Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » If You Are Looking For An Inexpensive Dependable Class A:
| If You Are Looking For An Inexpensive Dependable Class A: [message #227031] |
Fri, 25 October 2013 17:27  |
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WD0AFQ
Messages: 7111
Registered: November 2004
Location: Dexter, Mo.
Karma: 207
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The GMC classic is not for you. When Teri and I decided to go rv'ing we had no clue about anything. First, we had to narrow down just what type rv we wanted. Decided it would be a Class A. Now what, gasoline or a pusher? Bought every motorhome magazine we could find. Saw an article on an old GMC. We can spend 20 grand on one of these, see if we like gas, then little lost, and will trade or get some money back when we find the new one of our dreams.
We liked it so much that we decided to spend money on the 30 year old machine and make it a dependable fun home on wheels.
Did not yet know about any GMC mechanics so we kinda got burned spending money for work we did not get and had zero warranty over in Marion. seems some of my labor was done during the drinking and smoking Friday afternoons. Hope the guy runs a better business by now.
Then we found that there are reputable GMC places to have work done. Now, just because there is a big GMC sign out front does not mean you will be happy when you leave. Should one find himself stuck on the side of a road, shear panic tends to set it. I know, happened to me. Got in a hurry and did not get to the place I should have been. Good shop but work tended to go unchecked by owner. Could be a problem at many shops, I don't know.
So, next time the engine blew, I did not panic. Got the tow truck driver to take me where my Black List friend told me to go. New engine and I was very much involved in the process this time.
This was to be about brakes. I got sick and tired of not having brakes. Had none when I bought the coach in 2004 and here it was, 2010, lots of money spent, and still no dang brakes. Time for me to figure out why I had no brakes and how could I get brakes. Owning a GMC means the information is here available for our learning, so that is what I did, studied and asked questions. Figured out how much money I needed and now I got brakes. My brakes are as good or better than anyone reading this post. Same for the steering. Could not hold it in road over 60 mph. Now, none of y'all have a better driving coach than me. Hey, I can even watch for "blow by" while driving down the road.
Here is the bottom line, we must educate ourselves. Can't blame others because they take our money. My wife is now a liver expert, while I continue to read and study about how to own a dependable GMC class A. I don't need to be a mechanic, just need to be able to read. No one should ever expect to buy a 40 yr old motorhome and hit the road with it unless they have deep pockets. Lots cheaper to research before buying. Continue researching while the ole gal is sitting in your own driveway. AND don't plan to full time in a 26 footer unless you are single. We spend 3-5 months at a time in ours but our "stuff" is still at our home in Dexter. We are just partying out in the GMC.
Know more than you need to know but never know too much.
Dan
3 In Stainless Exhaust Headers
One Ton All Discs/Reaction Arm
355 FD/Quad Bag/Alum Radiator Manny Tran/New eng.
Holley EFI/10 Tire Air Monitoring System
Solarized Coach/Upgraded Windows
Satelite TV/On Demand Hot Water/3Way Refer
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| Re: If You Are Looking For An Inexpensive Dependable Class A: [message #227041 is a reply to message #227031] |
Fri, 25 October 2013 19:04  |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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I think I might not completely agree.
The administration saw to my not being comfortably retired (in spite of best laid plans), but it has shown me that if one has enough mechanical skill (already) a GMC can be an affordable pass time. You do have to be very ready to deal with it. You also have to do all the inspections and at least the required (and maybe some proactive) maintenance.
While we have not yet been stuck at the roadside, that is just luck. We have also made lots of miles in jury rig or limp mode. But she still got where we needed to be. (Old saying: Watermen and their boats, they take care of each other.)
All in all, our coach has been no less dependable than an acquaintance's coach that is now a six year old coach and has been down for eight weeks of the season in those six year. (He had to wait for parts and technician's time....)
Would I advise someone with the mechanical skills of a yellow canary to buy one? NO WAY - NO HOW
At one rally, you and I were both involved in assisting another GMC owner. In a later discussion, you remarked that some people just should not own a GMC. I didn't disagree then, and I still don't.
Most of all, I want Dan to work real hard at getting better.
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: If You Are Looking For An Inexpensive Dependable Class A: [message #227046 is a reply to message #227031] |
Fri, 25 October 2013 19:21 |
habbyguy
Messages: 896
Registered: May 2012
Location: Mesa, AZ
Karma: 3
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I'm kinda with Matt on this. I did have the good fortune to buy a VERY well-sorted GMC (one that had less than 5,000 miles on a rebuilt motor and transmission), but I really can't complain about mechanical issues in the year and half, and 10,000+ miles we've had the coach. The only thing that would have actually stopped us on the road was a bad ignition switch, and that cost a whopping $17 to fix, plus an hour or so of my time sitting in my mom's back yard (happily, where the switch broke). I am considerably more mechanically adept than the average RV pilot I suppose, but there's really not much about our old rigs that's all that complicated. As long as we pay attention to the little stuff before it turns into a show-stopping, smoking pile of bear dung, we will probably get at least as many miles per breakdown as those driving SOBs that are a small fraction of the age of our classic coaches, though most of 'em cost many times more.
So basically, owning and driving an RV is a kind of illogical activity to start with, and in almost every way (for me, at least) making that RV a GMC was a stroke of genius.
Mark Hickey
Mesa, AZ
1978 Royale Center Kitchen
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| Re: If You Are Looking For An Inexpensive Dependable Class A: [message #227059 is a reply to message #227046] |
Fri, 25 October 2013 20:13 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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I'm sitting here thinking about what I have had to do to mine on the road in the 10 years.
1 rear wheel brake cylinder. I plugged the line and fixed it 1000 miles later at home
1 distributor module. Replaced it and continued on my way. Later I re-gapped my plugs to Dick Paterson's recommended .038 to .040
1 blown 30 year old radiator. Patched it with plumber's putty and later replaced it with a Gene Dotson Aluminum one at a GMCMI rally. I knew it was weak and should have replaced it but I was too cheap to do it before it failed.
1 precautionary tire change. I Installed the spare. It took about 1/2 hour.
That is about all I can think of right now.
My point is if you maintain a coach and inspect it before you leave on a trip, odds are it will not fail you.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: If You Are Looking For An Inexpensive Dependable Class A: [message #227068 is a reply to message #227059] |
Fri, 25 October 2013 22:26 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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My experience is similar to Dan's. My coach HAS been very dependable, with only two minor ignition related breakdowns in five years, but that is only because of all the work I have put into it ever since we bought it. I have done almost all the work myself, and have more than doubled the purchase price in upgrades, both mechanically and cosmetically. Without those upgrades, I would be afraid to use the coach the way we use it.
Some people seem to be just lucky, like my PO, who did almost NO mechanical work on the coach and still got away with driving it on short trips. My preference is to take care of potential problems BEFORE they happen. I still might someday have a catastrophic drive train failure, as the engine and transmission are stock (except for the timing chain).
I also feel that some people are not meant to own a classic GMC Motorhome, but that is true for any other older RV as well. That said, If one wants to own a "classic" motor home, I can't think of a better one to own than a GMC because of all the support we have, not only from our vendors, but from each other too.
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: If You Are Looking For An Inexpensive Dependable Class A: [message #227079 is a reply to message #227076] |
Sat, 26 October 2013 01:37 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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There he goes again picking on me. I guess I deserve it as I am usually picking on him.
My tires are only 7 years old. I'm thinking about replacing 2 of them next spring and moving one of the replaced tires to my spare position. In another 2 or 3 years I'll probably replace the other 4.
Dan picks on me once or twice a year about my tires but they have served me very well. I figure when I get to the Michelin recommended 10 year replacement point, I'll have all of them (except the spare) replaced.
Dan likes to replace tires when they still have 50% of their life left in them. My last set of Michelins went on a box truck owned by a local music store. The last I knew they were still on the road. That makes them around 18 years old.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: [GMCnet] If You Are Looking For An Inexpensive Dependable ClassA: [message #227086 is a reply to message #227076] |
Sat, 26 October 2013 08:05 |
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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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Dan,
I agree with you 100% but it's the people that buy a $2000 coach and try it that intrigue me!
However, there was that couple from New Zealand that bought a $5000 coach out in California and made it to the east coast! Neither
one had any mechanical skills. "We" did help them along the way on several occasions but they made it. To top it off they sold it in
a week to someone over there for what they paid for it!
Like you, "Someone" was watching over them! ;-)
Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
USAussie - Downunder
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org [mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Dan Gregg
Sent: Saturday, October 26, 2013 1:11 AM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] If You Are Looking For An Inexpensive Dependable ClassA:
I got some emails from friends who got the true meaning of my post. A couple here posted as they got what I meant, some of you had
no clue 8o. Ken B, he drives his coach every once in a while and keeps it parked inside. It may last until that great last day. He
gets lucky too. Seen him drive on tires I would not run on my bicycle. :d
Some folks believe they can buy a 10k coach and drive off into the wild blue yonder. Good luck. Just make sure you know every gmc
shop across the USA because you will be hanging out at each one of them.
Life is good. I am no mechanic but I will always stop and pour your coffee while you work on your own coach. For myself, I will call
another flatbed. :d
Dan
--
Dan & Teri Gregg
Dexter, Mo.
http://danandteri.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] If You Are Looking For An Inexpensive Dependable ClassA: [message #227092 is a reply to message #227087] |
Sat, 26 October 2013 08:41 |
stick miller
Messages: 1036
Registered: March 2010
Location: Americus, Georgia
Karma: 0
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I'm one of those who probably shouldn't have any kind of old RV. I really try to learn, but "mechanicking don't come natural" to me. I "depend on the kindness of strangers"...not. I depend almost solely on the kindness of friends and my checkbook.
The camaraderie of the people in the group is the most important thing to me. I attend rallies when I can, but we spend a good deal of time split between TWMWGS (the world's most wonderful grandson) and our place in Florida. Next year will be a bit different when my Board of Director duties in Florida are over.
I love my old GMC and I like puttering around, but I know it is either going to take my credit card or particular good friends to keep me going or to make a real difference. It is my hobby. It keeps me off the streets and it keeps me honest. (my DW looks at the checkbook and just shakes her head.
I think I'll keep both of them around for a while.
Get well, Dan.
P.S. IS there an inexpensive dependable class A available???
Stick Miller
'78 Royale - "White Trash" - she left me for another man
'76 Eleganza - "Cousin Eddie" Sold
'84 Bluebird Wanderlodge - "Past Tents"
Americus, GA
[Updated on: Sat, 26 October 2013 08:42] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] If You Are Looking For An Inexpensive Dependable ClassA: [message #227095 is a reply to message #227092] |
Sat, 26 October 2013 09:47 |
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WD0AFQ
Messages: 7111
Registered: November 2004
Location: Dexter, Mo.
Karma: 207
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Senior Member |
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| stick miller wrote on Sat, 26 October 2013 08:41 |
I'm one of those who probably shouldn't have any kind of old RV. I really try to learn, but "mechanicking don't come natural" to me. I "depend on the kindness of strangers"...not. I depend almost solely on the kindness of friends and my checkbook.
The camaraderie of the people in the group is the most important thing to me. I attend rallies when I can, but we spend a good deal of time split between TWMWGS (the world's most wonderful grandson) and our place in Florida. Next year will be a bit different when my Board of Director duties in Florida are over.
I love my old GMC and I like puttering around, but I know it is either going to take my credit card or particular good friends to keep me going or to make a real difference. It is my hobby. It keeps me off the streets and it keeps me honest. (my DW looks at the checkbook and just shakes her head.
I think I'll keep both of them around for a while.
Get well, Dan.
P.S. IS there an inexpensive dependable class A available???
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AND Stick, there lots of you and me's out here. BUT, we don't complain when a 35 year old part wears out, we replace it and move right along. I dont carry a spare governor gear, (3), I carry a spare governor that our friend Wally gave me. I don't have one air compressor hooked up, I have 3 keeping air in my bags. I don't mention it, I just do it and no one knows any difference. Got a hole in my engine cover cuz I am skeered of sitting on that big engine without knowing why it is rumbling under my seat. But, I would not tell you to cut a 2 foot hole where mine is. Our people make the gmc motorhome what it is today. Some see that, grab a cheap rig, jump on here and expect the mechanics to keep theirs up for free, or that is how it appears to me sometimes. I say to many, go buy a brand new class c for 50 grand and hit the road. No real warranty or network of knowledgeable friends, but it will last you 7-10 years if you keep oil in it. I might let you stop by and visit for a week, but I might charge you for electricity. 
Dan
3 In Stainless Exhaust Headers
One Ton All Discs/Reaction Arm
355 FD/Quad Bag/Alum Radiator Manny Tran/New eng.
Holley EFI/10 Tire Air Monitoring System
Solarized Coach/Upgraded Windows
Satelite TV/On Demand Hot Water/3Way Refer
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| Re: [GMCnet] If You Are Looking For An Inexpensive Dependable ClassA: [message #227131 is a reply to message #227092] |
Sat, 26 October 2013 17:15 |
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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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| stick miller wrote on Sat, 26 October 2013 09:41 |
<snip>
Get well, Dan.
P.S. IS there an inexpensive dependable class A available???
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Stick,
We need to parse this:
Is = a condition of being or Ask Bill Clinton
there = an unspecified location
an = singular article
inexpensive = this is a completely relative issue dependent on the individual's financial position
dependable = very much dependent on the individual's expectations, capabilities, and point of view - remember British sports cars?
class = a group or collection of similar
A = definition of said class
available = can you actually get one??
At one of this scale, the answer is - Most Certainly
At the other end, the answer is - Fat Chance Dreamer
I still like the line that I heard or read in this group:
A good running, dependable, ready to travel GMC will cost at least 25K$ - All at once or as a kit.
You can buy a decent older RV for 25K, but it will be a truck with a travel trailer stuffed on top. It will also have a boarding ladder and the same ride and handling as a similar sized truck. It also will not come with the community that owning a GMC puts you in. That is what I have found to be the real value that these old monsters have.
When I questioned JimK about the reality of the appraisal value of my coach, he explained that basically I had discounted the effort I had put into it. If asked to replace it, that effort would also have to be replaced. If my luck holds out, I may never have to find out.
Matt - happy with what he has.
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: If You Are Looking For An Inexpensive Dependable Class A: [message #227133 is a reply to message #227031] |
Sat, 26 October 2013 17:37 |
habbyguy
Messages: 896
Registered: May 2012
Location: Mesa, AZ
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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I'm still (happily) fairly short of that magic $25k number, but would head out anywhere (with roads) in it tomorrow. Even more amazing is the constant stream of admirers that descend on my old RV when I stop it... more attention than I'd be getting if I'd spent 10x as much on a new SOB. But the real joy is knowing a) I'm driving something that's a true classic, b) I can fix pretty much anything that goes wrong, and c) I've got a huge community of great folks standing behind me in the event of difficulty.
All in all, I can only call it a bargain. So yes, I'd classify my coach as inexpensive and dependable - at least in terms relative to any RV, that is.
Mark Hickey
Mesa, AZ
1978 Royale Center Kitchen
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| Re: If You Are Looking For An Inexpensive Dependable Class A: [message #227137 is a reply to message #227031] |
Sat, 26 October 2013 18:21 |
1275gtsport
Messages: 272
Registered: September 2009
Location: Rothesay NB
Karma: 0
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It must be because I own a Austin Mini (British)
but If nothing happens when we take the GMC out for a tour and we make it back home without any incident, like the last 1000 mile run I feel almost cheated of the adventure.
The only thing I can talk about that happened on the last trip was that somebody bounced off the rear bumper in heavy traffic. we were all very comfortable with the onan humming (somewhat load due to needing new muffler) away keeping us cool. (with that new dino board) And not even a slight exhaust tick from our new headers.
and of course the little plastic honda that hit us did no more damage then wiping off a bit of road dust.
So dependable - yep
Cheap - not at the 25k yet but we are not finished putting the "kit" together yet either.
Fun - OH baby I would say nearly as much fun as driving the mini.
And friends - big time and really this board makes it possible. I sometimes forget that when I see a GMC that when I walk out in front of it to stop the owner to chat that maybe he/she may not have had it very long and would not be used to perfect strangers walking up and talking to them. (like I did last weekend)
But if you own a GMC you MUST be friendly right?
Adam Raeburn
Rothesay, NB
1976 Austin Mini
1977 GMC Palm Beach
---------------------------------------------------
Once you replace everything that is attached to something else. It will all be fixed.
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| Re: [GMCnet] If You Are Looking For An Inexpensive Dependable Class A: [message #227145 is a reply to message #227133] |
Sat, 26 October 2013 19:58 |
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ljdavick
Messages: 3548
Registered: March 2007
Location: Fremont, CA
Karma: -3
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Mark,
I couldn't have said it better. I feel exactly the same.
Larry Davick
> On Oct 26, 2013, at 3:37 PM, Mark <mark@habcycles.com> wrote:
>
>
>
> I'm still (happily) fairly short of that magic $25k number, but would head out anywhere (with roads) in it tomorrow. Even more amazing is the constant stream of admirers that descend on my old RV when I stop it... more attention than I'd be getting if I'd spent 10x as much on a new SOB. But the real joy is knowing a) I'm driving something that's a true classic, b) I can fix pretty much anything that goes wrong, and c) I've got a huge community of great folks standing behind me in the event of difficulty.
>
> All in all, I can only call it a bargain. So yes, I'd classify my coach as inexpensive and dependable - at least in terms relative to any RV, that is.
> --
> Mark Hickey
> Mesa, AZ
> 1978 Royale Center Kitchen
> _______________________________________________
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Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
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| Re: [GMCnet] If You Are Looking For An Inexpensive Dependable ClassA: [message #227604 is a reply to message #227087] |
Tue, 29 October 2013 13:45 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
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""Ken,
Keep in mind the new and unused Kumho Road Vantage 65 month old spare (30 months old when I bought it) tat I installed the start of
this years tour and failed (tread separation) outside Lafayette, LA a couple of hundred miles east of Houston. The thing that really
pissed me off is that Kumho warranty for a FOC replacement is 60 months!
""
Unfortunately tires still involve a lot of art and some science. You can imagine with 100,000 trailers and 100,000 trucks (multiply that by 4 or 6) and you can imagine that I see it all! We may run into a trusted brand that has an occasional spill in the process and all h..l breaks loose. Even the best can have issues.
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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| Re: If You Are Looking For An Inexpensive Dependable Class A: [message #227703 is a reply to message #227031] |
Wed, 30 October 2013 07:08 |
Luvn737s
Messages: 1106
Registered: June 2007
Karma: 2
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First I think we need to re-think the value of the GMC. I hear $25K being bandied about, but really the value is closer to what you find coaches selling on eBay for. That's the best indicator for someone not involved in a particular sale to see what coaches actually sell for. Mind you I'm strictly talking dollar value, not sentimental.
When you take a $10K coach and add $5K, you still have a $10K coach. The target market for a machine that requires some mechanical skills is declining, not growing. I know this because the same thing is happening with airplanes. They were bought in a different time, but now have a diminishing value due to a vanishing pool of buyers. Airplanes have it worse because you have all the regulations and the prospect that your fuel source might just go away.
RV's continue to sell briskly, but folks want something turn-key. The market for GMC's is antique auto folks, not bargain-hunting campers. These people have the skills and patience to view the coaches through the right perspective - that they might very well break down and that's okay. But since they enjoy puttering more than camping, they might have a successful trip if they decide to even take one at all.
But I agree with Dan that the dilapidated old GMC behind the barn is a financial loaded gun that most who are looking for a camper shouldn't mess with. The coin toss should not be between a 1973 GMC and a 2004 Fleetwood, but more between the 1973 GMC and a 1970 Triumph TR-6
Randy
1973 26' Painted Desert
Ahwatukee (Phoenix) AZ
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. Ken B, he drives his coach every once in a while and keeps it parked inside. It may last until that great last day. He gets lucky too. Seen him drive on tires I would not run on my bicycle. 
