Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Belated Trip Report (I need either a new MH or a new wife!)
| Belated Trip Report [message #261529] |
Wed, 10 September 2014 19:05  |
Neil
Messages: 271
Registered: July 2007
Location: Los Angeles and Magalia, ...
Karma: 1
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Belated trip report
I drove LA to Sturgis towing a small trailer with 2 Harleys. For the trip I had the stock front end completely redone with the exception of the steering column. Added MSD atomic fuel injection. I do the trip in 3 days. LA to Provo, Provo to Casper and Casper to Sturgis.
Day one: Leave LA at 4:30 am with sort of full tanks. Run out of gas while aux is showing ½ tank 20 miles west of Baker. Conclude fuel selector valve isn't working. Put in 5 gallons from jug in trailer and continue on. From here out stopped for gas every 150 miles to be safe. Hate the way the coach handles. Before it had 2-3 inches of play but drove predictably. Now it handles evil and steering wheel isn't straight. Arrive at Provo KOA.
Day two: Leave Provo KOA. Go up highway 189. This is Sunday am. Passing through Sundance (I think) about 8:20am notice only showing 9-10 volts on voltage gauge. Pull over. Check center isolator. Alternator not putting out power. Was a recent O'Riley rebuild. Iphone search shows there is an Autozone one block away that opened 5 minutes ago. Drove there, they had a new 100 amp alternator, replaced that plus adjusted the drag ling so steering wheel straight in their parking lot. Now making electricity, steering improved. Major improvement climbing continental divide with MSD injection even compared to prior Patterson carburetor. Made it to Casper without incident. Still not overjoyed about handling though.
Day three: Drive Casper to Sturgis. No incidents.
Day four. Took bike to Rapid City airport and picked up wife who didn't want to drive out in GMC.
A week later
Left Sturgis for Bozeman. Incident free drive. Coach runs real strong with MSD and 3.70 final drive.
Next day (Thursday): leave Bozeman for west entrance to Yellowstone. The plan was to get there early, unload bike, ride half of the park then pack up and continue to Pocatello. Didn't make it. Driving the canyon to Yellowstone in the am, pulled into a turn out to let cars pass, a big BANG and dead stop. Left axle bolts unscrewed themselves from final drive flange. Thrashed around. Took out trans dipstick tube and shift linkage. Wedged itself and locked left from wheel. All this at 2 mph. (Imagine if going fast...) No cell phone reception. Unloaded motorcycle. Rode back 10 miles to Big Sky Montana. Found garage, they couldn't tow and wouldn't try to fix, but they recommended Mr. T's Towing in Bozeman. (now I do too!) They came out with 2 tow trucks, one for coach, one for trailer, on the way back called Jim K, ordered replacement parts to be federal expressed to Mr. T's. We spend the night in a hotel, go out to eat. Drink to forget.
Friday at 1 the parts arrive, the guys at Mr. T's stay till 7 pm, fix everything. All campgrounds in Bozeman sold out, stay for the first time at Walmart, not bad.
Saturday Leave Bozeman, drive to Pocatello, easy and only a half day drive. My wife who does not trust the GMC, self medicates so as not to freak out during drive ("This thing will kill me")
Sunday leave Pocatello, drive to Las Vegas, stay at KOA with hook ups Go out to really nice dinner. Had stop and go traffic north of Las Vegas for a half hour or more at 100 plus temps, no overheating, no vapor lock at all.
Monday drive Las Vegas to LA, no problems.
Got to work a day later than planned on Tuesday.
The next weekend, did the whole align the steering box routine as published here. Now coach handles dramatically better.
Notwithstanding, the wife announces she will NEVER take another trip in the coach. (To be fair, this was not the first "adventure") So This Christmas I'll be driving the GMC and dog to Santa Cruz while she drives up by herself.
And so it goes.
Neil
76 Eleganza now sold
Los Angeles
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| Re: Belated Trip Report [message #261535 is a reply to message #261529] |
Wed, 10 September 2014 20:06  |
roy1
Messages: 2126
Registered: July 2004
Location: Minden nevada
Karma: 6
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The good is you made it back under it 's own power. My biggest concern if I break down is my wife gets pretty upset also so I carry a lot of spare parts including those axel bolts although they never have loosened. There have been times in the last 40 years when something would put me on the side of the road in some pretty nasty places be it the GMC or the previous RV's. Her comments would generally be how long will it take to fix it this time like the time a flex fan took out 75% of the radiator in a camper took out the radiator and plugged off the tubes added a bunch of stop leak and continued on at night. The cracked cylinder head in the GMC took 4 days but I made it to a resort type campground with steam pouring out the exhaust. I didn't have a spare head so it took awhile to find a head. I always had parts for other repairs like the alternator and the distributor. The only time I was done in was when I blew a motor but I was only 40 miles from home . Heck we climbed some steep mountain passes on California 395 north past Monmouth running on 7 cylinders with a truck in tow (she won't drive in the mountains ) when I got down to 5 miles an hour in low gear I was sweating but we made it oh yeah a spark plug blew apart and bent an intake valve. As they say we were just making memories to be laughed about later.
Roy Keen
Minden,NV
76 X Glenbrook
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| Re: Belated Trip Report [message #261541 is a reply to message #261529] |
Wed, 10 September 2014 21:37 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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Well Neil, at least your new MSD Atomic Fuel Injection worked well. 
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] Belated Trip Report [message #261579 is a reply to message #261559] |
Thu, 11 September 2014 09:54 |
Neil
Messages: 271
Registered: July 2007
Location: Los Angeles and Magalia, ...
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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First, Dan, good to hear from you and I am closely following the reports of your activities. Wish you well.
Gene, were that the wife problem was that simple. We have had the coach for a bit over 10 years. Its the too many adventures and memories that no short trip will erase. It wasn't so bad that time we broke down going home from Cayucos on a Sunday, and I unloaded a bike and rode to JimK's place and back (7 hours) to replace the power steering hose, or the time in Anza Borrego when we lost top gear and I drive home in 2nd, or even the time a few trips coming back from Sturgis when the wheel temp alarm went off and the hot bearing had caused the wheel cylinder to leak brake fluid causing a very very small little fire. I probably got things off to the wrong foot that time I pulled over off the freeway into a fitness center parking lot, because the throttle was sticking, lifted the hatch with motor running, her behind me, took off air cleaner and manipulated the linkage to see what was sticking. In gear. Looked down and saw the half-shafts spinning, heard the wife shriek as we burned rubber towards the driveway(no problem, stopped in seconds, but, you know, still hear about it years later).
The next to last time was getting stuck in the snow going off-roading http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/member-galleries/p47967-no-traction.html Backing up for 30 minutes off road downhill. Hey, there were 2 gmc's on that one. That time she said never again to the desert.
I have tried to apply logic to the situation, explaining that mechanical bits break, be they in a shiny diesel pusher of a less shiny GMC. She said, I'll try the pusher.
So, any and all other advise appreciated here. I should have been going to conventions so she would have a social group to miss, but didn't take that opportunity at the time.
I may just keep the GMC no matter what else we get.
Neil
76 Eleganza now sold
Los Angeles
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| Re: [GMCnet] Belated Trip Report [message #261583 is a reply to message #261579] |
Thu, 11 September 2014 10:05 |
Jim Galbavy
Messages: 1443
Registered: August 2007
Karma: 7
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Neil,
If we had the same experiences as you, Ada and I would be looking for a new hobby.
I would have to agree with your wife (she ain't having no fun) so why push that rope
up that hill. You both gave it a good try. Now do something that will make her
comfortable and happy. She's earned it.
jim galbavy
'73 x-CL ANNIE
Lake Mary, FL
[Updated on: Thu, 11 September 2014 10:06] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] Belated Trip Report [message #261584 is a reply to message #261579] |
Thu, 11 September 2014 10:01 |
Mr ERFisher
Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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>
>
> I have tried to apply logic to the situation, explaining that mechanical
> bits break, be they in a shiny diesel pusher of a less shiny GMC. She said,
> I'll try the pusher.
>
>
sigh, no joy here
but
i know a diesel guy ,sob, that just spent $6,000 on on injection pump
and another diesel, guy who spends $150 per month for
a maintenance plan that will fix him on the road
is no easy answer, but short trips allow you to fix probs early
good luck
erf
>
>
>
> So, any and all other advise appreciated here. I should have been going
> to conventions so she would have a social group to miss, but didn't take
> that opportunity at the time.
>
> I may just keep the GMC no matter what else we get.
> --
> Neil
> 76 Eleganza
> Los Angeles
> _______________________________________________
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--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
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Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
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| Re: [GMCnet] Belated Trip Report [message #261595 is a reply to message #261584] |
Thu, 11 September 2014 10:55 |
roy1
Messages: 2126
Registered: July 2004
Location: Minden nevada
Karma: 6
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I have a friend that had a 36ft diesel pusher . He sold it really cheap this past spring. I should have bought it at that cheap price. He said he couldn't afford to pay the shop $2000 in repairs each time he returned from a short camping trip. Paying $ 125 an hour for labor and the high cost of parts was not fun anymore.
Roy Keen
Minden,NV
76 X Glenbrook
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| Re: [GMCnet] Belated Trip Report [message #261597 is a reply to message #261595] |
Thu, 11 September 2014 11:05 |
Neil
Messages: 271
Registered: July 2007
Location: Los Angeles and Magalia, ...
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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The cost of pusher maintenance and breakage is why I might just hang on to the GMC for a bit. I am building a big garage at our retirement house to be. Not buying nothing till that's done anyway.
For now, I 'll drive the GMC and she can drive her own car to family type events like the annual Santa Cruz trip. It kills me that I really have all the bugs out. Great motor, doesn't overheat, doesn't vapor lock. many tranny. 3.70 limited slip. Big Mac dash, New roof a/c, dash a'c works, new heater. Rebuilt refrigerator. perfectly working onan, re-did the interior, redid the paint, eagle wheels, etc, etc.,
Neil
76 Eleganza now sold
Los Angeles
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| Re: [GMCnet] Belated Trip Report [message #261602 is a reply to message #261597] |
Thu, 11 September 2014 11:19 |
Olly Schmidt
Messages: 1265
Registered: February 2014
Location: Germany and Scottsville, ...
Karma: 8
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Neil,
continue your voyages.
Eventually, she will try again on shorter trips to go with you instead
of going on her own.
--
Best regards
Peer Oliver Schmidt
PGP Key ID: 0x83E1C2EA
'76a Eleganza II, VA
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Olly Schmidt
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'76a Eleganza II, VA
'73 Sequoia, SH, Germany
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| Re: Belated Trip Report [message #261608 is a reply to message #261529] |
Thu, 11 September 2014 11:48 |
midlf
Messages: 2212
Registered: July 2007
Location: SE Wisc. (Palmyra)
Karma: 1
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Your topic description (not visible to email users) was "I need either a new MH or a new wife!" After all the mods, maintenance and upgrades you've done I can feel your distress. However getting down to just raw numbers <GRIN> the new HM will for sure be cheaper.
OR
Have it painted and tell her it's a new one. <GRIN again>
Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
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| Re: Belated Trip Report [message #261627 is a reply to message #261603] |
Thu, 11 September 2014 17:42 |
lotsofspareparts
Messages: 726
Registered: May 2014
Location: Arlington, WA
Karma: -9
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WD0AFQ wrote on Thu, 11 September 2014 09:27Neil, believe this or not, my glass engine cover has done more to assure Teri all is well than it has me. Both times she has been the one to see that our coach was about to burn to the ground. She glances at the engine quite often, I just watch the gauges. Maybe you could cut her a little spy hole and put a camera and monitor in it for her.
Do what you must, it's your marriage and that is important.
Hope everything else is going good for you.
Dan
Tell me more about your engine cover, I am intrigued.
As for the axle bolts, I have heard they can loosen and we have put just over 1600 miles on the coach since I bought it so I checked mine to be sure they were tight (they were). For a little added insurance or assurance what is to stop someone from using blue Loctite on the bolts? Or perhaps lock washers or those cheese grater style washers?
Jared
Jared & Tina Lazaron + 14yr old Daughter.....
77 Eleganza II "Recherché".....
73 Canyon Lands 230 "Elephant"
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| Re: [GMCnet] Belated Trip Report [message #261644 is a reply to message #261583] |
Thu, 11 September 2014 19:34 |
Luvn737s
Messages: 1106
Registered: June 2007
Karma: 2
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Jim Galbavy wrote on Thu, 11 September 2014 08:05Neil,
If we had the same experiences as you, Ada and I would be looking for a new hobby.
I would have to agree with your wife (she ain't having no fun) so why push that rope
up that hill. You both gave it a good try. Now do something that will make her
comfortable and happy. She's earned it.
jim galbavy
'73 x-CL ANNIE
Lake Mary, FL
Agreed. At least she enjoys traveling with you (albeit in something besides a GMC), that counts for a lot.
Randy
1973 26' Painted Desert
Ahwatukee (Phoenix) AZ
[Updated on: Thu, 11 September 2014 19:35] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Belated Trip Report [message #261646 is a reply to message #261627] |
Thu, 11 September 2014 19:44 |
midlf
Messages: 2212
Registered: July 2007
Location: SE Wisc. (Palmyra)
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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lotsofspareparts wrote on Thu, 11 September 2014 17:42[
As for the axle bolts, I have heard they can loosen and we have put just over 1600 miles on the coach since I bought it so I checked mine to be sure they were tight (they were). For a little added insurance or assurance what is to stop someone from using blue Loctite on the bolts? Or perhaps lock washers or those cheese grater style washers?
Jared
Blue locktite is HIGHLY recommended. Lock washers are called for in the manuals. The correct lock washers are the "high collar" type.
Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
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