'? Is the 26' much harder to maneuver?
>>
>> Also, I was wondering about the difference between the models. I know that they refer to different color schemes and interior fittings. But did any models come better equipped than others? Or are there any models that are considered more desirable than others?
>>
>>
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>> GMCnet mailing list
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>
> --
> C. Boyd
> 76 Crestmont
> East Tennessee
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| Re: [GMCnet] Newbie Looking for a Coach [message #215655 is a reply to message #215646] |
Thu, 25 July 2013 11:33 |
emerystora
Messages: 4442
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 13
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I don't think that you will find the 26 foot any harder to drive than the 23 foot. We traveled for many years with our four kids in the 26 foot but they are grown up now.
You could get four in a 23 foot but you might find that it is a bit crowded and not have as much storage space in addition to less bed space.
GM made quite a few changes from the original 1973 model and the 1974 model.
The first ones had "fixed" seating where you used cushions for the dinette. Later models, probably starting in 1975, used fold down settees with innersprings in the seats. Much more comfortable and easier to put up and down. They also changed from a points distributor to the HEI system which was the high energy ignition system -- an electronic ignition system.
In 1977 and the 1978 models there were a few changes in the air conditioning system and in the air bag leveling system. In mid 1977 GM discontinued the 455 engine and replaced it with a 403 cu.in. engine. That seems to have adequate performance.
My 1977 came with the 455 but with most of the other improvements that GM made for 1978.
There are GM equipped coaches and then there are those that were finished out by other companies who bought the Transmode shell from GM. The ones you see most are the 23' Birchhaven and the 26' Royale that were outfitted by Coachmen Industries. They used very nice cabinetry. They made other changes such as using a 30 amp cord rather than the 50 amp (actually 40 amp) cord that GM used.
Emery Stora
77 Kingsley
Frederick, CO
On Jul 25, 2013, at 9:49 AM, Alex Posner wrote:
> Hi Guys,
>
> I've been looking at a few listings in So Cal and had a few questions.
>
> My first is the difference between the 23 and the 26 footers. Being a bit of a Nervous Nellie about driving an RV for the first time, I thought the 23' seemed like a more manageable length. But I read that it is a "nice size for a couple" and we are a family of four. Has anyone camped a family of four in a 23'? Is the 26' much harder to maneuver?
>
> Also, I was wondering about the difference between the models. I know that they refer to different color schemes and interior fittings. But did any models come better equipped than others? Or are there any models that are considered more desirable than others?
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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| Re: [GMCnet] Newbie Looking for a Coach [message #215656 is a reply to message #215646] |
Thu, 25 July 2013 11:40 |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
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I have a 26 foot palm beach. my Daughters are 5 and 6. they could both sleep in the same bed.... if they got along better. one is always pestering the other at bedtime, so I keep them on different beds to keep the peace.
I also believe at some age in the seemingly near future, they will want to bring a friend. So I do like having 4 different sleeping locations.
I have not driven any 23 footers yet, so my only opinion is on my 26 foot. I think it is very easy to drive. My wife actually has driven it without me, and she is not usually one to deal with driving big things. I would not be scared of driving either.
to me trying to fit everything in for our family of 4 is tough, so I would think that a 26 footer might have more room.
my 6 year old just loves the top bunk.
there are alot of GMC's around if you look. Look them over and make the best purchase for your liking.
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: [GMCnet] Newbie Looking for a Coach [message #215682 is a reply to message #215646] |
Thu, 25 July 2013 16:33 |
Francois
Messages: 161
Registered: October 2012
Location: Southern California
Karma: 0
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On my way home from work (Rosemead, near LA) I pass a '78 Royale in pretty good condition.
I was finally able to connect with the owner yesterday, His name is Juan. He showed me the coach
On top it has the storage bin, a solar panel for battery charging, and satellite system, AC
Has Flexsteel cloth seats in front. Looks like a custom dash panel. No oven - he took that out, but has the double sink. Dry bath.
Alcoa wheels, newer looking tires.Said brakes were done. Engine started right up. Stock airbags a few years old. He demonstrated the airbag compressor - barely audible but working.
Decent carpet. No tears but upholstery not perfectly clean.
He said he didn't have it advertised, said $19,500 "but you can make me an offer" .
It's the standard almond color with stripes.
I didn't drive it.
I am probably not going to buy it, since I already have one.
Should I put him in contact with you? Tell you where it is?
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| Re: [GMCnet] Newbie Looking for a Coach [message #215683 is a reply to message #215682] |
Thu, 25 July 2013 16:50 |
AlexPosner
Messages: 33
Registered: July 2013
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Thank you, but I think we are looking more in the 10k range right now.
On Jul 25, 2013, at 2:33 PM, Sigmund Frankenfelter <ziggy.frankenf@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> On my way home from work (Rosemead, near LA) I pass a '78 Royale in pretty good condition.
>
> I was finally able to connect with the owner yesterday, His name is Juan. He showed me the coach
>
> On top it has the storage bin, a solar panel for battery charging, and satellite system, AC
>
> Has Flexsteel cloth seats in front. Looks like a custom dash panel. No oven - he took that out, but has the double sink. Dry bath.
>
> Alcoa wheels, newer looking tires.Said brakes were done. Engine started right up. Stock airbags a few years old. He demonstrated the airbag compressor - barely audible but working.
>
> Decent carpet. No tears but upholstery not perfectly clean.
>
> He said he didn't have it advertised, said $19,500 "but you can make me an offer" .
>
> It's the standard almond color with stripes.
>
> I didn't drive it.
>
> I am probably not going to buy it, since I already have one.
>
> Should I put him in contact with you? Tell you where it is?
> _______________________________________________
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| Re: [GMCnet] Newbie Looking for a Coach [message #215699 is a reply to message #215646] |
Thu, 25 July 2013 20:33 |
kerry pinkerton
Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al
Karma: 15
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You're going to get a bunch of opinions about which size is best Alexandra. Mine is that a 23 is fine for a couple adults but once you add a couple kids and all their 'stuff', you're going to be nuts with all the clutter and dealing with getting 'stuff' out and putting it up.
Not knowing your sizes, keep in mind that the rear bed is a full size. My wife and I are tall and not as narrow as once we were. Coming from a king at home into a full where I couldn't stretch full length was a killer for me. Add in that if the inner person has to get up, they have to crawl over the outer person.
Our first coach was a 23 and we didn't make it even a full night before we realized it wouldn't work for us. We now have a 26 that came with the rear full bed. The wife sleeps on it and I sleep on the couch. We're in the process of remodeling and will have two twin beds up front and replace the permanent full bed in the back to a fold up dinette/bed.
Driving a GMC is like nothing else. It's not a bus or truck. It's a GMC motorhome and it drives much more car like than anything on the road. I'd encourage you to take up the offers to visit with owners. The GMC cult is a great bunch of folks.
Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama
Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L
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| Re: [GMCnet] Newbie Looking for a Coach [message #215710 is a reply to message #215699] |
Thu, 25 July 2013 23:06 |
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Just curious Alex; how mechanically minded are you? There is some work and effort required in owning one of these babies. We do have quite a few gals on here that do quite well, however. I have a 26 Sequoia that will be up for sale soon.
geo groth '73 260 Sequoia
Carson City Nevada 89703
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| Re: [GMCnet] Newbie Looking for a Coach [message #215711 is a reply to message #215646] |
Thu, 25 July 2013 23:25 |
dwayne jacobson[1]
Messages: 345
Registered: July 2009
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Hi Alex,
another thing to consider is your girls will sooner or later ask to bring a
friend along, maybe one or two of them. We have traveled a lot in our 26ft
with 2 young children and really never found it short of storage space. we
would give them plastic bins that fit under the dinette and that would be
for their clothing. The dinette is large enough for 2 small children as
long as they are used to sleeping together. There are coaches out there
that have the sofa and that converts into a bunk and bed. and then the
dinette for more. and you in the rear with some privacy.
Dwayne and Sharon Jacobson
White Rock, BC
77 Kingsley
77 Eleganza (our daughter uses this one - took 6 teenagers in it to the
Oregon Coast a couple weeks back - loved it)
On Thu, Jul 25, 2013 at 8:49 AM, Alex Posner <alexposner@earthlink.net>wrote:
> Hi Guys,
>
> I've been looking at a few listings in So Cal and had a few questions.
>
> My first is the difference between the 23 and the 26 footers. Being a bit
> of a Nervous Nellie about driving an RV for the first time, I thought the
> 23' seemed like a more manageable length. But I read that it is a "nice
> size for a couple" and we are a family of four. Has anyone camped a family
> of four in a 23'? Is the 26' much harder to maneuver?
>
> Also, I was wondering about the difference between the models. I know
> that they refer to different color schemes and interior fittings. But did
> any models come better equipped than others? Or are there any models that
> are considered more desirable than others?
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
--
Dwayne Jacobson
White Rock BC
Cell: 604-644-8090
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| Re: [GMCnet] Newbie Looking for a Coach [message #215756 is a reply to message #215743] |
Fri, 26 July 2013 10:41 |
emerystora
Messages: 4442
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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If you do get stuck somewhere be sure to call one of us before enlisting an expensive mechanic. Many of us have owned a GMC for years (32 years in my case) and we can often diagnoise you problem over the telephone. Be sure to get a copy of the Black List (named after Roger Black) and carry it with you in the motorhome. It lists GMC helpers all over the country.
Emery Stora
On Jul 26, 2013, at 8:54 AM, Alex Posner wrote:
> Not at all mechanically minded. :o
>
> Luckily, my husband is. Not necessarily in the same field, but he has an AV company and understands wiring and after being in it for five minutes knew how most of everything worked.
>
> I'm the one who finds good deals on Craigslist and pushes us to do things outside our comfort zone. I'll let you know how that works out when we are stuck in the boonies for days with the motorhome racking up a bill at the local mechanic. ;)
>
> Alex
>
> On Jul 25, 2013, at 9:06 PM, George Groth <grggroth@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> Just curious Alex; how mechanically minded are you? There is some work and effort required in owning one of these babies. We do have quite a few gals on here that do quite well, however. I have a 26 Sequoia that will be up for sale soon.
>> --
>> geo groth '73 260 Sequoia
>> Carson City Nevada 89703
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| Re: [GMCnet] Newbie Looking for a Coach [message #215949 is a reply to message #215756] |
Sun, 28 July 2013 06:45 |
hertfordnc
Messages: 1164
Registered: September 2009
Location: East NC
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Alex,
It's nice to see a young family interested in keeping the GMC going.
The painful reality for sellers is that a $10,000 budget will buy a lot of coach if you are patient.
I would strongly encourage you to not make a move without consulting this forum.
Without this group the GMC is a 40-year relic. It's more than just a source for information and some help on the road. These guys (mostly guys) have developed some major upgrades and partnered with vendors to solve some pretty major engineering and maintenance problems.
Here's a short list of the big upgrades to look for;
- The "one ton front end" converted all the major front end components from 40 year-old, one-of-kind system to common Chevy one ton truck parts.
- the quad bag conversion changed the original airbags (which are no longer manufactured) to a system that uses readily available parts.
- There is a rear disk brake conversion that will make a HUGE difference in stopping power.
- Many of the coaches out there had the wheels converted from 16.5 steel rims to 16" aluminum rims.
These upgrades may have a much bigger impact on your enjoyment of the coach than overall condition.
A $10,000 coach in today's market should have some of these features. I would strongly recommend against buying anything that is not familiar to the guys here.
Check out Applied GMC in Fremont. That will provide a quick education onto what is possible.
Good Luck
Dave & Ellen Silva
Hertford, NC
76 Birchaven, 1-ton and other stuff
Currently planning the Great american Road Trip Summer 2021
It's gonna take a lot of Adderall to get this thing right.
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A rear bedroom probably makes the most sense so people can have privacy and be able to sleep while others are up and about.
