New to this forum [message #250322] |
Thu, 22 May 2014 00:45 |
Paydirt8
Messages: 1 Registered: May 2014 Location: Sunshine Coast BC
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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For the past year I have looked with envy at loads of beautiful GMC motorhomes on the internet. I am becoming slightly obsessed with the thought of actually owning one. Before I do make the big jump in I would be interested to hear from owners with things I should watch out for before putting my money down. In my mind they are the ultimate RV but perhaps there is more I should know? Your honest opinions would be most welcome.
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Re: New to this forum [message #250325 is a reply to message #250322] |
Thu, 22 May 2014 04:55 |
cadelec
Messages: 303 Registered: September 2011 Location: Brisbane Australia
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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i too had your affliction. it was even harder as i am in australia. i bought sight unseen from recommendations from this forum and am very happy.
my only regret is not attending a GMC convention before buying as we may have bought a different layout.
but having said that the coach we have ended up with is fantastic
Trevor
Brisbane Australia
Siesta Koala 76 Edgemont (old Bobby Moores)
71 Cadillac Eldo Convert
58 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham Project
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Re: New to this forum [message #250326 is a reply to message #250322] |
Thu, 22 May 2014 05:58 |
Joe Weir
Messages: 769 Registered: February 2013 Location: Columbia, SC
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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Welcome.
Start here:
http://gmcmotorhome.info/buygmc.html
http://gmcidiotsguide.com/joomla/purchasing-a-gmc-motorhome
It will cost $25k all at once, or a little at a time.
You can pick up a mechanically sound good examples for a lot less than ?25k, but there will be something that needs attention down the road.
I bought a project and went a little at a time. The wait for a finished coach has been excruciating, but the upside is a familiarity with the systems that only a hands on experience can give you. And I like to tinker as much as camp, so it hasn't been all that bad.
The coaches are pretty straightforward mechanically, and were designed at a time when you rebuilt more than you replaced.
Don't be afraid to ask the list for any help evaluating a coach. Lots of good free advice dispensed daily.
76 Birchaven - "Wicked Mistress" - New engine, trans, alum radiator, brakes, Sully airbags, fuel lines, seats, adult beverage center... those Coachmen guys were really thinking about us second hand owners by including that beverage center...
Columbia, SC.
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Re: New to this forum [message #250338 is a reply to message #250322] |
Thu, 22 May 2014 09:36 |
George Beckman
Messages: 1085 Registered: October 2008 Location: Colfax, CA
Karma: 11
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Senior Member |
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Paydirt8 wrote on Wed, 21 May 2014 22:45For the past year I have looked with envy at loads of beautiful GMC motorhomes on the internet. I am becoming slightly obsessed with the thought of actually owning one. Before I do make the big jump in I would be interested to hear from owners with things I should watch out for before putting my money down. In my mind they are the ultimate RV but perhaps there is more I should know? Your honest opinions would be most welcome.
We are relatively new. 2008. My suggestion would be to get a coach you could start using immediately. It doesn't have to not need any work, but I fear those who "gut their coach" to do a total remodel or tear out the engine,transmission, front suspension and brakes get discouraged whil it sits.
I agree with the comment $25K (or more) now or later and would add $25K now and still more. But any motorhome will need constant upkeep,just like a hous...except we don't subject our houses to roads at 60 mph.
Our first coach was a 23' and after about 20K miles we switched to a 26. I like a couch and the 23 layout didn't have one. Ruth misses "Baby". We are now at 45k miles in the current coach. Paid 9 and have waaaay more in it but it is still cheap compared to the new RVs. When we brought the current coach home the little neighbor boy asked his Papa, "Why did George buy such an ugly Motor home?" It is far from perfect, but we now get lots of nice comments at service stations,etc. it has only been towed once and that was my fault; I had already ordered at transmission from Manny but thought I coud make one more trip to a church camp. On the steep hill just before the camp... Well we had to call the hook.
I may not know for sure what county I wake up in, but I slept in my bed and my toothbrush is right where it is supposed to be.
'74 Eleganza, SE, Howell + EBL
Best Wishes,
George
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