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| trip report [message #232085] |
Tue, 03 December 2013 10:25  |
Bob S.
Messages: 143
Registered: October 2012
Location: Rapid City, SD
Karma: 2
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We set out for Iowa last Wednesday evening from Rapid City, SD. This was our first major trip since buying our GMC about 1 year ago. I was a little reluctant since each time we have used the motorhome in the past, there have been some issues. My wife and I were traveling with my son, daughter in law,3 month old grandson, and their Newfoundland dog. The last thing I wanted was to get stranded in sub-freezing temperatures with a baby.
I de-winterized the plumbing, dumped antifreeze in both waste tanks, and made a pump heater out of a light bulb. I filled the fresh water tank, said a prayer, started the engine and away we went.
We hit the interstate and found we had a tail wind (prayer helps) and drove to our first fuel stop. When we stopped we found the generator was surging constantly, we checked it out but could not figure out what the problem was, so we made the decision to shut it off and run on DC power the rest of the trip.
We drove to Sioux City, IA which is about 60 miles from our final destination and decided to get a few hours sleep. It was about 20 degrees outside but the furnace kept us cozy. We slept about 4 hours, then headed out at 6:00 AM and arrived at my daughters house just about the time they were getting up for the day.
We plugged the coach into 110 volts and I decided that Pam and I would stay in it, rather than take up space in my daughters house. After all, we were on an adventure. Everything worked perfectly, even though temperatures the first night dropped to single digits. When I got up I took a shower in the coach and had hot water with absolutely no sign of freezing (again prayer helps). I love this coach.
On Sunday I started the coach and pointed it toward home. It was a great nine hour trip with no issues. We set the cruise on 70 mph and averaged about 8 mpg.
My son has been an RV enthusiast since he was a boy. He is 27 years old and has already had 1 camping trailer and 2 motorhomes. He couldn't believe how effortless and comfortable the GMC is to drive. I suggested we take his MH on the next trip but he prefers to travel in mine. Maybe I have a potential convert on my hands.
The total trip was about 1000 miles with no unpleasant issues and lots of continuous smiles. I cant wait till the next one. Thanks for letting me rave about this!!! Bob
Bob and Pam Schilling
Rapid City, SD
"78 Royale
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| Re: trip report [message #232090 is a reply to message #232085] |
Tue, 03 December 2013 11:03  |
Bob S.
Messages: 143
Registered: October 2012
Location: Rapid City, SD
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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Dan, I would really like to make it to as many rallies as I can. I'm anxious to meet most of the people that contribute to this forum. I am watching the schedule to see if I can work some into my schedule. Unfortunately I am not retired yet, and my wife says I have to work to support my habits(GMC's and Martin guitars). But I will guarantee you that attending a GMC rally is high on my list of priorities. Thanks, Bob
Bob and Pam Schilling
Rapid City, SD
"78 Royale
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| Re: trip report [message #232139 is a reply to message #232085] |
Tue, 03 December 2013 17:59 |
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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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| Bob S. wrote on Tue, 03 December 2013 11:25 |
We set out for Iowa last Wednesday evening from Rapid City, SD. This was our first major trip since buying our GMC about 1 year ago.
<snip>
The total trip was about 1000 miles with no unpleasant issues and lots of continuous smiles. I cant wait till the next one. Thanks for letting me rave about this!!! Bob
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Bob,
It is apparent that you have already learned one important lesson. Listen to the coach! She will tell you when things are wrong. If you fix even the littlest things as soon as she tells you, she will be happy and will take good care of you.
I'm not sure what you need AC for, but if the Onan was surging, it may have just had too little load (they seem to get bored when they are asked to run for no real reason) or it may have just been the mixture. The temperature can set them out of sorts, again, just a little attention (tweek the main jet 1/47 of a turn maybe all it will take). They seem to respond well to attention - too.
I don't know if you got the word, but the 2014 Fall rally (convention) will be in Chippewa Falls (MN). That is about 700 miles for you and with this last success and those you will have this season, it should be no big deal.
See you there!!
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: trip report [message #232148 is a reply to message #232139] |
Tue, 03 December 2013 18:45 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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| Matt Colie wrote on Tue, 03 December 2013 17:59 |
| Bob S. wrote on Tue, 03 December 2013 11:25 |
We set out for Iowa last Wednesday evening from Rapid City, SD. This was our first major trip since buying our GMC about 1 year ago.
<snip>
The total trip was about 1000 miles with no unpleasant issues and lots of continuous smiles. I cant wait till the next one. Thanks for letting me rave about this!!! Bob
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Bob,
It is apparent that you have already learned one important lesson. Listen to the coach! She will tell you when things are wrong. If you fix even the littlest things as soon as she tells you, she will be happy and will take good care of you.
I'm not sure what you need AC for, but if the Onan was surging, it may have just had too little load (they seem to get bored when they are asked to run for no real reason) or it may have just been the mixture. The temperature can set them out of sorts, again, just a little attention (tweek the main jet 1/47 of a turn maybe all it will take). They seem to respond well to attention - too.
I don't know if you got the word, but the 2014 Fall rally (convention) will be in Chippewa Falls (MN). That is about 700 miles for you and with this last success and those you will have this season, it should be no big deal.
See you there!!
Matt
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I think you are in the wrong state Matt. Try WI
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: [GMCnet] trip report [message #232158 is a reply to message #232139] |
Tue, 03 December 2013 19:18 |
Emery Stora
Messages: 959
Registered: January 2011
Karma: 4
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Senior Member |
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Matt
It's in. Chippewa Falls, WI not MN
Emery Stora
On Dec 3, 2013, at 4:59 PM, Matt Colie <matt7323tze@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> Bob S. wrote on Tue, 03 December 2013 11:25
>> We set out for Iowa last Wednesday evening from Rapid City, SD. This was our first major trip since buying our GMC about 1 year ago.
>> <snip>
>> The total trip was about 1000 miles with no unpleasant issues and lots of continuous smiles. I cant wait till the next one. Thanks for letting me rave about this!!! Bob
>
> Bob,
>
> It is apparent that you have already learned one important lesson. Listen to the coach! She will tell you when things are wrong. If you fix even the littlest things as soon as she tells you, she will be happy and will take good care of you.
>
> I'm not sure what you need AC for, but if the Onan was surging, it may have just had too little load (they seem to get bored when they are asked to run for no real reason) or it may have just been the mixture. The temperature can set them out of sorts, again, just a little attention (tweek the main jet 1/47 of a turn maybe all it will take). They seem to respond well to attention - too.
>
> I don't know if you got the word, but the 2014 Fall rally (convention) will be in Chippewa Falls (MN). That is about 700 miles for you and with this last success and those you will have this season, it should be no big deal.
>
> See you there!!
>
> Matt
> --
> Matt & Mary Colie
> I am often amused by those who attribute a quote to the character or performer and not the actual author.
> '73 Glacier 23 With 4 Rear Brakes that pull as they should
> SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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> GMCnet mailing list
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| Re: trip report [message #232192 is a reply to message #232085] |
Wed, 04 December 2013 09:28 |
Bob S.
Messages: 143
Registered: October 2012
Location: Rapid City, SD
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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Matt, Thanks for all the great information. You are probably correct about the generator. It was cold and very little load on the Onan. I fired it up on Saturday when the temp was about 50* and it seemed to smooth out. I'll check it more when the weather around here returns to a livable temperature(-20 wind chill this morning).
I will definitely put the Chippewa Falls Rally on my calendar. My job requires me to travel thru Wisconsin about 3 times a year and I might be able to combine business and pleasure. Thanks Again, Bob
Bob and Pam Schilling
Rapid City, SD
"78 Royale
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| Re: trip report [message #232275 is a reply to message #232085] |
Thu, 05 December 2013 10:03 |
George Beckman
Messages: 1085
Registered: October 2008
Location: Colfax, CA
Karma: 11
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Senior Member |
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| Bob S. wrote on Tue, 03 December 2013 08:25 |
We set out for Iowa last Wednesday evening from Rapid City, SD. .
. When we stopped we found the generator was surging constantly, we checked it out but could not figure out what the problem was, so we made the decision to shut it off and run on DC power the rest of the trip.
.
The total trip was about 1000 miles with no unpleasant issues and lots of continuous smiles. I cant wait till the next one. Thanks for letting me rave about this!!! Bob
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Bob,
Great adventure report.
If you wanted the Onan to plug in various electronic goodies, a small inverter workes great. We got along with a 300 for a long time, plugged into the cigar lighter. We now have. 1000 hardwired into the batteries with a couple of standard plugs available.
Anyway, great to hear all went so well in what the news tells us California people is "bad weather". I know, we don't know what weather is!
'74 Eleganza, SE, Howell + EBL
Best Wishes,
George
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| Re: trip report [message #232282 is a reply to message #232090] |
Thu, 05 December 2013 10:32 |
Steve
Messages: 506
Registered: September 2013
Location: East Greenville, Pa
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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[quote title=Bob S. wrote on Tue, 03 December 2013 12:03]Dan, I would really like to make it to as many rallies as I can. I'm anxious to meet most of the people that contribute to this forum. I am watching the schedule to see if I can work some into my schedule. Unfortunately I am not retired yet, and my wife says I have to work to support my habits(GMC's and Martin guitars).
Bob, bring that GMC East and visit the Martin Guitar factory in Nazarath PA.. If you need a place to plug in near by, I got you covered. I have an early 70's Martin D series (rose wood) that is my favorite 6 string acoustic I would really like to have a Martian 12 string. No better idea than to take the Martin for a long ride in the GMC.
I spent many years traveling to Rapid City for business. Enjoyed Deadwood, Mount Rushmore, and Sturgis. My favorite restraunt was a little place in the mountains that only served steak filet. Your only choices were large or small filet, type of salad dressing on a wedge of lettuce, and your choose of beverage. I would love to get my GMC to SD.
1978 GMC Royal
Eastern Pennslyvania
1968 Chevrolet C20 396 Camper Special
1969 Chevrolet C20 Camper Special
1985 Buick Electra Park Avenue
1992 Camaro 25th Anniversary Heretage Edition Black
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| Re: trip report [message #232289 is a reply to message #232282] |
Thu, 05 December 2013 11:10 |
Bob S.
Messages: 143
Registered: October 2012
Location: Rapid City, SD
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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Steve, Wow, what a great suggestion. A visit the Martin Guitar factory is definitely on my bucket list. I keep trying to convince my company that they should send me to Pennsylvania for business but the bosses seem to see things differently than I do.
I don't know why I cant convince them that they should finance all my entertainment. Oh well, I'm a salesman, I'll keep asking.
I've only owned the GMC for about a year and now that I have it roadworthy, (knock on wood) I can't wait to start traveling and meeting some of the people that I follow here on the forum.
If you get back to Rapid City, I have a nice level pad and a place to plug in. I'll be happy to take you and yours to the Alpine Inn (the steak place you mentioned), it is my favorite restaurant and is still going strong. However the price is now 8.99 for a small filet and 9.99 for a large.
Thanks for the great suggestion and the offer of a place to stay. I'm going to check the atlas and see what it would take to start planning. Maybe I can convince my beloved that its a good idea if I incorporate it with the trip to see the fall colors in the Northeast. Thanks again, Bob
Bob and Pam Schilling
Rapid City, SD
"78 Royale
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| Re: trip report [message #232311 is a reply to message #232289] |
Thu, 05 December 2013 15:02 |
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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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| Bob S. wrote on Thu, 05 December 2013 12:10 |
Steve, Wow, what a great suggestion. A visit the Martin Guitar factory is definitely on my bucket list.
<snip>
If you get back to Rapid City, I have a nice level pad and a place to plug in. I'll be happy to take you and yours to the Alpine Inn (the steak place you mentioned), it is my favorite restaurant and is still going strong. However the price is now 8.99 for a small filet and 9.99 for a large.
Thanks for the great suggestion and the offer of a place to stay. I'm going to check the atlas and see what it would take to start planning. Maybe I can convince my beloved that its a good idea if I incorporate it with the trip to see the fall colors in the Northeast.
Thanks again, Bob
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Bob,
If you really meant the offer of a flat spot, you may find more than a few will take you up on it. Fact is, we are planning being that way in the next season. A quiet flat spot is all we need for an overnight, but a quiet flat spot with electric would be a godsend.
And if you are going to start planning (really planning) get a copy of one of the navigators (Street Alas or Strips and Treets) and learn how to make it work. If you have questions, call one of us. I know SA real well, but gave up on S&T years ago so I don't know the current version. Buy the GPS with it and a way to run a laptop from 12V and now you have a street map with a "You Are Here" arrow.
Reminds me... I have an old copy I promised to send out.
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: trip report [message #232314 is a reply to message #232085] |
Thu, 05 December 2013 15:11 |
Steve
Messages: 506
Registered: September 2013
Location: East Greenville, Pa
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Ah, yes, the Alpine Inn. A beautiful business model due to low inventory needs. Just steak, lettuce and drink. (two large for me, hold the second lettuce wedge). The tourists line up around the block in the summer time. I was mostly the in the winter and enjoyed beautiful snowy nights at the Alpine Inn.
Like yourself I am currently sentenced to 10-15 years of hard labor to finance the family and shore up the old age fund for Mrs. Adams. I would quit now, live in a shack, and travel the country in the GMC. Wife has different expectations.
1978 GMC Royal
Eastern Pennslyvania
1968 Chevrolet C20 396 Camper Special
1969 Chevrolet C20 Camper Special
1985 Buick Electra Park Avenue
1992 Camaro 25th Anniversary Heretage Edition Black
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