| maiden voyage suggestions [message #301660] |
Mon, 06 June 2016 07:21  |
kstockwell
Messages: 367
Registered: May 2016
Location: Putney VT
Karma: 4
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Senior Member |
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So I'm anticipating driving home a 78 Kingsley on Sunday. Driving over to check it out in person and unless there's something that wasn't obvious in the eleventy hundred photos or missed in the many conversations/invoices I'm in.
I know the PO will go over all his advice/gauges safe driving style- what else do you think I need to keep in mind on a 900 mile maiden voyage from Michigan to Vermont?
I'm under the assumption I can drive through Canada with paper tags provided I have the paperwork, anyone think that's a bad idea? Going through PA adds a lot of traffic, miles, cities and hours.
Windshield wiper motor is "ok" but the windshield is Rain-Xed, dash lights are not always reliable- he suggested driving during the day until I'm used to it (and has an amber light to illuminate the dash). There was mention of keeping the vacuum gauge at a certain level, lots of room for braking- etc. But what else? I have driven a large Coachman 28A and more recently a Sprinter Winnebago (C class) cross country.
Also, what do people (who have done it) think of the drive from Bennington VT to Brattleboro VT up over Searsburg. It's pretty steep; and there are sections in my current motorhome I tight knuckle it a bit, like the part where it feels like the top of a rollercoaster. Is it safer to stay on I-90 to Springfield MA and then drive north (adding 70 miles). Should I see how I'm feeling in Albany NY and play it by ear? I'm concerned with the down hills, my dad is concerned with the up hills (he's going with me on this journey). Hopefully a one way car rental and the motorhome drive home.
thank you
kelly
not yet...
1978 Kingsley
Putney VT
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| Re: maiden voyage suggestions [message #301664 is a reply to message #301660] |
Mon, 06 June 2016 08:39  |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Only driving suggestion that I have, try to place your left foot on the road's white stripe. That should keep you in the middle of your available lane.
Consider stopping and refueling about every 200 miles until you feel you can trust the gas gauge. Check engine oil every fuel stop. Check transmission level, with engine running, during the first day.
It does not stop on a dime. Allow extra room. Those little Hondas that love to cut you off will not survive your 6 tons of Detroit metal.
Find the coaches sweet spot for highway speeds, mine likes 62-64 mph. Plan on 8 mpg and be happy if you better that.
Go up steep grades in 2nd, trying to keep the rpm's up.
Download the Black List and have towing insurance in place.
Have a blast!
Tom, MS II , who drove his first coach with 15 minutes of instruction from Denver to Lower Alabama.
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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| Re: maiden voyage suggestions [message #301671 is a reply to message #301660] |
Mon, 06 June 2016 09:29 |
77Royale
Messages: 461
Registered: June 2014
Location: Mid Michigan
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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Driving through Canada may be faster, But driving through the states may open up more black listers if you find you need help.
If the PO doesnt supply it, Id get an assortment of fluids you may need. PS, Brake, coolant, oil. Grease everything that can be greased before you go with the PO. That way you know its done and you know where to put the grease gun next time.
Happy to see another Coach go to a good home, Sad that is leaving the home state.
77 Royale, Rear Dry Bath. 403, 3.55 Final Drive, Lenzi goodies, Patterson carb and dizzy.
Mid Michigan
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| Re: maiden voyage suggestions [message #301672 is a reply to message #301660] |
Mon, 06 June 2016 09:58 |
gibsongo
Messages: 116
Registered: October 2012
Location: Montreal West, Quebec, Ca...
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Hi
Speaking as a proud Kanuk, I would respectfully suggest that you stick south of the border on your drive back to Vermont for several reasons:
1) Remember, you'll be getting 8 MPG and gas is a fair bit cheaper in the U.S.
2) If you are planning on crossing in western Michigan at Sault St Marie, you will be on the Trans Canada Highway in Ontario - very scenic, but two-lane highway till you get to near Ottawa
3) You will save yourself a ton of hassle at the border - both coming into Canada and then getting back into the U.S. These days you also need a valid passport to cross between our two friendly neighbor countries,
Then of course there's the Black List argument that 77 Royal has mentioned.
Good luck, and have fun!
Gordon
Gordon Gibson
1976 23" Norris Upfit
Montreal West, Quebec, Canada
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| Re: maiden voyage suggestions [message #301674 is a reply to message #301672] |
Mon, 06 June 2016 10:37 |
jhb1
Messages: 303
Registered: February 2004
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Also as another Canadian who drives west for most vacations driving thru Toronto is painfull on the best of days. Take I 90 and put up with the tolls
John H. Bell
77 Royale; QuadBag,Manny OneTon,Honda EV4010, FITech
Montreal Qc.
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| Re: maiden voyage suggestions [message #301686 is a reply to message #301660] |
Mon, 06 June 2016 12:20 |
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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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kstockwell wrote on Mon, 06 June 2016 08:21So I'm anticipating driving home a 78 Kingsley on Sunday. Driving over to check it out in person and unless there's something that wasn't obvious in the eleventy hundred photos or missed in the many conversations/invoices I'm in.
I know the PO will go over all his advice/gauges safe driving style- what else do you think I need to keep in mind on a 900 mile maiden voyage from Michigan to Vermont?
I'm under the assumption I can drive through Canada with paper tags provided I have the paperwork, anyone think that's a bad idea? Going through PA adds a lot of traffic, miles, cities and hours.
Windshield wiper motor is "ok" but the windshield is Rain-Xed, dash lights are not always reliable- he suggested driving during the day until I'm used to it (and has an amber light to illuminate the dash). There was mention of keeping the vacuum gauge at a certain level, lots of room for braking- etc. But what else? I have driven a large Coachman 28A and more recently a Sprinter Winnebago (C class) cross country.
Also, what do people (who have done it) think of the drive from Bennington VT to Brattleboro VT up over Searsburg. It's pretty steep; and there are sections in my current motorhome I tight knuckle it a bit, like the part where it feels like the top of a rollercoaster. Is it safer to stay on I-90 to Springfield MA and then drive north (adding 70 miles). Should I see how I'm feeling in Albany NY and play it by ear? I'm concerned with the down hills, my dad is concerned with the up hills (he's going with me on this journey). Hopefully a one way car rental and the motorhome drive home.
thank you
kelly
not yet...
Kelly,
Welcome to the group, family, cult, asylum....
Please come back with the actual location of the coach you are going to pick up. I am not in Michigan right now, but I can offer some valuable information when I know more. We go east from here frequently and Mary has family in Canada.
You do realize, that as soon as you actually be come a GMC owner, you have instantly acquired about a could thousand brand new old friends.
Matt - Parking other GMC friends in Goshen as I write.
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: maiden voyage suggestions [message #301698 is a reply to message #301686] |
Mon, 06 June 2016 16:32 |
kstockwell
Messages: 367
Registered: May 2016
Location: Putney VT
Karma: 4
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Senior Member |
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The CO (not a PO yet) just offered to drive it to me; I cover the one way rental car home for him- plus I'll throw in gas and tolls.
What a deal!
I'll see if he wants to meet in NY somewhere (has a brother there) to share the drive, but I don't think I can pass up that offer. I can still back out, he takes it home.
He says he's retired and has time on his hands and wants one last hurrah in the coach.
It's in Harbor Springs MI.
But, thank you all for the suggestions. Sounded like PA was the way to go and not Canada.
Look for more from me as I learn my butt from my elbow
cheers
kelly
1978 Kingsley
Putney VT
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| Re: [GMCnet] maiden voyage suggestions [message #301701 is a reply to message #301698] |
Mon, 06 June 2016 16:36 |
Rob
Messages: 651
Registered: November 2013
Location: Victoria, BC
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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That sounds like a good seller!
Rob
Victoria, BC
76 Royale - Rear Twins/Dry Bath
On 2016-06-06, at 2:32 PM, kelly stockwell wrote:
> The CO (not a PO yet) just offered to drive it to me; I cover the one way rental car home for him- plus I'll throw in gas and tolls.
> What a deal!
>
> I'll see if he wants to meet in NY somewhere (has a brother there) to share the drive, but I don't think I can pass up that offer. I can still back
> out, he takes it home.
> He says he's retired and has time on his hands and wants one last hurrah in the coach.
>
> It's in Harbor Springs MI.
>
> But, thank you all for the suggestions. Sounded like PA was the way to go and not Canada.
>
> Look for more from me as I learn my butt from my elbow
>
> cheers
> kelly
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Rob -
Victoria, BC -
76 Royale - Rear Twins/Dry Bath
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| Re: maiden voyage suggestions [message #301709 is a reply to message #301660] |
Mon, 06 June 2016 17:08 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Senior Member |
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Check air fares going back, if someone can meet him at an airport. F'rinstance, Burlington to Alpena is ~~500 bux. May be cheaper than a one way car rental by the time you figure gas and hotels.
--johnny (Who has sojourned in Alpena a time or two. Nice place in the summer)
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: maiden voyage suggestions [message #301714 is a reply to message #301698] |
Mon, 06 June 2016 17:42 |
GMC Cruse
Messages: 606
Registered: June 2009
Location: SE Michigan
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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Sounds like a good CO soon to be PO.
The Wyandotte one, from it's pictures and description is, in my opinion, way over priced so glad to hear it wasn't that one.
Mike K.
'75 PB
Southeast Michigan
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| Re: maiden voyage suggestions [message #301718 is a reply to message #301664] |
Mon, 06 June 2016 18:31 |
kstockwell
Messages: 367
Registered: May 2016
Location: Putney VT
Karma: 4
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Senior Member |
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Tom, glad I'm not the only one who thinks embarking on an unknown adventure is fine; Denver to Lower Alabama!
-kelly
tphipps wrote on Mon, 06 June 2016 09:39Only driving suggestion that I have, try to place your left foot on the road's white stripe. That should keep you in the middle of your available lane.
Consider stopping and refueling about every 200 miles until you feel you can trust the gas gauge. Check engine oil every fuel stop. Check transmission level, with engine running, during the first day.
It does not stop on a dime. Allow extra room. Those little Hondas that love to cut you off will not survive your 6 tons of Detroit metal.
Find the coaches sweet spot for highway speeds, mine likes 62-64 mph. Plan on 8 mpg and be happy if you better that.
Go up steep grades in 2nd, trying to keep the rpm's up.
Download the Black List and have towing insurance in place.
Have a blast!
Tom, MS II , who drove his first coach with 15 minutes of instruction from Denver to Lower Alabama.
1978 Kingsley
Putney VT
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| Re: maiden voyage suggestions [message #301745 is a reply to message #301660] |
Mon, 06 June 2016 22:02 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Senior Member |
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That's a nice looking coach.
Kelly, whereabouts in L.A.?
--johnny
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: maiden voyage suggestions [message #301759 is a reply to message #301745] |
Tue, 07 June 2016 06:38 |
kstockwell
Messages: 367
Registered: May 2016
Location: Putney VT
Karma: 4
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Senior Member |
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Johnny,
It was Tom who drove to Lower Alabama. I'm heading to Putney VT.
I'm pretty excited about the coach too, he's shared a ton more photos with me along with lots of other info on the PO to him.
looking like Saturday is my day!
-kelly
Johnny Bridges wrote on Mon, 06 June 2016 23:02That's a nice looking coach.
Kelly, whereabouts in L.A.?
--johnny
1978 Kingsley
Putney VT
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| Re: maiden voyage suggestions [message #301767 is a reply to message #301660] |
Tue, 07 June 2016 08:33 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Senior Member |
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OK, thanks, Tom I know - Far L.A. he is. I took a credit card and The Black List on my recent trip, only needed the card, and that only for gas. Miguel had to remind me via telephone about the Patton Museum, the aux tank switch has a purpose.
--johnny
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: maiden voyage suggestions [message #302085 is a reply to message #301660] |
Mon, 13 June 2016 17:59 |
kstockwell
Messages: 367
Registered: May 2016
Location: Putney VT
Karma: 4
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Senior Member |
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Mission accomplished.
The (now) PO drove it to Rome NY. I met him there and bought it- drove it home. We did not go across Rt 9 in VT, rather up around Bromley Ski Mt. Still steep and windy and slow going. 1st 1/2 hour was dicey; my steering was overcorrecting. I knew it was me- but I couldn't help it. It was like I was on ice sinusoidal movements. Took a food break- gas fill up and aimed more for the center white line- and it was like my driving was reset.
No further stress on the drive home.
Looking forward to learning more about this as we go.
Only question right now is the Galley switch doesn't seem to do anything.. what is it supposed to do? The other light switches turn things on.
Cheers
kelly
1978 Kingsley
1978 Kingsley
Putney VT
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| Re: maiden voyage suggestions [message #302093 is a reply to message #301660] |
Mon, 13 June 2016 18:51 |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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My galley is double switched. By the door and the light above kitchen sink. So if one i think is switched wrong, the second does not do anything??
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
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