| Of all the things I've done to improve our coach [message #263926] |
Fri, 10 October 2014 17:15  |
kerry pinkerton
Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al
Karma: 15
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Not really having any experience with motorhomes in general and GMC in particular, we had no idea what was 'normal'. One thing we quickly realized is that it was pretty noisy inside. In addition to the motor noise, it had thunks and creaks and such.
This summer, I bought a sheet of 5/8" thick horse mat from Tractor Supply and cut it into about 4x4 sections for new body pads. ENORMOUS improvement. The coach is much, MUCH quieter and feels smoother but that is probably just a perception based on the reduced noise. Many of my old (probably original) pads were missing and those that remained were about 1/4" thick and hard as a brick.
I don't remember how much the horse mat was but I'm thinking it was about $30 and was enough for a half dozen coaches. It's hard to cut though. A saber saw with a coarse blade seems to work best.
I posted how I did it a few months back but after the 1900 mile trip I can honestly say that this was the best 30 buck investment and one day of labor I've made in the coach to date.
Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama
Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L
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| Re: Of all the things I've done to improve our coach [message #263932 is a reply to message #263926] |
Fri, 10 October 2014 18:14  |
Otterwan
Messages: 946
Registered: July 2013
Location: Lynnwood (north of Seattl...
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Did you loosen the body mounts or just jack the body up from the frame as far as it would go?
1977 Birchaven, Lynnwood WA - "We may not be able to stop all evil in the world, but I know that how we treat one another is entirely up to us."
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| Re: Of all the things I've done to improve our coach [message #263934 is a reply to message #263926] |
Fri, 10 October 2014 18:43 |
kerry pinkerton
Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al
Karma: 15
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Senior Member |
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I got chastised because I only used silicone to hold them in place. Ran out of time to screw them in and have not yet had time to check and see if any came out or moved on the recent trip. I doubt they did but if they have, I'll definitely screw them down. (and let yall know)
Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama
Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L
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| Re: Of all the things I've done to improve our coach [message #263952 is a reply to message #263934] |
Fri, 10 October 2014 21:06 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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I replaced mine and used "gorilla glue" to hold them in place. I used no screws because I never got around to installing them. I put my coach up on Blaine's hoist specifically to check them last year. Thousands of miles and many years later they are still in place. None have moved. Others have reported using liquid nails with the same success. I'm not saying not to screw them in, but I do not think it is a high priority issue for you at this time. Do it whenever you are under there for something else.
As I have stated before it is not necessary to unbolt the existing body hold downs. I did mine easily without unbolting the body. A simple hydraulic jack at each body cross member is all you need.
Two things every GMCer ought to do to update their aging coach.
1. Check and replace if necessary, the body isolation pads.
2. Block the intake manifold crossovers.
Ken,
"liking my new Onan heat shield. Thanks Kerry for making them"
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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