Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Maiden Voyage Trip Report
| Maiden Voyage Trip Report [message #105397] |
Sun, 07 November 2010 19:17  |
pistolnut
Messages: 19
Registered: September 2010
Location: Caldwell, TX
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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I took the Birch out this weekend for the first attempt at motorhome camping. The destination was only 35 miles away, a military vehicles offroad rally. After all of the work I've done, it seemed like a good first outing to see how everything works. I flat-towed my 1967 M-715 (5500+ lbs)and was pleasantly surprised by how well that worked out. I had plenty of power, and the truck followed well. In a panic stop situation I would have been wishing for better brakes but otherwise all was well.
When I started the generator and switched the breakers from shore to generator a breaker immediately popped. The outlets down the driver's side of the coach didn't work which unfortunately included my inverter so I couldn't charge the house battery. I tried it again when I got home and had the same problem. Somehow on the 30 mile trip I developed a short or a bad breaker. I'll figure it out somehow I guess.
Here are the rest of my impressions:
The toilet is awfully small, but it worked well. I can see why some folks upgrade.
The shower worked pretty good but it was small too(I have the side bath). The little water heater worked great but I ran out of hot water, I'll have to hurry faster next time.
What is the deal with the water capacity exceeding the holding tank capacity? I guess you are supposed to dump the tanks every day somehow. Yesterday at dinner my grey water tank filled up and I had no place to dump. The black water tank did fine but when I dumped it when I got home it seemed like it had to have plenty in it although the electric guage said it was empty.
The Suburban furnace worked great, I got two nights out of it off of the house battery and I was toasty warm. My CO monitor said all was good too!
My little oven rocked! I never imagined I would use it for anything but I was very popular with the other MV'rs after making and sharing some Hungry Jack biscuits.
The new cushions in the back bedroom make for a too firm bed. I'll have to think of something there.
All in all, I'm pretty pleased. I've identified a bunch of stuff I can fix by packing the right things, and a bunch of issues to consider on future trips.
'76 Birchaven
Caldwell, TX
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| Re: Maiden Voyage Trip Report [message #105401 is a reply to message #105397] |
Sun, 07 November 2010 19:33  |
g.winger
Messages: 792
Registered: February 2008
Location: Warrenton,Missouri
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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I have a rear bath Royale, which is diffrent than yours. Using as little water as possable we could only go 2 nites dry camping. Thats using paper plates and such. The grey would back up into the tub. A leak in the grey tank prompted a change to 50 gal. grey and 40 gal. black. When we shower its get the hot to the tub,,,wet,,,OFF. Soap,,,, on and then rinse. called a navy shower. Can't shower like at home. If you didn't notice theres a button on the "telephone" shower handle that stops the water. good luck on your short,,,,PL
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| Re: [GMCnet] Maiden Voyage Trip Report [message #105412 is a reply to message #105401] |
Sun, 07 November 2010 21:01 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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There are people that have dry camped enough to adviseus as to how you
can do it for few days.
On Sun, Nov 7, 2010 at 5:33 PM, Paul Leavitt <leavittpaul@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
> I have a rear bath Royale, which is diffrent than yours. Using as little water as possable we could only go 2 nites dry camping. Thats using paper plates and such. The grey would back up into the tub. A leak in the grey tank prompted a change to 50 gal. grey and 40 gal. black. When we shower its get the hot to the tub,,,wet,,,OFF. Soap,,,, on and then rinse. called a navy shower. Can't shower like at home. If you didn't notice theres a button on the "telephone" shower handle that stops the water. good luck on your short,,,,PL
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--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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1-800-752-7502
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| Re: [GMCnet] Maiden Voyage Trip Report [message #105414 is a reply to message #105397] |
Sun, 07 November 2010 21:34 |
Sandra Price
Messages: 709
Registered: May 2006
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Clint, I don't believe we have met you yet. You are sort of in our area.
We live in Huntsville and have a pretty active East Texas Lunch Bunch that
meets fourth Friday at the Huntsville Golden Corral at 11:30 a.m. We will
not meet again until January due to the upcoming holidays.
Not sure what type of bed you have or what type of "cushions" you have to
sleep on, but on our rear bed, we have a 4" Temperpedic mattress
cover--nothing else--and it is very comfortable for us, although it is
firm. Before that we used a regular full size Aerobed and it was very
comfortable too until the blowout. We spent less than $100 on each of
those. Just some ideas.
Looking forward to meeting you soon. We may pass through Caldwell this
weekend either Friday or Sunday. Will be on the lookout for another GMC.
Sandra and Bob Price
On Sun, Nov 7, 2010 at 7:17 PM, Clint Arnett <pistolnut@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> I took the Birch out this weekend for the first attempt at motorhome
> camping. The destination was only 35 miles away, a military vehicles offroad
> rally. After all of the work I've done, it seemed like a good first outing
> to see how everything works. I flat-towed my 1967 M-715 (5500+ lbs)and was
> pleasantly surprised by how well that worked out. I had plenty of power, and
> the truck followed well. In a panic stop situation I would have been wishing
> for better brakes but otherwise all was well.
>
> When I started the generator and switched the breakers from shore to
> generator a breaker immediately popped. The outlets down the driver's side
> of the coach didn't work which unfortunately included my inverter so I
> couldn't charge the house battery. I tried it again when I got home and had
> the same problem. Somehow on the 30 mile trip I developed a short or a bad
> breaker. I'll figure it out somehow I guess.
>
> Here are the rest of my impressions:
>
> The toilet is awfully small, but it worked well. I can see why some folks
> upgrade.
>
> The shower worked pretty good but it was small too(I have the side bath).
> The little water heater worked great but I ran out of hot water, I'll have
> to hurry faster next time.
>
> What is the deal with the water capacity exceeding the holding tank
> capacity? I guess you are supposed to dump the tanks every day somehow.
> Yesterday at dinner my grey water tank filled up and I had no place to dump.
> The black water tank did fine but when I dumped it when I got home it seemed
> like it had to have plenty in it although the electric guage said it was
> empty.
>
> The Suburban furnace worked great, I got two nights out of it off of the
> house battery and I was toasty warm. My CO monitor said all was good too!
>
> My little oven rocked! I never imagined I would use it for anything but I
> was very popular with the other MV'rs after making and sharing some Hungry
> Jack biscuits.
>
> The new cushions in the back bedroom make for a too firm bed. I'll have to
> think of something there.
>
> All in all, I'm pretty pleased. I've identified a bunch of stuff I can fix
> by packing the right things, and a bunch of issues to consider on future
> trips.
> --
> '76 Birchaven
> Caldwell, TX
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
--
IN GOD WE TRUST!
Sandra and Bob in the 52nd Year of our State of Marriage
“Life’s a Trip” in “The Roadhouse”
’73 Painted Desert
Huntsville, TX
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another, be sympathetic, love
as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or
insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so
that you may inherit a blessing. --1 Peter 3:8-9
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| Re: Maiden Voyage Trip Report [message #105423 is a reply to message #105397] |
Mon, 08 November 2010 07:43 |
 |
Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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| pistolnut wrote on Sun, 07 November 2010 20:17 |
I took the Birch out this weekend for the first attempt at motorhome camping. The destination was only 35 miles away, a military vehicles offroad rally. After all of the work I've done, it seemed like a good first outing to see how everything works.
|
| Quote: |
I flat-towed my 1967 M-715 (5500+ lbs)and was pleasantly surprised by how well that worked out. I had plenty of power, and the truck followed well. In a panic stop situation I would have been wishing for better brakes but otherwise all was well.
|
When towing anything heavier than 1k# with a GMC, you really should be thinking about brakes.
| Quote: |
When I started the generator and switched the breakers from shore to generator a breaker immediately popped. The outlets down the driver's side of the coach didn't work which unfortunately included my inverter so I couldn't charge the house battery. I tried it again when I got home and had the same problem. Somehow on the 30 mile trip I developed a short or a bad breaker. I'll figure it out somehow I guess.
|
First - unplug the converter. One of mine failed as a hard short and brought the leg down.
Next - Remove and inspect all the receptacles including the one the inverter was plugged into. And then look inside the breaker box and maybe even disconnect that circuit.
If that has failed you - The short is probably in the run of the romex (Good Luck) Start by looking up Harbor Freight 94181 circuit tracer. You can hook this babe on the two power wires you have left removed from the main box and follow the signal. There should be a marked reduction in signal at the short. Hope you can get at the romex where that is and repair the problem.
This type of trouble shooting requires patience (and beer).
<snip - these have been covered well enough>
| Quote: |
The new cushions in the back bedroom make for a too firm bed. I'll have to think of something there.
|
Cushions that are good for sitting on are seldom great for sleeping on...
Get a memory foam topper and you will be a lot more comfortable. When not in use it can roll up to about the size of your sleeping bag.
| Quote: |
All in all, I'm pretty pleased. I've identified a bunch of stuff I can fix by packing the right things, and a bunch of issues to consider on future trips.
|
May you be learning and fixing for many more pleasant years.
Matt
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: [GMCnet] Maiden Voyage Trip Report [message #105430 is a reply to message #105397] |
Mon, 08 November 2010 09:05 |
powerjon
Messages: 2446
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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Clint,
It sounds like you had an eventful first trip that many of us have had
in the past. These would be my comments, other may vary!
>
>
> I took the Birch out this weekend for the first attempt at motorhome
> camping. The destination was only 35 miles away, a military vehicles
> off-road rally. After all of the work I've done, it seemed like a
> good first outing to see how everything works. I flat-towed my 1967
> M-715 (5500+ lbs)and was pleasantly surprised by how well that
> worked out. I had plenty of power, and the truck followed well. In a
> panic stop situation I would have been wishing for better brakes but
> otherwise all was well.
A 5500+ pound vehicle is a pretty heavy unit to haul by any
motorhome. Not saying that you should not haul you M-715 but you
should consider adding a aux. braking system on anything over 3000#
when towing with your coach as you put a real strain on the coach
braking system.(Texas does not have laws for towed or trailer brakes)
If you're considering towing heavy loads more often you should also
consider adding extra transmission cooling by adding an aux. cooler.
>
> When I started the generator and switched the breakers from shore to
> generator a breaker immediately popped. The outlets down the
> driver's side of the coach didn't work which unfortunately included
> my inverter so I couldn't charge the house battery. I tried it again
> when I got home and had the same problem. Somehow on the 30 mile
> trip I developed a short or a bad breaker. I'll figure it out
> somehow I guess.
You will need to do a complete continuity checking for grounds. Make
sure everything is unplugged from that circuit, circuit breaker open
and check black wire to ground, should not register a ground.
>
> Here are the rest of my impressions:
>
> The toilet is awfully small, but it worked well. I can see why some
> folks upgrade.
The original toilet can be somewhat intimidating as compared to a home
unit. You are correct that many have upgraded to a high profile style
toilet which is aprox 17 1/2" tall which is in comparison to a home
unit. Low profile toilets are typically 12 1/2" tall are like sitting
on a bucket.
Here some examples for replacement.
(Ceramic Bowls)
The first unit is really a good toilet for the price!
http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/product/aqua-magic-style-toilets/4789
http://tinyurl.com/28a2jpj
and
http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/product/aria-classic-toilets/4840
http://tinyurl.com/2e9e8hl
(Regular Bowls)
http://rvpartsoutlet.com/product_info.php?cPath=888_172&products_id=8097
http://tinyurl.com/32x8cm6
and
http://rvpartsoutlet.com/product_info.php?cPath=888_172&products_id=7567
http://tinyurl.com/396c4ul
>
> The shower worked pretty good but it was small too(I have the side
> bath). The little water heater worked great but I ran out of hot
> water, I'll have to hurry faster next time.
The shower is what it is and it is not getting any bigger and the 6
gallon WH is what you have. RVing requires water and waste management
as you do not have unlimited use and storage unless you are at a full
hookup site at an RV park or camp. The term "Navy Shower" comes to
mind when having to manage water and waste. Get Wet, Soap up and wash
hair & Rise Off! Long Hot showers should not be in your plans!
>
> What is the deal with the water capacity exceeding the holding tank
> capacity? I guess you are supposed to dump the tanks every day
> somehow. Yesterday at dinner my grey water tank filled up and I had
> no place to dump. The black water tank did fine but when I dumped it
> when I got home it seemed like it had to have plenty in it although
> the electric guage said it was empty.
The Birchhaven (and the Royal) is one of the few GMC models that had
both Grey and Black water tanks. Your grey water storage is more
limited than regular coaches with the single tank that handles both.
You also need to manage water usage in the kitchen also.
The level sending unit(s) are probably junk as the factory sender
were less than robust. Unsure if you have a capacitance type sender
or magnetic. You can get a replacement sender with magnetic coupling
that will last from Jim K - See:
http://www.appliedgmc.com/prod.itml/icOid/839
>
> The Suburban furnace worked great, I got two nights out of it off of
> the house battery and I was toasty warm. My CO monitor said all was
> good too!
>
> My little oven rocked! I never imagined I would use it for anything
> but I was very popular with the other MV'rs after making and sharing
> some Hungry Jack biscuits.
>
> The new cushions in the back bedroom make for a too firm bed. I'll
> have to think of something there.
The cushion were never made for sleeping as they would be too soft to
sit on as compared to sleeping. As other have said, get a memory foam
topper and it should be better.
>
> All in all, I'm pretty pleased. I've identified a bunch of stuff I
> can fix by packing the right things, and a bunch of issues to
> consider on future trips.
> --
> '76 Birchaven
> Caldwell, TX
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan
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