Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » [GMCnet] New to us
| [GMCnet] New to us [message #93904] |
Thu, 29 July 2010 20:03  |
Allen Hooser
Messages: 3
Registered: July 2010
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We are long time trailer pullers, but after 20 years and advancing age have decided we can no longer herd 50 ft. of vehicles along the roadways.
For thirty years I have wanted a GMC motorhome. DW said, "Then you'd better buy one." How is that for a supportive spouse?
Our "new toy" is a '76 Eleganza which we brought to Minnesota from Billings, MT. The interior, with exception of the bath, has been completely redone. Also ball joints, steering, brakes, 4-bag system, headers, all glass removed, resealed and gasketed, new windshields, fuel tanks removed, cleaned with new sending units, all new fuel lines, all new water hoses, new water heater and fresh water tank, seven Alcoa wheels and a new roof air unit. We need to find a proper furnace and install that.
There is already a list of "small" stuff to do.
Now, the # 1 question: What should I put on for tires? The 225 load range E Michelins are dated 2800. I do not put ten year old tires on the road. Do I go with load range E radials again? The ride seems harsh - and these GMC's are touted to be the best riding motorhomes on the road.
If I buy 245/75R16 premium touring tires, each tire has a load rating of 2403 lb. which whould seem be quite adequate.
Does anyone use LT bias ply tires? Advantages vs disadvantages?
Your thoughts are appreciated!!
Al Hooser
"No land or sea or planet is forever. Wherever we stand, we are only stewards" - B Herbert, K Anderson
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| Re: [GMCnet] New to us [message #93911 is a reply to message #93904] |
Thu, 29 July 2010 20:31  |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
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""Now, the # 1 question: What should I put on for tires? The 225 load range E Michelins are dated 2800. I do not put ten year old tires on the road. Do I go with load range E radials again? The ride seems harsh - and these GMC's are touted to be the best riding motorhomes on the road.
If I buy 245/75R16 premium touring tires, each tire has a load rating of 2403 lb. which whould seem be quite adequate.
Does anyone use LT bias ply tires? Advantages vs disadvantages?
""
Well, tires are possibly the most controversial subjects here, but I think the general consensus is that p225/75 R16 E rated polysteel (or ragwalls) are the best approach. Some coaches can get by with D rated but on your 26ft E is a better way to go. Do not go all steel since they are more susceptible to "rut running". Definitely do not use LT bias tires! I bet you probably have Michelin XPS ribs on ther right now. Those are so hard that they don't even need air in them  Some people run 245's but if you plan on fully utilizing the up down travel of the rear suspension, some (but not all) coaches have interference problems.
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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| Re: [GMCnet] New to us [message #93918 is a reply to message #93911] |
Thu, 29 July 2010 21:17 |
Keith V
Messages: 2337
Registered: March 2008
Location: Mounds View,MN
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Welcome fellow Minnesotan!
What part of the fine state do you hail from?
I am from the northern burbs of the twin cities, 694 and 35w area.
As far as tires go, I have firestone Something load range E. They are not bad, but maybe a little stiff.
Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View. MN
75 ex Royale GMC
ask me about MicroLevel
Cell, 763-732-3419
My427v8@hotmail.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] New to us [message #93980 is a reply to message #93918] |
Fri, 30 July 2010 11:10 |
Larry
Messages: 2875
Registered: January 2004
Location: Menomonie, WI
Karma: 10
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| Keith V wrote on Thu, 29 July 2010 21:17 |
Welcome fellow Minnesotan!
What part of the fine state do you hail from?
I am from the northern burbs of the twin cities, 694 and 35w area.
As far as tires go, I have firestone Something load range E. They are not bad, but maybe a little stiff.
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Keith,
Hey,
We, (GMC Greater Midwest Classics) we're haveing a rally in Faribault Mn. August 4-8 at Fairgault campground. How about joining us?...You to Allen!!
Larry
78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.
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| Re: [GMCnet] New to us [message #94005 is a reply to message #93904] |
Fri, 30 July 2010 13:03 |
powerjon
Messages: 2446
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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Alan,
We have had tire wars here many times and will in the future.
I have run with all Steel Goodyear G159 when I first got our coach.
They road rough! Replaced all tires with Firestone Steeltex Radials
Poly sidewall LT225/75R-16 LRE for almost eight years and they were a
very good ride and ran with 65# in all tires. Ran the coach with some
tires off my other coach for 2 years with G159 all steel on the back
and BF Goodrich Radial TA ragwalls on the front. Road well but not at
smooth as the all ragwall tire setup. Replaced all tires last summer
with the BF Goodrich radial TA LT225/75R-16 LRE ( all poly sidewall)
and the coach ride is excellent. This is a very good tire and you
cannot go wrong. These are my personal choices, other may vary.
J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
TZE Zone Restorations
77 Eleganza Custom (For Sale)
1975 Avion (Under Reconstruction)
Michigan
>
> Now, the # 1 question: What should I put on for tires? The 225
> load range E Michelins are dated 2800. I do not put ten year old
> tires on the road. Do I go with load range E radials again? The
> ride seems harsh - and these GMC's are touted to be the best riding
> motorhomes on the road.
> If I buy 245/75R16 premium touring tires, each tire has a load
> rating of 2403 lb. which whould seem be quite adequate.
> Does anyone use LT bias ply tires? Advantages vs disadvantages?
>
> Your thoughts are appreciated!!
>
> Al Hooser
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J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan
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| Re: [GMCnet] New to us [message #94010 is a reply to message #93982] |
Fri, 30 July 2010 15:44 |
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1977Production#0001
Messages: 197
Registered: January 2010
Location: Vallejo, California
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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| Allen Hooser wrote on Fri, 30 July 2010 09:17 |
Thanks, Gary and Carlo, for comments re. BFG T/A. It is good to know that load
range E tires are made which will do the job and not shake the coach to death.
I have read DOT date codes for years -- and sometimes had to instruct dealers.
I am also throwing away a "new" set of ten year old Michelin "solid rubber
ride".
Al
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Al,
Do you have photos posted anywhere?
You also asked for advantages: COST I had 6 of the 225/75/16 BFG Comm T/A installed for $975, which includes mounting balancing and TAX of 10%. This does not include road hazard. I went through a local tire shop near Napa, CA called Quinlan's Tires. I negotiated the price a bit, and they were "fresh" tires direct from the distributor. Costco carries them at 165 each plus tax and installation.
Giovanni(Carlo) 1977 GMC Kingsley 26ft
"Carbon Footprint"
Rear Twin, Dry Bath, Original Headliner
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| Re: [GMCnet] New to us [message #94013 is a reply to message #94010] |
Fri, 30 July 2010 17:17 |
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Welcome Allen and family. I purchased from Costco: 245-75R16 BFG TA's (E) and mounted on 16" Alcoas. Have less than 4K miles on them, but they ride very nicely and have shown no wear at all. I put them on immediately on purchase of coach. It had 225 16.5 tires, steel wheels, but I don't know how it worked as they were shot when I bought it.
As you've noted, it is a great subject for debate on here.
We also did many years on trailering at about 47 feet. I like my 26' Sequoia very well. It does take some upkeep and hope you're skilled enough to do most of it yourself.
geo groth '73 260 Sequoia
Carson City Nevada 89703
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| Re: [GMCnet] New to us [message #94022 is a reply to message #94010] |
Fri, 30 July 2010 18:22 |
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It's time for some enlightenment.
There's a heck of a lot more to the GMC's ride than the tires. As one other
guy stated on here a few years ago, everything you do to the steering,
suspension, frame/body helps.
When we got our Royale in 2007 my wife thought I had lied to her about the
great ride, etc. On our trip back to Louisville from Charleston, SC she
thought her teeth were going to be removed from her mouth by a combination
of sound and vibration.
First, was getting loose things taken care of on the front wheels. Then came
new shocks. After that the body/frame pads. Finally, this spring, came the
Eagles and ragwall/steelbelted tires plus a bit more work on the steering
linkage. Is it as it ought to be? Not yet. But, it's vastly improved.
As I said, each step was an improvement. I don't know of one that was more
important than the other.
I've also tried both weights and balancing powder -- room for more argument.
Byron Songer
1978 Royale by Coachmen
Louisville, KY
Personal - http://web.me.com/bnsonger
Eastern States - http://www.gmceast.com
Carlo wrote:
> Al,
>
> Do you have photos posted anywhere?
>
> You also asked for advantages: COST I had 6 of the 225/75/16 BFG Comm T/A
> installed for $975, which includes mounting balancing and TAX of 10%. This
> does not include road hazard. I went through a local tire shop near Napa, CA
> called Quinlan's Tires. I negotiated the price a bit, and they were "fresh"
> tires direct from the distributor. Costco carries them at 165 each plus tax
> and installation.
> --
> Carlo & Steven
> 1977 GMC Napa Valley
> "Carbon Footprint"
> Rear Twin Dry Bath
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--
Byron Songer
Full-timing to enjoy the USA
Former owner but still an admirer
GMC paint schemes at -
http://www.songerconsulting.net
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| Re: [GMCnet] New to us [message #94036 is a reply to message #94010] |
Fri, 30 July 2010 22:58 |
Allen Hooser
Messages: 3
Registered: July 2010
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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I have photos. I'm ONLY two weeks into ownership and overwhelmed. Looking thru
boxes of stuff which came with the coach, finding out what I have, how the
systems operate, and just AMAZED at this site. And I'm barely computer
literate. Someone give me a couple hints as to posting photos.
Al
----- Original Message ----
From: Carlo <carlodifabio@hotmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Fri, July 30, 2010 3:44:21 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] New to us
Allen Hooser wrote on Fri, 30 July 2010 09:17
> Thanks, Gary and Carlo, for comments re. BFG T/A. It is good to know that load
>
> range E tires are made which will do the job and not shake the coach to death.
> I have read DOT date codes for years -- and sometimes had to instruct dealers.
>
> I am also throwing away a "new" set of ten year old Michelin "solid rubber
> ride".
> Al
Al,
Do you have photos posted anywhere?
You also asked for advantages: COST I had 6 of the 225/75/16 BFG Comm T/A
installed for $975, which includes mounting balancing and TAX of 10%. This does
not include road hazard. I went through a local tire shop near Napa, CA called
Quinlan's Tires. I negotiated the price a bit, and they were "fresh" tires
direct from the distributor. Costco carries them at 165 each plus tax and
installation.
--
Carlo & Steven
1977 GMC Napa Valley
"Carbon Footprint"
Rear Twin Dry Bath
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List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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List Information and Subscription Options:
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| Re: [GMCnet] New to us [message #94073 is a reply to message #94036] |
Sat, 31 July 2010 12:27 |
midlf
Messages: 2212
Registered: July 2007
Location: SE Wisc. (Palmyra)
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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| Allen Hooser wrote on Fri, 30 July 2010 22:58 |
Someone give me a couple hints as to posting photos.
Al
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Yep - lots of info here. Just as much on the photo site.
here is the link:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/index.php
Your first step to posting photos is to register, just click on the register link in the top tool bar at the right.
Then after you get registered and logged in click on HELP at the top right and read on how to use the phote archive. If you have any other questions or need some help post back here and someone will be able to assist.
Then after you get started click on the DONATE button at the upper left and read the info there and consider making a donation. Not required but certainly appreciated.
Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
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