| Our First Drive [message #296143] |
Wed, 24 February 2016 22:11  |
 |
pjburt
Messages: 436
Registered: February 2016
Location: Fresno, California
Karma: 1
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Patti and I went from Fresno to Applied GMC (169 mi) to pickup our new to us '73 customized Canyon Land. We rented a one-way car so both of us could experience the maiden voyage in our coach. By the time we did the paperwork, dropped off the car, talked for a while with another GMC owner, (another story) it was 3:30 PM.
Now those familiar with the Bay Area traffic know it is always busy, but, rush hour starts about 3:00 and no matter which direction you go toward the Central Valley it will be busy. I had decided it would be to our benefit to stay on multi-lane roads (Freeways) which meant North (I-680) then East through Livermoore (I-580) to the I-5 South, 152 to the 99 South.
I use Google Maps on my phone for navigation.
Patti decided the female voice is Lulu.
So... Lulu took us through a plethora of surface streets to get to the I-680. When I got the I-680 I turned Lulu off. Traffic immediately began to move about 30mph or less. This continued onto the I-580 East almost all the way through Livermoore. (45 min - an hour??) It was definitely interesting, especially when Patti had to remind me how quickly we were getting home.
Turning on Lulu again.
Lulu found an alternate route that will be 50 mins. faster than taking the I-580 hill out of Livermoore to the I-5.
I'll take it.
Surface streets again to Patterson Pass Rd. but it is still supposed to be 50 mins. faster than the Interstate. Approx 20 miles.
Note: You don't want to set through the one stop sign on Patterson Pass Road during rush hour. But, it was supposed to be 50 mins. faster.
After the syop sign - one lane road with 2 way traffic. A constant line of cars and we are the only MH in sight. Lots of sharp turns up and down. At the crest all I could see is sky. Patti decided it was time to see how strong the Flexsteel arm rests were. All the way down. I'm glad it wasn't my arm. Of course, the down hill side was basically on her side and steep.
Down was rather harrowing but, to make a long story slightly shorter, it took us 2.5 hours to get to the I-580 turn-off to the I-5 from Applied GMC. Still 2 hours to go according to Lulu. The entire trip should have taken us less than 3 hours.
Overall, I'm happy with the way the coach performed. There are some issues but I believe they will be minor when we get them sorted out. I knew there would be things to do so I'm not discouraged.
Lots to do so see you later.
Jerry
Jerry Burt Fresno, CA.
73 Gmc 26' Canyon Lands
Members: FMCA - GMCMI - GMCWS
A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Our First Drive [message #296146 is a reply to message #296143] |
Wed, 24 February 2016 23:17  |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I know once you put on more miles and get familiar with your coach, you
will enjoy it with minimal problems.
On Wed, Feb 24, 2016 at 8:11 PM, Jerry Burt wrote:
> Patti and I went from Fresno to Applied GMC (169 mi) to pickup our new to
> us '73 customized Canyon Land. We rented a one-way car so both of us could
> experience the maiden voyage in our coach. By the time we did the
> paperwork, dropped off the car, talked for a while with another GMC owner,
> (another
> story) it was 3:30 PM.
>
> Now those familiar with the Bay Area traffic know it is always busy, but,
> rush hour starts about 3:00 and no matter which direction you go toward the
> Central Valley it will be busy. I had decided it would be to our benefit
> to stay on multi-lane roads (Freeways) which meant North (I-680) then East
> through Livermoore (I-580) to the I-5 South, 152 to the 99 South.
>
> I use Google Maps on my phone for navigation.
> Patti decided the female voice is Lulu.
>
> So... Lulu took us through a plethora of surface streets to get to the
> I-680. When I got the I-680 I turned Lulu off. Traffic immediately began to
> move about 30mph or less. This continued onto the I-580 East almost all
> the way through Livermoore. (45 min - an hour??) It was definitely
> interesting, especially when Patti had to remind me how quickly we were
> getting home.
>
> Turning on Lulu again.
>
> Lulu found an alternate route that will be 50 mins. faster than taking the
> I-580 hill out of Livermoore to the I-5.
> I'll take it.
> Surface streets again to Patterson Pass Rd. but it is still supposed to be
> 50 mins. faster than the Interstate. Approx 20 miles.
> Note: You don't want to set through the one stop sign on Patterson Pass
> Road during rush hour. But, it was supposed to be 50 mins. faster.
>
> After the syop sign - one lane road with 2 way traffic. A constant line of
> cars and we are the only MH in sight. Lots of sharp turns up and down. At
> the crest all I could see is sky. Patti decided it was time to see how
> strong the Flexsteel arm rests were. All the way down. I'm glad it wasn't my
> arm. Of course, the down hill side was basically on her side and steep.
>
> Down was rather harrowing but, to make a long story slightly shorter, it
> took us 2.5 hours to get to the I-580 turn-off to the I-5 from Applied GMC.
> Still 2 hours to go according to Lulu. The entire trip should have taken
> us less than 3 hours.
>
> Overall, I'm happy with the way the coach performed. There are some issues
> but I believe they will be minor when we get them sorted out. I knew there
> would be things to do so I'm not discouraged.
>
> Lots to do so see you later.
>
> Jerry
> --
> Patti & Jerry Burt
> 73 Gmc 26'
> Photos - http://jburt.smugmug.com/GMC-Motorhome
> Lots of upgrades but lots to do to make it ours.
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: Our First Drive [message #296152 is a reply to message #296143] |
Thu, 25 February 2016 07:43 |
rcjordan
Messages: 1913
Registered: October 2012
Location: Elizabeth City, North Car...
Karma: 1
|
Senior Member |
|
|
>If rush hour traffic was your only problem, you are starting out real well.
My thought, exactly. One of the problems with using Google maps, Waze, or other popular gps apps or hardware is that they do not offer an option to 'profile' your vehicle (height, length, weight). The RV gps's (which have a decidedly spotty record of hardware reliability, unfortunately) can route based on your profile. I had a RM7720 which locked up after a year and I'm currently treading water before purchasing another (probably the Good Sam version). In the interim, we're using Waze & Sygic. Recently, Waze routed us through a very clever, quick route through a residential section of Tallahassee while in the Royale. That route had heavily overhanging trees that would have been no trouble with a car or van but it was hard to keep them from scratching the new paint job. There's more to consider about choosing a gps, but that'd be better in it's own thread.
Welcome to the cult.
SOLD 77 Royale Coachmen Side Dry Bath
76 Birchaven Coachmen Side Wet Bath
76 Eleganza
Elizabeth City, NC
|
|
|
|
| Re: Our First Drive [message #296154 is a reply to message #296152] |
Thu, 25 February 2016 08:01 |
Jim Galbavy
Messages: 1443
Registered: August 2007
Karma: 7
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I am using the GARMIN RV 760 with few problems. Just punch in hgt.,wgt. & width.
In town, routes me on truck routes. Also warns me of traffic tie ups and
alt. routes. Lists all of the normal gps locations like fuel, repairs shops and camp
grounds. ...and so EZ even I can use it.
My wife Ada just refers to her as "THE BITCH IN A BOX".
jim galbavy
'73 x-CL ANNIE
Lake Mary, Fl
[Updated on: Thu, 25 February 2016 08:06] Report message to a moderator |
|
|
|
GMCforum
Search
Help
Register
Login
Home
